ARARAT
Day 1:Arrival in Yerevan – transfer to the selected hotel in Yerevan .
Day 2: Yerevan-City tour
After breakfast at the hotel meet your tour guide and start city tour round Yerevan which is located in ARARAT valley lying under the feet of the majestic mount ARARAT on the Noah's route.The contemporary capital of Armenia is the 13th and it is one of the oldest cities in the world founded in 782 BC. During tour visit Erebouni Museum of the History of the Foundation of Yerevan which stands at the foot of the Arin Berd hill , on the top of which the Urartian Fortress Erebouni has been constructed. The next visit is Yerevan History Museum which throws light on the history of the city beginning from ancient times up to our days. Return to the hotel. Overnight at the selected hotel in Yerevan .
Day 3: Yerevan-Garni-Geghard-Yerevan
Breakfast at the hotel . Visiting National Gallery of Armenia which has a huge collection of Russian, Armenian and European works and is considered one of the best museums in the former Soviet Union. There you will see works of the Armenia immortal sea-scapist Hovhannes Ayvazovski including the famous painting of ,, Dejection of Noah from Mountain ARARAT ,, . Drive to Garni pagan temple, which is the only ,, witness,, of Hellenistic Epoch in the territory of CIS. It's the only standing temple in the territory of Armenia which has been preserved after Armenia addopted Christianity in 301. It's dedicated to the powerful pagan God of sun called Mithra.Continue tour to Geghard Monastery (12-13th c.) .Geghard was initially known as Ayrivank (Cave Monastery) . The name refers to the biblical lance with which a Roman soldier pierced Christ's body.Hundreds of Khachkars and caves are built in the rocks surrounding the Monastery.Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.Return to Yerevan with stop at the Charents's Arch. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan .
Day 4: Yerevan-Khor Virap-Noravank-Areni -Jermuk
Breakfast at the hotel. First trip to Khor Virap(4-18th centuries) the importance of which is connected with Gregory the Illuminator , the first Catholicos in Armenia and during whose lifetime Armenia addopted Christianity.On the way to Khor Virap you can enjoy the spectacular view of the sacred Mount ARARAT - the immortal symbol of Armenia. Then excursion to Noravank Monastery (13-14thcenturies) situated among amazing sheer rocks on the bench of a twisty gorge. After that you'll enjoy your dinner in a grotto with a spirit of mystery and antiquity. Near Noravank you will visit Chalcolithic pit in the cave of Areni,where you will get acquaintanted with latest archeological discoveries in the territory of Armenia.A six thousnad-year-old winery has been found in this cave. Archeologists have unearthed the oldest wine – making facility , using biochemical techniques to identify a dryred vintage of the winery . An international group of archeologists have discovered the world's oldest leather shoe in this very cave. The 5500 years-old shoe was perfectly preserved in a cool and dry condition.On your way back you will visit Areni Church(14th century).The village of Areni is also famous for its excellent wine, which you are welcome to taste. Drive to Jermuk. Overnight at the hotel(Jermuk).
Day 5: Jermuk-Khndzoresk-Tatev-Yerevan
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Khndzoresk village which is famous for its canyon with picturesque rock formations and ancient cave settlements. The artificial caves , some of which are currently used as stables and warehouses, used to be inhabited till the 1950. then drive to legendary Tatev Monastery one of the finest in Armenia . Built in 895 , the Complex consists of three churches of an impressive size. In the 14th century Grigor Tatevatsi based here the University of Tatev with more than one thousand students living and studing there. Back to Yerevan . Banquet in ARARAT restaurant where you will observe the atmosphere of the Armenian traditional interior . Overnight at the selected hotel in Yerevan .
Day 6: Yerevan-Sevan-Dilijan
Breakfast at the hotel .Drive to the ,, pearl,, of Armenia lake Sevan which is the secound high-altitude lake in the world with its sweet and astonishingly blue water. Visiting Sevanavank Monastery in Sevan peninsula which became the resort town Dilijan. Drive to Haghartsin Monastery one of the religious and educational centers in medieval Armenia . Overnight in the selected hotel in Dilijan .
Day 7: Dilijan-Odzun-Sanahin-Haghpat-Akhtala- Dilijan
After morning meal departure to prominant monasteries of the Lori Region .The first one is the Church of Odzun constructed in the 6th century. The next one is Sanahin Monastery Complex founded in the 10th century and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List along with the nearby Haghpat Monastery ,an outstanding and magnificent example of medieval Armenian architecture . Continue tour to the fortified Monastery of Akhtala (12- 18th centuries). Drive back to Dilijan . Overnight at the selected hotel in Dilijan.
Day 8: Dilijan -Ashtarak-Oshakan-Moughni-Saghmosavank-Yerevan
Early breakfast at the hotel. Visiting Matenadaran-one of the unique institutes of ancient Manuscripts in the world. Trip to Oshakan village which is perhaps best known for the Church of Saint Mesrop Mashtots(1875-1879) which also happens to be the burial place of Saint Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet. Drive to Ashtarak city and take a tour with the historic monuments of Ashtarak: Tsiranavor basilica Church(5th century), Karmravor (7th century),Spitakavor (7th century) Churches, the Ashtarak Old Bridge (13-18th centuries). Drive to St. Gevorg Church in Moughni village. Continue tour toSaghmosavank-renowned religious, academic and cultural centre of medieval Armenia.After you are back to Yerevan wou will visit ARARAT Cognac Factory(including a tour and degustation). Overnight at the selected hotel in Yerevan.
Day 9:Yerevan-Echmiadzin-Zvartnots-Yerevan
Breakfast at the hotel. Visiting Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex dedicated to the memory of the 1.5 million Armenians who perished in the first genocide of the 20thcentury, at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. Tour to centuries-old monuments Echmiadzin(Armenian Vatican) and Zvartnots listed on UNESCO World Heritage list. Visiting the Churches of 3 Virgins: centre-domed cruciform Church of Saint Hripsimeh (618), domical basilica of Saint Gayaneh (630) and 'domed gallery' type Church of Shoghakat (1694). The Cathedral of Echmiadzin(303) is the official residence of the Armenian Catholicos. Continue tour toZvartnots(7-10th centuries)- a Temple of Vigil Forces. Return to Yerevan. Overnight at the selected hotel in Yerevan .
Day 10: Departure
Breakfast at the hotel.Check-out from the hotel.Transfer to the airport 3 hours before flight.Support in airport check-in. Departure .
