Best of Armenia
Activities: Culture, history, Mount Ararat, people, festivals
During this tour you will have an opportunity to visit Monastery of Spear, Mount Aragats & Yezidi community, The Pearl of Armenia - Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery, Zorats Cathedral, do Hiking & Paddling and many other activities and sites.
Guaranteed departures:
- 01 Jun - 11 Jun;
- 03 Jul - 13 Jul;
- 10 Aug - 20 Aug;
- 21 Sep - 01 Oct;
- 10 Oct - 20 Oct.
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(CL-10097-P) |
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Accommodation for 10 nights |
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Meals as specified in the itinerary |
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AdvenTour tour leader/driver, local guides |
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All activities as per itinerary |
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All transfers in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles |
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Welcome to Armenia information kit |
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Price Excludes |
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Optional activities |
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Suitability / Level |
NA |
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Theme |
Small Group Travel
(Click to Search All) |
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Max Group Size |
12 |
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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Day 1. Classical Armenia
In the morning meet your group participants and tour leader before heading to an introductory cultural tour of Yerevan, new and old. We start our exploration with the Republic Square with it magnificent buildings enhanced by the singing fountains, continue to Erebouni Fortress, the birthplace of Yerevan. Explore the impressive ruins and on to Mashtots Avenue, past Blue Mosque and huge fruit market to reach Matenadaran, the repository of ancient manuscripts.
Afternoon we head for Garni where the impressive and amazingly well preserved Temple of Sun stands proudly. Marvel at the monumental colonnade and elegancy of Hellenic architecture set against a perfect mountain backdrop. Continue to the legendary Monastery of Spear at Geghard cut in solid rock. Built to house one of the most cherished relics of Christianity, the Holy Spear, the monastery has a special atmosphere. Back to Yerevan, evening free.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan, Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 2. Alpine Lakes and Shepherds
Breakfast and early start in the morning to the highest peak of Transcaucasia, Aragats (4,090m), an extinct volcano. Our bus takes us to picturesque Byurakan -Thousand Springs. Acclimatizing gradually as we ascend the beautiful countryside of Byurakan, we reach the Stone Lake whose waters glitter like polished mirror in the sunlight. Continue on foot to explore Amberd Fortress. Breathtaking views of rock spires, snow covered peaks, jewel colored lakes, sun scorched grasslands dressed in wildflowers and abundant birdlife. We continue to reach high-mountain camps of friendly Yezidi tribes who tend their sheep under the towering peaks of Aragats. Discover the traditional way of life of these people of the mountains, visit their homes, try fresh cheese and yogurt. Later a scenic ride to northwest of Armenia Gyumri, Armenian’s second largest city. En route we visit Harichavank, a magnificently sited complex of the 7th c. Walking tour of Gyumri and visit to Ethnography Museum with an interesting collection of medieval artifacts and carpets. Dinner at local trout farm where delicious trout in wine is prepared in unique Gyumri style. When it comes to dessert, an appetite for nuts and dried fruits gives rise to a number of traditional pastries and sweets.
Overnight: Hotel in Gyumri, Meal plan: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3. World Heritage Sites
After breakfast we travel to romantic Lori, home to enigmatic Hagpat and Sanahin. Set high in the mountains, this charming area promises some of the thrilling discoveries taking us back to the times of mighty kings. Our first stop is mysterious Kobayr with frescoes that can only be described as miraculous.
Continue to explore Hagpat and Sanahin, the severe and majestic design and the marvelous bas-reliefs justly rank these sites among the celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Our trip finishes with a cable-car trip to the upper part of the small town of Alaverdi for spendid views of dramatic Debed Gorge. Evening and overnight in Alaverdi, a picturesque town nestled in deep wooded gorge, our base is a charming family-run guesthouse.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Alaverdi, Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 4. Hiking and Paddling
Day four starts slowly, with time for a leisurely breakfast before our journey southward to forested Dilijan Nature Park, a protected area renowned for its serene lakes, picturesque hill trails and peaceful villages. This is a prime hiking area and we enjoy a relaxing day on foot actively experiencing nature and feasting our eyes on abundant birdlife in the thick groves of chestnut and oak. We reach Crystal Lake, time free to relax, suggested picnic lunch. In the afternoon we take the opportunity to explore the architectural jewel of Haghartsin, a fairy-tale monastery set amidst flower-filled meadows.
Later take a stroll in Dilijan a quiet town where strangers are greeted with smiling curiosity. Narrow streets, cozy houses with carved wooden terraces and lots of souvenir shops opening onto narrow alleyways make this an ideal place to relax and have fun souvenir-hunting. In the evening we drive through the picturesque Honey Pass to come to the shores of Lake Sevan.
Overnight: Hotel at Lake Sevan, Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 5. Pearl of Armenia
Lake Sevan, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world - the tranquil majesty of its ever-changing waters, stunning mountains silhouetted against the blue sky, all this inspired its name The Pearl of Armenia. Early morning start with a 30-minute walk to the top of Akhtamar Trail for the best photographic views of the Lake and romantic Sevanavank Monastery. Return to hotel for breakfast before heading to the surrounding area for more exploration.
Afternoon spent in Shorja, fishers village famous for its picturesque location and Painters' Resthouse, meet and chat with painters seeking inspiration in this visual paradise, proceed to Stone Garden with unique collection of exquisite khachkars, Armenian cross-stones. In between capturing the remarkable scenery, you are free to take a dip in the emerald waters of the Lake.
Overnight: Hotel at Lake Sevan, Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 6. Silk Road Adventures
In the morning start a heart-pumping southward trip through the rugged Selim Pass. Climbing steep paths and enjoying the views of Lake Sevan below, we reach the amazingly intact Selim Caravanserai, an important trading post on the Great Silk Road where little has changed since the fourteenth century. Situated high in the mountains this place will thrill you by its sheer arid magnificence.
Proceed to the valley of Her-Her river for light hike in this remote area accessed by just a handful of tourists. The day can be as strenuous or light as the group prefers – take a narrow village path to reach the small church of St. Catherine with romantic stories attached to its history, continue on foot to explore Zorats Cathedral situated in a gorge flanked by towering cliffs. Porceed to the village of Yeghegis for a visit to one of the village granny’s to taste exceptional local honey and fruits. Fascinating legends attached to the foundation of this ancient village are lovingly preserved and passed through generations here. Arrival at Yeghegnadsor for rest and overnight at a lovely family-run guesthouse.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Yeghegnadsor, Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 7. Tatev and Cave Town
A day dedicated to exploration of Southern Armenia combining the magic of Europe’s finest mediaeval architecture with stunning landscapes. We start the day with a visit to Tatev, an architectural masterpiece dating from the 10th century. Drive through a narrow ravine so deep that the sun hardly reaches the bottom, later ascend to a high-mountain plateau with striking views of jagged mountains and gorges. The journey takes 4 hours and is a totally absorbing and unique experience.
Transfer to Goris crossing and off to Khndzoresk cave town. Walk down the gorge to explore the mysterious caverns cut in the face of the rocks by people seeking refuge from persecution in the natural protection of high cliffs. Drive to Goris, a quaint town surrounded by mountains. Take a stroll in the narrow tree-lined streets and charming old town. Dinner is at your leisure, before you sink into a good night's rest at your guesthouse.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Goris, Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 8. Gorge of Bamboos
After a hearty breakfast consisting of so many fresh and home-made products we leave Goris. Untamed beauty of the Gorge of Bamboos, surreal red rocks providing an eerie echo, honey-coloured villages sandwiched between them. This day is designed for leisurely exploration of this distinctive highland believed to be peopled long before civilization. It all starts with a private wine touring in the cellars of a leading winery in Vayots Dzor, the agricultural heart of Armenia. Meet the owners, learn about their secrets of wine making and their burning ambition to produce the best wine Armenia has yet seen! We are sure that once you have tasted their wines, you will share their vision.
The next stop of our trip is Khor Virap, the site of royal prison where St. Gregory the Illuminator was held for thirteen years before converting Armenia into the first Christian nation in 301. Guided by the remote majesty of biblical mount Ararat, we explore the site, its underground chambers, elegant chapels and are captivated by the ascetic atmosphere of the site. Back to Yerevan.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan, Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 9. Holy Echmiadzin and Medieval Chants
In the morning we head for the Vatican Town of Armenia, Echmiadzin. The architectural opulence of Mother Cathedral, antique artifacts and manuscripts of the Treasury, ruins of the fire temple beneath the altar, superb collection of unique carved cross-stones … these are just a few of the discoveries that await us. A unique experience of this morning is the beautiful polyphonic singing of the church choir, the sounds of dramatic chants take us to a fascinating journey though time.
On to Zvartnots, Celestial Angels, a temple consecrated in the presence of Emperor Constantine of Byzantium, it stands out as one of the most prominent creations of architecture. Here, amid the vast sea of fallen columns we gaze in wonder at its imaginative and daring artistic design, fragments of mosaic ornaments and superb frescoes. Back to Yerevan, free evening.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan, Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 10. Farewell to Yerevan
Free day on your own for a last chance to enjoy Yerevan. Visit Vernisage, the huge arts & crafts market, the best place in Caucasus to buy souvenirs.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan, Meal plan: Breakfast |
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Accommodation
& Centre Details |
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Superior hotels (3 star) in capital city of Yerevan, small, characteristic hotels/guesthouses in regions |
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Holidays
Extras |
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| Trip: |
Best of Armenia |
| Duration: |
10 |
| Company: |
AdvenTour
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| Location: |
Yerevan |
| Region: |
Armenia,
Europe |
| Price: |
From
EUR860
p/p |
| Flights: |
Not Included 
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| Availability: |
March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, |
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| Related Searches |
 Cultural in Yerevan |
| Cultural in Armenia |
 Accommodation
in Armenia |
| Accommodation
in Yerevan |
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