After a brief rest at the hotel, guests will embark on a tour of Yerevan city that includes stops at Republic Square, Victory Park, Mother Armenia, Cafesjian Center for the Arts, The Cascade, a carpet factory, the monument to A.Tamanyan, Opera House, and Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial.

(Note: Arrival day activities will be adjusted as needed according to the itinerary of the traveler.)

A trip to the southern slope of Mount Aragats in Aragatsotn province. From the road leading to Ashtarak there is a wonderful panorama of the extinct volcanoes Aragats and Arailer. Near the town of Ashtarak there opens a beautiful view on the gorge of the Kasakh River.

A trip to the Monastery of Saghmosavank (XII-XIIIcc). A wonderful view on the gorge of the Kasakh river. On the highway, where the road turns to the mountains there will be a stop to see the Monuments of Armenian alphabet (Aibbenaran).

Then the trip continues to Mount Aragats. Amberd fortress is located (7-14cc.) on the north-western part from Byurakan, on 2300 m. height above sea level, on a high triangle cliff which is formed by rivers Amberd and Arkashen.

The Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, founded by scientist-astrophysicist V.A.Hambartsumyan, is located in Byurakan. Visiting the museum of V. Hambartsumyan.

A stop in Oshakan village, visiting the church – tomb of Saint Mesrop Mashtots (Vc.) – the creator of the Armenian alphabet, the founder of the first Armenian school and the first Armenian teacher.

Back to Yerevan.

Geghardavank: Constructed from the 12th to 13th centuries, Geghard means “Monastery of the Lance”. Its name was connected with a lance that, according to the Holy Bible, was used to pierce the side of the crucified Christ. What is believed to be a remnant of the lance is preserved in the museum at Holy Echmiadzin.

Garni: Dating from the 3rd century BC to the 13th century AD, this area not only housed the summer residence of Armenian kings but was also the site of a pre-Christian temple honoring Mithra, god of the sun.

Sergei Parajanov Museum: Known as both a filmmaker and fine artist, Parajanov (1924-1990) was an innovative and controversial figure during the Soviet years. This small and intimate museum houses more than 250 works of art that include assemblages, collages, drawings, dolls, and film sketches.

Martiros Saryan Museum: Born in the Russian Empire, Saryan (1880-1972) traveled extensively in Turkey, Egypt, and Iran before settling in Armenia in the 1920s. In addition to viewing works of art influenced by his travels (landscapes, portraits, sketches, watercolors) visitors will also see his home and studio.

Overnight in the hotel.

A trip to Sardarapat Battle Museum - one of the main constructions of Armenia. The Sardarapat Memorial is located 25 kilometers from Echmiadzin. The memorial park was laid out on the battlefield in 1968, commemorating the Armenian defeat of an invading Turkish army, May 20- 22, 1918.

Visiting one of 12 old capitals of Armenia – Echmiadzin (Vagharshapat) and the First Cathedral of Saint Echmiadzin. St Echmiadzin is believed to be the first Christian church in the world, founded by Gregory the Illuminator in 303 A.D. It is the Holy Seat and the centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church, with the Residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians.

Excursion in the territory of the prehistoric center of metallurgy and observatory of Metsamor (3-2 thousand B.C.).

Back to Yerevan.

Visiting the «blue pearl of Armenia» – Lake Sevan situated at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level. Visiting the Monastery of Sevanavank (XIc) which is located on Sevan peninsula.

Proceeding to Tavush Province passing through the Sevan Pass and the territory of Dilijan National Park.

A visit to Monastery of Haghartsin (X-XIII cc.). It is a living example of harmony between nature and architecture. Religious and secular edifices, the royal graveyard, inscriptions on the walls, and stone crosses reflect the history, religious life, architecture and culture of Medieval Armenia.

The next route will lead to Goshavank, which was founded by famous Armenian cleric and law codifier Mkhitar Gosh in the XII-XIII centuries. The monastery played a prominent role in Armenia’s religious, cultural and educational life through the Middle Ages. Here stands the famous work of sculpture of Varpet (Master) Poghos, a masterpiece of carved stone cross, known in Armenia as «khachkar».

Back to Yerevan. Overnight.

Visiting the institute of ancient manuscripts – Matenadaran. Manuscript art which was portable enough to be smuggled out of harms way, has left the world a legacy of some 30,000 known Armenian manuscripts.

Visiting Yerevan brandy factory «Ararat», the storehouse, the museum of history and tasting of brandy.

Evening at leisure in Yerevan.

Shopping. Transfer to Zvartnots International Airport. Departure.