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.
♦ Echmiadzin – is the old capital of Armenia and the center of the Armenian Church.
♦ Matenadaran library, 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.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival
Ariival and check-in at the hotel.
Day 2. Yerevan city tour - Echmiadzin - Zvartnots (~120 km)
Arrival to the airport and transport to the hotel. Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning meet your tour guide and start city tour around Yerevan. 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. They will participate in Sunday liturgy.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. Lunch time. Visit Tsitsernakaberd. Walking through Memorial park and visit museum of the victims of Genocide. Visit Cafesjian Show Room and Vernisage flea market, the place to get a little taste of Armenia, to see the fusion between national traditions, art & crafts with contemporary taste. Overnight in Yerevan. B/-/-
Day 3. Yerevan - Khor Virap - Noravank - Yerevan (~250 km)
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. Lunch time. Continue tour to Noravank monastery - religious and cultural centre of 13th 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. Drive back to the capital city. Overnight in Yerevan. B/-/-
Day 4. Yerevan - Lake Sevan - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan (~250 km)
Departure to Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater alpine mountain lakes in the world. The beautiful landscape and the crystal water serve nice preconditions for excellent rest. Visit Sevanavank Monastery. 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. 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. The complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars (cross-stones). Return to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. B/-/-
Day 5. Yerevan
Free day or optional tours at an extra charge offered. We can provide upon request detailed information about prices and itineraries. B/-/-
Day 6. Departure
Transfer to the airport and departure.
Visa: Please, check with your local embassy. The citizens of EU-countries do not need a visa to Armenia when visiting as tourists.
Recommended period of travel: April - October
Price Includes:
5 nights in a double room at standard hotel in Yerevan with breakfast with early check in upon arrival
transportation as per program
English speaking cultural tour guide throughout the program except the free days
entrance fees
1 bottle of water per person per day during the program
transfer airport - hotel - airport only on start and end days according to the program
Not Included:
Flight tickets to/from Yerevan
insurance
additional transfers
drinks and meals not mentioned
optional tours (check with us what tours can be organised in your free days and at what price)
entrance fees to optional museums
tips
personal expenses
visa (if necessary)
Additional Services:
Extra night: 60 EUR pp in a sgl room and 40 EUR pp in a dbl room
The accommodation can be upgraded to a 4* hotel: on request
Gallery
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No special experience is needed; everyone who is in condition to cope with long Saturday walks in the forest can also cope with these tours. As a rule, the trips are short and at a low altitude. Often, it is your choice to join or skip a day-tour. The routes follow a hilly terrain without steep ascents and descents. Normally we walk 3/5h a day.
Most of you, who are used to walking/cycling during a long weekend, will be in condition to cope with a tour of this level. You should be in a good health condition. We have successive days of longer and more difficult walking and days of lighter walking/cycling. Some parts of the day routes are done at a higher altitude. The paths are in good condition. We walk/cycle for 5/7h a day.
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