Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport.
Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
Depart for the Yerevan full 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.
Visit Vernissage outdoor flea market where you can find local crafts jewelry, needlework as well as traditional carpets, books and t-shirts with traditional design. A favourite place also for the locals who are looking for original presents for their loved ones as well as for diaspora leaving out of the country’s boundaries. (fully open on weekends only and partly on weekdays).
Visit “Gumi Shuka”, 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. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
The tour begins with a comfortable drive from Yerevan through the Ararat Valley, a breathtaking region in Armenia known for its fertile lands, vineyards, and iconic views of Mount Ararat. This drive will take you through the picturesque landscapes of the valley and introduce you to the agricultural and cultural highlights of this region.
Drive to Areni Village in the Vayots Dzor Province. Areni is known to be the place where the majority of the local Armenian wines are produced.
Visit Noravank Monastery, an architectural gemstone nestled among brick-red cliffs, just above a deep gorge. Built in the 13th century, the monastery is a lovely example of the ornate architecture of the period. Return to Yerevan. Free evening at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
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.
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.
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. 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. 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.
Experience lavash baking (Armenian traditional bread; UNESCO Cultural Heritage) demonstration. Get familiar with the technique of the preparation. After that enjoy “brduj” (stuffed bread roll) and taste the freshly baked bread wtuffed with young cheese and local herbs. 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. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
Free time at leisure (NO Guide and Transport Service).
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
Departure transfer to Zvartnots International Airport.
