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.)

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.

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

Visits to churches 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.

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

Return to Yerevan.

A trip to Armenia’s «Blue Pearl», Lake Sevan and visit to 11th century Sevanavank Monastery, located on the lake’s peninsula. The trip also includes dining on tasty Sevan trout.

Passing through the territory of Dilijan sanctuary and coming up to the Monastery Nor-Ghetik or Goshavank which is an example of 12th-13th century architecture. It was founded by Mkhitar Gosh, a medieval Armenian ruler who was both a scholar and a politician. On the territory of the monastery you can see khachkars (cross-stones) works of the master Pavhos (13th century), one of which is displayed now in the State Museum of Armenian History.

Return to Yerevan.

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.

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.)