The Other Armenia

Highlights

Escape from city life, pack your bags and set off to explore Armenia, a land of splendid mountains and unique nature. Discover Yerevan, one of the oldest capitals in the world, be the first to visit the medieval monasteries registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list, take the longest reversible aerial tramway in the world, called "Wings of Tatev", discover the Lake Sevan, the "Blue Pearl" of our country. Hike through mountains, forests, villages. Taste the delicious traditional Armenian dishes, accompanied by different workshops and tastings.

Feel the difference!

Itinerary

Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Meet and greet and then transfer to your hotel, afterward some leisure time at your disposal.

Meet the guide at the hotel lobby at 9 a.m. and start our day with a visit to the National Gallery of Armenia, located on Republic Square. It is home to the largest collection of works by Armenian artists in the world. Next, we will head to the Megerian Carpet Factory where many carpets with different patterns and colors are on display at the factory museum and represent the long history of the art of Armenian tapestry. Lunch on site. Continue your discoveries by going to the Museum of Woodcut Art, where you can see the modern works of professional sculptors, painters and masters of woodcarving, with modern and ancient handicrafts, as well as contemporary engravings and sculptures. Later on, we will have an excellent opportunity to participate in a pottery master class at Terracota Studio. In the evening return to your guest house. Overnight.

In the morning we will head south-east of Yerevan, Kotayk region, to discover two remarkable sites. On the way, we will admire the mountain gorges and hills. Our first stop will be in Geghard Monastery that is carved into the rock. The complex was built in the IV century, and the main chapel was built in 1215. It is an incredible historic site with natural beauty all around. Afterwards, we will head to the village of Garni where we will start a hike of about an hour and a half to admire the "natural" basalt organs", also called "Stone Symphony". We will continue our exploratory tour to visit the next destination, the temple of Garni, located in the same valley. It is the only preserved pagan monument in Armenia. The superb view from its height overlooking the surrounding Rocky Mountains offers a perfect opportunity to capture unique shots of a kind. Overnight in a guest house in Garni.

After breakfast, we will start our hike to the 11th-century medieval monastery of Geghmahovit (Havouts Tar), located in the Azat Valley. Then we will drive by 4x4 to the Khosrov Forest State Reserve. There, the local guide will give us an introduction to the different species of surrounding flora and fauna. In reserve, we will discover the Astghik waterfall, named after the Armenian goddess of love. We will continue our journey to the Vayots Dzor region and arrive at the wine village of Areni and taste homemade wine and honey with a hospitable local family. Here you will spend your night. The owner of the house will explain the process of winemaking, as well as beekeeping.

Option 2
Garni – Ajdahak Mountain – Ajdahak Petroglyphs – Visit to the Yezidis – Areni Village (hiking of 12 km, 6-7h)

After breakfast, our day will start with the ascent of Mount Ajdahak on foot. On its summit, we will discover the magnificent crater lake and marvel the exceptional panorama of Mount Ararat, Geghama mountain range and Lake Sevan. Later, we will descend and head towards Ajdahak's petroglyphs. We will not miss the chance to visit the local Yezidis and learn about their way of life in the yurts, to witness their hospitality. Afterwards, we will continue our journey to the Vayots Dzor region and arrive at the wine village of Areni and taste homemade wine and honey with a hospitable local family, here you will spend your night. The owner of the house will explain the process of winemaking, as well as beekeeping.  

In the morning, we will leave Areni and head towards the Tsaghats Qar monastery (X and XI centuries), from where we will start our day of trekking. We will make our walk to the medieval fortress of Smbataberd. Afterwards, we will head to Yeghegis village. Then we will continue our walk through the village of Artabuynk to Noravank Monastery. Lunch. Overnight in Goris.

The new day will start with breakfast in the Armenian town of Goris. Afterwards, we will visit the ancient village of Khndzoresk. This will be a perfect gift for all nature lovers. The surrounding forest interspersed with caves and rocks gives the impression of a magical sanctuary. Then we will continue our tour to the Tatev Monastery. The combination of its wonderful architecture and its position gives it a divine air which makes Tatev one of the most visited and photographed places in Armenia. From there, we will take the longest cable car ''Wings of Tatev''. From the cable car cabin, we will have the chance to enjoy the majestic view of Vorotan Gorge. Continue the journey to "Armenian Stonehenge", Qarahunj, one of the oldest observatories in the world, where megalithic stones dating from the Bronze Age can be found. Then we will head to the city of Sisian, where we will participate in a master class of straw marquetry. Overnight in Sisian.

In the morning, we will discover the 11th-century Vorotnavank monastery, located overhanging the left bank of the Vorotan River. We will continue our journey to the Selim caravanserai located near the Selim pass, which served as a shelter for travelers and their animals. It retains many vestiges reminding that this road was in medieval times, one of the main axes of north-south trade, connecting the Arab-Persian world to the countries of the Caucasus. At the end of the afternoon, we will arrive in the Gegharkunik region and visit the ancient Noratus cemetery, the largest cemetery of "khachkars" (stone cross) on the territory of the present Republic of Armenia. Then we will settle in a guest house in Gavar. Free evening.

Today, our journey will reach Hayravank on the west shore of Lake Sevan, where we will visit the Hayravank Monastery, built in the IX century. It offers a magnificent panorama on Lake Sevan. Afterwards, we will head to the Sevan peninsula to discover another impressive ancient monument, the Sevanavank Monastery. Thanks to its excellent location, we will enjoy a fantastic view of the "Blue Pearl" and the surrounding areas. At the end of these visits, we will have an excellent opportunity to take a little boat trip, to admire the beauty of the lake up close. In the evening, we will return to Yerevan.

In the morning you will head to Armavir region. We will explore the essentials of the city of Etchmiadzin, the spiritual center of all Armenians. On the way, we will stop near the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral located in the Ararat Valley. Although the cathedral is partially destroyed, it remains one of the most visited sights in the country and also offers a magnificent view of Mount Ararat. Later, we will participate in a master class of preparation of traditional sweet cupcakes called Chaquar Tchoraki at Machanents House and taste them afterwards. Our next destination will be the village of Aknashen. Here you will take part in the preparation of the traditional "lavash" as well as the tasting of local dishes. Return to Yerevan.

 

Transfer to the airport. See you soon Armenia!

Price per person
What’s included
Transport

Hotel pick-up / drop-off

Airport transfer

Comfortable transportation according to the program in air-conditioned vehicles

Supervision

Local English-speaking guide

Hiking guide (1 day)

Meals and Drinks

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drinking water

Entrance

All entrance fees

Other

Travel documentation

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Zvartnots International Airport - Yerevan - Geghard Monastery - Garni Gorge - Garni Temple - Havuts Tar Monastery - Khosrov Reserve - Areni - Tsaghats Kar Monastery - Smbataberd - Yeghegis - Artabuynk - Noravank Monastery - Goris - Khndzoresk - Tatev Monastery - Karahunj - Sisian - Vorotnavank Monastery - Selim Caravanserai - Martuni Town - Noratus - Gavar Town - Hayravank Monastery - Sevanavank Monastery - Zvartnots Cathedral - Etchmiadzin Cathedral - Aknashen - Zvartnots International Airport

From 1297 CHF

Bank and credit card payment

Free Cancelation

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Tour Details
Group Type
Single, Group, Family
Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Group Size
1 - 6
Guiding Method
Live Guide / Instructor
Guide Language
English / French / German / Russian
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