Day 1
Welcome to Yerevan!
Arrive at Yerevan International Airport and meet our representative. Head to your hotel to check-in.
In the evening, enjoy a panoramic city tour of Yerevan. It is the most ancient city in the world, about 2793 years old, influenced by Soviet Era architecture style. The beautiful city is based on Alexandre Tamanyan’s plan of 1924. Yerevan is between 865 m to 1390 m above sea level in elevation. It has been the capital since 1918 and is the 13th capital of Armenia.
Visit the Republic of Armenia, a lively metropolis with an ancient history dating back to 782 BC. Yerevan is located in a valley surrounded by hills. In the southwest part, it overlooks the Ararat plain dominated by Mount Ararat covered with perennial snow. Tour the main monuments of Yerevan Republic Square, Opera Square and Swan Lake, Northern Avenue, Abovyan street with the “Armenian Belle Epoque” buildings, Cascade Square with its Contemporary Art Centre, and Tsitsernakaberd Memorial.
Get panoramic views of the city from Victory Park where there is also the monumental statue of ‘’Mother Armenia”, a female personification of Armenia. Stop to admire the musical fountains, which form water choreography synchronized with the music. We will hear the world’s classical music masterpieces along with national music.
Overnight stay in the hotel in Yerevan.
Day 2
Lake Sevan “The Pearl of Armenia” and Dilijan National Park
After breakfast, head out to the largest freshwater lake on earth in the Alpine region, Lake Sevan along with a professional English-speaking guide. Experience the beautiful expanse of the freshwater lake, the 'Pearl of Armenia', known for its beaches, a medieval monastery and exotic outdoors. The lake has two unequal parts, big Sevan and small Sevan. It is set on a narrow peninsula and also boasts of the historic monastery of Sevanavank on its northwestern part and panoramic views of the lake. It also is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world. Take a boat trip on the shimmering waters of Lake Sevan famous for its endemic fish type – Sevan trout, Salmo Ishkhan. Relish tasty fish of the lake with the backdrop of Lake Sevan, a highlighted thing to do.
Proceed onwards to discover Dilijan, The Armenian “Switzerland”, famous for the Armenian artisans. We will visit Haghartsin (12th -13th centuries) which is one of the wonders of Armenian Medieval Architecture. It is an important and leading scientific and cultural centre of Medieval Armenia. The beauty is in its location, nestled in the forest, surrounded by the splendour of Dilijan National Park.
Before returning to Yerevan the last stop of the day will be at Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort. Proceed up on the slope of Mount Teghenis on board the chairlift from where you get a beautiful panorama scene that opens up over the whole town of Tsaghkadzor, the valley of flowers.
Return to Yerevan. Overnight in the pre-booked hotel in Yerevan.
While you are in Yerevan we strongly advise you to visit the Wine & Grapes Spa, especially enticing for couples. This is the first unique spa centre in Yerevan with amazing service and hospitality. The spa will rejuvenate you with the magical strength of the Ararat Valley's sweet grapes. The wine bathing, steaming, and skin peeling with the grape seeds treatments with fresh blends are cathartic. The massage with grape oil and other procedures takes your senses to another world of ecstasy. Taste the grape honey juice and wine to toast with a divine drink.
Day 3
Valley “Symphony of Stones” and “Ararat” Brandy Factory
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and proceed to the Kotayk region. We will visit the pagan temple of Garni. This is an ionic temple built in the Hellenistic period (77 AD) on a triangular promontory surrounded by deep gorges. We then descend into the Azat Canyon which is a place particularly known for its formations of basalt columns called the "symphony of the stones". The Garni village experience is where you will indulge in the ceremony of traditional lavash. This is an Armenian bread baking technique done by the women of the village (UNESCO Heritage from 2014).
Visit Geghard (UNESCO) which is a 13th-century rock-carved monastery. The monastery's most important claim to fame is the relic that was once kept here: the sacred spear that pierced Jesus on the cross, brought by Jude. It is now exhibited in the museum of Etchmiadzin.
Return to Yerevan and visit the “Ararat” Brandy Factory and Museum. Discover a wonderful world where history intertwines with modernity and tradition, with the generosity of the land and with the creative passion of masters. This is where the brandy Ararat, the famous Armenian brand began more than 130 years ago. In 1887 the first production of the brandy was founded. Taste the splendour of the brandy and enjoy the museum visit.
The evening in Yerevan will be dedicated to relishing Arabic traditional typical cuisine in the heart of Yerevan, in a typical Arabic restaurant.
Overnight in a hotel in Yerevan.
Day 4
In the Shadow of Mt. Ararat, the Noah’s Ark Mount
After breakfast, the tour departs towards the Ararat region to visit the monastery of Khor Virap, a place particularly dear to Armenians. The name indicates the meaning “deep pit”, the place where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was held prisoner for many years. The significance is enormous where the liberation of the saint and the Armenian king's conversion to the Christianization of Armenia are noted. From the top of the walls, you get beautiful views of Ararat, the mountain where biblical traditions tell us that Noah`s Ark stopped after the Great Flood.
Return to Yerevan and visit the Megeryan Carpet Factory. Experience the art of handmade rug weaving where each decorative rug has its contemporary design and is a masterpiece in itself. Be impressed by the processing technologies that restore ancient and unique carpet weaving styles. It is interesting to note that since 1917 the Megerian family engages in the purchasing and restoration of ancient handmade carpets in the United States. The tradition and integrity in the Armenian fine craft of hand-made rug making and restoration of rugs and tapestries are world renown. Enjoy a coffee or tea break with Armenian sweets in the cradle of traditional carpets.
Spend time in the dried fruit and spices market, a world where you can get intoxicated with the magic of colours and perfumes and Vernissage. This is a unique and colourful local craft market.
Enjoy an unforgettable day here that you can cherish for a long time! Stay overnight in Yerevan.
Day 5
Departure
The final day of the tour will end with breakfast at the hotel. After checking out you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to your home country, with wonderful memories of an awesome trip.