Armenia: A Tour of History And Culture

Tour Program

Excursion Program: 7 days / 6 nights

Cities to visit: Yerevan » Lake Sevan » Tsaghkardzor » Tatev Monastery » Sevanavank » Etchmiadzin » Zvartnots » Gyumri

DAY 1/ Airport - Yerevan

Arrival. Meeting at the airport and transfer. Taste of Yerevan - gastronomic city tour in Yerevan by car. Republic Square. Factory "Megerian Carpet". Market near GUM. Tasting of Armenian dried fruits. Abovyan street. delicious ice cream tasting. Northern Avenue. Tasting of "Armenian pizza" - lamagjo. Complex "Cascade". Master class on cooking Armenian dolma and traditional dinner at Mamik guest house

DAY 2/ Garni - Lake Sevan - Tsaghkadzor

Breakfast at the hotel. Then, we start the exploration of Armenia with a visit to Garni, the only pagan temple that has remained on our territory. Nearby is Geghard, a 13th century monastery that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our next stop will be at Lake Sevan. The lake is the largest body of water in Armenia and the Caucasus region and one of the largest freshwater alpine lakes in Eurasia. After, we will stop in Tsaghkadzor, in a ski resort town surrounded by forests. Here is the ancient monastery of Kecharis (11-13 centuries). Overnight: Tsaghkadzor

Day 3/ Tsakhkadzor

Free day in Tsakhkadzor, which is one of the places in Armenia where people go in summer to get away from city life and heat, get some fresh air in the mountains. In winter, the city has a lot of skiers and just people who want to relax and enjoy the snow and scenery. The name of the city literally means "valley of flowers" or "flower canyon".

DAY 4/ Noravank - Harsnadzor - Tatev Monastery

This time we are heading to the opening of the unique architectural monument of the Tatev Monastery. Before arriving in Syunik region, we will visit the magnificent Noravank. The impressive monastery complex surprises visitors with the sophistication of its ornaments and harmony with the environment. During the tour, we will also stop at the observation deck of Harsnadzor, which offers a beautiful view of the Tatev monastery complex. Then we will visit the Tatev Monastery, where we can use the Wings of Tatev cable car, which is included in the Guinness Book.

DAY5/ Sevanavank Monastery - Dilijan - Goshavank Monastery - Haghartsin Monastery

you will see the monastery complex Sevanavank, located on the peninsula, overlooking the beauty of Lake Sevan. Currently, there is a theological seminary here, which is not always open for public visits. Next, you will go to Dilijan, also called “Little Switzerland in Armenia” for its fantastic natural forests. The city is part of the Dilijan National Park. This is followed by a stop at the Goshavank monastery, surrounded by dense forests, and finally Haghartsin, a 10th century monastery recently renovated with a donation from Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad Al-Qasimi, the ruler of Sharjah, who was very impressed with the monastery during his visit.

DAY 6/ Etchmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Sunday Liturgy, Cathedral outside, Treasure Museum of Etchmiadzin) - Zvartnots

As part of this tour, you will visit the churches included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. The first stops are the churches of St. Hripsime and St. Gayane, two of the three churches in Etchmiadzin, dedicated to the Christian martyrs who fled Rome with their abbess Gayane. Next comes the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the main cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the very first Christian cathedral in the world. Currently, the Cathedral is under reconstruction and, unfortunately, you can see it only from the outside. After that, there will be a visit to the Museum "Treasures of Etchmiadzin" with a final stop near Zvartnots, the medieval church of St. Gregory, built in the 7th century, one of the tallest buildings of its time.

DAY 7/ Gyumri

Harichavank monastery, sightseeing tour around the city, “Dzitokhtsyan” museum, Black fortress, Karmravor church. You will visit the city of Gyumri - the cultural capital and one of the most beautiful cities in Armenia. You will get acquainted with the elements of everyday urban life in Gyumri in the 19th century in the Museum of Urban Life and Folk Architecture. The museum is housed in the Dzitokhtsyants merchants' house built in 1984. You will discover the city center with its two famous churches and visit the Black Fortress built during the Russo-Turkish War. It is still one of the main historical and architectural values of Gyumri. The next stop is the 7th century Harichavank monastery complex located near the village of Harich. The monastery was famous for its school and scriptorium. Next, a stop is provided at the Karmravor Church, located in the city of Ashtarak, Aragatsotn region. It was built in the 7th century by priests Gregory and Manas. Then, traditional lunch.

Our price includes: