Armenia Wine & Food Adventure

Welcome to Yerevan, folks! Welcome to the oldest city in the entire world, which will amaze us with its mind-blowing beauty, architecture and kindest people. In order to start our discovering tour correctly, Mother Armenia will be the first monument to pay a particular visit. The largest statues in the capital not only will surprise with its relevance and symbolism with Armenia, but also with a stunning bird’s eye view over the pink city crowned with Mount Ararat. Later after admiring the city and Cascade Complex with its modern and stylish cafes and restaurants, the museum of Folk Arts is waiting for us. The museum showcases the works of famous artists. The foundation has 4 permanent exhibition halls with over 2000 exhibits, including woodwork, metalwork, stone art, ceramics, 350 carpets and rugs etc.  Later we will have an amazing chance which is not given to everyone actually, to make Armenian traditional dish, Ghapama, and taste some of our traditional dishes and have a relaxing evening away from city noise.

Included Activities:

• Yerevan Walking tour
• The museum of Folk Art visit
• Ghapama cooking class

 Hotel in Yerevan
 Lunch
8 hours

A visit to Armenia would be incomplete without experiencing the Holy Church of Ejmiatsin, the spiritual centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the oldest Christian church in the world. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to witness significant relics, including a piece from Noah’s ark and the spear that pierced the body of Christ. Continuing our journey, we’ll proceed to a family run winery, immersing ourselves in the country’s wine production and tasting. Afterward, we’ll explore the ruins of the 7th-century Zvartnots Cathedral, known for its remarkable architectural prowess as the largest and oldest aisled tetraconch church in Armenia, showcasing the advancements of that era. Zvartnots Cathedral is in ruins now but standing columns with rich carvings still show its beauty. 

Visiting Armenia and not seeing the Holy Church of Ejmiatsin is like visiting Rome and not visiting Vatican. Ejmiatsin is the holy centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the first Christian church in the whole world. Most interestingly, here we will also see some of the most important relics of the Christian world, such as a piece from Noah’s ark, or the spear by which the body of Christ was pierced. .  Later on we will visit Machanents House, where we will have armenian  traditional cookie master classs and enjoy our lunch afterwards. On our way to Yerevan, the ruins of the 7th century cathedral Zvartnots waits for us. The cathedral is famous for its architectural professionalism that was advanced during those times. Due to its sizes, Zvartnots is considered  to be the largest and oldest aisled tetraconch church in Armenia. In Yerevan, we will visit Ararat brandy  with its amazing museum and factory.

Included Activities:

• Ejmiatsin Cathedral and museum visit
• Traditional Cookie Master class at Machanents House
• Zvartnots Cathedral visit
• Brandy tasting at Ararat brandy

 Hotel in Yerevan
 Breakfast, Lunch
9 hours

On the third day of our tour, we will venture outside of the capital to explore Armenia’s ancient culture and history. Our first destination will be the Khor Virap Monastery, where the journey of Christianity in Armenia began. From here, we’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of Biblical Mount Ararat, especially on clear days. We will then proceed to Yeghegnadzor, a town where grape fields dominate the landscape. Here, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and have the opportunity to taste local wines and fruit vodka. But the surprises don’t end there. Our next stop is the Areni-1 cave, where evidence of 6,100-year-old wine production, grape seeds, and clay pots have been discovered. Finally, we’ll visit the magnificent Noravank Monastery, a 13th-century marvel nestled amidst stunning red rocks. This is not only a chance to appreciate the ancient architecture but also to soak in the beauty of its surroundings.

Included Activities:   

• Khor Virap visit
• Wine and Vodka tasting in Yeghegnadzor
• Areni 1 Cave visit
• Noravank Monastery visit

 Hotel in Yeghegnadzor
  Breakfast, Lunch
8 hours

When exploring Armenia, we can’t miss the breathtaking views offered by its high mountain terrain. One such place is the Selim Caravanserai, situated at an altitude of 2,410 metres above sea level and offering panoramic views of the Armenian Highlands. The Selim Caravanserai once served as a stop for Silk Road traders and remains unchanged since the 13th century. In Noratus, we’ll have the opportunity to visit local cheese makers known for their unique cheeses aged in wine and brandy. Continuing our journey, we’ll discover the Hayravank monastery, dating back to the 9th century and located near the majestic Lake Sevan. For dinner, we’ll be treated to a traditional cooking masterclass in Tsaghkunq village.

Included Activities:   

• Selim Caravanserai pass
• Cheese tasting in a family farm
• Drive along Lake Sevan
• Hayravank Monastery visit
• Traditional cooking master class

 Hotel in Tsaghkunq
  Breakfast, Dinner
9 hours

We have mentioned so much about the Armenian churches and the 1700 years old religion, so it is the time to participate in a church service at the Geghard Monastery, a spectacular monastery half of which is carved out of the adjacent mountain. By the way, the 13th century monastery is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The entire journey has been based on the criteria of Christianity, but this does not mean that Armenians were always Christian. The only standing pagan temple Garni dedicated to the God of the Sun is the proof of it. We will drive to Yerevan where we will enjoy the melody of Armenian duduk – an instrument made from apricot trees – in the manmade 21 m deep cave. 

Included Activities:   

• Garni Temple visit
• Geghard Monastery visit
• Levon’s Cave visit

 Hotel in Yerevan
  Breakfast, Lunch
8 hours

One may ask how all cultures, monasteries, relics, histories and people have been saved throughout the historical turmoil of Armenia. In order to answer this question, we will get to the Amberd Fortress. This is a true symbol of the rebellious and defensive nature of the Armenian nation. Of course, a break at a family Gastro yard in Ashtarak town will fulfil our day with mouth-watering lunch and a small harvest of seasonal fruits which will serve as a dessert with herbal tea. Yet another marvellous wine factory, Voskevaz, a true fairy tale built in castle style awaits us. Here we will have wine tasting and an excursion in wine tunnels and production areas. In the evening we will be back to Yerevan to enjoy the last tour evening in the city.

Included Activities:   

• Amberd Fortress visit
• Gastro yard visit in Ashtarak
• Wine tasting in Voskevaz Winery

 Hotel in Yerevan
  Breakfast,  Lunch, Dinner
9 hours

On the last day, if time permits we can continue admiring the capital. Then later we will be transfered to airport. Thank you very much for choosing Armenia your cultural destinations. Armenia and its nation were happy to have you here. Looking forward to another meeting.

  Breakfast