Yerevan

Arrival at the Zvartnoc airport and transfer to the hotel.

Yerevan

Breakfast. We will start the tour with the tour in the capital of Armenia: Yerevan. For ages this city has been known as a “pink city” because of the color of the stone it has been built with. So we will visit Republic square, Mashtoc Avenue, the House of Opera and Ballet after Aram Khachatryan, the park “Cascad”. Then we will visit the Manuscript Museum of Armenia, which is called Matenadaran; here all ancient Armenian Manuscripts are kept. Visit Terracota Ceramic Studio for master class of clay art and craft. You are welcome to paricipate and leave your own masterpeice. Visit local market of fruits and dry fruits and homemade sweets. Overnight in the hotel. (B)

Armavir Province

Zvartnots – Ejmiatsin Departure to Echmiadzin. On the way, we will stop to visit the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, built in the 7th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continuing to Echmiadzin, visit the Church of St. Hripsime, a masterpiece of classical Armenian architecture, also dating back to the 7th century, famous for its fine structure and historical importance. Continuing our journey, we will visit the Cathedral of Echmiadzin, also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This place of great spirituality is the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church and represents the cradle of Christianity in Armenia, the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion. Today Echmiadzin is the Holy See of the Catholicos.

Ararat Province

Khor Virap Monastery We begin the day by departing for the Ararat region to visit Khor Virap Monastery, a famous pilgrimage site known for its spiritual and historical importance. This monastery is a significant site for Armenian Christians, as it stands on the site of the imprisonment of St. Gregory the Illuminator, who is credited with converting Armenia to Christianity in the 4th century. The name 'Khor Virap' means "deep ditch," referring to the place where St. Gregory was imprisoned for thirteen years. During the visit, we will explore the ancient structures of the monastery and have the opportunity to better understand the life and suffering of St. Gregory, as well as his impact on the Armenian faith. One of the most spectacular features of Khor Virap is the panoramic view of the biblical Mount Ararat. This scenery is not only of great beauty, but is also full of symbolic meaning for the Armenian people.

Vayots Dzor Province

Visit Momik Winery – lunch with wine degustation During your visit to Momik Winery, you will discover the fascinating history of a family that has been passionate about growing and producing wines using the endemic Areni grape for over 40 years. This winery is an example of how the art of winemaking is passed down from generation to generation, with each family member bringing their own contribution and experience to the process. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to learn how traditional techniques have been integrated with modern methods to create high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Lunch and tasting of several wines, exploring the rich and complex flavors that characterize the winery's products. A visit to Momik Winery is not only an opportunity to savor great wines, but also a journey through the history and culture of wine in Armenia, which will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Vayots Dzor Province

Noravank Monastery We continue our journey to Noravank Monastery, a place of extraordinary beauty and spiritual significance. This monastery, located in a spectacular area surrounded by high red cliffs, is famous not only for its breathtaking landscape, but also for its historical sculptures and architecture. Dinner at the hotel Overnight in Yeghegis

Syunik Province

Ceramics workshop in Sisian We start our day with a drive to Sisian. During the visit, we will explore the studio of two talented local artists, Vahagn Hambardzumyan and Zara Gasparyan, to learn about the roots of Armenian ceramics and decorative art. Here, you will have the opportunity to take part in a batik-painting masterclass led by Zara. During the workshop, Zara will present the petroglyphs of Mount Ukhtasar, ancient carvings that tell stories and legends of past eras. You will have the opportunity to choose your favorite petroglyph and draw it on a batik scarf, creating a unique and personal accessory. Zara will teach you the techniques needed to create a work of art with your own hands, sharing with you the secrets of batik-painting.

Syunik Province

Karahunj Visit Karahunj, also known as Zorakarer, is one of the most fascinating and mysterious archaeological sites in Armenia. This ancient monument is dated to over 3,500 years old, making it older than Stonehenge and about 3,000 years older than the Egyptian pyramids, which underlines its historical importance. According to numerous archaeologists who have studied the site, Karahunj was probably a highly developed astronomical observatory. Karahunj is not just an archaeological site, but a real journey through time.

Syunik Province

Tatev Monastery Continuing our journey, we head to the Tatev Monastery Complex, a site of extraordinary beauty and historical importance, dating back to the 9th to the 13th centuries. Tatev has been a famous center of learning and culture, as well as an important spiritual hub for Armenians. To reach the monastery, we will have the opportunity to use the longest cable car in the world. The cable car is known as "Wings of Tatev". Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the ancient churches and various monastic buildings, admiring the extraordinary architecture and artistic details that characterize this sacred place. This visit will be an unforgettable adventure between nature and spirituality.

Syunik Province

Selim Carvanserai Today we travel the ancient routes once used by travelers on the Great Silk Road. Our journey will take us to the Selim Caravanserai, a crucial stop for merchants, traders, and travelers throughout the centuries. Located in Armenia and built in 1332 by order of Prince Chesar Orbelian, this caravanserai is an important example of medieval architecture along the historic route between East and West. Strategically located along the Selim Pass (also known as the Vardenyats Pass), the caravanserai offered a safe haven for traders transporting valuable goods, such as silk, spices, and precious metals, from one end of the Eurasian continent to the other.

Gegharkunik Province

Noratus Cemetery Noratus Cemetery is an ancient medieval cemetery located in the village of Noratus. This cemetery is home to the largest collection of khachkars, traditional Armenian stone crosses, which cover an area of ​​about seven hectares. Noratus Cemetery, in addition to being the largest surviving khachkar site, is also a place of great historical value. Many khachkars were erected to commemorate events, celebrate battles or to pay homage to the deceased, transforming the cemetery into a true open-air museum reflecting the sacred art and spirituality of the Armenian nation.

Gegharkunik Province

Lake Sevan Departure to Lake Sevan, one of the largest and highest freshwater lakes in the world, located about 1,900 meters above sea level. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Lake Sevan is often called the "blue pearl" of Armenia for its breathtaking beauty and crystal-clear water that reflect the blue skies. Here, we will have the opportunity to enjoy a splendid panorama, admiring the contrast between the turquoise waters of the lake and the surrounding peaks. After admiring this wonderful landscape, we will head to the Sevan Peninsula, one of the most iconic areas of the lake. This peninsula, once an island before the water level of the lake dropped, is home to two ancient monasteries: Sevanavank, a historic monastic complex dating back to the 9th-10th centuries.

Tavush Province

Diijan Departure to the city of Dilijan, known as the "Armenian Switzerland" for its natural beauty and green mountainous landscapes. During the journey, we will have the opportunity to pass through beautiful scenery, with majestic mountains and lush forests that will accompany us along the way. We will breathe in the fresh and pure mountain air, a real treat for the senses, while we immerse ourselves in the tranquility of this pristine region. The journey will be a perfect opportunity to appreciate the extraordinary natural beauty of Armenia, among rivers, green valleys and peaks that stand out on the horizon. The route will take us along the Sharamberyan road, a charming route that passes through picturesque landscapes until it reaches the historical heart of the city of Dilijan. Upon arrival, we will immerse ourselves in Old Dilijan, the historical part of the city.

Tavush Province

Molokan’s house visit Departure to the village of Fioletovo, where visitors will have the opportunity to be welcomed into the home of the Molocans, a religious community of Russian origin, and learn about their traditions. The Molocans are a dissident Christian sect, which arose in the 18th century in Russia, characterized by particular religious practices, such as the rejection of icons and Orthodox rituals. Many of them emigrated to different parts of the world, including Armenia, where the village of Fioletovo is located. It is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of this group, participating in an authentic experience of cultural exchange. Here you can taste tea from a samovar, ''Pan cake'' and pastries.

Lori Province

Dsegh Village The tour continues to the village of Dsegh, in the Lori region. Visit to the house of Ashot and Anahit Bezhanyan, they invite you to a pleasant hike and give you the opportunity to learn about the fascinating tradition of gathering food from the forests. Your guides will choose the route based on the richness of the forest in that season, ensuring that your choice of foraged ingredients is always rich. We can also visit the small lake “Tsover”, after we return to the local house and with Anahit we prepare jams, flavors, juices from the collected products.

Kotayk Province

Garni Pagan Temple Departure to Garni, located about 30 km from Yerevan, a place rich in history and culture, which represents an important testimony of the Hellenistic and Roman presence in Armenia. Garni is famous for its natural beauty and for having been one of the residences of the Armenian royals of the Arshakuni Dynasty, who ruled the region during its period of maximum expansion. The Temple of Garni, a magnificent example of Hellenistic architecture dating back to the 1st century AD. This temple is dedicated to the Sun God, Mithra, and represents one of the few remnants of pagan architecture that have been preserved in Armenia. Its elevated position offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Azat River Valley and the surrounding mountains, making it not only a place of worship, but also an extraordinary panoramic point.

Kotayk Province

Symphony of Stones Garni Gorge is truly one of the most extraordinary places in Armenia, known for its natural beauty and unique geological formations. The “Basalt Organ” is a natural wonder that amazes with its extraordinary symmetry and basalt columns, which look just like the pipes of a musical organ, creating a fascinating landscape. The formation of this gorge dates back millions of years, and is the result of volcanic activity followed by erosion processes, which makes it not only a place of great beauty, but also of scientific interest. Visitors can admire not only the imposing basalt columns, but also the entire gorge, which offers spectacular views and unique photo opportunities.

Kotayk Province

Lunch at a local house "Abelyan house" "Lavash" Master Class Afterwards, we will visit a local house, where you will have the opportunity to see and participate in the preparation of traditional Armenian bread, Lavash. This bread is very thin and is usually sold in large loaves. Prepared according to ancient methods, Lavash is baked in an underground oven called 'tonir', which gives the bread a unique flavor and inimitable texture. In 2015, Lavash was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, highlighting the importance of this tradition in Armenian culture.

Kotayk Province

Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating places in Armenia. Its location in a deep canyon, surrounded by towering rock walls, creates a truly mystical atmosphere, perfect for spiritual reflection and contemplation. The monastery's history, which dates back to the 4th century, is intrinsically linked to Armenian Christian tradition. Its name, "Geghard," means "spear," and refers to the spear that, according to tradition, pierced the body of Christ. The monastery's rock-hewn architecture is extraordinary: many of the churches and chapels were carved directly into the rock, showing the incredible skill and creativity of Armenian craftsmen. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Geghard Monastery is protected for its historical and cultural importance, making it a place of great interest not only for pilgrims, but also for tourists and scholars.

Yerevan

Transfer to the airport.