Cultural Exploration In Armenia

Welcome to the vibrant and ancient city of Yerevan! Our tour begins at Victory Park, where we’ll enjoy a panoramic view of Yerevan and the majestic Mount Ararat. Next, we’ll explore the Cascade Complex, a grand staircase adorned with statues by renowned sculptors. This lively area is a favourite among locals, with its charming sidewalk cafes, restaurants, and beautiful artworks. Our journey continues to Matenadaran, one of the world’s largest manuscript depositories.

As we stroll through the city, we’ll pass by notable landmarks such as the State Opera House, Northern Avenue, and their surroundings, showcasing a captivating blend of architectural styles. Our path will lead us to the heart of Yerevan—the Republic Square, a bustling centre filled with significant historical data about Armenia and Yerevan. However, we won’t miss the opportunity to explore Kond Neighborhood, the oldest part of the city, tucked away from the bustling centre. A leisurely walk through the narrow streets and small houses of Kond will transport us back to a bygone era, offering a unique perspective of the capital.

This day we’ll venture beyond the city to discover the captivating surroundings. Our first stop will be the renowned Ejmiatsin Cathedral, the world’s first Christian church. Inside the “Ejmiatsin Museum,” we’ll explore the ancient Christian world, including precious relics like the Holy Spear and a fragment of Noah’s Ark. Lunch will be served at the ethnographic centre. Next, we’ll visit the significant Sardarapat Memorial and ethnographic museum. The museum’s architecture faithfully replicates mediaeval Armenian fortifications. On our way back to Yerevan, we’ll pass by the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, a mesmerising 7th-century structure with a compelling history and the stunning backdrop of Mount Ararat. In the evening, we’ll return to Yerevan, where you can enjoy a peaceful evening or immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Options abound, including attending an opera or ballet performance, or visiting a charming jazz club featuring world-class musicians—all at affordable prices.

Included Activities:   

• Ejmiatsin Cathedral-Ejmiatsin Museum visit
• Sardarapat visit
• Zvartnots Cathedral visi

 Hotel in Yerevan
 Breakfast, Lunch
7 hours

Undoubtedly, the Khor Virap Monastery is a must-visit in Armenia, being the birthplace of Christianity as a state religion. After diving into Armenia’s rich history and admiring Mount Ararat from the hand’s reach, our tour takes us to the Old Areni Winery, where we taste local wines made of the endemic sort of grape Areni. Lunch will be served in a local guest house where we will taste Armenian traditional dishes. Our next stop is Areni Cave, the world’s oldest winery, dating back an astonishing 6,100 years. Continuing to Noravank Monastery located amidst red rocks made of the same stone. We’ll then capture stunning photos at the picturesque Spandaryan Reservoir before concluding our tour in Goris, where a delightful dinner awaits at the hotel.

Included Activities:   

• Khor Virap visit
• Old Areni Factory visit
• Areni Cave visit
• Noravank Monastery visit
• Spandaryan Reservoir-photo stop

 Hotel in Goris
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8 hours

On the fourth day, our adventure begins in the historic village of Khndzoresk, where we’ll explore natural and man-made caves that once housed brave defenders of the land. Crossing a swinging bridge, we’ll move between the old and new parts of Khndzoresk. For lunch, we’ll enjoy a delicious meal at a restaurant with breathtaking views of the renowned Tatev Monastery. Tatev, a significant monastery in Armenia, will captivate us with its cultural and historical significance. To truly embrace the experience, we’ll take a thrilling cable car ride over the deep Vorotan River canyon. Our journey continues to the village of Hermon for rest and overnight stay, with a stop at the impressive Shaqi waterfall along the way. Weather permitting, we’ll be treated to a stunning night sky adorned with stars and the magnificent sight of the Milky Way.

Included Activities:   

• Khndzoresk walking tour
• Tatev Monastery visit
• Tatev Cable car ride
• Shaqi waterfall visit

 Hotel in Hermon Village
  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7 hours

Get ready for an adventurous day as we travel back in time along the historic Silk Road. Our first stop is the Selim Caravanserai, a 13th-century inn that once hosted traders from China, India, and Europe. From the mountain pass, we’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the cascading mountains. Continuing our journey, we’ll visit a historical village known for housing the world’s largest collection of khachkars (cross-stones). Here, we’ll have the opportunity to visit a family cheese farm and savour the unique flavours of locally aged cheeses, infused with wine and brandy. Driving along Lake Sevan, one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes situated at an altitude of around 2000 metres, we’ll enjoy a delightful lakeside lunch with a magnificent view. Our next destination is Dilijan, often called the “little Switzerland” of Armenia, renowned for its national parks and invigorating mountain air. Exploring the Old Dilijan Complex, characterised by its charming wooden balconies and artisan shops, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through this picturesque town, immersing ourselves in its delightful atmosphere.

Included Activities:   

• The Great Silk Road- stop at Selim Caravanserai
• Cheese tasting in family farm
• Drive along Lake Sevan
• Little Switzerland- Dilijan visit
• Old Dilijan complex visit

 Hotel in Dilijan
  Breakfast, Lunch
7 hours

As part of our program Lori is included in the sixth day. The region of Lori will not leave us less amazed and surprised, since its location allows people to admire the centuries old churches of UNESCO world heritage sites, with their breathtaking surroundings. Here we will have an amazing opportunity to view two ancient monasteries in Aghtala and Haghpat – the real signs of Armenians living here from very old times. While the village of Dsegh is not a thing to miss for sure, it makes its visitors out of mind for its awesome nature, people and interesting cultural spots. We together will have lunch in the restaurant and the chef will demonstrate some traditional Armenian dish cooking.

Included Activities:   

• Haghartstin Monastery visit
• Tea tasting at Molokans
• Lori berd Fortress visit

 Hotel in Dsegh Village
  Breakfast, Lunch
6 hours

During those all days, we have tried our best to show our guests the Armenian culture and history, but the seventh day promises to be full of many more surprises than any other day (though each day is unique in its own way). We will drive into the cultural centre of Armenia, Gyumri. With its lofty black-and-apricot architecture, pottery studios and cute cafes, Armenia’s second-largest city, Gyumri, is the country’s creative capital and historical hub. In Gyumri we will have the chance not only to participate in several master classes, but also to dive into one of the most tragic parts of Armenian history and its dramatic consequences on the country. The tour will continue to another ancient monastery Marmashen with its incredible location over Akhurian River and Armenian-Turkish borders.

Included Activities:   

• Gyumri city tour
• Dzitoghtsonts museum visit
• Aslamazyan Gallery visit
• Marmashen Monastery visit

 Hotel in Gyumri
  Breakfast, Lunch
7 hours

If all the ways take us to Rome, then in Armenia they take us to the capital Yerevan. Today’s lunch will be on the road to Yerevan. We will have a stop at Gntuniq supermarket and bakery, where you will have a chance to see how the bread is baked on the walls of a hot oven and will smell a flavour of new baked hot bread. On the way back to Yerevan, the Monastery Saghmosavank will open its doors in front of us- one of the marvels of Armenia, with its marvellous canyon. Then we will go to find out the largest alphabet in the world, where the letters are gravestones and to find our first letters there. A visit to the fortress of Amberd would not bother us a lot. It would be even a shame for us not to pay attention to how the ancestors of today’s Armenian people lived and defended themselves. Due to those fortresses Armenians carried their brave history throughout centuries.

Included Activities:   

• Gntuniq supermarket stop
• Saghmosavank Monastery visit
• Armenian Alphabet Monument visit
• Amberd fortress visit

 Hotel in Yerevan
  Breakfast, 
7 hours

Who said that Armenians were Christian all the time? What about the faith before Christianity? Yes, the previous day of the flight will be dedicated to explore two different faiths of Armenia: temple of Garni – the pagan symbol of the country and the Geghard Monastery – built from rocks with obscure and unbelievable architectural techniques. Both of them are surely close to each other but totally different universes. The region will amaze us with its breathtaking Azat Reservoir, Arch of Charents and so on, but we decided to get back to Yerevan and enjoy Ararat Brandy Company with its amazing museum and factory. Later the day, of course, we will celebrate the end of the tour with a farewell dinner.

Included Activities:   

• Garni Temple visit
• Geghard Monastery visit
• Azat Reservoir visit
• Arch of Charents visit
• Brandy tasting at Ararat Brandy

 Hotel in Yerevan
  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8 hours

Transfer to the airport.Armenia was happy to have you here and keep in mind Armenia will continue to amaze you despite how many times you have been here.

  Breakfast