Cultural Odyssey

Day 2: Art and Heritage

Yerevan city Tour-Ararat Brandy Factory-Genocide Park & Museum (~60 km)

Breakfast at the hotel.Embark on a captivating journey through Yerevan,the heart of Armenia,where ancient history and vibrant modernity converge in a city teeming with charm.Begin your exploration in Republic Square, a grand expanse framed by stunning neo-classical architecture,where the dancing fountains come allive at twilight,casting a magical glow over the city.The grandeur of the Opera House stands as a testament to the city's artistic spirit,while the surrounding gardens offer a tranquil escape with their lush greenery and inviting pathways.No visit to Yerevan would be complete without a stroll down the lively Northern Avenue,a vibrant throughfare bustling with energy and dotted with contemporary art installations.The cascading waterfalls of the Cascade Complex beckon,leading you to a stunning rooftop garden where the city unfolds beneath you like a vibrant tapestry.Visit the Ararat Brandy Factory,located in Yerevan,Armenia,is a historic and prestigious producer of Armenian brandy.Founded in 1887,it has a long legacy of crafting high-quality spirits that reflect the rich traditions of Armenian distilling.The factory is renowned for its commitment to using traditional methods and premium ingridients,which contribute to the distinctive taste and quality of its brandy.Visit Yerevan's Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex ,dedicated to the memory of the 1,5 million Armenians who perished in the first genocide of the 20th century at the hands of the Turkish government.Pay a visit to the Genocide Museum.

Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.

*Genocide Museum is closed on Mondays.

Day 3: From the Ancient Manuscripts to Timeless Ruins

Yerevan-Echmiadzin-Zvartnots-Tasty House-Gyumri (~ 160km)

Breakfast at the hotel.Drive to Vagharshapat.Echmiadzin Cathedral,nestled in the serene city of Vagharshapat,is one of Armenia's most sacred and historically significant landmarks.Revered as the oldest cathedral in the world,it serves as the spiritual heart of the Armenian Apostolic church and a profound symbol of Armenia's deep-rooted Christian heirtage. The ruins of Zvartnots , an awe-inspiring archeological site located near Echmiadzin,offer a fascinating glimpse into Armenia's medieval past.Once a grandiose cathedral,Zvartnots was built in 7th century and stood as a majestic testament to early Christian architechture and innovation.En route take a stop at Musaler village to visit a local house for a master and cooking class.Our owner Mrs. Zara,is a former TV host,who used to host celebrities to prepare together by Armenian recipes.She'll share with us Armenian preparation techniques,and secrets around coffee/tea table.Lunch at Tasty House.

Drive to Gyumri.Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at the hotel in Gyumri.(B/L/D)

*Echmiadzin Museum is closed on Mondays.

Day 4:In the hug of UNESCO Heritages

Gyumri City Tour-Haghpat-Sanahin-Dzoraget(~210 km)

Breakfast at the hotel.Gyumri-second largest city in Armenia.This is an optimal opportunity to discover the 18th-19th century unique and indigenous architechture,cuisine and meet some of the most hospitable people.This walking tour will allow you to explore the historic flavor of the city,the lifestyle of the Gyumretsis,and the birthplace of George Ivanovich Gurdjieff.Become Familiar with some of the significant religious structures of the city,visit a renowned blacksmith's house to see his family's personal collection of Gyumri traditional iron work,and much more.Visit Haghpat & Sanahin Monasteries.Haghpat Monastery,Sanahin is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands as a testament to the rich architechtural and intellectual heritage of medieval Armenia.Drive to Dzoraget.

Overnight at the hotel in Dzoraget. (B/-/-)

Day 5: Armenia's Historic Gems

Dzoraget-Fioletovo-Haghartsin-Dilijan(~100 km)

Breakfast at the hotel.On the way stop at Fioletovo Village and welcome by the Moloque family.The Molocans are a religious community born in Russia in the 1550s.The name comes from the Russian word Молоко (moloko) which means milk,the Molocans drink milk on the days of Orthodox.Tasting of tea and national pastries.Take a trip up north to the spectacular forested region of Dilijan, a resort town known as "Armenian Switzerland".Home to numerous Armenian artists,composers,and filmmakers.There you will walk through quaint streets lined with well-preserved 19 c. buildings full of museums and small stores and cafes.While there takes a look at traditional ceramics workshop and woodcarvers' studio.Lunch at local restaurant.After exploring around its time to pay a visit to Haghartsin Monastery located high in woods covered mountains with eagles soaring high above the tree line.The oldest building on yje complex is St. Gregory the Illuminator's church.It was built between the 9th and 10th centuries and is also the site of the first musical university of Armenia.Here,the guests will take a gata-making master class to learn about this traditional Armenian treat and the rituals associated with its preparation and presentation.

Day 6:Scenic Journey to Azure Sevan

Dilijan-Sevanavank-Lake Sevan-Noratus-Cheese Farm-Yerevan(~ 200 km)

Breakfast at the hotel.Set off to Lake Sevan , the emerald of Armenia and the second largest alpine lake in the world.Admire the picturesque views of one of the highest bodies of water in the world.Then visit Sevanavank monastic complex.The monastery of Sevanavank was founded in 874 by Princess Mariam,after the artificial draining of Lake Sevan,which started in the era of Joseph Stalin,the water level fell about 20 metres,and the island transformed into a peninsula.While in the neighborhood it would be beneficial to also pay a visit to Noratous, ancient cemetery with medieval khachkars (cross-stones) dating back to 6th c.One of the lesser-known aspects of Armenian cuisine is cheese.The farm is lcoated in the picturesque province of Gegharkunik where nature meets centuries-old traditions of hospitality and culinary arts.The process of making the cheese involves natural aging in old cellars.The company is specialized in the production of wine-cheese,cognac-cheese,"horats" and parmesan-type cheeses.Transfer to Yerevan.Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.(B/-D)

Day 7: Armenia's Sacred Landscapes

Yerevan – Khor Virap – Noravank – Tushpa Winer Caller – Yerevan (~250 km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Ararat Province. Visit Khor Virap, perched on a dramatic hilltop in the Ararat Plain, a site of profound historical and spiritual significance, offering breathtaking views and a deep connection to Armenia’s ancient Christian heritage. The name "Khor Virap" translates to "deep dungeon," a reference to its historical use as a place of imprisonment and persecution. Drive to Noravank. Noravank is a breathtaking monastery complex renowned for its stunning natural setting and architectural splendor. This historic site, located about 122 kilometers from Yerevan, is celebrated for its striking red rock formations, which provide a dramatic backdrop to the ancient church structures and add to the site ethereal beauty. Visit “Tushpa Wine Cellar”. Here we will take tour inside the factory and enjoy high quality Armenian wine in all its perfection and delicate taste. Drive back to Yerevan.
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/-/-)

Optional visit: Noa Winery
Noa Winery, located in the Ararat Valley of Armenia, is a distinguished producer of Armenian wines known for its commitment to quality and innovation. Established with a vision to blend traditional winemaking techniques with modern practices, Noa Winery has quickly gained recognition for its exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. The winery is situated in a region famed for its rich volcanic soil and favorable climate, which provide ideal conditions for growing a diverse range of grape varieties. Noa Winery focuses on producing a variety of wines, from robust reds and crisp whites to elegant rosés, each reflecting the characteristics of the Armenian landscape.

Package: Classic Wine Tour-2, 27 USD per person

Drink of the day: Noa Tozot Rosé, Noa White Cuvée, Noa Red Classic, Noa Natural Sweet

*Tushpa Wine Caller is closed on Thursdays.

Day 8: Echoes of the Earth

Yerevan – Geghard – Garni – Symphony of Stones – Yerevan (~80 km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Geghard. Geghard Monastery, a captivating and historically rich site, is within the dramatic cliffs of the Azat River Gorge in Armenia’s Kotayk Province. Often referred to as "Geghardavank" meaning "the monastery of the spear" this remarkable complex is renowned for its stunning rock-cut architecture and profound spiritual significance. Visit the Garni Temple, located in the village of Garni in Armenia, a remarkable ancient structure and one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country. Dating back to the 1st century AD, it was built during the reign of King Tiridates I, a notable ruler of the Artaxiad dynasty. Lunch in the local restaurant with “Lavash” baking presentation. The temple is dedicated to Mihr, the sun god, reflecting the influence of Hellenistic and Roman architectural styles on Armenian culture. Visit the "Symphony of Stones" referring to the striking geological formation found in the Basaltic Prisms of the Garni Gorge in Armenia. This natural wonder is characterized by its unique arrangement of basalt columns, which were formed from volcanic activity millions of years ago. The columns are remarkably well-organized, creating a pattern that resembles organ pipes or a symphony’s harmonic structure, hence the name.

Drive to Yerevan.
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/L/-)

Day 9: Back home!

Departure

Transfer to the Airport.Departure.