8 days / 7 nights
Diversity of historical buildings and monuments, majestic view of biblical Ararat, the only preserved pagan temple of Garni, a lot of monasteries and buildings from UNESCO world heritage list, unforgettable sights of beautiful nature, the longest reversible cable way  “Wings of Tatev” in the world!
All of these in one tour round Armenia -the first Christian country!

Day 1. Yerevan

Arrival at the international airport “Zvartnots”. You will be met by our English – speaking guide and transferred to the hotel. Check-in and accommodation in the hotel. Then you will have a city tour around Yerevan. You  will see all the beautiful sightseeings in Yerevan: the main square of the country – Republic Square, the building of National Opera and Ballet theatre, the Swan lake near the Opera House, the architectural complex of Cascade. Then you will go to the Statue of Mother Armenia situated in the Victory Park. From the observation deck a stunningly beautiful view opens over Yerevan.

Return to the hotel. Our guide will give you some tips where to eat and to go in the evenings. Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 2.  Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Yerevan

In the morning after breakfast you will see one of the most ancient buildings in Armenia. It is the only preserved pagan temple on the territory of Armenia- Garni temple situated in the gorge and surrounded with picturesque mountains. You can have lunch in Garni and taste Armenian  national dishes.

Then you will visit a monastery complex of Geghard which is listed in the World human heritage by UNESCO.

Optional: master-class  of lavash (Armenian national bread) baking!

Return to Yerevan,  then an excursion  with tasting best sorts of Armenian brandy   at the “Ararat” brandy factory. Return to the hotel. Free evening in Yerevan.

Day 3. Yerevan – Saghmosavank – Amberd- Sanahin – Alaverdi – Haghpat – Yerevan

After breakfast you will go to Aragatsotn and Lori regions.  In Aragatsotn  you will visit Saghmosavank – “The monastery of the Psalms”,  a 13th-century Armenian monastic complex located in the village of Saghmosavank and Amberd fortress , a 7th-century fortress located 2,300 meters  above sea level, on the slopes of Mount Aragats at the confluence of the Arkashen and  the Amberd rivers. The name of Amberd is  translated  as “fortress in the clouds”. 

Then your excursion will continue to Lori region where you see  the two medieval  monasteries   of  Haghpat and Sanahin which were chosen as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will also have a short city tour in Alaverdi.

Return to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 4.  Yerevan – Khor Virap – Noravank – Karahunj – Goris

In the morning you proceed to Syunik region. But before it you will see some important touristic attractions: Khor Virap (meaning “deep pit” or “deep well”), the  monastery located in the Ararat plain, where a beautiful view over Ararat mountain opens. The monastery was host to a theological seminary and was the residence of Armenian Catholicos. Khor Virap’s notability as a monastery and pilgrimage site is attributed to the fact that Gregory the Illuminator was initially imprisoned here for 14 years by King Tiridates III. In the year 301, Armenia was the first country in the world to be declared a Christian nation.

Noravank which is located  in the gorge among the tall, sheer, brick-red cliffs,  is best known for Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) church. It is considered a medieval architectural masterpiece.

Karahunj  or Zorats Karer is a prehistoric archaeological site near the town of  Sisian in Syunik region. The phrase Zorats Karer is literally translated from Armenian as Army Stones. It is also often  said that it is the  “Armenian Stonehenge”.

Arrival in town of Goris. Transfer to a local hotel for night.

Day 5. Goris – Halidzor – Tatev – Khndzoresk – Jermuk – Selim Pass – Sevan

After breakfast you will drive to Halidzor  where you take a ropeway ride to Tatev monastery.

“Wings of Tatev”  the longest reversible cableway in the world (5752 m), recorded in the Guinness Book of Records,  is the aerial tramway to the natural and historic treasures of Syunik,  the shortest, most picturesque and impressive route to Tatev Monastery; twelve minutes of unforgettable flight above the ravine of the fierce Vorotan River and you are at Tatev monastery. Tatev Monastery is a 9th century historical monument, a pearl of Armenian architecture, one of the oldest spiritual centers and largest university of medieval Armenia.

After visiting  the monastery  you will go to Khndzoresk. Khndzoresk is located at a distance of 8 km from Goris. Old Khndzoresk is situated on the two slopes of the mountainous valley. It is famous for its beautiful canyon and ancient caves, as well as swinging bridge.

Next destination is Jermuk. Jermuk  is a mountain spa town in Vayots Dzor  region, 53 km east of the provincial capital Yeghegnadzor. It is  famous for its hot springs and mineral water brands bottled in the town. It is attractive for its fresh air, waterfalls, artificial lakes, walking trails, the surrounding forests and mineral water pools.

You will drive through Selim pass  and visit Orbelian’s Caravanserai or  Selim Caravanserai, in Vayots Dzor region. It was built along the Vardenyats Mountain Pass (previously known as the Selim Mountain Pass) in 1332, by prince Chesar Orbelian to accommodate weary travelers and their animals as they crossed from, or into, the mountainous Vayots Dzor region. Located at the southern side of Vardenyats Mountain Pass at a height of 2410 meters above sea level, Orbelian’s Caravanserai is the best preserved caravanserai in the entire country.

Arrival in Sevan. Transfer to a local hotel. Overnight in Sevan.

Day 6.  Sevan – Dilijan – Goshavank – Hagartsin – Yerevan

In the morning you will visit Sevan peninsula and Sevanavank monastery. You will see the Lake in its unique beauty. Then you will go to Dilijan where you will have a city tour in Old Diliijan, then you visit Goshavank and Hagartsin monasteries.

Return to Yerevan, to the hotel. Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 7. Echmiadzin – Zvartnots – Yerevan

In the morning you will have an excursion to the Matenadaran –the museum –depository of ancient  manuscripts. You will visit the spiritual and administrative center of  Echmiadzin  which is  one of the historic capitals of Armenia and the main religious center of the Armenian people with the Echmiadzin Cathedral, the most important Armenian Apostolic church. Besides the Cathedral you will visit St.Gayane , St.Ripsime and St. Shogakat  churches.

On the way back –another object from UNESCO  heritage list – the ruins  of Zvartnots cathedral. Return to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 8.  Yerevan – airport

We recommend you to visit the Vernissage –an open air fair where you can buy national  souvenirs made by local craftsmen. Transfer to the airport to your flight.