Day 01 Arrive Yerevan (By Flight)
Arrival in Yerevan, meet assist at the airport later transfer to hotel.
City tour in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, one of the oldest cities in the world. The tour will start from Yerevan History Museum where you will find the so-called birth-certificate of Yerevan. Afterwards, we will leave for Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex, which is an official memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide in 1915. Later, visit to Cafesjian Center for the Arts, which offer a wide variety of exhibitions of contemporary art. Next sites are Opera House and Republic Square, the heart of the city. At the end of the tour, Yerevan Municipality building and ”Noy” Wine and Brandy Company both unique in their architecture.
Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 02 Yerevan Visit: Vagharshapat – Sardarapat – Zvartnots
Visit to Armenian religious centre Vagharshapat ( Echmiadzin), the 1st Christian church in the world St. Holy Mother Cathedral and St. Gayane church. Next are Memorial Complex of Sardarapat Battle, National Museum of Armenian Ethnography and History of Liberal Struggle, as well as Metsamor Historical-Archeological Museum. We will have a great chance to visit two Museums dedicated to Armenian History and lifestyle.
On the way back to Yerevan we will visit “Zvartnots” Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve . It is to note that the Cathedral and Churches of Echmiadzin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots are listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Overnight: Yerevan,Armenia
Day 03 Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Yeveran (By Road) (93 Kms / 02 hrs)
Tour to Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts in Yerevan. Here you will find the smallest and the biggest books in the world. After a comfortable drive we will arrive to Garni pagan temple (1 cent.) at the edge of Azat river canyon, as well as Symphony of Stones – a splendid natural monument.
Then, the tour will continue to Geghard or Ayrivank Monastery (10-13th cc.) partly carved in rocks with specific acoustics in some parts, which is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites together with Azat river upper valley. Overnight in Yerevan,Armenia
Day 04 Yerevan – Sevan – Haghartsin – Alaverdi (By Road) (225 kms / 4 hrs)
The day will start with a tour to Lake Sevan, the 2nd highest lake with fresh water in the world. We will surely visit Sevanavank Monastery of 9th century. After an excursion and enjoying the nature around the Monastery, we will continue our way to the northern wings of Armenia – Dilijan city, and we will visit the Monastery of Haghartsin (10-13th cc.).
Afterwards, a beautiful city tour in Old Dilijan will be held where we will have a chance to see the houses and buildings of 19-20th centuries. Later, we will take a way to Lori region, Haghpat village. Visit to Haghpat Monastery (10-13th cc.). Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 05 Haghpat – Odzun – Ashtarak – Yerevan (By Road) (206 km/ 4 hrs)
The tour will start with a visit to Sanahin Monastery and Haghpat Monastery, both included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then, we will go to see the Monastery of Odzun in Lori region. It is to state that each of them is a unique architectural monument worthy to be seen.
We will keep our way to the town of Arapan to see Kasakh Basilica formally known as the Holy Cross Church (4-5 cc.). Then, we will visit another picturesque place – the town of Ashtarak with beautiful and historical sites as the old bridge, the old mill and Karmravor church. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 06 Yerevan – Khor Virap – Noravank – Karahunj – Sisian (307 kms / 6 hrs)
The tour will be dedicated to the southern part of Armenia. After visiting Khor Virap Monastery (4rd cent.), where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned during about 13 years, our group will leave for Noravank Monastery (13-14th cent.) and Gnishik river canyon with an extremely picturesque nature. Another place to visit is Karahunj (Armenian Stonehenge) one of the oldest observatories in the world.
Here we will have a great experience of watching stars with a telescope. After observing stars, we will go to enjoy Shaki Waterfall located in Vorotan Canyon associated with a legend about a beautiful same-named girl whom a conqueror fell in love and ordered her to come down. But she didn’t want to become a victim of his violence and preferred to fall down. When falling her hair turned into waterfall.
DAY 07 Sisian-Old khndzoresk–Artsakh–Gandzasar–Shushi (227 km/ 5 hrs)
Visit to Old Khndzoresk village, where people lived in caves to be protected from enemies. We will also see the swinging bridge of Khndzoresk village connecting two sides of the gorge. Continuing our way we will find ourselves in Artsakh. The 1st place to visit is Gandzasar Cathedral of 10th century with extraordinary beautiful architecture and Tsovin Kar Lion sculpture.
The tour will end in Shushi, a city of contrast of ancient and modern.
Day 08 Shushi
The day will be wholly dedicated to Shushi, which is the symbol of freedom for Armenian people. We will see Kanach Zham Church, Cathedral Ghazanchetsots, considered to be the religious centre of Artsakh.
Our group will also have an opportunity to see the gorgeous nature of Artsakh walking to Jordus or Hunot canyon. At the end of the day a visit to Shushi Fortress (10th century) is suggested.
Day 09 Shushi – Tatev – Areni – Yerevan (By Road) (395 kms / 6 hrs)
We will take our way back to Yerevan. On the road, we will have a stop at Tatev Monastery (9th cent.) taking Tatev ropeway which is the longest ropeway in the world. It connects the Monastery site to Halidzor village.
Another stop on the way back is planned in Areni village for tasting the best wine in Armenia. Areni village is considered to be the cradle of winery. We will also visit the oldest winery of the world dating back 6000 years, found at this site in 2007. Return to Yerevan.
Day 10 Yerevan
Free day for discovering Yerevan. You will also have an opportunity to buy some souvenirs as a memory from warm Armenia. In the evening, farewell party.
Day 11 Depart Yerevan
Departure transfer to onward destination.
***********TOUR ENDS********
<<
|
City |
Nights | 4* Hotels |
| Yeveran | 03 | Hotel National Palace |
| Alverdi | 01 | Qefo Hotel |
| Yeveran | 01 | Hotel National Palace |
| Sisian | 01 | Hotel Basen |
| Shushi | 02 | Hotel Vallex Garden |
| Yeveran | 02 | Hotel National Palace |
- Accommodation as per the program.
- Meal Plan – Half Board basis (i.e. breakfast & dinner)
- Entrance fees.
- Local English speaking guide.
- All transfers, sightseeing, excursions.
- All taxes
- Personal Expenses.
- Camera / Video Camera Fees.
- Medical Aid.
- Tips.
- Travel Insurance.
- Visa (If any).
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.