Welcome to Armenia, a country that is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty.

Arrival at Zvartnots international Airport. Transfer to hotel for overnight.

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will start a city tour in Yerevan. During the city tour, we will see the most beautiful sights in Yerevan, like The Republic Square, where you may see the stone carpet right in the middle, hiding history of 3000 years underneath, and the Opera and Ballet Theatre, projected by the architect of Yerevan, Aleksander Tamanyan. Afterwards, you will admire the enchanting panorama of Yerevan and the biblical Mount Ararat from the top of Cascade Monument, visit the Cafesjian Museum of Modern Arts and Mother Armenia Monument.

Then we will visit the History Museum of Armenia. The Museum of History of Armenia is a truly amazing treasury, moving along which, we can literally feel the flow of time and travel through the ages. The Museum once again proves the rich cultural heritage of Armenia, starting from the Stone Age.

Our last stop for today is a visit to a local Duduk master. Duduk is a traditional Armenian woodwind instrument known for its impressive, beautiful sound. We will learn about the history of duduk and enjoy the performance while savoring coffee in the master’s garden.

Overnight in Yerevan

Meals: Breakfast

After having breakfast we will drive to Geghard Monastery. inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage. It is also known as Ayrivank, which means “church carved out from the rock”. There is a myth about the healing source inside the church, according to which, it can cure any sickness even when you drink a sip of it.

Then we will drive to the Garni Pagan Temple. Dating back to the 1st century AD, Garni Pagan Temple holds immense historical and cultural value. The temple stands on a hilltop overlooking the dramatic Azat River gorge, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. It was initially built as a place of worship dedicated to the sun god, Mihr. Here we will have an opportunity to participate in Lavash (Armenian traditional thin bread) baking masterclass.

Then we will drive back to Yerevan where we'll visit Vernissage Market, which is one of the most popular hotspot for both tourists and locals, showcasing a wide variety of traditional Armenian crafts, artworks, souvenirs, antiques, jewelry, textiles, and many more. Visitors can expect to find a wide range of products at Vernissage Yerevan, including stunning paintings depicting Armenian landscapes, historical sites, and cultural motifs. Traditional woodwork, ceramics, handmade carpets, embroidered textiles, and intricately designed jewelry are also among the notable items available for purchase.

Overnight in Yerevan

Meals: Breakfast

After the breakfast we’ll visit Khor Virap – cradle of Armenian Christianity and has become a pilgrimage site. The monastery complex sits on a rocky outcrop above the river plan, and offers a magnificent view of Mount Ararat. Khor Virap plays an integral role in the history of Armenia due to the legend of St. Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholicos, who was imprisoned there for 13 years, trying to spread Christianity during the reign of a pagan king – Tiridates III.

Then we’ll drive to Vayots Dzor province to visit an old cave with an exciting and mysterious past, Areni -1 cave. The mysteriousness of Areni 1 is connected to the archeological excavations done in the cave. These excavations led to the discovery of the earliest known winery in the world (6100-year-old), also the world’s oldest - 5,500-year-old leather shoe. Researchers mention that the winery consists of fermentation vats, a wine press, storage jars and pottery sherds. Near the winery there were grape seeds, remains of pressed grapes, prunes and desiccated vines․ Here at a local family-owned winery we will have an opportunity of wine tasting and will learn about wine production history in this region.

Afterwards we’ll head to Noravank – a 13th century Monastery. The view from the gorge with rocks in Noravank is breathtaking. The rocks resemble ancient sculptures, towering high above the valley floor. The gorge is deep and narrow, adding to the dramatic effect of the scene. The colors of the rocks change according to the angle of the sun, from shades of gray to brown and orange.

From Noravank we’ll drive to Goris.

Overnight in Goris.

Meals: Breakfast

After having breakfast at the hotel, we’ll drive to the village of Khndzoresk. Here you will see the famous swinging bridge, which is is 160 meters long, 1,5 meters wide and rises 36 meters above the ground. The bridge connects the two banks of the village.

Next, we will drive to Halidzor, where we take the longest aerial cableway in the world, called “Wings of Tatev”, It is included in the Guinness World Records. We’ll see the Tatev Monastery which was built in the 9th century and is situated on the edge of a deep gorge of Vorotan River. Tatev is well known as the bishopric seat of Syunik and has played a significant role for hundreds of years as an economic, political, spiritual and cultural center of the region. The spiritual power of the monastery and its surroundings will take you back to ancient times.

We’ll drive back to Goris city. Here at a local house we will have an opportunity to participate in Jengyalov Hats making masterclass

( traditional Armenian flatbread stuffed with finely diced herbs).

Overnight in Goris

Meals: Breakfast

After having breakfast at the hotel, we’ll drive to visit Karahunj- (also called Zorats Karer) which is a prehistoric site known as the Armenian Stonehenge and it is believed to be around 3500 years older than the British Stonehenge. The site was only officially named Karahunj Observatory in 2004 when studies found that it was likely once an observatory.

Then we'll visit Noratus - an ancient cemetery with eight hundred stone stelae with a cross motif. The oldest of them dates back to the 12th Century. Not far from Noratus there is a family farm, that makes its own milk from their own livestock in alpine pastures. And this natural milk is turned into a variety of cheeses. Here cheeses are made using wine and cognac coverings, also there are traditional types of Armenian cheeses, like the popular horats cheese and also some European varieties (parmesan type cheeses). Mikayelyan family farm has a spacious and comfortable space for visitors. Tour consists of visiting underground cheese cellar, learning about Armenian cheesemaking process, traditions and also tasting of different cheese types. Then we will drive to Dilijan.

Overnight in Dilijan.

Meals: Breakfast

After having breakfast at the hotel, we’ll have a city tour in Dilijan. Dilijan is one of the most important and beautiful towns in Tavush region. It is located on the banks of Aghstev River and is surrounded by mountains covered with thick forests. It is a major resort town of Armenia due to its lush nature. The town is home to various monasteries, churches, and ancient ruins that showcase Armenia's long and diverse history.

Then we will visit Goshavank Monastery, situated in Gosh village on a green hill, which was founded in the 12th century and used to be an educational center.

Afterwards we will drive to Lake Sevan. Sevan is the second largest high mountain lake in the world. Here we will visit Sevan peninsula and Sevanavank Monastery (9th century). From here a very beautiful panorama of the lake will appear in front of you and you’ll admire the blue-eyed beauty of Armenia with the mountains surrounding it.

We will drive back to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan

Meals: Breakfast

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the treasury of the Armenian manuscripts - Matenadaran. Founded in 1959, Matenadaran is a depository of ancient manuscripts and has one of the biggest collections in Armenia. During the exhibitions, the visitors have the chance to see manuscripts, individual miniatures, documents, old printed books and etc.

Tour in Matenadaran will be followed by a transfer to the city of Ejmiatsin, which used to be the ancient capital of Armenia. Along the way, we'll visit the grandiose ruins of the three-tiered Zvartnots Temple from the 7th century - one of the most famous temples in the country and at the same time the tallest Christian building of the time. Upon arrival in Ejmiatsin, we will visit the Holy Seat of Ejmiatsin- one of the first Christian churches in the world, built in 301-303 AD, designated as a part of a UNESCO World Heritage. Called the “Mother Cathedral of Ejmiatsin” by Armenians, the cathedral is among the most ancient examples of Christian architecture anywhere in the world. We will also visit the treasury museum of the cathedral - there are many important religious relics, the most interesting are the Spear of Destiny or the Holy Spear - according to legend it is the spear with which a Roman soldier traditionally called Longinus pierced the side of the crucified Jesus Christ.

Drive back to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan

Meals: Breakfast