In the morning we leave Yerevan for the Shirak region. The first stop is the picturesque Marmashen Monastery, located ten kilometers from Gyumri, on the left bank of the Akhuryan River among idyllic hills. Marmashen, one of the best monuments of Armenian architecture, was a famous cultural and religious center of medieval Armenia. The main monastery is already 1000 years old, and the spirit of the history of the ancient people is in the air here!
After visiting Marmashen, we head to Gyumri to feel the whole atmosphere of the most colorful city of artisans. In the main square of Gyumri, Vardanants Square, we will visit two famous churches. A stately building made of black tuff is the Surb Astvatsatsin Church, or Seven Wounds. The church is famous for its rich iconostasis.

On the other side of the square is the Amenaprkich (All-Savior) Church — black with orange trim, very similar in appearance to the Ani Cathedral.
We will stroll along the narrow streets, look into tiny shops, take pictures against the backdrop of the famous wooden doors of Gyumri, and to fully feel like a Gyumri from the Middle Ages, we will visit the Zanan cultural center, where you will have a photo session in national clothes (taraz).
To be in Gyumri and not try delicious fish or famous Gyumri dishes?

For lunch, we suggest going to Cherkezi Dzor — a trout and sturgeon farm in a beautiful gorge on the outskirts of the city. The incredibly cozy restaurant serves the freshest fish in any form.
After a hearty, delicious lunch from a hospitable restaurant, we go to the village of Pemzashen, where the Stone Art center is open. We will look at the stone gallery, where various sculptures made of tuff, the most famous stone of the Armenian land, are presented.
The tour will end with a master class on making souvenirs from stone, which you can take with you.

Duration of the excursion is 7 - 8 hours