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Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport.
Transfer to the hotel
Overnight in 3 * hotel Yerevan
Breakfast
Khor Virap Monastery
Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. As a
state religion, Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavors of Saint Gregory The Illuminator, who, before
converting King Trdat The 3rd to Christianity, was imprisoned in the dungeon, over which a church of Khor Virap monastery
was built in the 17th century. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat.
Areni cave
The cave is situated 12 km from Yeghegnadzor, on the left bank of river Areni. It consists of 3 halls, has approximately 500
m2 area, the large part of which still hasn’t been explored. As a result of studies, metal knives, fruit seeds, grain residues,
rope, dishes, clothing, dried grapes and plums, dated to 4200-3500 BC, were found in the cave. The oldest leather shoe of
the world was found right here. It is more than 5500 years old. Also, in the same area, there were found world’s oldest
women’s skirt (3900 BC), as well as the first winery in the whole world. Nowadays the mentioned winery is considered to be
the ancient one and it is referred to 4th millennium BC. No one has lived inside the cave, at the meantime, wine
consumption was of ritual meaning for people.
Hin Areni wine factory
Vayots Dzor and Areni village in particular has been the cradle of Armenian winemaking for millennia. “Hin Areni” wine
factory opens up the doors of this region to the world to showcase the historic and indigenous Armenian grape varietals. At
the winery the historic traditions of winemaking are well combined with state-of-the-art modern equipment. “Hin Areni” wine
factory has the capacity to process over 250 tonnes of grapes.
Noravank monastery
Passing a narrow road, surrounded by rocks of hundred caves, one discovers a scene of harmony of architecture with
nature. The monastery, enshrined with fine architectural solutions and luxurious embellishments, is one of the brightest
examples of Armenian architecture of the 13th century. Noravank consists of St. Karapet, St. Gregory The Illuminator
churches and St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) two-storey church, which is notable for its ideal constructive and
sculptural work.
Overnight in 3 * hotel Yerevan
SGL ROOM
Inclusions
Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively
Air-conditioned vehicles
Bottled water & pastries
Admission tickets
Wi-Fi in the vehicles
Vehicle & passengers insurance
Wine tasting
Exclusions
Pick-up from hotel and hotel drop-off after return to Yerevan
Breakfast
Arch of Charents
The monument “Arch of Charents” was created by architect Raphael Israelyan. One day on his way to Garni he stopped at
this place and, noticing that a picturesque view opens from there to the Mount Ararat, he decided to build an arch as a
“temple” to Ararat. The Arch was constructed in 1957, on occasion of the 60th anniversary of the great Armenian poet
Yeghishe Charents. It is said, that the poet was also fond of walking around this place. It is like a picture frame, from where
a mesmerizing view opens to the Ararat valley with Masis floating in distance. The following words completing Charents’
famous poem are carved on the front aperture along the arch:
“There is no summit as snow-white as that of lofty Ararat;
Like an inaccessible path to glory, I love my Mount Masis!”
You can make here stunning pictures against the backdrop of the Arch and Mountain Ararat, only the weather should be
clear.
Garni Temple
Garni temple, which towers over a triangular cape, is the unique survived example of heathen culture in Armenia. It is a
blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles. King Trdat The First ordered building the temple in the first century AD and
dedicated it to the God of Sun. After adopting Christianity in 301, the pagan temple lost its significance and the fortress of
Garni became the summer residence of the kings. Nowadays the ruins of the royal palace and the bathroom with a
stunning mosaic work can be found near the temple.
Symphony of Stones: Nature’s Melodic Masterpiece
In Garni canyon one can explore stunning geological monuments, represented by columnar basalts, which are the result of
lava flows. Basalt masses are broken into polyhedral columns, which, due to their regularity of form, have gained the name
“Basaltic Organ”.
Geghard Monastery
Geghard monastery is the unsurpassable masterpiece of the 13th century Armenian architecture. Some of the churches of
the complex are masterfully hewn in a huge rock. From the outset the complex was called Ayrivank (cave monastery), later
it was renamed Geghard (lance) as the lance, used by the roman soldier to sting Jesus Christ’s side, had been kept in this
monastery for many centuries. Due to its construction, Geghardavank serves the best place for singing spiritual songs. The
complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars (cross-stones). The site is included in
UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
Lavash baking master class
As the saying goes: “Bread is the staff of life”.
Lavash is one of the most popular gastronomic icons of Armenia, serving as an integral part of the Armenian cuisine. It is a
traditional soft, thin flatbread, made in tonir (special ground oven). Although the baking process of lavash requires much of
special skills, it is undertaken by women. For centuries lavash has been consumed by all classes of Armenian society, it is
valued for the unique taste and the ability to be stored for quite a long period of time without losing its positive qualities.
In 2014 “The preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread lavash as an expression of Armenian culture” was
inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
During this master class you will observe and learn the millennia-old techniques of making lavash, and, of course, taste
self-baked lavash together with some fresh greens and yummy local cheese. Feeling the smell of lavash once, you will
save this impression for the whole life:)
Overnight in 3 * hotel Yerevan
SGL ROOM
Inclusions
Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively
Air-conditioned vehicles
Bottled water & pastries
Admission tickets
Wi-Fi in the vehicles
Vehicle & passengers insurance
Master class & tasting
Exclusions
Pick-up from hotel and hotel drop-off after return to Yerevan
Breakfast
Tsaghkadzor
Tsaghkadzor city (translated as valley of flowers) is considered to be one of the most popular winter resorts of Armenia. It is
one of the places of our mountainous country, where the beauty of the nature appears with its whole variety. Tsaghkadzor is
situated in Kotayk region, 60 km north from Yerevan, on the eastern slope of Teghenis Mountain, surrounded with virginal
woods and alpine meadows.
Kecharis Monastery
Kecharis monastery is in the north-western part of Tsaghkadzor. It was built in 11-13th centuries. The monastery consists of
four churches and a half-destroyed mausoleum of Grigorius Pahlavuni, who financed the building of the monastery.
Cable Car
In Tsaghkadzor, the popular ski resort of Armenia, there is a chairlift with 5 stations and more than a dozen ski runs. The
armchaired ropeway of Tsaghkadzor is located on the eastern slope of Mount Teghenis 1966-2819 m above sea level. It
has been functioning since 1967. From the height of 2819 m, where the speedy chairlift will take you in 32 minutes, all of
Armenia is visible at a glance, and if weather is clear, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Ararat. In 2004 the
former ropeway was replaced with a new, modern one, also in 2017 important investments were made. Now the ropeway is
well equipped, the active and safe rest for tourists is guaranteed.
Sevan lake
The fascination and the “pearl” of mountainous Armenia is Lake Sevan, which is one of the world’s greatest high altitude
fresh-water lakes. It is about 1900 m above sea level. The lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded with mountains of
3000 m and higher. The beautiful landscape and the crystal water serve nice preconditions for excellent rest.The lake is
also famous for its peninsula and medieval church complex, built in 874.
Sevanavank monastery
A marvelous scene opens in the north-western part of Lake Sevan, where the peninsula towers over the transparent
surface of the lake. Sevanavank monastery was built on the peninsula in 874 by the order of king Ashot Bagratuni’s
daughter – princess Mariam. The silhouette of the churches against the background of the turquoise lake and blue sky
casts unexplainable impression on the visitors.
Overnight in 3 * hotel Yerevan
SGL ROOM
Inclusions
Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively
Air-conditioned vehicles
Bottled water & pastries
Admission tickets
Wi-Fi in the vehicles
Vehicle & passengers insurance
Master class & tasting
Sevan trout barbecue treat
Exclusions
Pick-up from hotel and hotel drop-off after return to Yerevan
Breakfast
Transfer to the airport
Say goodbye to Armenia!
Departure
Departure from Zvartnots International Airport
