Armenia - Artsakh

The onset of the Christianity in Armenia

The language, alphabet and the church stood altogether to create a strong bond that united Armenians worldwide. Throughout the centuries, before gaining their own state, the Church held the nation together, by calling for unity and promoting the Armenian culture. Whereas, it built the schools and generated a unique educational system, as well as valuable books and unparalleled manuscripts in the world, which also protected them from destroying. Thus, it was the church that kept the flame of "Armenians" alive. During this tour, we promise you a pleasant and relaxing holiday while meetings with the locals.
The Armenians are proud of being the first Christian nation in the world and gladly welcome you to Armenia and Artsakh!

ITINERARY

  

Day 1          Yerevan
Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Welcome by English speaking guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in and leisure time.

Day 2          Yerevan City Tour: Matenadaran - Megerian Carpet Factory
At 09:00 meeting with the guide in the lobby of the hotel.
The day will start with a discovery of the treasures of the Armenian Capital - Yerevan. In the morning, we will start with an enjoyable visit to the Matenadaran, which preserves thousands of ancient manuscripts with their timeless charm. This building is located at the end of Mesrop Mashtots Boulevard and overlooks the whole city. The tour will continue to the Megerian Factory, in order to get acquainted with the creation mystery of the Armenian handmade carpets. Also, we will explore the subway - Yerevan Metro, Abovyan Street, which is one of the oldest streets in Yerevan, and the "Singing Fountains" in the Republic Square. The best time to see those dancing fountains is in summer with its delightful colours.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3          Yerevan – Zvartnots – Echmiadzin – Aknashen – Yerevan
This day will be dedicated to exploring Echmiadzin – the most important religious center in Armenia. On the route of our journey, we will discover the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral (7th century) in Armavir Region. It is the masterpiece of the Medieval Armenian architecture. Later, we will visit the Saint Hripsime Church (7th century) and the Mother Cathedral of Echmiadzin, one of the first Christian churches in the world (301-303). We will have a traditional meal in Aknashen Village and participation in the preparation of Lavash - the traditional Armenian bread.
In the evening, we will return to Yerevan with amazing impressions.

Day 4          Yerevan - Sevan - Geghard - Symphony of the Stones - Garni - Yerevan
Today we will explore the "blue turquoise" of Armenia, Lake Sevan. The tour will continue to the Kotayk Region, in order to discover Geghard, which is a cave monastery from the 13th century. Since 2000, this monastery was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After having our lunch break, we will stroll to Garni Gorge in order to admire the beautiful basalt columns. Later, we will visit the pagan Temple of Garni (1st century). We will return to Yerevan and leisure time.

Day 5          Yerevan - Hovhannavank - Saghmosavank - Amberd - Yerevan
The trip will continue by driving to the Aragatsotn Province. Upon arrival, our first visit will be to Hovhannavank Monastery, it is the St. Hovhannes Karapet (St. John the Baptist) Cathedral, dating back to the 4th century. This masterpiece is located on the edge of the picturesque Kasagh Gorge. About 5 km away is the Saghmosavank Monastery from the 13th century. In the afternoon, we visit the partially destroyed Amberd Fortress from the 11th century and its Church Vahramashen.
Overall, we will return to Yerevan and leisure time.

Day 6          Yerevan - Khor Virap - Areni - Noravank - Karahunj - Goris
Today, the direction will be to the south of the country. The first stop will be in Ararat Region: in order to visit the Khor Virap Monastery, which is situated on the Armenian-Turkish border. Afterwards, the traditional Armenian wine will be waiting for us in Areni (Armenian Bordeaux). The route will continue to the Noravank Monastery (13th century). It is one of the architectural wonders of Armenia, inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. Here, we will have a coffee break in a picturesque restaurant located inside a cave. At the end of the afternoon, we will visit Karahunj, one of the oldest observatories in the world (5000-5500 BC).
In the evening, we will arrive in Goris and leisure time.

Day 7          Goris - Khndzoresk - Tatev - Goris
This morning will be dedicated to the discovery of Khndzoresk Village and its artificial caves. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Tatev, here is the new and longest ropeway in the world, "Wings of Tatev", through which we admire the magnificent panoramic views of the mountainous and the overwhelming landscapes of Vorotan Gorge. Also in Tatev, we will admire one of the country's religious gems - Tatev Monastery of the 9th century, which was formerly a great intellectual center and academic university.
In the evening, we will have a walking tour in the Old Town of Goris. Overnight.

Day 8          Goris - Gandzasar Monastery - Tigranakert - Stepanakert (Artsakh)
We will depart to explore Artsakh - the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh. At first, we will visit Gandzasar, which means in Armenian the “Mountain of Treasures". It is a medieval monastery dating back to the 13th century.
This pearl of Artsakh is surrounded by beautiful dense forests. The trip will continue to Tigranakert City, which was founded by the Armenian king Tigranes the Great (95–55 BC). Later, we will visit the archeological museum. Afterwards, we will drive to Stepanakert - the capital of Artsakh.

Day 9          Stepanakert - Tnjri - Amaras - Shoushi - Stepanakert
Approximately 24km away from Stepanakert, we will marvel at the 2000-year-old plane tree, with a height of 30m. Afterwards, we will visit Amaras Monastery, a church dating back to the 4th century. This visit will be accompanied by a priest. Later, we will depart to Shoushi, where is the magnificent Ghazanchetsots Cathedral - the Holy Savior Cathedral in the city’s main square. The Echmiadzin Cathedral served as a model for the construction.
At the end of this amazing day trip, we will have free time for individual discoveries.

Day 10        Stepanakert - Yerevan – Tsitsernakaberd
At the beginning of the day, we will depart to Yerevan through Goris. On the way, we will marvel at the beauty of the majestic landscapes. Upon arrival in Yerevan, we will have some rest. Later, we will visit Tsitsernakaberd - the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex.
Preparation for departure.

Day 11        Return flight
Transfer to the airport. End of our services.

Recommended trip extension

Day 11        Yerevan – Gyumri
Our exciting day will start with a train ride from Yerevan to Gyumri - the second largest city in Armenia. It is the city of art, culture, traditions, hospitable people, humor and charming lifestyle. Our exploration will start from the old city, where are the ancient houses, the colorful facades and typical wooden balconies. Also, we will get acquainted with the daily life and of the locals.

Day 12        Gyumri - Harchivank - Yererouk - Yerevan
In the morning we will depart to another Armenian gem: the Harichavank in Harich Village, dating back to the 7th century. The famous poets of the 20th century were studied at the school of this monastery.
Also today many students are still studying in this school, as well the monastery itself is a very important spiritual center. Next, we will visit the basilica ruins of Yererouk. In the evening, we will return to Yerevan. Preparations for departure.

Day 13        Return flight
Transfer to the airport. End of our services.

PRICES / SERVICES

Price per person:

1250 €

Extra charge for single room:

190 €

Small group:

4-12 people

Included Services

  • Transport
  • • All transfers and transportation to the visiting places during the tour
  • Accompaniment
  • • English-speaking local guide
  • • Geologist (For 1 day)
  • • Architect (For 1 day)
  • Accommodation, meals and drinks
  • • 10 or 12 nights (comfortable hotels in double rooms)
  • • Full board (breakfast and dinner from the 2nd day of the tour to the 10th or 12th day (excluding drinks))
  • • Mineral water
  • Visits
  • • All entrance tickets
  • Travel preparation
  • • Travel documentation
  • • Visa fees for Nagorno-Karabakh
  • • Map

Excluded Services

  • Flight tickets
  • • International flight

DATES

STATUSDEPARTRETURNPRICE P/PEXTRA SGLNOTES
Guaranteed departure 31.05.19 10.06.19 € 1250 € 190

Aren't the dates of this trip suitable for you? Just inform us with your desires and we will answer you within 24 hours.

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