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مرحبا في ارمينيا / Marhaba to Armenia

7 days / 6 nights

(arrival on every Saturday)

Open Detailed Descriptions
Day 1 - Saturday:

Arrival in Yerevan. Transfer to the hotel.

Day 2 - Sunday:

Yerevan - Echmiadzin - Zvartnots - Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Etchmiadzin, the spiritual and administrative center of Armenian Apostolic Church. Visit to Etchmiadzin Cathedral (4th c.), St. Hripsime’s Church (7th c.), St. Gayane’s Church and ruins of Zvartnots temple (7th c.), (UNESCO World Heritage list 2000). Drive back to Yerevan. O/N in Yerevan.

Day 3 - Monday:

Yerevan - Arart valley - Khor Virap - Noravank - Jermuk - Areni - Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Ararat valley, visit to Khor Virap Church – the place of imprisonment of St. Gregory the Illuminator, who stayed here in the small dungeon for 13 years without any food, accused by the Armenian King of preaching Christianity. It is one of the holy places for the Christian world. It is also the best point to enjoy the most spectacular view of the gorgeous biblical mountain Ararat shining with its two white peaks. The hills adjoining Khor Virap were the site of the early Armenian capital - ancient Artashat built by King Artashes I, founder of the Artashesid dynasty, around 180 B.C. It is one of the few ancient towns, built by the special design of the famous Carthaginian general Hannibal. After the defeat in a war against Rome, he found shelter in Armenia…

On the way visit local winery in Areni village - wine testing. Areni used to be one of the centers of wine production in Armenia. Recent archeological findings makes place worldwide famous. In September 2010, archaeologists discovered a 6,100-year-old 5 winery and wine cellar in Areni (Vayots Dzor province) in Armenia. Within the underground wine cellar, a wine press for stomping grapes, fermentation and storage containers, drinking cups, grape vines, skins, and seeds were found. This is the earliest winery and wine cellar found to date. The findings indicated large scale wine production, quite possibly the earliest retail winery.

Drive through the spectacular canyon between the red rocks toward Noravank Monastery (13th c.). There is such an incredibly beautiful scenery along the road to Noravank that the visitors can not resist stepping out of the vehicle and walk all the way to the Monastery with their cameras to enjoy and record the unique bizarre-shaped precipitous red cliffs. The most ancient monument of Noravank is St. Karapet Church (IX - X cc.). The Church, completed in 1339, is said to be the masterpiece of Momik, a talented sculptor and a miniaturist. The burial site of the Orbelian dynasty (XIII - XIV cc.) is located north to the main temple. Тhe Church decorations include: Mother of God, the Father, crucifixion of Christ, as well as number of engraved stone crosses. Mother of God Church represents a highly artistic memorial. The ground floor was a burial-vault and the second floor - a memorial temple.

Drive to Jermuk, a spa resort famous for the hot mineral springs. It is also called the green pearl of Armenia. The blue sky, fancy outlines of mountainous ridges, the “deaf” noise of the river in the deep canyon, crispy weather, cascade of artificial ponds and the waterfall will welcome you to have a beautiful rest. Our route lies through all this beauty of mineral springs, where we can sip the water. After that we go down to the waterfall in canyon. Drive back to Yerevan. O/N in Yerevan.

Day 4 - Tuesday:

Yerevan - Sevan lake - Dilijan - Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to to Sevan, one of the greatest high mountainous freshwater lakes of Eurasia, climb on the peninsula from where the fascinating view on the Lake is open. Visit Sevanavank monastery, which stands in its greatness on the peninsula overlooking the lake for centuries.

Drive to mountainous resort Dilijan, or so called “Armenian Switzerland”, which is well-known for its forests as well as for its mysterious flora and fauna. During the drive one can enjoy the unbelievable change of the surrounding environment and land shaft from the mountainous lake to the green and rich forest mountains. Visit to Haghartsin Monastery complex which is located in the secluded place of the forest. Haghartsin dates back to 11-13th century and represent a magnificent piece of history, culture and architecture. Appearing unexpectedly, out of the dense forests, in front of the visitors, the Monastery creates a magical impression of a lost world. Complex includes Church St. Stepanos, St. Mary and St. Gregory’s Church, as well as famous refectory.

Visit Goshavank Monastery (11th -13 th cc), situated in the forest beautiful architectural treasure. Drive back to Yerevan. O/N in Yerevan.

Day 5 - Wednesday:

Yerevan - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the only remaining pagan temple in Armenia devoted to the God of Sun – Myrth, in Garni, built in 77 AD by King Trdat (Arshakid Dynasty). The temple is Greco-Roman style with characteristic pillars. It stands proudly on a rocky ridge with a deep canyon presenting a beautiful view. The temple was a summer residence for Arshakid dynasty. Visit to the ruins of Royal Palace and Royal bath-house nearby. Canyon of Garni - magnificent and outstanding scene which creates the image of falling crags. It obtained the name "Symphony of Stones" due to its view. The fantastic landscape of Garni canyon shakes the human imagination.

Drive to the unique caved temple St. Geghard (12th -13th cc.), the name of which means “holy spear” in the honor of the long-preserved spear, the same spear that pierced the body of crucified Christ. It is now exhibited in the museum of Etchmiadzin Cathedral. Geghard Monastery is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list (2000). In village house watching of “Lavash” (Armenian traditional flat bread baked in stone-make oven) making process. Drive back to Yerevan. O/N in Yerevan.

Day 6 - Thursday:

Free day in Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel.

Day 7 - Friday:

Transfer to the airport. Departure