Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Yerevan. Hotel accommodation. Rest.
Day 2: Yerevan city tour
Republic Square, Statue to “Mother Armenia” (panoramic view of Yerevan), Matenadaran (manuscript depository and museum), Genocide memorial and museum to 1915 genocide organized by Turkish authorities, lunch. Walking along Yerevan streets.
Day 3: Armenian Vatican (Religous Capital of Armenia)
Trip to St. Echmiadzin Cathedral (301 AD), the religious center of Armenia (Armenian Vatican). Enjoy the Holy Mass in the Cathedral. The residence and the chancery of the Patriarch of all Armenians is located in St. Echmiadzin. St Gayane church(630), built on the place of St Gayane’s martyrdom. She was the leader of the virgins who came to Armenia from Rome not to be punished for being Christians. (UNESCO Heritage). St. Hripsime church(618), built on the site of Virgin’s martirdom. She was one of the virgins who came to Armenia from Rome with St Gayane. (UNESCO Heritage). Lunch. Zvartnots Cathedral, built by Nereses the 3rd Patriarch in 641-661 to house the relics of St. Gregory the Illuminator, presumably where he converted King Trdat in 301. (Unesco Heritage) Back to Yerevan.
Day 4: Biblical Mount. Ararat, The cradle of Christianity, Winery
Drive to Khor Virap monastery(17th c.) is the place of pilgrimage of all Armenians all over the world. Armenian first Patriarch St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned here for 13 years by the pagan king Trdat the 3rd. In 301 the king converted Armenia to Christianity turning the country into the first Christian country in the world. From here one can enjoy the majestic view of Biblical Mount Ararat (5165 m). Noravank monastery (10-14th c), one of the most splendid monuments of medieval Armenia. There are marvelous khachkars (cross stones) on the territory of the monastery, one of which is the gravestone of Momik the architect himself. Lunch. Areni winery (wine tasting). Drive to South Armenia. Overnight in Sisian.
Day 5: Armenian Stonehenge, Magnificant Tatev monastery
Stonehenge, a circular arrangement of 204 stones that is believed to be a celestial observatory. The site is similar to England’s Stonehenge, but Armenia’s dates back to roughly 5000BC, making it much older. Overnight in the town Sisian, south Armenia. Tatev monastery (9-15th c.), the most prominent historical and architectural monument of south Armenia. The university of Tatev operated in the monastery between 14-15th c. and housed 600 monks, philosophers, painters, musicians and others.Lunch. Selim caranceray (14th c.), located south of the Selim Pass(2410 m). When Armenia was a station along the Great Silk Road (from China to Europe), there were many active caravansaries (rest stops) for caravans that passed through. Overnight in Sevan.
Day 6: The pirl of Armenia lake Sevan, Dilijan National park
Lake Sevan (1916 m) is the largest lake in Armenia and one of the alpine lakes in the world. Lunch (tasting the fish from the lake). Sevan monastery (9th c.), built by the sponsorship of the princess Mariam Bagratuni on present-day Sevan peninsula, once an island. Drive to Goshavank monastery(12-13th c.). It was founded by the renowned Armenian scholar, jurist, fabulist, author of the first Armenian lawbook Mkhitar Gosh and is named after him. In the middle ages there was a university and a seminary in this monastery where many manuscrips were created and preserved. Lunch. Drive to Lori region. Overnight in Dzoraget hotel, at the bank of Debed river.
Day 7: UNESCO Heritage Sites
Haghpat Monastery (10-13th cc) is one of the Armenia’s most beautiful monasteries perched atop the rim of the gorge. The fortified monastery was founded by the queen Khosrovanush. Haghpat was the major university, literary center in the middle ages. (UNESCO Heritage). Lunch. Sanahin Monastery( 10-13th cc.), founded by the same queen Khosrovanush. Today the surviving monastery consists of a bell tower, library, cemetery and a pair of churches. Sayat Nova, a famous 18th c. musician-bard, got education in Sanahin university. (UNESCO Heritage). Back to Yerevan
Day 8: From Hellenism to Chritianity
Trip to Greco-Roman style Garni pagan tample (1st c. AD)It was built by the order of the king Trdat the 1st, and is dedicated to the god of the sun Mithra. The Garni complex, located on a triangular cape of Azat river gorge, was the summer residence of Armenian kings. It is the only padaygan tample in Armenia and in Caucasus. Geghard monastery (UNESCO Heritage), (12-13th c., monastery of spear), otherwise known as Ayrivank(cave monastery). The legendary spear that the Roman soldier used to pierce the rib of crucified Christ had been kept in this monastery in the middle ages. Lunch. Back to Yerevan
Day 9: Farewell to Armenia
Noy Brandy factory(tasting old wine&brandy), St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Yerevan, visit to Vernisage(open-air flee market, only on weekends). Farewell dinner in the restaurant with live music.
Day 10: Transfer to the airport. Departure.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Both the the tour & costs are flexible upon your request & the group size. This tour is with discount as you are going to stay in the 5* hotel in Yerevan at this costs:
- Minimum 1170 EUR 6-16pax
- Maximum 1720 EUR 2-4pax
- Single Supplement: 265 EUR.
Price Includes
- Hotel accommodation on DBL occupancy, (SGL for overcharge)
- Full transportation and transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Guide-interpreter
- Meals: Half board,(breakfast, 7 lunch, 1 dinner)
- Entrance fees for museums and historical monuments
- Local taxes (VAT, etc)
- Driver & tour guide expenses.
Price Excludes:
- Air tickets
- Entry visa for Armenia
- Insurance
- Soft and alcoholic drinks.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Armenia
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
Sightseeing
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