Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport.
Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
Visit Garni village, famous for its Hellenistic pagan temple of the 1st c. It’s the only pagan temple that survived after the Christianization of Armenia. The place is particularly famous for its nice landscapes and the extraordinary view opening to the gorge and surrounding mountains.
Visit the Geghard Monastery (4th c. A.D and an UNESCO World Heritage site with enhanced protection.) It contains a number of churches and tombs, most of them cut into the rock, which illustrate the very peak of Armenian medieval architecture. The complex of medieval buildings is set into a landscape of great natural beauty, surrounded by towering cliffs at the entrance to the Azat Valley. The spot is the most famous among the locals for the baptism ceremonies and weddings so very often you will be an ad hoc participant of the traditional events when visiting the site.
Descend the Azat River Gorge, where the “Symphony of Stones” or “Basalt Organ” seats. Those basalt columns were formed as a result of slow-moving lava. This natural monument is the highlight of the area and a favorite picnic spot for
the locals.
Depart for Yerevan walking day city tour that includes all the major sights of the capital. Yerevan is on the list as one of the world’s “Oldest continuously inhabited cities“, dating back to 8th century BC. It’s very lively with open cafes, eateries and local markets… Enjoy a panoramic view of Opera House, the magnificent scenery of the two ice-capped biblical Mount Ararat, Swan Lake, Northern Avenue and Republic Square which is considered one of the most amazing and famous place of the capital
Scenic drive along the pearl of Armenia, Lake Sevan, which covers over 10% of the country’s territory. Peninsula is the regular stop with its spectacular view opening to the Lake. Some small buildings from Soviet style architecture will be worth seeing by quick stops as they represent the architectural solutions of the early 20th C.
Visit the 9th century monastery complex on Sevan peninsula named Sevanavank. The peninsula can be named the very point from where the whole beauty of the Lake Sevan is seen.
Head to Dilijan to enjoy its natural and architectural monuments of antiquity, the mountains and the forests that surround you at any point in the city. In the “Old Town” you will see unique balconies and terraces typical of 19th century Dilijan that display the region’s historical love for fine woodwork.
Visit the Lake Parz, a famous hiking destination which is surrounded by thick forests of the Dilijan Reserve. Here trees growing along the coastline are reflected on the water surface and create an amazing “painting” effect. (In case of the groups travelling in a big bus, a mini bus return shuttle will be provided from the crossroad of Lake Parz, as big buses don’t reach the lake).
Drive to Haghartsin Monastery (13th c. A.D) hidden among dense oak woods. This monastic complex includes three churches, two gavits (vestries), a refectory, a group of chapels and several khachkars (cross-stones). It’s an active functioning church and a popular sightseeing area for the locals too.
*** If time permits Visit “Gumi Shuka” in Yerevan, an Armenian indoor market, where you can have especially
handpicked selection of local homemade products: dried fruits, pickles, spices. Experience the extreme hospitality of the vendors who will be simply offended if you don’t try a piece of their home made product.
Departure transfer to Zvartnots International Airport. (without guide)
Today, after breakfast you will be transferred to Santorini airport for your departure flight via Athens
