Introduction to Armenia

Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Meet and greet to Yerevan.
Transfer to the Hotel.  

Start exploring the capital of Armenia – Yerevan, one of the oldest cities in the world. The city is already 2,800 years old and is also named “Pink City” for buildings with pink colour. It’s an old and ancient city considered also a modern and splendid. Start your tour from Republic Square which was build 1950s. Walk through the Northern Avenue, which is the modern part of the capital and considers the heart of Yerevan. Here you will find impressive new buildings, restaurants, cafes and shops. Afterwards you close to the Opera House and Swan Lake where there’s plenty of photos opportunities. Continue to Cascade monument which is an open-air museum. At the base of the Cascade is a garden courtyard with statues by contemporary sculptors such as Botero, Lynn Chadwick, and Barry Flanagan. Climbing up the stairs you will enjoy the fascinating view of Yerevan. Visit Vernissage flea market which offer many kinds of national  souvenirs and many traditional items.

After breakfast drive to the historical treasures of Armenia – to Ararat Valley to visit Khor Virap Monastery. The monastery (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.After breakfast trip 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 which means 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. You can also enjoy that beauty and take a photo for memory about your wonderful trip to Armenia. 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.  

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 – by extra cost 

Optional: visit Garni Adventure Park for some adventure activities / Drive quadbike, buggy etc/ – You will choose the  activity and pay directly

Tsaghkadzor is a well-known winter resort town in Armenia, renowned for its ski facilities and stunning mountain scenery. Located about 50 kilometers northeast of Yerevan, it sits at the foothills of the Teghenis Mountains. In winter, it attracts skiers and snowboarders, whilst in summer, visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and the serene nature. The town also features the Kecharis Monastery, a significant historical site, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great destination  for both adventure seekers and those looking to relax in a picturesque setting!Opportunity to ride up the ropeway which will  take you to the peak of mount Teghenis mount from where opens breathtaking view to the fortress town. The road will take you to to Lake Sevan. Here, in Lake Sevan, which has a very beautiful peninsula, we are going to climb many  stairs up to see the church located in the peak – Sevanavank, from where opens also a beautiful view to the “blue-eyed” lake.

Transfer to the airport.