Blitz Tour to Armenia

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 Dilijan  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

Depart for the Ararat Valley to visit Khor Virap Church. From here, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable view of the majestic Mount Ararat, its twin snow-capped peaks glistening on the horizon. Beneath the church lies a sacred dungeon where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years by King Trdat for preaching Christianity in Armenia. After his release in 301 AD, Gregory baptized the Armenian people, and Armenia became the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion.

The Khor Virap Church was built over the very site of his imprisonment, making it a sacred destination for the Christian world. Gregory the Illuminator was later canonized as a saint and is considered the founder of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The entrance to the underground chamber is still preserved, and visitors may descend a ladder to view the dungeon where he was held.

Near the church are the ruins of Artashat, the ancient capital of Armenia. It is one of the few ancient cities known to have been built according to a planned layout—designed by none other than Hannibal, the famed Carthaginian general who fled to Armenia after his defeat by Rome.

Continue to the Azat Reservoir, one of the most beautiful and significant reservoirs in Armenia, located in the Ararat region at an altitude of 1,050 meters above sea level. Built on the Azat River, this reservoir covers an area of ​​2.85 square kilometers and reaches a depth of 24.5 meters. It is not only impressive in its size, being the fourth largest in the country, but also plays an important role in irrigating the fields of the fertile Ararat Valley. Picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and nature open up around the reservoir.

Excursion to the pagan Temple of the Sun (1st century AD) in the village of Garni. Built in classical Greco-Roman style with a full colonnade and perched on a cliff overlooking a deep gorge, the temple offers a striking and surreal view. Garni once served as the summer residence of the royal Arsacid dynasty. The temple was destroyed by a powerful earthquake in 1679 and later restored between 1969 and 1974.

Parts of the surrounding fortress wall have survived, along with ruins of the royal palace and ancient bathhouse. Of particular interest is the bathhouse’s mosaic floor, bearing the inscription: “We worked but received nothing.” Inscriptions in Greek confirm that the temple was built in 77 AD by King Trdat I of the Arsacid Dynasty.

Continue to Geghard Monastery, a rare and awe-inspiring 12th–13th century complex partially carved into the mountainside. The name “Geghard” means “Holy Lance”, referring to the spear that pierced Christ’s side during the crucifixion, which was long housed here (now in the museum of Etchmiadzin Cathedral). Nestled in a scenic gorge of the Azat River, Geghard is a masterpiece of Armenian medieval architecture. The complex includes a main church, two cave churches, and a royal mausoleum. In one of the cave chapels, a cold spring flows directly from the rock, believed to have healing properties, to restore youth and beauty. Geghard Monastery was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

Experience a demonstration of traditional Armenian lavash bread baking in a rural home. Watch this UNESCO-recognized practice as the dough is skillfully prepared and baked inside a clay oven known as a tonir.

Return to Yerevan.
Overnight in Yerevan