8 days / 7 nights
 

Day 1: Yerevan, City Tour  
Arrival at  the International Airport “Zvartnots”, meeting and transfer  to the hotel. Check-in and  rest in the hotel. Then  you will have an unforgettable    tour around our amazing city. You will  see  the main landmarks in Yerevan: the Opera and Ballet Theatre;  the Cascade, a  walking square with modern sculptures by Botero; the statue of  “Mother Armenia”   where  from  a stunningly beautiful   view over the capital opens. The next sightseeing worth visiting is Tsitsernakaberd, the memorial complex dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. 
Lunch. 
Return to the hotel. Evening is free.
  
Day 2: Yerevan - Echmiadzin - Zvartnots - Vernissage 
Breakfast at the hotel.
You will have a great opportunity  to see   the administrative and spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church- Echmiadzin. We will visit the Cathedral, one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. The word “Echmiadzin” is  translated  from Armenian ” Only Begotten fell “. The etymology of the word is linked to the vision of St. Gregory  Illuminator, according to  which Jesus came down from heavens with a golden hammer and showed him the place where the first Christian church should be built. In Echmiadzin you  will also see St. Hripsime  (VII century) and St.Gayane churches.  The churches  are   considered fine  examples   of religious perfection of Armenian architecture.
On the way back   you’ll  visit the ruins of the Zvartnots cathedral (The  temple of angels ), built in the seventh century. 
After lunch you will go to the craftsmen market so called    Vernissage    where you can buy souvenirs, paintings, handmade presents for your friends  and family.
Return to Yerevan. 
Evening is free.   

Day 3 : Yerevan - Garni - Geghard - “Aya Maria” tourist zone -Yerevan
Breakfast at the hotel. This day you will see two  pearls of Armenian architecture - monastery  complex of Geghard (XII-XIII centuries) and  the pagan temple of Garni, dedicated to the God of Sun.
According to  a legend  the spear that pierced  Jesus Christ’s body was hidden for a long time among the rocks of Geghard monastery. That’s why it was called “Geghardavanq” which is translated  from Armenian as “Monastery of spear”. 
Garni was a summer residence of  Armenian Kings. It is the only building preserved in Armenia after the  Christianity adoption as the  state religion. On the  way back you will have a master-class of lavash(Armenian national bread) baking at the tourist zone “Aya Maria”.
Return to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.
              
Day 4: Yerevan - Khor Virap - Noravank - Areni - Yerevan
Breakfast at the hotel.
We start our tour day proceeding to  Khor Virap  monastery  (XVII century) where  from a magnificent view at the biblical Mount Ararat   opens, where according to the Bible, Noah’s ark landed. Next point of our tour is  Noravank (XIII-XIV centuries) situated   among a picturesque gorge with caves and red rocks. On the way back we will  stop at Areni  village and  taste  perfect Armenian wine.
Return and overnight in Yerevan.
                         
Day 5: Yerevan - Matenadaran - visit to “Megeryan Carpet”
You will spend this day in Yerevan visiting one of the most famous museums in Armenia, the Matenadaran,  a research institute  and depository of ancient manuscripts. Here you will see the oldest manuscripts  and books in the world. Lunch.
After tasting delicious Armenian food we are going to visit one of the attractive places  in Yerevan – “Megerian carpet”. It  is just not a carpet factory,  it's museum  with a fine collection of antique carpets. 
Evening is free.    

Day 6: Yerevan - Dilijan - Haghartsin - Sevan - Tsaghkadzor -Yerevan
Breakfast at the hotel. 
Proceed to Tavush  region and visit   Haghartsin, a 13th-century monastery located near the town of Dilijan.  The Blue pearl of Armenia, Lake Sevan, will be seen and amazed   by you.  You will go up the peninsula and see    the churches of  St.Astvatsatsin  and   Sevanavanq (9 century).
The next destination of the day is Tsaghkadzor, one of the most popular ski resorts in Armenia. Here you can visit Kecharis monasteric complex and admire the breathtaking landscape. Return and overnight in Yerevan. 

Day 7:  Yerevan Central market - “Ararat” brandy factory 
After breakfast we will go to buy and even taste  Armenian sweets and dried fruit at the central market where you feel all the tastes and colours of Armenia.
Then you will have another tasty  experience-brandy tasting at “Ararat”  brandy factory.
After lunch in one of the national taverns you are free for walking, shopping and enjoying your time in Yerevan.
      
Day 8: Yerevan. Departure
Early check out. Transfer to the airport for your international flight. 

The price of the program includes: 
- All transfers
- Accommodation in  4*hotel (7 nights) on BB
- All excursions according to the program
- English (Russian) speaking guide service 
- Museum   entrance fees (Matenadaran)
- Historical site  entrance fees (Garni, Zvartnots)
- Wine tasting in Areni
- Meal according to the program (7 lunches)
- Brandy tasting in “Ararat” factory
- Master –class of lavash baking at “Aya Maria”

The price of the program does not include:
- Optional excursions
- Meals & beverages not mentioned
- International flights

Note!
* The itinerary is subject to change. 
**All the hotels can be substituted by a similar class hotel
*** This program availability and prices will be confirmed upon booking