Just in case you are in the mood for a bit of change this New Year, join our Armenia New Year Special tour to spice up your experience. On this tour you will marvel at the giant Christmas tree with its thousands of lights in the heart of Yerevan. Handicraft enthusiasts will be thrilled with a visit to Vernisage where artists from all over Caucasus display their handiworks. You will venture to Shadow Theater to enjoy a traditional New Year show, fortune-telling and games and add a bit of adventure with a sleigh ride and winter walk at ice wilderness of Lake Arpa. Then it is our Big Night Out – our Armenian New Year Dinner.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: In the morning meet your group participants and tour leader before heading to a panoramic city overview of Yerevan, new and old. We start our exploration with the Republic Square with it magnificent buildings enhanced by singing fountains, continue to Erebouni Fortress, the birthplace of Yerevan. Explore the impressive ruins and time to kick off culinary adventures with a visit to Pak Shuka market on Mashtots Avenue. Wonder among the stalls with a variety of dried and marinated fruits and vegetables, say hello to the spices you will taste during the days to come. Afternoon spent at Vernisage where you can browse over 200 wooden stalls filled with handicrafts as well as indulge in the tasty treats of gata - traditional bread staffed with fruits and nuts.
Evening visit to Shadow Theatre where we enjoy a performance of traditional Armenian New Year celebrations. The show takes us to the world of ancient tales and legends whereas the ceremonies and fortune-telling, songs and dances feature a curious blend of Christian and older, pagan tradition. Finally, the big moment arrives as we meet Kaghand Papa, Armenian equivalent of Santa and receive our small presents. Guests have a chance to play a role in the show putting on costumes and taking part in the merry dance. Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan. Includes: (B).
Day 2: Breakfast and a scenic ride to Gyumri, Armenian’s humor capital. Our bus takes us via picturesque Byurakan -Thousand Springs at Mount Aragats (4,090m), the highest peak of Lesser Caucasus. Breathtaking views of rock spires, snow covered peaks, jewel colored lakes with snow flakes sugaring the whole picture. Visit to Harichavank, a magnificently sited complex of the 7th c. Arrival Gyumri and lunch at a local trout farm where delicious trout in wine is prepared in Gyumri style.
Time to start your half-day horse drawn sleigh ride taking you to Arpa Lake past small villages covered with snow. Once at the Lake you have time for a stroll in the frosty fresh air. Walk spotting various animal tracks in the snow, including those of wolves that still roam wild. Due to altitude we have plenty of snowfall while some mystic combination of natural factors guarantees sunshine. Sun and snow – a perfect combination for a wonderful winter walk. A stop for refreshments is made in the village of Ardenis where the horses rest and you have the opportunity to try regional specialties. Rosy cheeks and happy expressions are proof that it was a successful day - one that you will remember long afterwards. Overnight: Hotel in Gyumri. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 3: After a delicious breakfast at hotel we travel to romantic Lori, home to enigmatic Hagpat and Sanahin Monasteries. Set high in the mountains, this charming area promises some of the thrilling discoveries taking us back to the times of mighty kings. Our first stop is mysterious Kobayr with frescoes that can only be described as miraculous. Continue to explore Haghpat and Sanahin, severe and majestic design and marvelous bas-reliefs justly rank these sites among the celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Evening and overnight in Alaverdi, a picturesque town nestled in deep wooded gorge, our base is a charming heritage hotel in dramatic Debed Gorge. Overnight: Hotel in Alaverdi. Includes: (B).
Day 4: Day four starts slowly, with time for a leisurely breakfast before our journey southward to forested Dilijan Nature Park, a protected area renowned for its serene lakes, picturesque hill trails and peaceful villages. Quaint and peaceful describe Dilijan. Your guided walk starts in the restored old center of Dilijan with its narrow streets, cozy houses with carved wooden terraces and souvenir shops opening onto narrow alleyways - an ideal place to have fun souvenir-hunting.
A small, family-operated pottery shop welcomes you with hot mulled wine. Learn how the techniques of local artisans have remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years. In the afternoon take the opportunity to explore the architectural jewel of Haghartsin, a fairy-tale monastery in a snowy forest. Upon arrival at your guesthouse you will see your hostess Anna busily baking cookies. Attend an informal cookie baking session with Anna, a master baker. An elaborate dinner including a special aperitif will round off this pleasurable day. Overnight: Guesthouse at Dilijan. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 5: In the morning we come to the shores of Lake Sevan, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world - the tranquil majesty of its ever-changing waters, stunning mountains silhouetted against the blue sky, all this inspired its name The Pearl of Armenia. Half day free at your chalet-style hotel to relax and prepare for New Year Party.
As usual, historical and cultural gems are never far away – options include walking to the top of Akhtamar Trail for the best photographic views of the Lake, romantic Sevanavank Monastery and Stone Garden with unique collection of 900 exquisite khachkars, Armenian cross-stones. Tonight, it’s our Big Night Out - our Armenian New Year Dinner and Party. Kenats! Overnight: Hotel at Lake Sevan. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 6: Happy New Year! Back to Yerevan, free day. Evening trip to Echmiadzin, the Vatican Town of Armenia. The architectural opulence of Mother Cathedral, antique artifacts and manuscripts of the Treasury, ruins of the fire temple beneath the altar, superb collection of unique carved cross-stones … these are just a few of the discoveries that await us. A unique experience this evening is the beautiful polyphonic singing of the church choir, the sounds of dramatic chants take us to a fascinating journey though time. Back to Yerevan. Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan. Includes: (B).
Day 7: Free day on your own for a last chance to enjoy Yerevan.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan. Includes: (B).
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
* Airport/hotel/airport transfers
* Accommodation for 7 nights
* Meals as specified in the itinerary
* Ttour leader/driver, local guides
* All activities as per itinerary
* All transfers in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
* Welcome to Armenia information kit
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Armenia
Christmas/New Year Tours
Cultural Journey
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