Highlights of Armenia 2024

Arrival at Zvartnots International airport. Meet and greet transfer to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel. Rest and overnight at the hotel. (-/-/-)

Breakfast at hotel. Start our exploration of the vibrant capital of Armenia, Yerevan, where the ancient culture is mixed with modern lifestyle and great traditions. Though the city has turned 2800 years’ old, it keeps up to the latest trends alive with hustle and bustle of contemporary life. We start our tour from the Republic Square, the masterpiece of the architect Alexander Tamanian. Continue to Cascade Complex, an open-air museum of modern art. The complex links the downtown with the residential area with massive stairways leading up to the Victory Park providing a fantastic overlook to the entire downtown from above. The monument to Mother Armenia is standing tall in the park carefully guarding the city from above. Next, we are in the Opera House, a remarkable sample of urban architecture and a lively hub of the city. Freedom Square is just behind it, surrounded by parks and outdoor cafes which are a favorite spot to spend breezy summer evenings. Our next visit is Parliament Park facing the splendid building of The National Assembly of Armenia. The park in newly opened to the public after velvet Revolution in Armenia, May 2018 and locals have loved this site so much that the park has become one of the main walking areas in the evenings. Continue to Memorial park to the victims of Armenian Genocide in the 20th Century. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/-/-)

Breakfast at hotel. Today we head for exploration of the south of Armenia. Departure to Ararat region. Sightseeing at Khor-Virap monastery 4- 17th cc. The monastery is located in Ararat Valley, at the loop of the biblical Ararat Mountain, were Noah’s arch cast anchor. In clear weather you will be lucky to take a great shot of the snow-picked mount at the nearest point. Ararat Valley is the cradle of Armenia wine-making traditions so we proceed to 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. Continue tour to Vayots Dzor region, the agricultural center of Armenia. Along the road you will see tens of fruit stands colorful with fresh vegetables and fruits. Visit Noravank monastery, set higher up the Amaghu gorge nestled in rocky mounts and red cliffs. Drive to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/-/-)

Drive to Armavir Province. Start tour to the town of Echmiadzin, the center of the Armenian Church and the spiritual center of Armenian people. Here is the location of Echmiadzin Cathedral, which is the most ancient Christian temple of Armenia. The cathedral was built in 301-303 by Grigor the Enlightener, the first bishop of Armenians. Visit the ruins of Zvartnots Temple (7th century) which is listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Temple used to a splendid monument of Armenian architecture. Long while ago the earthquake ruined the temple and now even in ruins the temple impresses the visitors. Take a stop at a local house for lunch. There the owner Mrs. Zara, a former TV host, will share her secrets of cooking traditional Armenian dishes. Drive to Yerevan. Visit Yerevan Food & Fruit Market complete with alleys of Armenian flatbread “lavash”, fresh vegetables, dried fruits and local sweets, optional visit to chocolate store. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/L/-)

Breakfast at hotel. Sightseeing on the peninsula of Sevan. Drive to Garni Temple, a Hellenistic monument built in 1st c A.D. The temple is the only standing monument in its style and is dedicated to ancient god of the sun. Short walk of 1-1.5 hours in the river valley around basalt hills reaching the portion of the Garni Gorge typically referred to as the “Symphony of Stones”, a unique and picturesque monument of the nature. The gorge is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After enjoying the scenery, we will have lunch at a local’s house in Garni where you will watch how Armenian national bread “lavash” is baked in the underground stove called “tonir”. Our host is a farmer and gardener who will take us around his orchard to introduce the vast variety of fruits. Our next visit is Cave Monastery Geghard a magnificent monument of medieval Armenian architecture inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list. Geghard is a unique monument in the whole country being carved out of adjacent rocks. Drive to Yerevan. Free time in the capital city and a chance for the last glimpse of colorful evening Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/L/-)

Transfer to Zvartnots International Airport and departure. (-/-/-)