ARMENIA ON FOOT

Departure from home country

Arrival in Zvartnots Airport. Transfer to the hotel and rest. Start our exploration of Yerevan, the lively capital of Armenia often referred as “pink city”. We start our walking tour from the Republic Square, an architectural masterpiece in the very heart of the city. Continue to Cascade, an open-air museum of contemporary art, freedom Square with Opera House, a beautiful building and hub of Yerevan. We visit Genocide Museum-Institute and the monument, memorializing the victims of the first genocide of the 20th c. After good look around we are heading to Ejmiatsin Cathedral, a must visit place which is the spiritual center of all Armenian people (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Lunch in a local Art school. On the way back stop at Zvartnots Ruins, another Unesco Site. Our welcome dinner is in an Armenian traditional restaurant with live folk music. Rest and overnight. (B/L/D)
Total Hiking: ~1.5 hours

After breakfast we drive to Geghard. On the way photo stop at Charents Arch for amazing views over mount Ararat. Above the gorge of the Azat river, we visit Geghard Monastery (UNESCO) distinctive for its rock architecture and the church carved inside the rock. We start our hiking to Havuts Tar (1.800m) half ruined but still remarkable walled monastery. Our hiking trail starts at Garni village center passing along Garni gorge called “Symphony of Stones”, a unique and picturesque monument of the nature gorge where we have a photo stop. The hike take overall 3 hours and is a perfect combination of nature, rocks and architecture. Drive to Lake Sevan, the so called “Emerald of Armenia”. Walk up the many stairs up to the peninsula to admire the delightful views of sunset over the lake. After dinner rest and overnight at the hotel in Sevan. (B/L/D)
Total Hiking:~ 3 hours

We start our exploration of the north driving to Dilijan, one of the most important resorts оf Armenia, often referred to as the “Little Switzerland” of Armenia. Our hiking trail begins at Parz Lake (Clear Lake), a small, picturesque lake nestled in Dilijan highlands. From here we will trek through lush, dense woodlands, suddenly emerging in a vast grassy meadow from which we will descend to Gosh village, finishing our hike at the breathtaking medieval monastery of Goshavank, comfortably settled on the right side of the Getik River. Before we continue our driving to north we still explore Dilijan, visiting the old town and a studio of a local woodworker to watch how solid wood turns into lively figures. We arrive in Active Leisure Club “Apaga Resort’’ in Yenokavan village. Accommodate at private bungalows perfectly situated in the “oasis” of forested mountains. We have an organic dinner at the resort with natural products. Rest and overnight. (B/L/D)
Total Hiking: ~3 hours

Free morning to enjoy the amazing nature of the area or choose to take one of the multi activities of Yenokavan active club. It includes horseback riding, zip line aerial runway for extreme lovers etc. Early afternoon we start our hiking through the dense forests of Lastiver in outskirts of Yenokavan. The trail passes by Khachaghbyur river, pristine nature and historical monuments. During this hiking tour you’ll see the caves and the waterfalls of Lastiver, untouched and hidden from a man’s eye. Picnic lunch with Khorovats making in the nature amidst breathtaking nature. Khorovats is an Armenian style barbeque and an inseparable element of any festive local event. Continue driving north visiting monastic complex of Haghpat (976 AD) listed in UNESCO World Heritage list. Dinner and overnight in a hotel next to the Monastery.
Total Hiking: ~3 hours

We are in Alaverdi, an industrial center of Armenia. We can’t miss the chance to visit the newly renovated Mikoyan brother’s Museum and go back to the Soviet Past of Armenia. Two remarkable Armenian brothers who changed not just Soviet Union but affected the history of the world. We start our hiking route through Debed canyon taking the hiking trail between the monasteries Sanahin and Haghpat. Our local guide is a local villager who will show us some of the hidden trails of majestic Alaverdi countryside, the historic routes taken by the medieval monks and pilgrims. Our trail passes through the rural village of Akner and crossing the old Haghpat Bridge. This is a delightful hike showing the beauty of Lori region. We start our drive to Gyumri. On the way stop at Odzun village as we have a surprise by local children. In the adjacent area near Odzun church you have a chance to enjoy dancing performances of national dances special for our group by the ensemble of local children. Arrival in Gyumri. Dinner in a local fish farm, specialized in fish breading. Rest and overnight at the hotel in Gyumri. (B/L/D)
Total Hiking: ~3 hours

After breakfast walking tour in the second largest city of Armenia, Gyumri. The most indigenous architecture preserved from 19th century is here to take you to a historical trip of Alexandrapol, one of the most splendid towns of its time. Visit Dzitokhtsyan house-museum, exhibiting a collection of the Alexandropol social life characteristics, also also featuring the cultural, architectural and religious aspects of the city. Drive to Amberd and start hiking to the fotress which stands at an elevation of 2300 meters above sea level on the high cape. It is located in the canyon of two rivers high upon the southern slope of Mount Aragats. Close to Oshakan village, which is known for the final resting place Armenian Alpabet creator Mesrop Mashtots we stop at the Armenian alphabet park. It represents huge stones set against the backdrop of Armenia’s Mt. Aragats representing each of Armenian letter. Farewell dinner and piano evening in local house. Our host is the daughter of Armenian artist who will will treat us with best of home-made dishes. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/L/-)
Total Hiking: 1.5hours

Transfer to the airport and departure home