Armenia – A journey full of history, hospitality and unforgettable encounters

Itinerary

1. 1Flight to Yerevan. Arrival in Armenia

   Travel to Armenia.

2. 

   2Welcome to Yerevan – the pink capital of Armenia

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   Arrival in Yerevan in the early morning hours or shortly after midnight. Transfer to the hotel. After check-in you have time to recover from the journey.

   In the late morning your first tour of discovery through the Armenian capital begins. During an extensive city tour you will get to know the most important sights: the Opera House, the impressive Cascade with its modern sculptures and magnificent views over the city, the elegant Northern Avenue, the lively Republic Square and the monumental Mother Armenia statue.

   A very special highlight awaits you afterwards: a visit to an Armenian duduk master. In the garden of his house he tells you about this unique UNESCO-recognized musical instrument and gives a small private concert. Over coffee or tea you will have the opportunity to talk with him and experience Armenian hospitality first-hand.

   In the evening you will enjoy your first dinner together in a traditional Armenian restaurant.

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   3Christian heritage and Armenian cognac

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   Today is devoted to Armenia’s moving history and cultural treasures.

   The day begins with a visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial, a place of silent commemoration and remembrance.

   Afterwards you travel to Etchmiadzin, the religious centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church. You will visit the impressive Mother See Cathedral, considered the oldest state-built Christian church in the world.

   For lunch you will be welcomed at an authentic art school, where regional specialities are prepared with great love.

   In the afternoon you will visit the impressive ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of early medieval architecture.

   The day concludes with a visit to the famous ARARAT cognac factory. During a guided tour of the museum you will learn interesting facts about the traditional production of Armenian cognac and, of course, enjoy a tasting.

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   4The Areni wine festival – highlight of the journey

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   Today you travel to the scenic south of Armenia.

   Your first destination is the picturesquely situated Noravank Monastery, impressively nestled between red rocks and considered one of the most beautiful monasteries in Armenia.

   Afterwards you will visit the famous Areni Cave, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Here archaeologists discovered the more than 6,000-year-old wine cellar, the world’s oldest leather shoe (about 5,500 years old) and numerous other extraordinary finds.

   You then reach the village of Areni, where the Areni wine festival takes place – one of the absolute highlights of this journey.

   Winemakers from all the wine regions of Armenia present their best wines here. The village transforms into a cheerful festival with music, dance, folklore and numerous cultural performances. Traditionally, grapes are stomped with feet right on the village square – an experience you will not soon forget.

   If you wish, you can taste various wines and regional specialities on site for an extra charge.

   For lunch you will be a guest of a local family and enjoy homemade Armenian specialities.

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   5Lake Sevan and the green Switzerland of Armenia

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   Today the journey takes you to the north of the country.

   First you will visit the impressive Lake Sevan, one of the highest-lying freshwater lakes in the world. From the historic Sevanavank monastery you will enjoy a magnificent panoramic view over the deep blue lake.

   The journey continues to Dilijan, a charming small town often called the “Switzerland of Armenia” because of its green landscapes. On a walk through the historic quarter you will discover lovingly restored houses and traditional handicrafts.

   Afterwards you will visit the beautiful Haghartsin Monastery, located in the forest.

   Another highlight awaits you at lunch: together with your hosts you will prepare the Armenian speciality tolma in a small master class – minced beef filled into vine leaves and cabbage, with rice and aromatic spices.

   Return to Yerevan in the evening.

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   6Temple, monastery and Armenian cuisine

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   After breakfast you will first drive to the unique cave monastery of Geghard, partly carved directly out of the rock and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

   Afterwards you will visit the impressive Azat Gorge with its spectacular volcanic basalt columns – often called the “Symphony of Stones”.

   Then the only surviving Hellenistic temple in the Caucasus awaits you – the Temple of Garni.

   For lunch you will be invited to an Armenian family’s home. There you will experience the traditional lavash baking ceremony and taste the freshly baked flatbread straight from the clay oven.

   Back in Yerevan you will visit the famous GUM covered market, where dried fruits, spices, sweets and many other specialities are offered.

   Finally, you will discover the History Museum of Armenia, which impressively presents the country’s history from prehistoric times to the present day.

7. 7Gyumri – the city of humour and craftsmanship

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   Today you will take an excursion to Gyumri, Armenia’s third-largest city.

   On a walk through the historic old town you will discover the distinctive architecture of black tuff stone and learn why Gyumri is considered the capital of Armenian humour and craftsmanship.

   Along the way you will catch a glimpse of small traditional workshops.

   A special experience is the visit to a master craftswoman of Armenian cross-stone art (khachkars). You will learn about the centuries-old symbolism of this unique stone-carving art and gain fascinating insights into its creation.

   For lunch you will enjoy fresh fish in a cosy restaurant.

   In the afternoon, return journey to Yerevan. Overnight stay in Yerevan.

8. 

   8Time for your own discoveries

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   Today is at your free disposal.

   Enjoy Yerevan’s relaxed atmosphere on a walk, visit the popular Vernissage art and souvenir market or simply unwind in one of the many street cafés.

   In the evening we will meet for an atmospheric farewell dinner at a selected restaurant and look back once more at our shared experiences.

9. 9Farewell to Armenia

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   Transfer to the airport and return flight.

   Your journey through Armenia ends with many unforgettable impressions, warm encounters and beautiful memories.

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

Programme changes are reserved. Depending on local conditions, weather or unforeseen events, the order of programme items may change. All services provided for in the tour programme will of course still be delivered.

Impressions