Discover Armenia: culture, nature and adventure for young travellers

Itinerary

1. 1Arrival in Armenia

   -

   Flight to Yerevan. Arrival depending on flight time late in the evening or early in the morning and transfer to the hotel.

2. 

   2Yerevan and Armenian music

   F/K/A

   After breakfast our journey begins with a walk through the centre of Yerevan. We discover the most important places and experience the modern, lively face of the Armenian capital. Afterwards we visit a duduk master: in his beautiful garden we learn more about the traditional Armenian instrument and enjoy a small personal concert under the open sky. In the evening a folklore evening with songs, dance and Armenian cuisine awaits us in a traditional guest house. An authentic introduction to the culture of the country.

3. 

   3Khor Virap, Ararat and the cradle of wine

   F/M/-

   We visit Khor Virap, one of the most important places in Armenian history. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned here for 13 years. In good weather the monastery offers a spectacular view of Mount Ararat. We continue to Vayots Dzor and the Areni-1 cave, where a wine press about 6,100 years old and the famous roughly 5,500-year-old leather shoe were discovered. Afterwards we visit Noravank, a beautiful medieval monastery amidst red rocks. By jeep we drive to a viewpoint above the gorge with a particularly impressive view. For lunch we are guests of locals and enjoy traditional dishes with an Armenian wine tasting. Return drive to Yerevan.

4. 

   4Lake Sevan and Dilijan

   F/M/-

   We drive to Lake Sevan, one of the largest high mountain lakes in the world. By boat we head to Seagull Island before visiting Sevanavank Monastery on a peninsula. From here there is a fantastic view over the lake. After lunch right by the lake we drive to Dilijan, a green town in the middle of the mountains. In the afternoon we visit the city park with its leisure activities. Afterwards check-in and a relaxed evening at the hotel.

5. 

   5Haghartsin, forest and Mount Dimats

   F/P/A

   In the dense forest of Dilijan lies the impressive Haghartsin Monastery, a medieval monastic complex from the 10th to 13th centuries. In good weather we take a walk through the forest to a small hidden waterfall. Nature, tranquillity and a little adventure off the classic tourist paths. Then we head up Mount Dimats by jeep. At the top a spectacular panorama over the mountain world of Ijevan and the Dilijan region awaits us. Picnic on the mountain and afterwards time to relax in Dilijan. Dinner and overnight stay in Dilijan.

6. 

   6Yenokavan, Lastiver and adventure

   F/M/-

   We drive to Yenokavan and hike through a beautiful gorge to Lastiver. Small waterfalls, forest paths and the famous wooden huts make this place one of the special nature experiences of the trip. Back in Yenokavan we have time in the Yell Extreme Park. Those who like can go horse riding, ziplining or try other adventure activities. The activities are optional, everyone decides for themselves. For lunch we enjoy traditional Armenian cuisine in a cosy local guest house. In the evening we return to Dilijan.

7. 

   7Molokans, crafts and Gyumri

   F/M/-

   We visit a Molokan family, an old-believer community, and experience their hospitality, homemade pastries and stories from everyday life at a traditional tea hour in their home. In Vanadzor we visit the workshop of a khachkar master and watch these artistic Armenian cross-stones being made by hand. Then we continue to Gyumri, Armenia's second largest city, known for its architecture, crafts, humour and unique atmosphere. After a local lunch we explore Gyumri on foot and hear stories about the city and its people. In the evening we return to Yerevan.

8. 

   8Garni, lavash and Geghard

   F/M/A

   Today we visit Geghard, an impressive medieval monastery whose churches were partly carved directly out of the rock (UNESCO). Then we head to the Symphony of Stones, a spectacular natural formation of regularly arranged basalt columns. With a local family we experience a lavash baking ceremony. Those who like can join in and afterwards try traditional Armenian specialities. Joint lunch in the garden restaurant. Finally we visit the famous Temple of Garni, a pre-Christian sun temple from the 1st century. Return to Yerevan and a final evening together.

9. 9Farewell to Armenia

   F

   Transfer to the airport and return flight.

F = breakfast, M = lunch, A = dinner

Programme changes are reserved. Due to local conditions, weather or unforeseeable events the order of the programme items may change. Of course, all services listed in the travel programme will be provided. This trip is specially designed for travellers aged 18 to 30.

Impressions