A Glace of Armenia: 7 Days of Heritage, Nature, and Adventure

Arrival & Transfer to Hotel: Upon arrival at Zvartnots International Airport, you will be greeted by your tour guide and  transferred to your hotel in Yerevan.

Sightseeing city tour around Yerevan which dates back to 8th century BC. The tour includes a visit to Republic Square- located  in the middle of Yerevan and is considered one of the most famous attractions of the capital. This area is formed by five famous buildings: The National Art Gallery and History Museum of Armenia, which contains about 400,000  exhibits covering the entire history of the Armenian people from primitive society to modern times. The Government House of the Republic of Armenia, The Central post office, The “Mariott Armenia” hotel, The Ministry of Energy and Natural  Resources. The famous singing fountains are also situated on the Republic Square right next to the History Museum and Art  Gallery. This is the favorite place of locals and tourists. Then you will walk to modern part of city – Northern Avenue, Opera  House with Swam Lake, Cascade Monument which is considered to be the heart of the city. In the evenings the charms of all its lights and people from all over the world. After, you will visit the Armenian Religious building.  Armenia was the first country in the world to announce Christianity as its  state religion in 301 CE. Since then, Echmiadzin (church) has become the cultural, spiritual and civilization heart of the country. Today  Echmiadzin is the soul of the Armenian Apostolic Church. In 2000, the  Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin was included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List. There is also a museum that features  relics of special interest like pieces of the cross where Jesus Christ was crucified and a fragment of Noah’s Ark. There are many  items that were brought to Etchmiadzin following the genocide in 1915. The relics are generally kept in the museum, but they’re also brought out during special holidays and festivals for  religious rites. Departure to Zvartnots, a complex of structures erected in the middle of the 7th century, is of extreme  architectural value. Zvartnots is the oldest and largest aisled tetra conch church in historical Armenia. Zvartnots had stood for more than three hundred years and around 930 was destroyed by an earthquake. Today Zvartnots territory is the archaeological reserve and the museum which was opened in 1937. UNESCO added the  ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral to its World Heritage List in 2000 CE.

Optional: Visit The Ararat Brandy Factory, which is one of Armenia’s most famous and prestigious producers of brandy (known  locally as “cognac”) and a significant part of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Located in the capital, Yerevan, the factory  has a long history of producing high-quality brandy that has gained international acclaim. After guided tour you will taste  different aged brandies.

After breakfast drive to the historical treasures of Armenia – to Ararat Valley to visit Khor Virap Monastery. The monastery  of Khor Virap (3rd – 17th cc.) is located in the place of an ancient capital of Armenia –Artashat. The significance of the church is relatively connected with Grigor Illuminator who was spreading Christianity in Armenia. There is also the most beautiful view of Mount Ararat and entire Ararat Valley from the monastery.
Continue your trip to one of the most important regions of Armenia – to Vayots Dzor region. Afterwards, visit  Areni cave, which is now recognised as the oldest winery in the world. The oldest leather shoe was also found in Areni Cave with its owner around 3,500 BC.
Today’s cultural discovery will be Noravank Monastery – a spectacular monastic complex, surrounded with mountains, richly covered by red stones which give one the harmony of culture and nature. The beautiful Noravank Monastery was built in the  13th century on the ledge of narrow winding gorge above the Amaghu River, near the city of Yeghegnadzor. Drive to Goris.  Overnight in Goris.

In the morning you will take time within the charming nature of Syunik region and thereafter, drive to Khndzoresk.  Khndzoresk is a fascinating village in Armenia, located in the Syunik region, known for its stunning natural beauty and historical  sites. One of its most famous attractions is the Khndzoresk Swinging Bridge, which spans a deep gorge, offering visitors an  exhilarating walk with breathtaking views. The area around the swinging bridge is part of the ancient Khndzoresk cave settlement.  The village is built into the cliffs, and the caves here were used as dwellings for centuries, offering a unique glimpse into ancient  Armenian life. These cave dwellings were inhabited until the mid-20th century and served as homes, storage spaces, and places  of worship.
Drive to Tatev Monastery – one of Armenia’s most important cultural and religious landmarks. Tatev Monastery is a 9th century historical monument. It is one of the oldest and most famous monastery complexes in Armenia. During medieval times, Tatev Monastery was a vital scholastic, enlightenment and spiritual home and played a singular role in the country’s history. You will reach to Tatev Monastery via aerial tramway. The Tatev Ropeway, is the longest aerial tramway in the world (5.7 km), offering a breathtaking journey from the village Halidzor to Tatev Monastery. The  tramway takes you on a 15-minute journey over the stunning Vorotan Gorge and offers fantastic views of the canyon.
Afterwards visit Shaqi waterfall. It’s a beautiful natural wonder. The hike to the waterfall is short and pleasant, with the route  offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and forests. The path is not too steep, so it’s accessible to most people. 

Back to Yerevan. 

Continue our journey to Geghard Monastery (13th c.) – a monastery which is hewn out from a cave. The monastery had been originally named Ayrivank meaning “the Monastery of the Cave”. The name commonly used for the monastery today,  Geghard, or more fully Geghardavank meaning “the Monastery of the Spear”. The monastery is also included in the UNESCO  World Heritage list.

Continue your journey to Garni Pagan Temple from 1st c. The temple was built by Armenia King Tiridates and was dedicated  to the God of Sun Mithra. Garni is the only Hellenistic temple existing nowadays in Armenia. The stairs of the temple are made huge and high meaning that every human being climbing up the stairs is condescending to God of Sun.

Visit the  Arch of Charents – a favorite place of tourists, from where opens a stunning view of Mount Ararat and Yerevan. The arch is named after the great Armenian poet Egishe Charents, who loved to come to this place and enjoy the beauty of Armenian land. Relax and enjoy that beauty, take a photo for memory about your wonderful trip to Armenia.  

Optional: Armenian flat bread “lavash” baking ceremony in an underground heater called “tonir” in a local house in Garni.  Here you will learn also how to make Armenian local sandwiches with “lavash” and cheese. In 2014, “Lavash, the preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread as an expression of culture in Armenia” was inscribed in the UNESCO  Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (additional cost) 

Optional: visit Garni Adventure Park for some adventure activities / Drive quadbike, buggy etc. – Choose your activity – payment directly.

The road will take you to Lake Sevan which will be one of the highlights of your trip. Climb the stairs up on the peninsula with fascinating views to the “blue-eyed” lake. Lake Sevan is considered to be one of the largest sweet lakes in the world, at an altitude of 1897m above sea level. Exit Lake Sevan then pass through the tunnel and after a while, unfold the green valleys of the resort Dilijan.

Dilijan,  often referred to as the “Switzerland of Armenia”, is a charming town located in the Tavush region of northern Armenia. It’s renowned for its lush forests, picturesque landscapes and well-preserved medieval architecture. Known for its cool climate,  Dilijan is a popular getaway for those looking to enjoy nature, history, and Armenia’s cultural heritage. The old town area is full of wooden houses, unique architecture and reminiscent of the traditional homes of the region.

It’s a great place for a leisurely walk, with coffee shops, small art galleries, and shops selling local crafts. Drive to Lake Parz, which is surrounded by springs & forests. As the forests are very close to the shoreline, the massive trees, leaning to the lake, are reflected in the water. The  name “Parz lich” literally means “clear lake”. This site is one of the most famous natural landmark of Dilijan.

Back to Yerevan.   

After check-out, you will be transferred to Zvartnots International Airport for your departure flight.