Sing and Dance in Armenia

Arrival at the Zvartnoc airport and transfer to the hotel.

Breakfast. We will start the tour with the tour in the capital of Armenia: Yerevan. For ages this city has been known as a “pink city” because of the color of the stone it has been built with. So we will visit Republic square, Mashtoc Avenue, the House of Opera and Ballet after Aram Khachatryan, the park “Cascad”. Then we will visit the Manuscript Museum of Armenia, which is called Matenadaran; here all ancient Armenian Manuscripts are kept. After here our tour continues to the museum of the most famous Armenian composer of the 20th century Aram Khachaturyan. He is also the author of ballet, concert and symphonic music. Here you can enjoy the wonderful music of Aram Khachaturyan performed by a nice quartet. Excursion in the Opera house. Dinner in the local restaurant where you can taste the masterpieces of Armenian cuisine. Overnight in Yerevan. (B/-/D)

Breakfast. We will start the excursion to centuries-old monuments Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots. These sites are listed on UNESCO World Heritage list. The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin, founded in 303, is the official residence of the Catholicos of Armenia. We’ll continue the trip to Zvartnots Temple, which was built on 7th century by Nerses Builder Catholicos. During the tour the guide will tell how Armenia first Residence of the Catholicos, the spiritual heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Lunch in an art school where children will show and teach you traditional Aremnain dances. Return to Yerevan. Visit to the museum of Komitas, who was the founder of Armenian spiritual music, he is also the person who created the Armenian notes called ” Khaz ”. Overnight in Yerevan. (B/L/-)

Breakfast. Departure to Lori region. Visit Odzun monastery. Visit Haghpat monastery ( aUNESCO World Heritage Site). Haghpat monastery was one of the largest religious, cultural and educational centers of medieval Armenia. Haghapt is also famous because ashugh Sayat-Nova lived here for many years. Departure for the city of Dilijan. Here we will visit the local studio to study traditional dances. Dinner and overnight in Dilijan. (B/-/D)

Breakfast. We will drive to Lake Sevan which is one of the largest lakes in the world. It stands out with its sweet and astonishingly blue water. Here we can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful lake. Then we will visit Sevanavank Monastery which is situated on Sevan Peninsula. There are 2 monasteries actually; one of them is destroyed but the other stands still. They have been built in the Middle Ages, around 10th century. Visit Noraduz the biggest cemetery of cross-stones of the world. Our journey continues towards the famous spa town Tsakhkadzor. After all the excursions you will have another opportunity to get acquinted with our traditions. Return to Yerevan, visit ”Megeryan” carpet factory. Dinner in the restaurant of the factory. The dinner will be accompanied by the famous band which will play national music. Overnight in Yerevan. (B/-/D)

Breakfast. Departure for the Ararat region to visit Khor Virap Monastery, a famous pilgrimage site, also visited by Pope John Paul II. This monastery is very prominent because of its history; Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia, has been imprisoned there about 13 years as at that time there was a prison in the place of the monastery. Here we can enjoy the spectacular view of the sacred Ararat Mountain – an immortal symbol of Armenia. Continue to Areni village, which is famous for its wine. Degustation at one of the cellars of the village. Lunch in a local house, where besides the traditional dishes you will also have the chance to enjoy the splendid traditional Armenian dances. We will continue our tour to Noravank – a monastery of XII century situated among amazing sheer rocks on the bench of a twisty gorge. This is the only monastery where we may find a unique sculpture of Father God. Return to Yerevan and overnight there. (B/L/-)

Breakfast. Take trip to Garni. This Pagan Temple was built in the 1st century AD. It is the only temple that has been preserves from the Pagan times in Armenia. It was devoted to the god Mihr, who was the god of cleanness. In 1679 it was destroyed by earthquake. In the 1975 the Temple was restored. Then we will continue our trip to Geghard Monastery. Its name came from the legendary lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ. It has been kept here for centuries. Though the exact foundation of the monastery is unknown, the present complex was built in the mid – 13th century. Here a beautiful surprise is waiting for you. In the monastery you can hear Armenian sacred church music. Afterwards we will a local house where you will have the chance to see and participate in the preparation of Armenian national bread: lavash. It is a very thin, usually sold in very large forms. It is usually cooked in a ground oven: “tonir”. In 2015 it has been inscribed in UNESCO intangible heritage list. Here we will enjoy the “Armenian fast food” with lavash and cheese. Get back to Yerevan. Visit fruit market. Dinner at traditional Armenian restaurant with folk music. Overnight in Yerevan. (B/L/D)

Breakfast and transfer to the airport.