Escorted Tours
Upon arrival at Zvartnots International Airport, make your own way to the hotel for your overnight stay in Yerevan.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a Yerevan City Tour. We will start the tour with the Capital of Armenia, Yerevan. For centuries, this city has been known as a 'Pink City' due to the colour of the stone it has been built with. On this tour we will visit Republic Square, Mashtoc Avenue, the House of Opera and Ballet after Aram Khachatryan as well as the Park 'Cascade'. Afterwards, we will visit the Fruit Market 'Gum', which is one of the most vivid places in Yerevan. The Gum Market is near the Tashir Trading Centre, which opened during the former Soviet Union years. It operates every day from morning until late evening. Here, you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, spices, many types of dried fruits, cheeses, traditional Armenian bread (lavash), pickles and more. Continuing on, we will also visit Vernissage, which is a vibrant open-air market and cultural phenomenon located in the heart of Yerevan. Vernissage gathers local artists, craftsmen and vendors who display and sell a diverse array of handmade crafts, traditional Armenian art, souvenirs, jewellery, carpets, ceramics and other unique items. Tonight, enjoy Welcome Dinner a local restaurant. Overnight in Yerevan. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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After breakfast, we depart the hotel and head to Garni, which is approx. 30 kms from Yerevan. Here, visit the centre of Hellenistic and Roman culture as well as the Ancient Residence of the Armenia Royals of the Arshakuni Dynasty. We will also visit the Temple, which was dedicated to the Sun God, the remains of the 3rd Century B.C. Wall and the Roman Baths. Afterwards, we continue our journey to Garni Gorge to see the Symphony of Stones, which is a unique natural monument known as the 'Basalt Organ' due to its unique symmetry. We continue our journey to Geghard Monastery, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its name came from the legendary spear that was used to pierce the body of Christ. Located in a spectacular deep canyon, it is half built into the rock and, according to tradition, dates back to the 4th Century. Afterwards, visit a local home where you can watch and participate in the making of Armenian Lavash Bread, which is a very thin Armenian Bread, usually sold in very large loaves. Lavish Bread is also an ancient bread baked in an underground oven, called a 'tonir'. In 2015, Lavash was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Return to Yerevan for our overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning after breakfast, enjoy a Full Day Excursion of Southern Armenia. We depart the hotel and travel to the Ararat region to visit Khor Virap Monastery, which is a famous Pilgrimage Site and was visited by Pope John Paul II. This Monastery stands on the Site of the imprisonment of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who was credited with the conversion of Armenia. Khor Virap means 'deep ditch', which was where Saint Gregory was also imprisoned. From the Hilltop Monastery, you can enjoy a splendid view of the Biblical Mount Ararat. Afterwards, we continue to visit the Areni, which is considered to be an important centre of Wine production industry. Here, you are welcome to taste local Wines. We continue on to visit Momik Winery. Here, you will be provided with a unique Wine and Dine set that we hope you will enjoy! Our pairings feature fresh local foods paired with our delicious Wines. You will also tour the Family Vineyard. Continuing on, we will take a tour to Areni Village and Areni Cave. The cave consists of 3 rooms, most of which are not yet explored.. During cave exploration, metal knives, fruit seeds, grain residues, rope, ceramics, clothing, grapes and dried plums were found, dating back to 4,200-3,500 B,C. The oldest leather shoe in the world (over 5,500 years old) was found here. The cellar, considered the oldest in the world, dating back over 6,000 years, is also located here. From here, we continue to a local winery for lunch and a tasting of typical Wines. We will continue our tour to Noravank, a 13th Century Monastery nestled among stunning red cliffs at the edge of a winding Gorge in the Vayots Dzor Province. This remarkable site is not only known for its dramatic natural surroundings but also for its rich architectural and cultural significance. Noravank is the only Monastery in Armenia where you can find a uniquesculpture of God the Father, depicted above the entrance of the Surb Astvatsatsin 'Holy Mother of God' Church, an extraordinary and rare representation in Armenian Religious Art. Return to Yerevan for your overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we drive to Lake Sevan, which is one of the largest lakes in the world. It stands out with its sweet and astonishingly blue water. Here, we enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful Lake. Afterwards, we will visit Sevanavank Monastery, which is situated on Sevan Peninsula. There are 2 Monasteries, one of them was destroyed but the other stands still. They have been built in the Middle Ages, around 10th Century. Our journey continues to visit Noratus, a Village located on the Western Shore of Lake Sevan in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. It is particularly known for its historic Cemetery, Noratus Cemetery, which is one of the largest collections of Armenian Khachkars 'Cross Stones' in the Country. Afterwards, our next stop is Mikaelyan Family Farm, where the unique Armenian Cheese has been producing for several years by the Mikaelyan Family. This Family Run Company is specialised in the production of Wine-Cheese, Cognac-Cheese, 'Horac' and Parmesan type Cheeses. Then, we will drive to Dilijan. Walking along the Sharamberyan Street we will come across with many Museums, Souvenirs’ Markets, small shops and so on. We will also observe two traditional houses built of wood, with tiled roofs and balconieswith meticulously carved being typical examples of Dilijan. We return to Yerevan for our overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by an excursion to the centuries old monuments of Vagharshapat (formally Ejmiatsin) and Zvartnots, both of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Cathedral of Vagharshapat (formally Ejmiatsin), founded in 303 A.D., is the official residence of the Catholicos of Armenia and holds great significance as the spiritual heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church. This Ancient Cathedral is not only a place of Worship but also a symbol of Armenian identity and faith and its rich history and architectural beauty attract Pilgrims and visitors from around the World. St. Hripsime Church, an exquisite example of Armenian architecture from the classical period, stands proudly on a gentle rise at the Eastern edge of the City of Vagharshapat. Its unique concentrically domed design sets it apart, a feature exclusive to Christian Countries in Transcaucasia and the Church's striking silhouette catches the eye from a distance, contrasting beautifully against the lush green valley with majestic Mount Ararat looming in the background. Completed in 618, St. Hripsime Church showcases a perfect unity of layout and decoration, particularly exemplifying the central dome system. After our visit to Vagharshapat (formally Ejmiatsin), we shall continue to Zvartnots Temple, constructed in the 7th Century by Nerses the Builder. Although only ruins remain today, the Site is steeped in history and still holds an air of mystery and grandeur, for Zvartnots was once a magnificent architectural marvel, known for its unique design featuring a circular structure with an impressive dome. As we explore the ruins, we shall learn about the Temple's historical significance and the reasons for its eventual abandonment and both Sites offer a deep insight into the rich religious heritage of Armenia, reflecting the architectural brilliance of their time; as we visit these sacred places, we shall appreciate their lasting impact on Armenian culture and spirituality. We shall then visit the Yezidi Temple 'Ziarat of Aknalich', the largest Yezidi Temple in the World. Since ancient times, the Yezidis, the largest minority in Armenia, have been engaged in Cattle breeding on the Caucasian plateau and have guarded their Religion for nearly three millennia. The Yezidi have no Holy Book and their Religion is based instead on the knowledge of their Priests, the right to become a Priest being recognised only once sufficient knowledge has been attained. We shall then return to Yerevan for an overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy your day free at leisure. Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and make your own way to the Airport for your onward journey or return flight home. Meals: Breakfast
Tour Prices are per person twin share in Australian Dollars. Conditions apply and group tours are subject to change and availability. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations. (sr)
