ARMENIA PACKAGE 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS

Meeting and greeting at “Zvartnots” International Airport.
Transfer to hotel. Accommodation. Overnight in Yerevan.

After breakfast we start the City Tour of Yerevan city.

Yerevan is one of the most ancient cities in the world founded in 782 BC. It’s 29 years older than Rome. The founder of Yerevan was the Urartian King Argishti I who established the fortress of Erebuni on the southern part of nowadays Yerevan. Now Yerevan is a vibrant and modern European city with a specific accent of unique geography and culture.

During this tour we’ll visit the main highlights of Yerevan as well as the most important museums.

Matenadaran (Depository and Museum of Ancient Manuscripts):

On the northern part of Mashtots avenue there is Matenadaran (a book depository), one of the world’s most ancient libraries. Its collections comprise ancient Armenian books and miniature paintings that have gained world-wide fame. Among its unique treasures are the works of ancient classical authors and rare

manuscripts (also Arabian manuscripts) that have come to our days only in the Armenian translation. Several monuments to the outstanding Armenian cultural figures are located in the courtyard of Matenadaran.

“Mother Armenia” (panoramic view of Yerevan).

Cascade cultural center. Walking in open-air museum.

Lunch during tour in a local restaurant.

Armenian Genocide Memorial and museum:

The memorial-complex to the victims of the Armenian genocide towers over Tsitsernakaberd hill. At the center of the monument there is the Memorial Sepulcher with eternal flame and twelve, tall basalt slabs leaning over the flame. As a part of the Monument the arrow-shaped 44 meters high granite stele symbolizes the spiritual rebirth and bold spirit of the Armenian people.

Street tour including: Republic Square, Yerevan State University, Victory Bridge, Tsitsernakaberd (1915 Genocide Memorial), Sports & Concerts complex, Kiev Bridge, Parliament, Palace of President, Academy of Sciences, Opera house.

Evening free for optional visits. Overnight in Yerevan.

Visit to Vernissage – Yerevan’s open-air arts, crafts and souvenirs market. Enjoy the mix of cultures! Free time for Shopping.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Just outside of Armenia’s capital, a quiet mountain road leads high above the city, offering a glimpse into Earth’s ancient history.

First we stop at Armenin poet Charent’s Arch:

The breathtaking lookout point of the biblical Mount Ararat (known from the Bible as the landing spot of Noah’s Ark after the Big flood).

Drive to Geghard Cave Monastery

An incredible ancient Armenian monastery, partly carved out of a mountain. It is said that the Holy Lance that pierced the body of Christ was kept here. The architectural forms and the decoration of Geghard’s rock premises show that Armenian builders could not only create superb works of architecture out of stone, but also hew them in solid rock. It is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Proceeding to the Garni pagan temple:

Temple of the Sun God Mithra dating back to 77A.D. Being in an amazing natural setting, it was the summer residence of the Armenian kings. The complex comprises also royal palace ruins, Roman Baths with a well preserved mosaic. The 15-color natural stone-made mosaic illustrates various sea images: deities, mermaids, fish-centaurs (a man with a body of a horse and a limb of a fish), a fisher, etc.

Lunch in Garni village and Lavash baking master class

Lunch at a local house in Garni village and master class of traditional Armenian bread “lavash” being baked in tonir (earth oven). The preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread as an expression of culture in Armenia has been inscribed in UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Return to Yerevan.

Visit to Megerian Carpet factory in Yerevan:

The oldest carpet in the world was made in Armenia, early Greek, Armenian, and Arabic historical sources repeatedly speak about the fine rugs and other textiles woven there. Carpets are mentioned as part of the annual Armenian tribute to the Caliph of Baghdad in the late eighth century. In the later medieval period, Marco Polo praises the rugs woven by Armenians. The characteristic red Armenian dye (vordan karmir) was prized throughout the Mediterranean world. An entertaining excursion to Megerian carpet factory and acquaintance with the Armenian carpet weaving traditions. Overnight in Yerevan.

We’ll have an unforgettable tour around the Lake Sevan and visit the Sevanavank monastery:

Sevan is the world’s second largest high altitude lake at 1900m above sea level. Akhtamar peninsula is most popular destination to enjoy the breath-taking view on Sevan Lake, make pics for sweet memories and visit with the ancient Sevanavank Monastery (IX century), which has played a crucial role in Armenian history, serving as a good strategic shelter for Armenian King Ashot II during the battle between the Armenian forces led by Gevorg Marzpetuni and Arab army led by commander Bashir.

Continue to Dilijan spa town in Dilijan National Park:

It’s a protected area renowned for its serene lakes, picturesque hill trails and peaceful villages. Many poets used to say, “If there are woods, mountains, streams and mineral waters in paradise, it must be like Dilijan”. Due to its forested mountains and mild climate, Dilijan is named “Armenia’s Little Switzerland”.

Visit of Haghartsin Monastery

A fairy-tale monastery set amidst flower-filled glade in a dense rainforest. It’s where people see a perfect harmony of untouched nature and splendid architecture where the human creativity and efforts only added to the overall beauty of the entire territory. The restoration of Haghartsin Monastery Complex was implemented by the generous donation of the member of the Supreme Council of the UAE, Ruler of Sharzhah, Sheikh Doctor Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, who had invested about 5M USD for this purpose.

Short walking tour in “Old Dilijan” historic complex and visit to art studios where you may watch handmade works of Dilijan craftsmen and artists.

Lunch during tour in a restaurant by Sevan Lake. Drive back to Yerevan. Evening free. Overnight in the hotel.

Day Check out of hotel and transfer to transfer to Airport.