Экономный тур по Армении

 

Armenia 2

 

(5 ДНЕЙ / 4 НОЧИ)

 

Заезды: Каждый четверг, с 1 Июня по 30 Июня, 2015
Минимум участников: 1 человек
Maксимум участников: 15человек
Детальная программа тура:

День 1, Чт.: Прилет – Ереван
Приезд. Встреча в международном аэропорту «Звартноц». Трансфер из аэропорта в отель. Размещение в отеле. Отдых.
День 2, Пт.: Ереван – Гарни- Гегард – Ереван
Завтрак в отеле. Поездка в монастырь Гегард - непревзойденный шедевр армянской архитектуры 13-го века. Некоторые из церквей комплекса мастерски высечены в огромной скале. Благодаря своей непревзойденной акустике, Гегардаванк служит лучшим местом для пения духовных песен. Комплекс богат тонкими скульптурными украшениями и яркими хачкарами**. Объект всемирного наследия ЮНЕСКО. Далее экскурсия в деревню Гарни (1-ый в.). Цитадель и языческий храм Гарни являются живописными сооружениями эллинистического периода и впечатляющим примером сохранившейся архитектуры древней Армении. После принятия христианства в 301 году языческий храм потерял свое значение и крепость Гарни стала летней резиденцией для королей. В настоящее время сохранились лишь руины королевского дворца и бани, с потрясающими мозаиками. Возвращение в Ереван. Ночь в отеле Еревана.
День 3, Суб.: Ереван – Обзорная экскурсия – Цицернакаберд – музей Эребуни - Матенадаран
Завтрак в отеле. Встреча с гидом и начало обзорной экскурсии по Еревану – одному из древнейших городов в мире, история которого начинается от восьмого века до нашей эры. Во время экскурсии вы увидите основные достопримечательности Еревана. Посетите мемориальный парк и музей – Цицернакаберд, посвященный жертвам Геноцида 1915 года. Во второй половине дня экскурсия в Эчмиадзин (20 км, от Еревана). Посещение музея Эребуни и хранилища древних рукописей Матенадаран.
День 4, Вс.: Ереван – Цахкадзор - Озеро Севан
Завтрак в отеле. Экскурсия в Цахкадзор, расположенного в живописной долине на восточном склоне горы Тегенис, на высоте 1845 м. над уровнем моря. В отличие от многих других курортов, Цахкадзор - "долина цветов", привлекателен как в летнее, так и в зимнее время. Экскурсия к озеру Севан - одному из крупнейших пресноводных, высокогорных озер в мире, где красивый пейзаж и хрустальная вода служит хорошей предпоссылкой для отличного отдыха. Озеро также славится своим полуостровом и средневековым церковным комплексом, построенном в 874 году. Стоит подняться вверх по лестнице и Вы сможете насладиться прекраснейшим видом и неподражаемыми армянскими хачкарами.
Стоимость пакета в 400 USD* ($) на человека при двухместном размещении в отеле 3* в номерах DBL/TWIN (отель Silachi 3*)
Доплата за одноместное размещение – 75 USD
*Комиссия Туроператорам

Azerbaijan & Georgia & Armenia

  • Day 1: Arrival in Baku

    Arrival at Baku Airport. Transfer to the hotel.

  • Day 2:Baku-Absheron Peninsula

    Breakfast at the hotel. 10:00. Baku sightseeing tour. Visit to Memory Alley – “Shehidler Khiyabany”, panoramic view of Baku city from the park. Visit to medieval fortress of Old Baku - “Icheri Sheher”15-17 c.c., “Maiden Tower “ – 9 c., the Complex of Shirvan Shahs’ Palace -15 c. medieval CaravanSaray -15c., medieval Markets square, handmade carpet’s workshop art studio. After lunch visiting of “Yanardag”, Temple of Fire Worshippers’ – “Ateshgah”. Overnight at the hotel in Baku.

  • Day 3:Baku-Gobustan

    Breakfast at hotel. Visit Gobustan Petroglyphs - An Outdoor Museum. It is a rocky massif on the bottom of the southeast part of the Great Caucasus Range, near the Caspian Sea and a modern highway built on the ancient Shirvan road. The rocks of Gobustan also retain the evidence of the presence of Roman legionnaires crossing this attractive region in the 1st century BC. Now Gobustan is nominated for the inclusion in the list of "World Legacy" maintained by UNESCO. Mud volcanoes are fine mystery of nature. Azerbaijan is the first among the world's countries by quantity and diversity of mud volcanoes. All known types of mud volcanoes on the world are represented in Azerbaijan. Overnight at the hotel in Baku.

  • Day 4:Baku-Shamakhi-Sheki

    Departure to Sheki town. On the way to Sheki. Visit to Diri Baba mausoleum in Maraza village. In Shamakha visit to historical mosque Juma (Friday), mausoleum of Yeddi Gumbez – (Seven Domes) – grave yard of Shirvan Shahs’. (Continue trip to Sheki via Muganly passing. Photo stops on the most beautiful places on the mountains. Arrival in Sheki. Sheki sightseeing tour. Visit to the local medieval fortress, Sheki Khans’ palace, local museum of history, local handicrafts workshop, panoramic view of the town. Visiting of Kish village. Albanian Church. Overnight at the hotel in Sheki.

  • Day 5:Azerbaijan border-Telavi-Georgia-Telavi

    At about 11:30 / 12:00 meet at Azerbaijan – Georgia border at Lagodekhi check-point. Visa procedures. Cross the border and meet Georgian staff. Start tour in the eastern part of Georgia. Kakheti, Georgia’s famous wine district, lies due east from Tbilisi is a land dotted with fine old churches and vineyard after vineyard. First we arrive at town Kvareli where we have delicious lunch and also visit the winery to taste Georgian wines. We arrive at Gremi architectural complex of the 16th c. After excursion we drive to visit Alaverdi Cathedral of the 11th c. Arrive in Telavi and check-in the hotel. Overnight in Telavi.

  • Day 6: Telavi-Signagi-Tbilisi

    Morning visit Ikalto Academy and Monastery of the 11th – 13th cc. Then we arrive in Tsinandali, the residence of the 19th century noble family. It is known for its nice park. We arrive in Signagi a beautiful hill-town surrounded by Medieval wall and providing panoramic views of the Alazani Valley and the Eastern Caucasus Mountains. We have lunch with wine and walk in the town. Drive to Tbilisi. Arrive in Tbilisi. Check-in the hotel. Transfer to the restaurant for dinner. Overnight in Tbilisi.

  • Day 7:Tbilisi city tour

    Today we will explore this wonderful city. In over 1500 years since becoming the capital of Georgia, the city has been destroyed and rebuilt on nearly 30 different occasions following a long history of fighting off Persian, Arab, Turkmen, Mongol, Turk and, finally, Russian invaders. The city has rebounded in recent years to become one of the most lively and cosmopolitan cities in the Caucasus. Today we wind through Tbilisi’s narrow streets and inner courtyards and stroll down Rustaveli Avenue, the main thoroughfare running east through the city. Visit Metekhi Church and Sioni Cathedral. Overnight in Tbilisi.

  • Day 8:Tbilisi-Mtskheta-Gori & Uplistsikhe-Kazbegi

    Today we drive west along the fertile lands of Kartli province. Our first stop of the day will be in sacred Mtskheta, the ancient capital of eastern Georgia, at the southern end of the highway. Georgia’s conversion to Christianity occurred in Mtskheta in 337 AD and it is considered one of Georgia’s most important religious centers. We will visit several of its historic monuments including the beautiful Church of Jvari perched on a cliff overlooking the city, Sveti-Tskhoveli Cathedral, the first Christian church to be built in Georgia and its largest functioning cathedral. Next site is in Gori. Drive to Uplistsikhe cave town dated to 7th c. BC. Drive to Kazbegi. Overnight in Kazbegi.

  • Day 9: Kazbegi-Tbilisi

    Surrounded by gigantic mountains Kazbegi is a picturesque settlement overlooked by the biggest of all - Mount Kazbek (5047m) - one of the six 5000 metre peaks of the Caucasus. According to the legend, Prometheus was chained on the Mount Kazbek. Walk up (1 hour 15min) to the Sameba Church beautifully situated on the hill (2150m) above the hill and providing splendid views of Mt. Kazbek. Note: For extra charge you can higher 4x4 vehicles in Kazbegi to take you to the church and after excursion down to Kazbegi. Please, contact for details. Return to Tbilisi. On the way visit Ananuri architectural complex of the 16th c. Overnight in Tbilisi.

  • Day 10:Tbilisi-Sadakhlo border-Haghpat-Sanahin-Sevan

    In the morning after breakfast drive to Sadakhlo border. Border formalities. Change the guide and transportation. Start you acquaintances with Armenia with the architectural complexes of Haghpat (976 AD) and Sanahin (966 AD) which are among the outstanding works of medieval Armenian architecture and are inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list. Drive to the resort town of Dilijan. Continue to Lake Sevan. Overnight in Sevan.

  • Day 11: Sevan-Selim Caravansarai-Noravank-Areni-Yerevan

    Sightseeing on the peninsula. Visit Sevanavank Monastery. Continue to Noravank via intact Selim Caravansarai. Caravanserais were quite common in medieval Armenia and Selim Caravanserai is among them. In the whole country it is the only well surviving one coming from the depth of the history. Visit Noravank monastery - a great religious and cultural center of 12th c. Noravank (“New Monastery”) is 122 km away from Yerevan and is located in an inaccessible location throughout the stunning nature. Drive to Areni village to visit Areni winery to taste Armenian wine. Departure to the capital of Armenia - Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

  • Day 12: Yerevan city tour-Khor Virap-Echmiadzin-Zvartnots

    We start city tour around Yerevan exploring various layers of its history – medieval shrines, narrow streets of the old center with sunlight playing on its pink walls. Continue Tsitsernakaberd Memorial park with an 'Eternal Flame' meant to commemorate the victims of the genocide and the Genocide museum - a solemn dedication to the first genocide of 20th century. Sightseeing tour to Khor-Virap monastery the importance of which is connected with Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia and is considered to be the first Armenian Catholicos - bishop. Drive to Echmiadzin which is mere 20 km from Yerevan. Lunch in a local community tasting homemade dishes and Armenian national cookie called “gata”. Return to Yerevan with a stop at the ruins of Zvartnots temple - the pearl of the 7th c. architecture which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage.

  • Day 13: Matenadaran-Garni-Geghard

    In the morning visit the depositary of ancient manuscripts the Matenadaran which contains historical documents from all over Europe and Asia throughout many centuries. Departure to Garni Temple which was built which was built in the first century A.D. Opportunity to have lunch at a local house in Garni where you will have opportunity to watch Armenian national bread “lavash” baking and barbeque making process in the underground stove called “tonir”. Northeast of Garni there is a magnificent monument of medieval Armenian architecture - Geghard Monastery inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list. Geghard is another incredible ancient Armenian monastery, partly carved out of a mountain. Return to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

  • Day 14: Departure

    Transfer to the airport. Departure home!

 

Armenia & Georgia

  • Day 1:Departure

  • Day 2:Arrival-Yerevan City tour-Echmiadzin-Zvartnots

    In the morning meet your tour guide and start city tour from the Rupublic Square, the masterpiece of the architect Alexander Tamanian. Continue to Cascade, an open-air museum of modern art with massive stairways leading up to the Victory Park providing a fantastic overlook to the entire downtown from above. We are in the Opera House, a beautiful building, and hub of Yerevan. Freedom Square is behind it, surrounded by parks which have been taken over by outdoor cafes, and finally Swan Lake. Visit Tsitsernakaberd. Walking through Memorial park and museum of the victims of Genocide. Drive to Echmiadzin – the place where the only Begotten descended. Holy Echmiadzin is the whole Armenians’ spiritual center and one of the centers of Christianity all over the world. Return to Yerevan with a stop at the ruins of Zvartnots temple - the pearl of the 7th century architecture which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage. Drive back to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

  • Day 3:Yerevan-Ashtarak-Amberd Fortress-Saghmossavank-Yerevan

    Extension to Fortress of Amberd, 9th century, stands halfway up Mt. Aragats, at the height of 2300m. The fortress stands on a rocky cape formed by the rivers Amberd and Arkhashen. Continue to Saghmossavank medieval monastery, situated in the breathtaking site at the deep canyon of Ashtarak. Proceed to Ashtarak – one of the most ancient Armenian cities, to visit the church of Karmravour. It’s one of the smallest pan-Armenian churches but in spite of its size you can still feel authentic Christianity. Overnight in Yerevan.
    NOTE*: Amberd is possible to visit only starting mid-May as it’s 2300 m above sea level and Armenian highland is covered with snow until the end of April.

  • Day 4:Yerevan-Khor Virap-Areni-Noravank

    Sightseeing tour to Khor-Virap monastery the importance of which is connected with Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia. It is a wonderful masterpiece situated on top of a hill and a pilgrimage place where every year a lot of tourists and native people visit. It looks like a castle where everybody has the hint to sit and dream while admiring the beauty of the church. The highlight is the best view to the biblical Mt. Ararat. Continue tour to Noravank monastery - religious and cultural center of 13th c. It is situated in a narrow gorge which is known for its tall, sheer, brick-red cliffs, directly across from the monastery. The beauty of this monastery is appreciated by thousands of visitors not only because of its’ architecture and history, but also for its harmony with surrounding fabulous nature.

  • Day 5:Matenadaran-Garni-Geghard

    In the morning visit the depositary of ancient manuscripts the Matenadaran which contains historical documents from all over Europe and Asia throughout many centuries. Departure to Garni Temple which was built in the first century A.D. Opportunity to have lunch at a local house in Garni to watch Armenian national bread “lavash” baking and barbeque making process in the underground stove called “tonir”. Northeast of Garni there is a magnificent monument of medieval Armenian architecture - Geghard Monastery inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list. Geghard is another incredible ancient Armenian monastery, partly carved out of a mountain. Return to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

  • Day 6:Yerevan-Lake Sevan-Haghpat-Sanahin-Tbilisi

    Sightseeing tour to Lake Sevan, the Gem of Armenia, a huge mountain lake which takes up to 5% of Armenia’s surface area, Visit to the Sevan monastery on the peninsula 8-9th c. which was built on an island but now this island is a peninsula from where a nice view opens over Lake Sevan. Continue tour to Goshavank monastery 11-13 cc famous for its unique type of khachkar (Armenian cross-stone). Continue to Haghpat Monastic Complex 10th c. - UNESCO World Heritage list. Drive to Armenian-Georgian Sadakhlo border. Border formalities. Change the guide and transportation. Transfer to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.

  • Day 7:Tbilisi-Mtskheta-Tbilisi

    In the morning Tbilisi sightseeing tour. We will visit Old Tbilisi which offers a great variety of sights, most of them very ancient. All the places of interest in the Old Town are very close to each other, within a few minutes’ walk. We start our visit to Old Tbilisi from Metekhi Church (13th century) then walk to the Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral (6th-7th centuries) and later we drive up to the panoramic view and start to walk down to Narikala Fortress (4th century) – one of the oldest fortifications in the city and to the brick-domed Sulphur Baths. Then we take a stroll along the Rustaveli Avenue – the main street in Tbilisi. Continue to Mtskheta and see its historical places Jvari Monastery (6th century) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th century) – both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Drive back to Tbilisi.Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi.

  • Day 8:Tbilisi-Kazbegi-Tbilisi

    Today we head up to famous Georgian Military Highway. En-route we visit Ananuri architectural complex (17th century), the two churches and the fortress overlook the Zhinvali water reservoir. Arrive to Kazbegi and from there a leisurely 2 hours walk up through beautiful valleys and woodland leads us to Gergeti Trinity Church located at 2170 m. Weather permitting you may catch a glimpse of one of the highest glaciers in the Caucasus – Mt. Kazbegi (5047 m). Then we take the same way back and drive to Tbilisi. Overnight at a hotel in Tbilisi.
    Note: It is possible from Kazbegi to take 4WD to visit Gergeti Trinity Church for an extra cost

  • Day 9: Tbilisi-Wine tour-Tbilisi

    In the morning we start exploring Kakheti region well known for its wine producing. We enjoy superb views of Great Caucasus Mountains and valleys of Kakheti, acknowledge traditions and culture of the country and region, taste wines and delicious food. First we visit local Duke’s estate from 19th century in Tsinandali. See his house-museum. Then continue to a local farmer’s house to see century old wine-cellar, taste home-made wines. Lunch with delicious home-made food, wine and ‘Shashlik’. After lunch drive to visit fortified town of Sighnaghi (18th century). The town preserved its original image and now offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding Caucasus Mountains. Afterwards visit Bodbe monastery, that holds the tomb of St. Nino – she converted Georgia to Christianity in 4th century. Return to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.

  • Day 10:Departure

    Transfer to the airport. Departure home!

 

Armenia & Iran

  • Day 1/2:Arrival-Yerevan city tour-Echmiadzin-Zvartnots-Brandy Factory

    Arrival in Zvartnots airport. Meet and greet transfer, accommodation at the hotel. Rest. Start city tour around Yerevan visiting Tsitsernakaberd Memorial park and museum of victims of Genocide. Departure to Echmiadzin. The mother cathedral of Etchmiadzin is mere 20 km from Yerevan. Echmiadzin Cathedral is one of the oldest standing churches in Christendom. It was built in 303 AD over a pagan fire altar. Drive back to Yerevan on the way visiting the ruins of Zvartnots temple - the pearl of the 7th c. architecture (inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list). Visit legendary Armenian Brandy Factory (1887). Winston Churchill was offered Armenian brandy by Joseph Stalin at the Yalta Conference and was so impressed that asked for several cases of it to be shipped to him each year. Overnight in Yerevan.

  • Day 3:Matenadaran-Garni-Geghard

    In the morning visit the depositary of ancient manuscripts the Matenadaran which contains historical documents from all over Europe and Asia throughout many centuries. Departure to Garni Temple which was built which was built in the first century A.D. Opportunity to have lunch at a local house in Garni where you will have opportunity to watch Armenian national bread “lavash” baking and barbeque making process in the underground stove called “tonir”. Northeast of Garni there is a magnificent monument of medieval Armenian architecture - Geghard Monastery inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list. Geghard is another incredible ancient Armenian monastery, partly carved out of a mountain. Return to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

  • Day 4:Yerevan-Khor Virap-Noravank-Karahounj-Goris

    Sightseeing tour to Khor-Virap monastery the importance of which is connected with Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia. It is a wonderful masterpiece situated on top of a hill and a pilgrimage place where every year a lot of tourists and native people visit. It looks like a castle where everybody has the hint to sit and dream while admiring the beauty of the church. The highlight is the best view to the biblical Mt. Ararat. Continue tour to Noravank monastery - religious and cultural center of 13th c. It is situated in a narrow gorge which is known for its tall, sheer, brick-red cliffs, directly across from the monastery. The beauty of this monastery is appreciated by thousands of visitors not only because of its’ architecture and history, but also for its harmony with surrounding fabulous nature. Drive to Syunik region. Visit Karahounj (Stinehenge), ancient observatory 6mil B.C. It is located at 1770 m. above sea level. Overnight in Goris.

  • Day 5:Goris-Khndzoresk-Tatev-Goris

    Start the tour from Goris to explore the city, visiting the exciting Dig Dig stones – natural monument. The region is nestled in a bowl of green hills and mountains with interesting formations and many previously inhabited caves in them. Excursion tour to Khndzoresk which is a cave village and there are many signs of past settlement throughout the valley which are just waiting for discovery. Continue to explore a monastic complex of Tatev (Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO) which is an architectural masterpiece dating from the 10th century and is often called a monastery built on the edge of nothing. On the way to this monastery there is a strange natural bridge called the Devil’s Bridge. The journey takes about 7 hours and is a totally absorbing and unique experience. Overnight in Goris.

  • Day 6:Goris-Meghri-Armenian-Iranian-Jolfa-Marand

    Drive to Meghri (Syunik region) cross Iran-Armenian border. Border formalities: bus and guide change. On the way visiting beautiful monastery of St. Stephen, isolated among the hills (XIII c.). Visit the medieval castle and church (XVI-XVIII century). Drive to the historical town of Jolfa, located near the Aras River. Jolfa served as a stronghold for Christian Armenians to have a rich and unique culture. Drive to the city of Marand. Overnight in Marand.

  • Day 7:Marand-Ghara Kelissa-Tabriz

    Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to north-west through the ruins of the citadel at the time of Urartu. Visit Garah Kelissa and one of the most famous monuments in Iran and Christian pilgrimage site: Armenian Church St. Thaddeus (IV-XIII c. proposed as World Heritage by UNESCO), the largest and most beautiful Armenian church in Iran. Drive to Tabriz. Overnight at the hotel in Tabriz.

  • Day 8:Tabriz-Kandovan-Tabriz

    Start tour with visiting Tabriz, ancient Persian capital. Visit the Friday Mosque and the Blue Mosque destroyed several times by earthquakes) and is regarded as the masterpiece of decoration enameled in Iran. Visit Municipality building, the remains of the citadel of Alishah (Arg-e-Tabriz), the old bazaar and Chehel Dokhtar Bridge, then walk to the Rose Garden of the Golie Island. Continue tour to the troglodyte village of Kandovan, a traditional village with its houses built in the rock that will remind you Cappadocia in Turkey. Drive back to Tabriz. Overnight in Tabriz.

  • Day 9: Tabriz-Takhte Soleiman-Zanjan

    Drive to the archaeological site of Takht-e Soleiman (Throne of Solomon) classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is one of archaeological highlights in western Iran. It is located at 2500 m altitude. The fortress dates from the time Sasanian III c. AD and is linked to the cult Mazdean. Here one can find remains of palaces, warehouses and the Temple of Fire. Visit also Zandan e-Soleiman, prison of Salomon with the depth of 60m. Tour around Zanja: the capital of cutlery, visit Knives factory, a very original historical monument. Visit the Jame Mosque, the House of Zolfaghari. Continue discovering the lively Bazaar, one of the largest bazaars of Iran at the time of Qadjar. Overnight in Qadjar.

  • Day 10:Zanjan-Sultanieh-Qazvin-Tehran

    Start the tour to Sultanieh to visit the Mausoleum of Oldjaïtou, which has one of the biggest domes in the world (UNESCO world heritage). Sultanieh was once the capital of Mongolian Ilkhan. Continue tour to Qazvin, a major transit center since ancient times, visit the Friday Mosque, the mausoleum of Hussein and Chazdeh House Aminiha. Drive to Tehran. Overnight in Tehran.

  • Day 11: Departure

    Transfer to the airport. Departure home!

 

Fly-Drive

  • Day 1: Arrival in Yerevan

    Arrival in Zvartnots Int. airport in Yerevan. Upon arrival pick up the car. Our representative will meet and greet you to give the car after the formality part. Drive to your hotel in Yerevan. Check in. Rest.

  • Day 2:Free day

    Free day in Yerevan.

  • Day 3:Yerevan City Tour

    In the morning meet your escort guide and start city tour around Yerevan. Visit History museum of Armenia providing a deep insight into Armenia's unique culture and history. The museum is arranged chronologically from early mankind up to recent historical events with a rich exhibition of historical treasures, ancient artifacts related to the faith of Armenian people and of course the world’s oldest-5000 year old shoe. We visit Tsitsernakaberd Memorial park with an 'Eternal Flame' meant to commemorate the victims of the genocide and the Genocide museum - a powerful, solemn dedication to the first genocide of 20th century. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.

  • Day 4:Yerevan-Khor Virap-Areni Winery-Noravank-Goris

    Sightseeing tour to Khor-Virap monastery the importance of which is connected with Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia. It is a wonderful masterpiece situated on top of a hill. It is a pilgrimage place where every year a lot of tourists and native people visit. It looks like a castle where everybody has the hint to sit and dream while admiring the beauty of the church. The highlight is the best view to the biblical Mt. Ararat. Continue tour to Noravank monastery - religious and cultural center of 13th c. It is situated in a narrow gorge which is known for its’ tall, sheer, brick-red cliffs, directly across from the monastery. The beauty of this monastery is appreciated by thousands of visitors not only because of its architecture and history, but also for its harmony with surrounding fabulous nature. Drive to Syunik region. Overnight in Goris.

  • Day 5:Yerevan-Khndzoresk-Tatev Monastery-Goris

    Start the tour from Goris to explore the city, visiting the exciting Dig Dig stones – natural monument. The region is nestled in a bowl of green hills and mountains with interesting formations and many previously inhabited caves in them. Excursion tour to Khndzoresk which is a cave village and there are many signs of past settlement throughout the valley which are just waiting for discovery. Continue to explore a monastic complex of Tatev (Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO) which is an architectural masterpiece dating from the 10th century and is often called a monastery built on the edge of nothing. On the way to this monastery there is a strange natural bridge called the Devil’s Bridge. The journey takes about 7 hours and is a totally absorbing and unique experience. Overnight in Goris.

  • Day 6:Goris-Selim Carvansarai-Noratous-Lake Sevan

    Departure to Lake Sevan through Selim Pass visiting the caravanserai (XIV c.). The Selim caravanseray was built in 1332 by Prince Chesar Orbelian, according to an inscription in Armenian and Arabic, this used to be an important trade point in the famous Silk Road. Lake Sevan - this huge mountain lake, which takes up to 5% of Armenia's surface area and is about 2,000 meters above sea level is one of the highest among the freshwater lakes in the world. Visit also Noratous, ancient cemetery with medieval khachkars (cross-stones) dating back to 6th c. Overnight at the hotel in Sevan.

  • Day 7:Sevan-Dilijan-Goshavank-Sanahin & Haghpat

    Start tour from Sevan to the North of Armenia through spectacular forested region of Dilijan, where you can walk through a museum street, with the buildings preserved from 19 c. Visiting Gohsavank complex situated in the woodlands of Dilijan founded in 11-13 the centuries. Continue tour to the architectural complexes of Sanahin (966 AD) and Haghpat (976 AD) which are among the outstanding works of medieval Armenian architecture and are inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list. Drive to Haghpat village for rest and overnight.

  • Day 8: Haghpat-Saghmosavank-Amberd Fortress-Yerevan

    Leave Haghpat village and set off to visit Saghmosavank medieval monastery, situated in the breathtaking site, at the deep canyon of Ashtarak. Tour to Fortress of Amberd, 9th century, 6 km from the village of Byurakan, stands halfway up Mt. Aragats, at the height of 2300m. The fortress stands on a rocky cape formed by the rivers Amberd and Arkhashen. Return to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

  • Day 9: Yerevan-Etchmiadzin-Zvartnots-Vernissage

    Departure to Echmiadzin. On the way stop at the ruins of Zvartnots temple - the pearl of the 7th c. architecture (inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list). The mother cathedral of Etchmiadzin is mere 20 km from Yerevan. Echmiadzin Cathedral is one of the oldest standing churches in Christendom. It was built in 303 AD over a pagan fire altar. The name Echmiadzin means “descent of the Only Begotten”. It was believed to have been designated in a vision where Christ came to earth and struck the plains with a golden hammer. This landmark is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In the second half of the day visit open air market Vernissage (open only on weekend) where you can find hundreds of vendors selling a variety of crafts. Overnight in Yerevan.

  • Day 10:Matenadaran-Garni-Geghard-Yerevan

    In the morning visit the depositary of ancient manuscripts the Matenadaran which contains historical documents from all over Europe and Asia throughout many centuries. Departure to Garni Temple which was built which was built in the first century A.D. Opportunity to have lunch at a local house in Garni where you will have opportunity to watch Armenian national bread “lavash” baking and barbeque making process in the underground stove called “tonir”. Northeast of Garni there is a magnificent monument of medieval Armenian architecture - Geghard Monastery inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list. Geghard is another incredible ancient Armenian monastery, partly carved out of a mountain. Return to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

  • Day 11: Free day

    Free day in Yerevan.

  • Day 12:Departure

    Transfer to the airport. Departure home!

 

CONTACTS

ELITAR LLC, 83/1 Koghbatsi Str., 0001

Yerevan, Armenia

+374 10 543311, +374 10 582292

Telefax: +37410 560133,

E-mail: travel@armeniaholidays.com

ARMENIA HOLIDAYS

OPEN:
DAILY FROM 10AM TILL 7PM

Best Tours Armenia Bobby F. 5/5 stars My opinion: We have had many fabulous holidays with Armenia Holidays company and have more to come. Everything is organised for having fine memories from Armenia, friendly staff

Travel to Armenia Rated 4.9/5 based on 12 reviews