Armenia: Between Mountains, Ancient Culture and Hospitality

Itinerary

1. 1Flight to Yerevan

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   Travel to Armenia.

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   2First encounter with Yerevan

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   After arriving in the early morning hours you are warmly welcomed and accompanied to your hotel. After a short rest we set out on a first discovery tour of Yerevan: a varied city walk and a drive bring us closer to the Armenian capital. Its special character shows immediately: beautiful architecture, pink tuff stone, lively street cafes and everywhere the view of majestic Mount Ararat. We visit the Lusik Aghletsi Museum, a lovingly designed house full of traditional clothing, crafts and stories from old Armenia. In the evening a very special introduction to Armenian culture awaits us: in a duduk player's garden we listen to the melancholic sounds of the Armenian national instrument. Dinner together and overnight stay in Yerevan.

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   3Basalt gorge, cave monastery and pagan temple

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   Today we head into the impressive landscapes of Kotayk Province. Our first stop is the picturesque Azat reservoir in the middle of a semi-desert. Then we visit the famous Geghard Monastery, a cave monastery partly carved out of the rock and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards we reach the Temple of Garni, the only preserved pagan temple of the region. In a traditional bakery we experience the preparation of Armenian lavash bread, served fresh from the clay oven. Finally we stroll through the impressive Azat gorge with its giant basalt columns. In the evening a communal meal with traditional folklore.

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   4Between religions, wine tradition and Armenian cuisine

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   Today we discover Armenia's cultural and religious diversity. The journey leads to Etchmiadzin, the religious centre of all Armenians and seat of the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. We visit the famous cathedral, considered the oldest state church of the Christian world. Afterwards we drive to Quba Mere Diwane in Aknalich, the largest Yezidi temple in the world. The Yezidis preserve their unique religious traditions to this day. Then a pleasurable part awaits us: in a winery in Aratashen we taste Armenian wines with a view of the biblical Ararat. On the way back we jointly prepare the traditional noodle speciality arishta in a cosy inn and experience Armenian hospitality first-hand.

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   5Mount Ararat and the cradle of Christianity

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   Today the journey takes us to the south of Armenia. Before us rises the biblical Ararat, at whose feet lies the famous Khor Virap Monastery. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned here before Armenia became the first country in the world to declare Christianity its state religion. We continue to a family-run cheese dairy with a tasting of regional specialities. Later we visit the beautifully situated Noravank Monastery among red rocks. Not far away is the famous Areni-1 cave, where archaeologists discovered the world's oldest leather shoe and a wine press more than 6,000 years old. Lunch at a local winery overlooking the vineyard. Afterwards we drive on to Goris.

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   6Cave village and the longest cable car in the world

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   In the morning we visit the old cave village of Khndzoresk. Until the last century people lived here in natural cave dwellings. A long suspension bridge takes us deep into the gorge. Then one of the highlights of the journey awaits us: the spectacularly situated Tatev Monastery. Even the journey there is extraordinary, because we float over deep gorges and wild mountain landscapes with the longest reversible cable car in the world. Lunch near the ropeway. Free evening and overnight stay in the spa town of Jermuk.

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   7Waterfall, caravanserai, cross-stones and Lake Sevan

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   Jermuk is one of Armenia's best-known spa resorts. On a walk we discover the famous Maidens' Hair waterfall. In good weather we take the cable car up the mountain above the town and enjoy magnificent views. On the way north we visit the historic caravanserai on the old Silk Road. Later we reach the famous cemetery of Noratus with its thousands of elaborately decorated cross-stones. Short stop at Lake Sevan for photo memories. In the evening we arrive in green Dilijan. Lunch with a hospitable family.

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   8Old believers, crafts and Gyumri

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   The day begins with a walk through Dilijan's old town. Afterwards we visit the Molokans, an old-believer community living in Armenia since the 19th century. Over tea from the samovar and homemade cake we learn more about their traditions. In Vanadzor we visit the workshop of a khachkar master who shows us how these unique Armenian stone artworks are created. We continue to Gyumri: the historic old town with its black tuff houses, small squares and old workshops has a very special charm. During our walk we meet artists, craftsmen and the humorous residents of the city. Visit to a traditional workshop, lunch in a popular fish restaurant. Free evening and overnight stay.

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   9Fortress, gorges and oriental market atmosphere

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   Today we leave the north and drive back towards the capital. First we visit the imposing Dashtadem fortress. Then we reach the picturesquely situated Hovhannavank Monastery with a magnificent view over the Kasakh gorge. Nearby, lunch awaits us in the beautiful garden of an Armenian painter. Back in Yerevan we visit the famous Gum market hall, where spices, dried fruits, lavash and sweets reveal the whole diversity of Armenia.

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    10Explore Yerevan on your own

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    The last full day belongs entirely to the Armenian capital. Those who like can stroll across the famous Vernissage market, discover Armenian arts and crafts or enjoy the relaxed life in the street cafes. Perhaps a last Armenian coffee with a view of the Ararat or a glass of Armenian wine to say goodbye. Farewell dinner together.

11. 11Farewell to Armenia

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    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.

Impressions