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.

Visiting Amberd, which means «a fortress in the clouds» a fitting name given its elevation (2300 m.). It is located on the slopes of Mt. Aragats. Built in VII-XIII centuries, the fortress became home to many noble families. Conquered by the Turks, Mongols, reacquired by the Byzantines, lost again to the Seljuks, re-conquered in XII century, it was a key defensive site for centuries.

A trip to Aparan city. Visiting a typical early medieval Armenian three-nave basilica church of V century Surb Khach (Saint Cross IV-V cc).(Visiting the church of S. Peter and Paul depending on the season).

Proceeding to through the provinces of Lori, Tavush, along the rivers of Debed and Aghstev.

A visit to Monastery of Goshavank, which was founded by famous Armenian cleric and law codifier Mkhitar Gosh in 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 the Armenian craft of carving stone crosses – called «khachkars».

The next route will lead to Lake Sevan - «blue pearl of Armenia», situated at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level. Visiting the Monastery of Sevanavank (11c) which is located on Sevan peninsula.

Lodging in Guest-house in Sevan.

Hayravank: This monastery, dating to the 9th - 11th centuries, is located on a rocky promontory in a village on the western shore of Lake Sevan. Fortification and settlement remains dating from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages are found here.

Selim Caravanserai: Built by Prince Chesar Orbelian in 1331, this inn accommodated travelers and their animals as they traversed the Silk Road through the Selim Pass. Restored in the 1950s, this caravanserai has unique decorations and stone carvings.

Jermuk: Known as a health resort with healing mineral waters Jermuk is surrounded on three sides by mountains covered with alpine forests. There is also a scenic panorama of the Arpa River gorge.

Lodging in hotel in Jermuk.

Visiting the territory of the stunning Bronze Age «Armenian Stonehenge» – Karahunj – which dates to the second millennium B.C. According to scientific consensus today, the arrangement of stones was most probably meant for astronomical observation. Karahunj is situated 3 km north of Sisian. The site consists of hundreds of vertically constructed boulders situated in a deliberate arrangement covering over 3 hectares. At first glance they appear to be randomly scattered but aerial views reveal a surprisingly precise arrangement of these giant stones.

Panorama of the Syunik Mountains and Vorotan river gorge (500 meters deep) takes your breath away. A stop on the bridge called Satani Kamurj («devil’s bridge»), and site of mineral waters.

A trip to the Monastery of Tatevavank (9-17c) – the spiritual and cultural center of medieval Armenia, which is famous for its university (14-15c), an inspirer of the conquer of national-liberation of Syunik Armenians against Iranians and Osmanli Turk invaders (18c).

Visiting Khndzoresk village, the panorama of cave town «Old Khndzoresk». Khndzoresk is a historic place, with very interesting caves and mysterious rocks. Since the Bronze Age and almost till the 20th century, these caves were used as homes.
Lodging in Goris.

Noravank: One of the masterpieces of medieval Armenian architecture Norvank means “New Monastery”. Built during the 13th – 14th centuries by architects Siranes and Momik, this monastery complex is known for its laced stone ornaments.

T'rchunneri (Bird) Caves: Known for their stalactites and stalagmites, these caves are an example of Armenia’s unique geological formations. Here is a packed clay platform dated to between 3700-4200 cal BC and discovered in the cave of Areni-1 in southwestern Armenia appears to represent the earliest wine production installation yet discovered the first ancient winery

Areni: This small village is known for its homemade wine and annual wine festival. Tour the local wine factory to learn about Armenian wine technology and sample Areni’s dry, semi-dry, pomegranate, and cherry wine.

Khor Virap: Located in the Ararat valley, this monastery houses the pit where, according to the 5th century Armenian historian Agatangeghos, the future first patriarch of Armenian Apostolic Church, Grigor Lusavorich, was imprisoned for 13 years. Situated along the border between Armenia and Turkey the monastery also offers a panoramic view of Mount Ararat.

Lodging in hotel in 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 largely dormant concrete park during the week, Vernissage blossoms at the weekends as all kinds of national crafts, including jewelry, carpets, woodwork, ceramics, canvases, paintings, and many other works of art can be found.
Visiting the Oriental market. Shopping.

Visiting the old capital of Armenia – Vagharshapat. Excursion in the territory of residence of the Catholicos – the head of Armenian Apostolic church, then visit to the First Cathedral of Saint Echmiadzin (303 AD), which means the «The Descent of the Only Begotten Son».

A visit to church of Saint Hripsime (VIIc) as well as the ruins of Zvartnots Temple which is a monument that embodies the centuries old traditions of Armenian architects.

Transfer to Zvartnots International Airport.