Armenia
There are few countries in the world that can be proud of such an ancient and glorious history. Armenia is a small country indeed, with a population of three million only, but at the same time a country with great cultural and religious heritage. Established over 2600 years ago, Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion - in 301, and this is a well-known fact, but you should see the effects of this fact - hundreds of churches and monasteries dating back from the first centuries of Christianity are scattered across the mountainous landscape.
♦ Etchmiadzin – is the old capital of Armenia and the center of the Armenian Church.
♦ the library Matenadaran, which has one of the biggest collections of ancient manuscripts in the world
♦ Roman temple Garni – dating back from 1st century A.D. with a number of important constructions survived from three different periods.
♦ Geghard Monastery – an incredible ancient Armenian monastery, partly carved out of a mountain dating back from the 4th century.
Trip plan:
Day 1/Fr: Arrival
Arrival at the Zvartnots airport. Meet and greet transfer, accommodation at the hotel.
*Recommended flight – Czech Airlines
Day 2/Sat: Yerevan city tour-Etchmiadzin-Zvartnots-Vernissage (~130 km) Duration - 5-6 hours
Breakfast at the hotel.
11:00 In the morning meet your tour director and start city tour around Yerevan.
Visit Tsitsernakaberd. Walking through Memorial park and museum of the victims of Genocide.
14:00 Lunch time
Drive to Echmiadzin – the place where the only Begotten descended. Holy Echmiadzin is the whole Armenians’ spiritual center and one of the centers of Christianity all over the world. On the way visit to St Hripsime church which is considered to be one of the 7 wonders of Armenia and a real masterpiece of Armenian architecture. Return to Yerevan with a stop at the ruins of Zvartnots temple - the pearl of the 7th century architecture which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage. Drive to Yerevan and visit Vernisage which is the perfect place to get a little taste of Armenia and a unique scenario to witness the fusion between national traditions with contemporary taste. Overnight in Yerevan.
Breakfast Only
Day 3/Sun: Yerevan-Ashtarak-Saghmosavank-Amberd Fortress-Yerevan (~140 km) Duration - ~6 -7 hours
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Start tour to the church of Karmravour which is translated as “reddish” is a unique place where one can imagine praying standing right in the centre of the cross itself. Continue to Saghmosavank medieval monastery, situated in the breathtaking site, at the deep canyon of Ashtarak. It is a place where one can wander not only about the church but also the scenery which is really worth seeing. This building is rare and original in its’ composition also with the fact of being the smallest church of the country.
13:30 Lunch time.
Tour to Fortress of Amberd (9th c.) stands halfway up Mt. Aragats, at the height of 2300m. The place is also known as a “fortress in the clouds”. It is considered to be the first church constructed with double entrances from all four corners of the cross-wings. Drive back to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan
Breakfast Only
*Note: In spring time Amberd is sometimes unreachable due to snow avalanches in the region. Hovankavank will be offered instead.
Day 4/Mon: Yerevan-Khor Virap-Areni-Noravank-Yerevan (~260 km) Duration - ~7 hours
Breakfast at the hotel
09:00 Sightseeing tour to Khor-Virap monastery the importance of which is connected with Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia. It is a wonderful masterpiece situated on top of a hill. It is a pilgrimage place where every year a lot of tourists and native people visit. It looks like a castle where everybody has the hint to sit and dream while admiring the beauty of the church. The highlight is the best view to the biblical Mt. Ararat.
13:30 Lunch time
Continue tour to Noravank monastery - religious and cultural centre of 12th c. It is situated in a narrow gorge which is known for its’ tall, sheer, brick-red cliffs, directly across from the monastery. The beauty of this monastery is appreciated by thousands of visitors not only because of its’ architecture and history, but also for its harmony with surrounding fabulous nature. On the way visit Areni wine factory to taste local wine made from special sorts of vines. Drive back to the capital city. Overnight in Yerevan.
Breakfast Only
Day 5/Tue: Yerevan-Lake Sevan-Dilijan-Haghpat-Yerevan (~500 km) Duration - ~8 hours
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Early departure from Yerevan to Lake Sevan, about 70 miles north of Yerevan. Lake Sevan is one of the largest freshwater alpine mountains in the world. The beautiful landscape and the crystal water serve nice preconditions for excellent rest. The lake is also famous for its peninsula and medieval church complex built in 874. It is worthwhile to climb up the many stairs for the view and the green khachkars. They were carved from a plentiful local green stone and stood out from the others which are all made of tuff (local stone).
13:30 Lunch time
Drive to Dilijan which is one of the famous resort areas in Armenia. People say, "If Paradise had mountains, woods, and mineral springs, it would be just like Dilijan". Continue tour to the architectural complex of Haghpat. The belfry with its unique architectural composition is of stunning interest and belongs to UNESCO. Return back to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan
Breakfast Only
Day 6/Wed: Yerevan-Garni-Geghard-Yerevan (~80 km) Duration - ~4 hours
Breakfast at the hotel
09:00 Departure to Garni Temple. Garni temple which towers over a triangular cape, is the unique survived example of heathen culture in Armenia. After adopting Christianity in 301 the pagan temple lost its significance and the fortress of Garni became the summer residence of the kings. Nowadays the ruins of the royal palace and the bathroom with a stunning mosaic work can be found near the temple.
13:30 Lunch time
Drive to Geghard monastery inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list. Geghard monastery is the unsurpassable masterpiece of the 13th century Armenian architecture. Some of the churches of the complex are masterfully hewn in a huge rock. Due to its construction Geghardavank serves the best place for singing spiritual songs. The complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars (cross-stones). Return back to Yerevan. Free time to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of beer in one of the nice terraces of the cosmopolitan city of Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.
Breakfast Only
Day 7/Thu: Departure home!
Transfer to the airport and departure.
Accomodation and food:
7 night in a 3* hotel in Yerevan with breakfaast included.
Price of extra services:
Armenia visa fee 3.000 AMD ~ 7 Euro (to be paid upon arrival)
Single supplement: 175 EUR
Included in the price:
- Transfers airport - hotel - airport
- Transportation as per program in a comfortable A/C car or bus
- English speaking cultural tour guide throughout the program
- Catering BB: (breakfast at the hotel)
- 1 bottle of water per person per day
Not included in the price:
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals except described (lunches and dinners)
- Entrance fees
- Armenia visa fee 3.000 AMD ~ 7 Euro
- Alcoholic beverages except described
- Porterage at the hotels
- Tips