Culture and Nature of Noah’s Land

Breakfast at the hotel.
Discover Yerevan with a guided city tour, including City center, Republic Square, Northern Avenue, the Mother Armenia Monument, Parliament, President’s Palace, Opera House, Swan Lake, Genocide Memorial, dedicated to the Victims of 1915 and the Genocide Museum.

Visit Matenadaran, home to one of the world’s largest collections of 17,000 ancient manuscripts.

Explore Cascade Complex, the hub of contemporary art in Yerevan with art pieces displayed throughout the whole area: the boulevard and up the stairs. From top of Cascade the marvelous panoramic view on the city and Mountain
Ararat is open. Cascade is home to Cafesjian modern art museum. This place becomes even more charming in the evenings, when it is full of people, both locals and tourists from all over the world, enjoying the magic and the warmth of the capital. It is also a popular place for open air concerts at summer season.

Optional: Very interesting one hour tour around Armenian brandy factory offers tourists familiarization with the history of the plant, process of brandy preparation, showrooms and halls of storages. Visitors will also have degustation of 2 types of brandy in degustation hall. Brandy shop at the factory territory will be available for purchasing of these famous Armenian brandy directly from the factory.

O/n in Yerevan. (B/-/-)

After breakfast, drive to Etchmiadzin town, the ancient capital of Armenia and the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Visit the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, founded in 301 A.D by St. Gregory the Illuminator and thus being one of the ancient churches in the Christian world. Later it was rebuilt and currently it stands as a complex including the Cathedral, Spiritual Academy, residency of the Catholicos of all Armenians, Synod of Armenian Church and a library. The museum of the Cathedral has collection of religious artifacts about Holy Mass, subjects made of gold, silver, precious stones, decorations, colossal silver boiler for making the myrrh and legendary Holy spear. 

Visits to churches St Hripsime and St Gayane, both included in UNESCO World Heritage List.

One of the most significant landmarks of the Armenian Apostolic Church, St. Hripsime Church was founded in 618 by Catholicos Komitas. It is devoted to St Hripsime, who escape from persecution by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, and sought refuge in Armenia. Despite being a beautiful and devoted follower of Christ, she bravely refused to marry the pagan King Tirdat III when commanded. Choosing martyrdom over compromise, she was killed, and a small chapel was erected over the site of her death.

Built in 630 AD by Catholicos Ezra I, St Gayane church dedicated to Saint Gayane, a Christian martyr who played a crucial role in Armenia’s conversion to Christianity. Saint Gayane’s story of faith and sacrifice adds profound historical and spiritual value to the site. For centuries, it has been a place of pilgrimage for Armenians and Christian visitors from around the world.

Continue to one of the architectural wonders of Armenia – Zvartnots Temple (641-661), that got its name from the word “Zwart”, meaning “joyful and beautiful”. The remaining ruins give an idea of the rare beauty of this temple. The temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2000). Drive back to Yerevan.

Discover the vibrant heart of Armenian craftsmanship at Vernisaj, Yerevan’s famous open-air market, located in the city center. This lively bazaar offers a colorful array of traditional Armenian goods, including handwoven carpets, intricate woodwork, unique pottery, silver jewelry, and beautiful textiles. It’s a perfect spot to explore local art and handicrafts, where you can find one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take home.

O/n in Yerevan. (B/-/-)

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey to discover the cultural and historical treasures of Armenia. First, visit Saghmosavank Monastery (XIII), a stunning medieval complex perched dramatically on the edge of the Qasakh Gorge. The breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon perfectly complement the serene beauty and historical significance of the monastery, which has stood as a center of learning and spirituality since the 13th century.

Next, travel through the picturesque town of Ashtarak to the village of Oshakan, a site of great importance to Armenian heritage. During the springtime, as you travel along the route, you’ll have the chance to observe storks nesting gracefully on poles by the roadside. These majestic birds are a common sight in the region,
often associated with good luck and the arrival of spring. Upon arrival in Oshakan, visit the Church of St. Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet. Pay respects at his gravestone and learn about his remarkable contribution to preserving Armenian culture and language. His invention of the alphabet in the early 5th century (405 AD) allowed the Armenian people to write their own language, ensuring the survival of their rich literary and religious traditions.

Next, discover the fascinating Alphabet Park, a symbolic tribute to the Armenian language and its unique script. Stroll through this one-of-a-kind park featuring life-sized, intricately carved tuff-stone statues of each letter of the Armenian alphabet, 39 letters in total, beautifully arranged against a backdrop of natural volcanic stones.

Continue your journey with a visit to the Amberd Fortress, an impressive XI-XIII century citadel perched high on the slopes of Mount Aragats, at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level. This fortress was once the residence of the noble Pahlavuni family and served as a strategic military site. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountainous landscapes are simply breathtaking.

Return to Yerevan.

O/n in Yerevan. 

After breakfast journey to Ararat valley. Marvel the gorgeous biblical Mount Ararat shining with its two majestic white peaks.

Next, visit Khor Virap Church, an important Christian pilgrimage site located atop a small dungeon where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years. St. Gregory’s release in 301 AD marked a pivotal moment in history, as Armenia became the first nation in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion. Explore the dungeon where he endured captivity, and experience one of Armenia’s holiest and most significant Christian landmarks.

The hills adjoining Khor Virap were once the site of the ancient capital of Armenia, Artashat, established around 180 B.C. by King Artashes I, the founder of the Artashesid dynasty. Notably, Artashat is one of the few ancient towns designed by the special project by the renowned Carthaginian general Hannibal, who sought refuge in Armenia after his defeat in a war against Rome.

After Khor Virap, enjoy a scenic drive through stunning red rocks canyons to Noravank Monastery (XIII century), one of Armenia’s most treasured religious and cultural landmarks, known for its historical importance and architectural beauty. Noravank was also closely linked to the renowned medieval Gladzor University. Many visitors find the view so mesmerizing that they opt to walk the final stretch to the monastery, capturing the beauty of the canyon and its unique rock formations. Wander this historic monastery, surrounded by dramatic red rock cliffs. The interplay of sunlight on these rocks creates a vivid natural spectacle.

Next, stop at the Areni Winery for a wine tasting experience in one of Armenia’s historic wine regions, known for the discovery of the world’s oldest winery. Recent archaeological excavations in the Vayots Dzor region uncovered a 6,100-year-old winery and five wine cellars in a cave near Areni. Researchers found grape presses, fermentation vessels, storage containers, drinking cups, and remains of grapevines and seeds—evidence that this is the oldest known winery in the world.

Drive back to Yerevan.

O/n in Yerevan. (B/-/-)

After breakfast, head to Garni Temple, the only remaining pagan temple in Armenia, devoted to the God of Sun – Myrth, in Garni, built in 77 AD by King Trdat (Arshakid Dynasty). On the way enjoy a photo stop at the Charentc Arc with a nice view on Ararat Mountain.

Visit to the ruins of Royal Palace and Royal bath-house next to Garni temple.

Optional: take 4×4 wheels tracks to visit the impressive Garni Canyon – magnificent and outstanding scene, which creates the image of falling crags. It obtained the name “Symphony of Stones” due to its view. The fantastic landscape of Garni canyon shakes the human imagination.

Optional: Small performance of Armenian national musical instrument ,,Duduk’’ (Tsiranapogh- means Tsiran- abricot, pogh- trumpet). After the local musician will describe the origin, nature, symbolism of Duduk and fully experience its rich and versatile music. One of the most famous performances of the duduk was featured in the movie “Gladiator”, where its soulful tones perfectly captured the film’s emotional depth and timeless appeal. Duduk and its music
were inscribed in 2008 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (originally proclaimed in 2005).

Optional: Experience a traditional flat bread – lavash baking demonstration and enjoy a family-hosted lunch. Lavash, the preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread as an expression of culture in Armenia was inscribed in 2014 on the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Journey to the extraordinary Geghard Monastery, a stunning XIIXIII century temple partially carved into the rock. Named “St Geghard” or “Holy Spear,” it honors the sacred relic believed to have pierced the body of Christ during the crucifixion, that was preserved here and now housed in the museum of Etchmiadzin Cathedral. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, this architectural gem showcases Armenia’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

Optional: Enhance your visit with a mesmerizing concert of liturgical songs. Experience the monastery’s remarkable acoustics, where the crystal-clear harmonies resonate beautifully within the ancient stone walls.

Drive back to Yerevan.

O/n in Yerevan. (B/-/-)

After breakfast, journey to  Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world. On a clear and sunny day, the water of Sevan Lake is often of a deep turquoise colour. Total surface of the lake is 940 km². Climb on peninsula to visit Sevanavank Monastery (IX c), from where a fascinating and breathtaking view opens over the lake and the surrounding beauty.

Optional: Enhance your visit to Lake Sevan with a relaxing and picturesque boat cruise on its crystalclear waters, feel the refreshing breeze as you glide across the serene lake, and enjoy the tranquility of this natural wonder.

Optional: Visit to Nairian Bio Cosmetic Farm in Ara Village

Take the opportunity for an exclusive tour to the Nairian Bio Cosmetic, Armenia’s first premium natural cosmetics producer, located in the Ara village, nestled on the picturesque slopes of Mount Ara. This innovative company creates high-quality skincare products using the healing herbs and flowers cultivated in the pristine highlands of sunny Armenia. You will have the chance to take a guided tour through the production facility, where you’ll learn about the process of creating skincare products, from the harvesting of raw materials to the final packaging.

The tour offers an immersive experience, available during Armenia’s vibrant flowering season (late May to mid-August). Begin with a guided walk through the farm’s experimental garden, where various medicinal herbs and flowers are cultivated. Here, you’ll learn about the different types of plants used in Nairian’s skincare products and their natural healing properties. You will also have the chance to witness the essential oil distillation process, where aromatic oils are carefully extracted from the plants.

The visit includes a chance to see the traditional methods of crafting lotions, oils, creams, and other beauty products made without harmful chemicals. Many of these cosmetics are based on ancient Armenian recipes, passed down through generations, combining natural remedies with modern technology.

End your tour with a visit to the state-of-the-art laboratory and production facility, where researchers will unveil the science behind Nairian’s cosmetics, showcasing the soap making process and sharing insights into their sustainable practices.

After the tour, you can visit store, where you can purchase some of the finest Armenian bio-cosmetics for yourself or as unique souvenirs to take home.

Off-season Experience: When the flowering season is over, visitors can enjoy a tailored experience at the Nairian Concept Store. Here, a knowledgeable guide will share the inspiring story of Nairian’s founding and their commitment to sustainability and natural beauty. Guests will be treated to two varieties of herbal tea, brewed from endemic herbs gathered in alpine meadows, accompanied by dried fruits grown on the farm, offering a warm and aromatic taste of Nairian’s essence.

Continue to the charming town of Dilijan, often referred to as “Armenian Switzerland” for its lush forests and diverse wildlife. During the drive one can
enjoy the unbelievable change of the surrounding environment and landshaft from the mountainous lake to the green and rich forest mountains.

Stroll through Dilijan’s artisanal quarter, visiting local artisans crafting traditional souvenirs, made from wood, stone and ceramics.

Drive to Haghartsin Monastery complex (XI–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.
Drive back to Yerevan.

O/n in Yerevan. (B/-/-)