Arrival to the Airport Zvartnots
Transfer to the Hotel
Walking tour in the center of the City. Our extraordinary journey begins with an easy and rich walk along the most important and picturesque streets of Yerevan. Gorgeous views of the city from Victory Park, a small cardio load during the descent along the snow-white Cascade, the smells of Armenian pastries on the avenues full of life, the neoclassical architecture of the greatest Tamanyan – this is what awaits you on the morning of the first day. This is the best start to explore the twelfth capital of Armenia.
An Interesting fact: Yerevan was founded in 782 BC. and older than the “Eternal City” for 29 years
History Museum of Armenia. You can feel the true spirit of the Armenian people only through its culture and history – in the richest Museum of History you plunge headlong into the world of ancient Armenians. Before your eyes are chic silver jewelry of women, high-quality sabers and swords of warriors, and a wide variety of clay products from the era of the first civilizations.
Interesting fact: In ancient Armenia, silver jewelry and belts were considered a symbol of nobility and high social status.
Megerian Carpet (Lunch). After such a busy start, passive rest is inappropriate, you need something in the style of Armenians – bright and impressive. That is why you will find a huge variety of traditional Armenian carpets. In an incredibly cozy atmosphere, the factory workers present to your attention chic carpets made of real sheep wool and describe in detail the unique technique of their manufacture.
An interesting fact: according to the majority of historians and archaeologists, it is the Armenian Highland that is the world homeland of carpet weaving.
Yerevan brandy factory “ARARAT”. The icing on the cake of such a cultural explosion will be the tasting of one of the best and most prestigious alcoholic beverages in the world – the famous Armenian cognac. A tour of the cellars of the factory, the walls of which are built of tuff the color of peach cognac, as well as a tasting with delicious Armenian chocolate, relax and end the day on the sweetest and most positive note.
Interesting fact: Winston Churchill drank 50% Armenian cognac every day
Medieval fortress Amberd. We start another day in Noah’s Land with a historical journey. This time we return to the 7th century AD, when almost the entire territory of Greater Armenia was under the yoke of bloodthirsty Arab caliphs, and hard-to-reach mountain fortresses were vital for the Armenian people, one of which was Amberd. You will walk through the ruins of an ancient eastern castle, where life was once in full swing – the princely persons majestically stepped along the corridors, the nobles weaved their intrigues, and the servants in a constant rush were busy fulfilling the endless orders of their masters.
Interesting fact: The name “Amberd” comes from the Armenian words “amp” – “cloud” and “berd” – “fortress” and means “a fortress that is higher than the clouds”
Saghmosavank Monastery. Having started the day with history, it is worth filling your whole day with it, diluting it all with unprecedented mountain landscapes. After a short journey, you find yourself in Armenia of the 13th century. Patterned bas-reliefs, cross-stones embroidered with a needle, majestic pylons and powerful energy that imbues the human spirit with its strength make you forget about everything you have ever seen and heard.
Interesting fact: Armenia is the first state in the world to adopt Christianity as an official religion
Winery “Armenia” (Lunch). Well, the most important event of the day is a visit to the “Armenia Wine” winery. A tour of the colorful museum of wine, the winery is just a prelude before tasting the excellent tart wine made by the hands of the inhabitants of the Armenian province. Here you will taste your favorite Armenian dishes and leave with an incredible gastronomic experience.
An interesting fact: In the Armenian language there is no expression “to get drunk on wine”. This special word in Armenian sounds like “ginovtsats” / “Գինովցած”.
Quote: “No matter how sharply they pierce my heart our wounds so soaked with blood, Even then I love my orphaned and my bloodied, dear Armenia.” – Yeghishe Charents.
Geghard rock monastery. This day becomes special, because you find yourself inside a rock with a sacred spring. Walking through the rocky churches of the Geghard monastery complex, you will learn many interesting stories about the life of Armenia in the 12th-13th centuries.
An interesting fact: in the monastery of Geghard, the spear of Longinus was kept – the very tool with which the Roman legionary pierced the body of Christ. Hence the name “Geghard” (from the Armenian “spear”).
Symphony of Stones. After such a rich historical beginning, it is worth relaxing in the arms of nature. You descend to the most unique natural monument, which stretches along the entire gorge of the Azat River.
Interesting fact: The attraction is also called “Basalt Organ” because of the basalt pillars of a specific shape.
Vodka tasting and lunch. Few people know, but Armenian grandfathers make very strong moonshine from a variety of ingredients. The most famous are apricot, peach and mulberry vodka. You definitely won’t try this anywhere else.
The pagan temple of Garni. Now we are traveling in time and find ourselves in the Hellenistic era, when the powerful kings of Greater Armenia issued their orders in Greek. In a pagan temple of the first century, vivid images of ancient sacrifices to the Armenian god of the sun – Mithra appear before you. The deep mountain gorge and the noise of the Azat River help the temple make you lose your sense of reality.
Performance by a professional Armenian musician. Inside the majestic temple, a professional musician plays the national Armenian instrument – Duduk (or Tsiranapokh), the sound of which floods people’s souls with emotions.
An interesting fact: the Duduk melody is included in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List.
An interesting fact: Khor Virap was built on the site of the royal dungeon of the ancient capital of Armenia – the city of Artashat, through which one of the most important routes of the Great Silk Road passed
Noravank monastery. Once in the fairy tale of the Vayots Dzor region, it would be a crime not to see the luxurious architecture of Noravank with your own eyes. Only here is the concept of luxury here. The tradition of medieval Armenian architecture has always adhered to the modesty of moderation in the choice of architectural elements. But this did not prevent Amagu-Noravank from becoming one of the largest spiritual centers of Armenians. Even more breathtaking from the surrounding mountain landscapes of the monastery, completely covered with a bright red hue.
An interesting fact: on one of the tympanums of the Noravank monastery, a rare bas-relief has been preserved – an image of the Lord holding the head of Adam in his hands.
Trinity Wine Factory. Finally, we have reached the most delicious part of the day – complete relaxation in a traditional winery. Captivating Tour of the winery, tasting the most fragrant Armenian wine and an unforgettable traditional lunch.
An interesting fact: Armenia is considered the birthplace of winemaking – archaeologists have discovered the oldest winery in the world in the Vayots Dzor region, which is about 6 thousand years old.
Hayravank Monastery. The last day in Armenia starts at the brilliant natural gem of the country – Lake Sevan. Here the island monastery of the 9th century and its “needle-embroidered” khachkars tell their magical story. The unique view of the lake and the smell of antiquity lead to mind its purity and beauty.
Interesting fact: The monastery rescuer turned to the bloodthirsty Tamerlane for help in 14 studies. According to legend, after the prayer of the priest, the Armenians persecuted by Tamerlane turned into doves and flew away.
Cognac and cheeses at Lake Sevan. At the Mikaelyan Cheese Factory you will taste aromatic cheeses made according to Armenian traditional technology. All this is served with strong elite Armenian cognac.
Lunch at a restaurant near Sevan. We have prepared an unforgettable meal especially for you surrounded by the blue waters of the Geghama Sea.
An interesting fact: apricots, which are abundant in GUM during the season, are called Armenian apples, since the Armenian Highland is considered their homeland.
Transfer to the airport