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 Zvartnots Temple («Celestial Angels» 7th c). This majestic temple was built in 652 and its ruins remain as reminder of a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture.

Visiting one of 12 old capitals of Armenia – Ejmiadzin (Vagharshapat) and the First Cathedral of Saint Ejmiadzin, church of Saint Hripsime. (7c).

Proceeding to Oshakan in Aragatsotn Province. Oshakan is most famous as the last resting place of Mesrop Mashtots, founder of the Armenian Alphabet. Above his grave (19th c. gravestone) is a church rebuilt by Catholicos George IV in 1875.

A trip to the southern slope of Mount Aragats. Visiting Amberd, which means «a fortress in the clouds» a fitting name given its elevation (2300 m.).

On the way to Yerevan a stop at the Alphabet Square – a Monument to the letters of Armenian Alphabet.

Back to Yerevan. Leisure time. Overnight.

Ararat valley – home of Khor Virap («Deep Dungeon») Monastery, from which Grigor Lusavorich rose from imprisonment to become the first patriarch of Armenian Apostolic Church. The monastery is very near the Turkish border and offers Armenia’s most splendid view of Mount Ararat, from which, according to the Holy Bible, Noah’s ark landed following the «Great Flood».

The tour continues to Vayots Dzor marz, along the picturesque gorge of the Gnishik River and comes to the monastery of Noravank («New Monastery») (12-15cc.) the religious center of principality of the Orbelyan dynasty, home to prominent Armenian figures of the medieval culture.

The excursion also includes a trip to Areni village which is famous for its various factory and home-made wines. Visitors will see wine as it is being processed, followed by a degustation.

Viewing the stalactites and stalagmites in Bird’s cave.

Back to Yerevan. Overnight.

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.

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.

Leisure Time. Walk around the city. Overnight in hotel.

Before departing from Armenia, this eight-day tour concludes with visits to the Matenadaran where ancient Armenian manuscripts are stored and exhibited, Vernissage crafts and flea market, and the Yerevan Brandy Company for a tour and brandy tasting.

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