Discover Armenia

Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.

Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast we’ll start our sightseeing tour around the vibrant city Yerevan. Being established in 782 BC, nowadays Yerevan is a thriving city with the excitement, hustle and bustle of a modern capital. We start our exploration from the Republic Square, the masterpiece of the architect Alexander Tamanian. Continue to the Opera House, a stunning architectural piece and the hub of Yerevan. Freedom Square is just behind, surrounded by parks which have been taken over by outdoor cafes, and finally Lake Swan. We visit Cascade Complex, an open-air museum of modern art with massive stairways leading up to the Victory Park providing a fantastic overlook to the entire city from above. The complex links the historic residential and cultural centers of the city with a vast area of waterfalls and outdoor gardens. Visit Tsitsernakaberd Memorial park and the museum of the victims of Genocide.
Afterwards we’ll visit the Echmiadzin Cathedral – the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church is located and is often considered the oldest cathedral in the world. The Echmiadzin Cathedral is the oldest standing church in Christendom built in 303 AD over a pagan fire altar. This landmark is also protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
On the way stop at the ruins of Zvartnots temple (closed on Monday) – the pearl of the 7th c. architecture (inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list).
Return to Yerevan to visit the Fruit market full of Armenian fresh fruits and vegetables. Here we’ll enjoy homemade treats and get a real taste of local life in Yerevan.
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast we’ll drive to Khor Virap Monastery, a real piece of history. The religious importance of the monastery is related to the first Armenian Catholicos, Grigor Illuminator who introduces Christianity to Armenia. It stands before the snowcapped flanks of Mount Ararat offering astounding view of the mountain – the national symbol of Armenia.
Continue tour to Noravank monastery – religious and cultural center of 13th c. It is situated in a narrow gorge which is known for its’ tall, sheer, brick red cliffs, directly across from the monastery. The beauty of this monastery is appreciated by thousands of visitors not only because of its architecture and history, but for its harmony with surrounding fabulous nature.
Visit Tushpa Wine Cellar, where you will experience wine degustation, tasting the best wines f the region.
Drive back to Yerevan.
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/-/-)

Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Garni village to visit Garni Temple dating back to the 1st century. The citadel and pagan temple of Garni is a picturesque monument of the Hellenistic period and an impressive piece of ancient Armenian architecture. After adopting Christianity in 301, the pagan temple lost its significance and the fortress of Garni became the summer residence of the kings. Near Garni will have an opportunity to see Armenian national bread ‘lavash’ baking process in the underground stove called ‘tonir’. When lavash is ready we’ll taste it with Armenian greens.
Then we visit Geghard Monastery. The spectacular towering cliffs surrounding the monastery are part of the Azat River gorge, and are included together with the monastery in the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing. Some of the chambers within the complex are entirely dug out of the cliff rocks, others are little more than caves, while others are elaborate structures, with both architecturally complex walled sections and rooms deep inside the cliff.
Our next stop is Lake Sevan, the so called “Blue Pearl of Armenia”. This huge mountain lake, which takes up to 5% of Armenia’s surface area, is about 2,000 meters above sea level and is the second highest freshwater lake in the world.
Visit Sevanavank Monastery or ‘The Black Monastery’ built in the 9th century.
Drive back to Yerevan.
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/-/-)

Transfer to the airport and departure. End of our services.
Bon voyage!