UNFORGETTABLE ARMENIA

Day 1/Arrival – Yerevan Sightseeing Tour – Garni Temple – Megerian Carpet

Meeting and greet the at the airport, transfer to the hotel. After hotel check-in we will have an unforgettable sightseeing tour in Yerevan. The capital city is one of the most ancient cities in the world with a rich history and incredible historical landmarks. It is an “open-air museum” – there is much to see and explore. During the sightseeing tour you will get acquainted with the city architecture and visit the main sights of the “Pink City”. Then we will have lunch (optional*) at one of the best authentic Armenian restaurants in the heart of Yerevan. After lunch we will visit the Megerian Carpet Factory to admire a wide range of hand-knotted carpets, which contain hidden symbols and messages. Each of them is a work of art that represents its own story told by the weavers over the centuries. The last stop of the day is the only standing pagan Temple of Garni (1st century AD). It is an outstanding example of Hellenistic culture in Armenia. Here you will feel the breath of pre-Christian era and at the same time admire the night beauty of this fantastic ancient structure. Driving back to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/-/-)

Day 2/Yerevan – Alphabet Alley – Amberd Fortress – Lake Kari – Byurakan Astrophysical Օbservatory – Snails Farm Tour with Tasting – Yerevan

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll drive to the Aragatsotn Province, towards the highest peak of Armenia – Mount Aragats (4090m). The name itself means “at the foot of” Aragats. Our first stop will be at the Armenian Alphabet Monumet, where you can take photos with stately stone letters. This unique Alley of Letters was built in honor of the 1600th anniversary of the creation of Armenian alphabet. Then we will visit the magnificent Amberd Fortress on the southern slope of Mount Aragats, founded in the 7th century. The name translates “fortress in the clouds” in Armenian. The medieval fortress stands on the rocky cliff on the height of 2300 meters. Here you will be given enough time for walking around and enjoying yourself in an amazing nature and breathtaking views. Then we will head to the highest point of our route – Lake Kari, which is located at an altitude of 3200 m. The word “Kari” translates as “Stone”. The ice-cold water, the wonderful scenery and the snow-capped mountains create unforgettable memories for visitors. Then traditional lunch at a local restaurant or at one of rural houses in Ashtarak, where you will have chance to try tasty local food, enjoy local hospitality, delicious national cuisine and stunning sceneries. Here we will participate in the preparation of “lavash” bread baking ceremony and taste the freshly baked traditional thin bread with some fresh greens and yummy local cheese. “Lavash” has purely Armenian origin and forms an integral part of Armenian cuisine. In 2014 “The preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread lavash as an expression of Armenian culture” was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. After lunch we will visit one of the most important scientific institutions of Armenia – the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory after Viktor Hambardzumyan. He was the president of the Armenian Academy of Sciences and one of the founders of theoretical astrophysics. You will enjoy a guided tour of the observatory and discover one of the largest telescopes in the USSR. Our last stop of the day is the greenhouse of Snail Farm (starts from April). During the tour through the farm, we will see the process of breeding of these pleasant little creatures, the special techniques and will get a closer look at how they live. The excursion ends, of course, with a tasting of delicious snail meat with a glass of dry white wine. Driving back to Yerevan.
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/-/-)

Day 3/Yerevan – Tsakhkadzor – Lake Sevan – Sevanavank – Dilijan – Haghartsin – Lake Parz – Molokan Village – Yerevan Day 3/Yerevan – Tsakhkadzor – Lake Sevan – Sevanavank – Dilijan – Haghartsin – Lake Parz – Molokan Village – Yerevan

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll start the day with a visit to Tsakhkadzor, translated as “gorge of flowers”, which is one of the most famous spiritual and cultural centers of medieval Armenia. Here we can take the arm-chaired ropeway ride to enjoy the fresh air, the breathtaking view of Lake Sevan and the surrounding mountains. Then we will continue our drive to the blue pearl of this mountainous country – Lake Sevan, which is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia. First, we’ll visit Sevanavank Monastery – the highlight of this fascinating area, and the most famous historical and cultural monument in Gegharkunik province. Then we will have lunch at a local fish restaurant (optional*) where we’ll have an opportunity to taste the most delicious Sevan “trout”, cooked according to the special local recipe. After lunch we will enjoy an unforgettable boat trip, which offers stunning views of the lake and its surroundings. The tour will then take you to the North of Armenia –Dilijan, often referred to as little “Armenian Switzerland” by locals. Dilijan town is a part of Dilijan National Park. Here we will visit Haghartsin Monastery, a 10th century monastery which has been recently renovated by donation of Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, who was impressed by the monastery during his first visit. After that we will also visit Lake Parz, which is a beautiful lake in the heart of the forest. It is a perfect spot to enjoy the nature sounds and breathtaking views. On the way to the lake we will stop to feed deer in the deer farm. Then we will return back to Dilijan stopping at Russian ethnic and religious minority Molokans village for evening tea tasting from samovar in a local house, in the “hugs of nature”. Driving back to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/-/-)

Day 4/Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport. Farewell. (B/-/-)

The rates include*
Accommodation at the hotel on a DBL basis (BB)
Transfer to/from Zvartnots International Airport
Transfers during the tours
Meals BB
English speaking guide services on tour days
All entrance fees
Boat trip
Ropeway ride in Tsaghkadzor
Snail testing and tour
A bottle of water per person per day
Maps of Armenia and Yerevan
24-hour service
The rates exclude*
Flights
Insurance
Visa and visa documents’ related fees (if any)
Portage
Beverages
All other services not mentioned above