Armenia: Discovery Tour
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Geghard monastery, Armenia
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Rocks of Noravank , Armenia
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Clouds over Lake Sevan, Armenia
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Garni temple, Armenia
Nestled between Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran and Georgia – Armenia is the jewel of Caucasus.
This group tour to Armenia gives you access to all of its ancient and complex history. Its culture is rich and resilient, which makes visitors keen to discover more. This nation is blessed with lush landscapes and its people offer the warmest hospitality. Visit the remarkably well preserved temples. See the monuments, fortresses and medieval monasteries. Experience the dazzling and beautiful Lake Sevan, and taste the mouthwatering traditional cuisine. Despite its size, Armenia has a lot to offer. Thereby making it the perfect destination for any traveller.
Discover this amazing country with us. You will be surprised and amazed by this enticingly enchanting land.
Dates
Dates on request
Suggested Itinerary by Air
Day 1
Arrival in Yerevan
Fly from the UK to Zvartnots International Airport, Yerevan. On arrival you will be met by an English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2
Yerevan
Start the tour in the capital of Armenia, Yerevan. For ages this city has been known as a “pink city” because of the colour of the stone used for many of the buildings. Visit Republic Square, Mashtoc Avenue, the House of Opera and Ballet after Aram Khachatryan and Cascade Park. Next, visit the Manuscript Museum of Armenia, which is called Matenadaran and where all ancient Armenian Manuscripts are kept. In the afternoon, explore the Erebuni Museum and Genocide Memorial known as Tsitsernakaberd. Later, enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant with folk music.
Day 3
Yerevan- Khor Virap – Noravank – Areni – Yerevan
Take a trip to Khor Virap Monastery (4-18th cc.). This monastery is very prominent because of its history. Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia, was imprisoned there for 13 years. Here you can enjoy the spectacular view of the sacred Ararat Mountain – an immortal symbol of Armenia. Continue the tour to Noravank – a monastery of 12th century situated among amazing sheer rocks in a narrow gorge. This is the only monastery where you can find a unique sculpture of God. On the way back, visit Areni, a village considered to be at the centre of the wine production industry. Here you will enjoy lunch at a local house where you are welcome to taste the excellent wine. Afterwards, return to Yerevan and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 4
Yerevan- Garni – Geghard
After breakfast, take a trip to Garni. Visit the Pagan Temple, built in the 1st century AD and devoted to the god Mihr, the god of truth. Continue the trip to Geghard Monastery. Its name comes from the legendary lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ. Though the exact foundation of the monastery is unknown, the present complex was built in the mid – 13th century. Afterwards visit a local house where you will have the chance to participate in the preparation of Armenian national bread: lavash. It is a very thin and sold in very large forms. It is usually cooked in a ground oven, called a “tonir”. In 2015 it was added to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List.
Day 5
Yerevan – Sevan – Dilijan
Following breakfast, drive to Lake Sevan, one of the largest lakes in the world. It stands out with its sweet and astonishingly blue water. Here we can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful lake. Later, visit the Sevanavank Monastery, situated on Sevan Peninsula and built in the Middle Ages, around 10th century. Afterwards, drive to Dilijan and walk along the Sharamberyan Street with its many museums, souvenirs’ markets and small shops. Look out for the traditional houses made of wood, with tiled roofs and balconies with meticulously carved Dilijan architecture.
Day 6
Yerevan – Etchmiatsin – Zvartnots
Enjoy breakfast before an excursion to the centuries-old monuments of Etchmiadzin and Zvartnots. These sites are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The Etchmiadzin Cathedral, founded in 303, is the official residence of the Catholics of all Armenia. Continue the trip to Zvartnots Temple, which was built in 7th century by Cathlicos Nerses. Travel back to Yerevan and visit Vernissage, the famous open-air contemporary art market.
Day 7
Yerevan – Ashtarak-Amberd – Ushi
Travel to Aragatsotn Region and visit the fortress of Amberd, a medieval fortress that has been very well preserved throughout the ages. Continue on to the village of Ushi. Here you will take part in the cooking master class. Learn how to make Armenian Pasta “Arishta” and Armenian Sweets “Gata” and enjoy them for lunch. Afterwards, return to Yerevan and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 8
Depart Yerevan
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Armenian climate is very continental. Summers are dry and sunny lasting from March to mid September.
