Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Yerevan . Hotel accommodation. Rest.
Day 2: Yerevan city tour: Republic Square, Erebuni Urartian fortress (782 BC) and museum. Erebuni is the ancient name of Yerevan. Statue to the epic hero David of Sasoun. Genocide memorial and museum to 1915 genocide organized by Turkish authorities. Lunch., Matenadaran (manuscript depository and museum), “Mother Armenia” (panoramic view of Yerevan).
Day 3: The glory of Armenia
Trip to Amberd fortress (10-13th c.) located on a triangle cape (2300 m), in the canyon of two rivers high upon the southern slope of Mount Aragats (4090 m). The fortress reached its zenith as the seat of the Pahlavuni feudal family in the 11th c. Saghmosavank monastery (monastery of psalms), located atop the Kasakh river gorge was built in the 13th c. Saghmosavank is one of the remarkable cultural centers of medieval Armenia. Lunch. Oshakan village, famous for the grave and church to St. Mesrop Mashtots, founder of the Armenian Alphabet.
Day 4: Vatican 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 martyrdom. 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 5: The pride of Armenia
Armenia-Karabagh. 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. Continue to the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh (the 2nd Republic of Armenia). Overnight in the capital Stepanakert.
Day 6: The Treasure of Karabagh
Trip to north Karabagh: Gandzasar monastery, founded by the prince Hasan Jalalian in the 13th c. at the top of the mountain called Gandzasar (mountain of treasure). According to the legend, the main church to St. John the Baptist was built at the location of the shrine that contained the skull of this saint which had brought here from Palestine. The monastery is the of the prime attractions of Karabagh. Back to Sterpanakert. Monument to Grandma and Grandpa(the symbol of the country). Lunch. City tour. Visit the history museum of Karabagh, Carpet factory (watching the carpet weaving, shopping optional) Overnight in Stepanakert.
Day 7: Victory of Karabagh
Tour to Shushi, the historical capital of Karabagh. Today it is the religious center of the country. The town has an 18th c. fortress, two 19th c. churches and two mosques. Visit Ghazanchetsots Cathedral (19th c.), which is also known as the Cathedral of Crist the Savior. Back to Armenia. 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. Noradooz, “forest of khachkars” (cross-stones), (10-17th cc). Overnight in Sevan.
Day 8: The Switzerland of Armenia
Trip to Dilijan, the forested resort is the Little Switzerlandfor Armenians. Drive to Goshavank monastery (12-13 th c.). It was founded by the renowned Armenian scholar, jurist, fabulists, author of the first Armenian law-book Mkhitar Gosh and is named after him. Lunch (tasting fish BBQ from the lake). Sevan monastery (9th c.), built by the sponsorship of the princess Mariam Bagratuni on present-day Sevan peninsula, once an island. Lunch (tastin the fish from the lake). Back to Yerevan.
Day 9: The ancient treasure of Armenia
Trip to Greco-Roman style Garni pagan temple( 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 temple in Armenia and in Caucasus. Geghard monastery (UNESCO Heritage), (12-13th cc., 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. The spearhead is presently preserved in the museum of St. Echmiadzin. Vernisage (open-air flee market). Farewell dinner at the national 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.
This tour is already with discount as you are going to stay in the 5* hotel in the heart of Yerevan. Minimum cost EUR 870(6-18pax), maximum cost EUR 1420(2-14pax),SGL SUP EUR270
Price Includes:
- Hotel accommodation on DBL occupancy, (SGL for overcharge)
- Full transportation and transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Guide-interpreter
- Meals: Half board, BL(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
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