Insights into Rural Life

Good morning and welcome to Yerevan! Our guide will be waiting for you at the lobby of the hotel. We will explore the landmarks and the main places of interest in the city. The first destination to be visited is the Matenadaran − a research institute, museum and repository of ancient manuscripts and books preserved in special storage conditions over many centuries. After discovering the treasures of the Matenadaran, we will travel on to Geghard. The monastery of Geghard was built in the XIII century, most of which is cut into a massive rock. It is surrounded by Azat Valley, which has much to see and admire. In 2000 Geghard was inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. We are going to spend the end of the day in HyeLandz Eco Village situated in the small village of Geghadir on Yerevan-Garni Highway. HyeLandz Eco Village is a unique place, where you can see a great variety of domestic animals, trees, plants and enjoy your rest in one of the most ecologically friendly resorts in the country.

Our day will begin with an exploratory tour to Garni. Garni Hellenistic Temple was bulit in the I century BC. It is the only pre-Christian pagan monument in Armenia. This historic and beautiful place and the lovely view of the gorge will stay in your memory forever. After 15-minute walk, you can discover the "Symphony of Stones" or, in other words, "Basalt Organs". This is a huge, impressive rock, which looks like a musical instrument. After enjoying the day full of new discoveries, we will return to the eco village, where we can spend our late evening, have some drinks, play different games, enjoy delicious meals and prepare ourselves for new explorations.

In the morning we will depart to Khor Virap (meaning "deep dungeon") − a monastery located near the closed border with Turkey. This is one of the best places where you can have a spectacular view of the Mount Ararat. Being one of the oldest civilizations, Armenia has centuries-old wine making traditions, this is why let us not miss our chance and visit Areni, which is considered the winemaking capital of Armenia. Areni is also called "Armenian Bordeaux", where a wine festival is hosted once a year. After a tour in Areni, we will continue our day in a hospitable village called Herher.

Take a chance to spend the beginning of your interesting day in this hospitable village. You can walk through the farm, help local people with gardening, take part in the process of making Armenian traditional bread called "lavash". Not far from Herher we will unveil the half-destroyed monastery of Saint Sion, which dates back to the VIII century.

We will enjoy another delicious breakfast in picturesque Herher, later we will take you to Selim Caravanserai, located on the top of the Selim Pass, to the southern part of Lake Sevan. Selim Caravanserai was built in 1332 and used to be a shelter for travellers and their animals. Our next discovey will be amazing Lake Sevan or "the pearl of Armenia". Sevan is one of the largest clean and fresh mountainous lakes in the world. The water of the lake is cool even on the hottest days of summer. Next, we will take a direction to the top of the peninsula of the lake, where the ancient Sevanavank Monastery with its marvelous and natural surroundings will wait to amaze you. After delicious lunch in Sevan we will drive to Dilijan. Armenians call Dilijan "Little Switzerland", as it is a mountainous city full of green landscapes and rolling hills. Nice and hospitable people will welcome you in their comfortable guesthouses where you can have a rest.

Mornings in Dilijan are always fresh and cool. After breakfast you will depart to Haghartsin (built in the XI C.) and Goshavank Monasteries (built between XII-XIII CC.), hidden in green and dense forests not far from Dilijan. At the end of the day you can enjoy a stroll around the colorful Old Town.

After exploring Tavush Province, we will proceed our tour to Lori − located in the north of Armenia. We will have a stop in Akhtala Village, where we will unveil ancient Monastery Akhtala with its frescos and Akhtala Fortress. The rest of the day will be spent in a hospitable village Haghpat, where we will unfold the ancient Monastery Haghpat, which is listed in UNESCO World heritage site.

Your morning will start with a fresh and healthy breakfast in Haghpat. Next, we will reveal UNESCO World Heritage listed Monastery Sanahin, that is located in Debed Canyon in the northern province of Lori. Sanahin dates back to the X century. The untouched complex is partly overgrown with grass, which makes it a must-see landmark particularly in summer and spring seasons. These is considered a masterpiece of the Armenian architecture. Later, we will discover domed Basilica Odzun. In the evening, on our way back to Yerevan treat your eyes to dazzling landscapes unfolded one after another; from foothills, lush forests to plains and small villages. Our day will be concluded as we arrive, and new discoveries will wait for us the upcoming day.

The morning will begin with another city tour around the ancient city. Later we will visit Tsitsernakaberd, the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial. Next, we will proceed our tour to explore Etchmiadzin − the spiritual center of all Armenians. Along the way we will stop at the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral located in Ararat valley. Although the cathedral is fully ruined, it remains one of the most visited sights in the country, as it offers a magnificent view of the Mount Ararat. Our upcoming destination will be Aknashen village. Here you can take part in traditional "lavash" baking process as well as taste the best representation of Armenian local recipes.

Transfer to the airport. See you soon Armenia!