Basics About Armenia

Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the selected hotel.

Overnight in Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Excursion to the extraordinarily beautiful pagan Temple of the Sun (1st century AD) in the village of Garni. Built in Greek style with a characteristic colonnade on all sides and located on the top of a hill separated from the mountain range by a deep gorge, it presents a breathtaking and almost unreal sight. The Garni Fortress served as the summer residence of the royal court of the Arsacid dynasty. Destroyed by a powerful earthquake in 1679, the temple was later restored between 1969–1974. Part of the fortress wall surrounding the temple has been preserved, as well as ruins of the royal palace and bathhouse. Of interest is the mosaic floor of the antechamber and the inscription on it: “We worked and received nothing.” Inscriptions in Greek reveal that the temple was built in 77 AD by King Trdat I (Arsacid dynasty).

Drive to the rare rock-cut monastery of St. Geghard (12th–13th centuries), meaning “Holy Lance,” named after the spear that was believed to have pierced Christ’s side during the Crucifixion. This spear was kept here for a long time and is now in the museum of Holy Etchmiadzin. The monastery is located high in the mountains, in the picturesque gorge of the Azat River. It is a masterpiece of Armenian medieval architecture, consisting of the main church, two rock-hewn chapels, and a mausoleum. In the first cave church, a cold spring flows from the rock, which is still revered today. It is believed that its holy water heals illnesses, rejuvenates, and brings beauty. Geghard Monastery was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000.

Demonstration of the unique process of baking Armenian lavash bread in a tonir (traditional clay oven) in a village home.

Return to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Trip to Gyumri. This is the second largest city in Armenia, located 130 km from Yerevan in the Shiraks region. Gyumri is a city that sacredly honors folk traditions and is distinguished by its warm hospitality. Walk through the historical district of Kumayri, which is one of the few places in Armenia with preserved authentic and genuine urban Armenian architecture. The district has more than one thousand buildings from the 17th and 19th centuries. Visit to the Museum of Urban Life, Black Fortress and walk along the old streets of the city. Return to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel.

Trip to Etchmiadzin (Vagharshapat) — the ancient capital of Armenia. Since the 4th century to this day, it has been the largest religious center and the permanent residence of the head of the Armenian Church — the Catholicos. The Mother Cathedral of Etchmiadzin (UNESCO) is the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It was founded in 301 AD by Gregory the Illuminator. Over the centuries, it was rebuilt and expanded, and today the complex includes the Mother Cathedral, the Theological Academy, the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians, the Synod, and the church’s library. In the museum behind the altar are preserved artifacts of liturgical art: items made of gold, silver, and precious stones, religious ornaments, a massive silver cauldron for preparing holy chrism, and the legendary Holy Lance.

Visit to the Church of Saint Gayane (7th century AD, UNESCO) who, according to tradition, was martyred for spreading Christianity in Armenia. Located south of the Cathedral, it was founded in 630 AD by Catholicos Ezra. Later, a gallery was added to the western façade as a burial site for church hierarchs. The relics of Saint Gayane rest in the southern chapel.

Before entering the city of Etchmiadzin stands the majestic Church of Saint Hripsime (UNESCO), whose tomb is in a crypt beneath the altar. According to legend, she was tortured and killed for preaching Christianity in Armenia. At the site of her martyrdom, Catholicos Komitas built a church in the 7th century, as mentioned in an inscription on the western wall.

Continue to Zvartnots Temple (641–661 AD), one of Armenia’s architectural marvels, also known as the “Temple of the Vigilant Powers.” Its name comes from the Armenian word “zvart,” meaning “joyfully beautiful.” Originally a three-tiered structure supported by massive eagle-decorated columns, it was adorned with carved grapevines, pomegranate branches, and floral motifs. Though now in ruins, the remains still convey the rare beauty of this structure. Zvartnots is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list (2000).

Return to Yerevan.
Overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel.

A trip to the Ararat Valley to the Khor Virap Church. From here you can enjoy a unique panorama of the beautiful sparkling snow-white peaks of the biblical Mount Ararat. There is a sacred place deep under the church: Gregory the Illuminator spent 13 years in prison here in a dungeon by order of Tsar Trdat for spreading Christianity in Armenia. After his release in 301, Gregory the Illuminator consecrated the Armenian people and Christianity was adopted in Armenia as the state religion. The Khor Virap Church was built on the place of Gregory the Illuminator’s imprisonment, which became a holy place for the entire Christian world, and Gregory the Illuminator was elevated to the face of saints and is considered the founder of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The entrance to the dungeon has been preserved in the church, so there is an opportunity to go down the stairs and inspect the place of imprisonment. Not far from the church are the ruins of the ancient capital of Armenia Artashat, which is one of the few ancient cities built according to a special project. The author of the city plan was the commander of ancient Carthage, Hannibal, who fled to Armenia after losing the war with Rome.

A trip to the Noravank monastery complex (XIII- XV centuries), which is an outstanding monument of medieval architecture and a major religious and cultural centre. Located among the bizarre steep red rocks on the ledge of a winding gorge, it is an extraordinary sight in its beauty. The western facade of the building is especially beautiful, decorated with cantilevered stairs leading to the second floor.

Passage through Areni is the cradle of winemaking. During recent archaeological excavations in the Areni area (Vayots Dzor province) in modern Armenia, a winery and 5 wine cellars from 6,100 years ago were found. Archaeologists have discovered containers for pressing grapes, fermenting and storing wine, drinking bowls, vines and seeds. This winery and cellar are currently recognized as the oldest in the world. Archaeologists suggest that our early ancestors used wine in ceremonies honoring the dead, as well as as a gift placed inside tombs. This is evidenced by the wine jugs and cups found in the burial places. According to Armenian and American scientists, these are the only complete and most ancient excavations in the world for the production of wine (more than 6000 years). These findings indicate a high level of winemaking in those days on the territory of Armenia. A visit to the Hin Areni winery, a tour of the factory and a tasting of wines of different varieties.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive to the high-mountain Lake Sevan – one of the wonders of Armenia. This dazzling blue lake is located high in the mountains. Cold and majestic, it conceals an inexplicable beauty. It is not without reason that many artists choose Sevan as the object of their art. Visit to the Sevanavank Monastery (9-th century) .

Trip to the mountain resort of Dilijan. It is located high in the mountains (1200-1500m), covered with virgin pine forests.

Drive to Haghartsin Monastery complex (XII-XIII centuries), nestled in a secluded forest. Appearing unexpectedly, out of the dense forests, in front of the visitors, the Monastery creates a magical impression of a lost world. Haghartsin represents a magnificent piece of history, culture and architecture.

After exploring Haghartsin, visit Goshavank Monastery, a remarkable XII- XIII century complex nestled in the picturesque village of Gosh. Founded by the prominent scholar Mkhitar Gosh, this monastery was a significant cultural and educational center in medieval Armenia. Admire its intricate khachkars (cross-stones), unique architectural details, and serene atmosphere, which reflect the rich spiritual and artistic heritage of Armenia. The ensemble of the monastery buildings includes the Church of St. Astvatsatsin (Our Lady of 1196), the Church of St. Gevork (1231), the Church of St. Grigor the Illuminator (1241), a book depository with a bell tower (1291), a school building, a chapel and a gallery (13th century).

Return to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out before 12:00. Transfer to the airport 2.5 hours before departure