Itinerary

Day 1. Yerevan

Arrival in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. You will be met by our representatives at the airport and will be transferred to the hotel. Today we start our Armenia Tour with discovering Yerevan. Founded in 782 BC this mix of the ancient and modern attracts travelers from all over the world. Visit the extensive collections of the State History Museum of Armenia. The Matenadaran is a renown depository of ancient manuscripts including many hand-written bibles. At the Yerevan Brandy Company, learn about Armenia's long tradition of its most famous drink. We finish our sightseeing tour with an exploration of wool carpet production. Armenia is recognized as an historic region for some of the earliest oriental carpets. Welcome dinner.

Day 2. Etchmiadzin - Azat River Valley

Sightseeing drive to Etchmiadzin – the spiritual center of Armenia and the seat of the All Armenian Patriarch. Sightseeing tour to the UNESCO heritage sites of the 7th c. Church St. Hripsime and Zvartnots Cathedral, Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin (303 AD), and the Monastery of Geghard. This afternoon explore the ancient 3rd c. Fortress of Garni. This evening enjoy participating in the process of making Armenian lavash bread. Dinner.

Day 3. Khor Virap, Noravank, and Tatev

Today we visit three important monasteries, in incredibly picturesque settings. Khor Viap Monastery, one of the cradles of Armenian Christianity, Noravank Monastery (4-14th c.) and magnificent Tatev Monastery. Khor Viap is set against a backdrop of biblical Mount Ararat, just across the Turkish border. Norovank is preserved in a peaceful narrow river valley, its churches beautifully carved and the area dotted with khachkars. Uniquely Armenian, these carved religious stones are one of the most characteristic symbols of Armenian identity and Christian art. Tatev is located on a promontory rising above the Vorotan River, once an important medieval educational, theological and administrative center. While driving up to the monastery we'll stop for photos at the Devil's Bridge, a natural, stalactite draped bridge in the Vorotan gorge. Accommodation in Goris.

Day 4. Karahunj – Selim Noratus

Armenia was an important center on the Great Silk Road. Discover well preserved ancient sites like Karahunj-Armenia's Stonehenge, the Caravansary of Selim high on a mountain pass, and khachkars at the medieval cemetery of Noratus.  We will finish our tour with the 9th c. Hayravank Monastery perched on a rock by Lake Sevan. Overnight at the Lakeshore hotel.

Day 5. Tsakhkadzor - Dilijan

Scenic drive to Tsakhkadzor. Located on the foot of Mount Teghenis, visit the 11th c. Monastery of Kecharis, a major center of learning, the 9th c. Monastery of Sevanavank on the hill of the Sevan Peninsula. We'll enjoy a lunch of fresh fish at the restaurant beneath the hill and looking over lake Sevan. Another charming resort town – Dilijan is home to the Ethnographical museum, and there will be an opportunity to meet local crafts people and visit their workshops. The next stop will be at the newly renovated Monastery of Haghartsin. This architectural jewel of the 10-14th centuries is located deep in the forest of Dilijan. The scenic road will lead us to our accommodation at the Yenokavan Resort.

Day 6. Yenokavan Resort

Yenokavan Resort offers a homey atmosphere, and opportunities galore to explore its forested mountain surroundings. We start the day hiking the path on the edge of a canyon, with hidden caves, and a landscape of trees, jutting rock faces, and waterfalls. The afternoon offers more hiking or horseback riding. Overnight.

Day 7. Lori - Dzoraget

Explore the jewels of Northern Armenia. Our first destination will be the Monastery of Haghpat (10-13th c.) nestled on a promontory in the Lori region. An internationally recognized medieval structure and UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was a thriving intellectual and cultural center in the 11-13th centuries. We'll visit the Monastery of Sanahin and the 6th c. Odzun Church. Overnight in Dzoraget.

Day 8. Yerevan

On our 3 hour drive back to Yerevan we'll stop by the 4th c. Holy Cross Church in Aparan, one of the earliest Christian constructions in the world. On arrival at the hotel, enjoy a free afternoon to explore more of Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 9. Around Mount Aragats

We enjoy our last day on the foothills of Mount Aragats – the highest mountain of Armenia. Visit the Fortress of Amberd (9-11th c.). Built at an elevation of 7550 ft / 2300 m it served an important role in defense against the Mongols. We drive up closer to the peak of the mountain for a spectacular view of the region. At 10650 ft / 3250 m above sea level we reach the Lake Kari. Snow never melts on the northern sides of the rocks there, providing visitors cool summer temperatures. An excellent place to taste Khash - a special cold weather Armenian soup. We drive down to the Saghmosavank Monastery, founded by St. Gregory. Farewell dinner in a unique tavern with traditional Armenian cuisine and a folklore performance.

Day 10. Yerevan

Departure from Yerevan International Airport