The Melody of Armenia

Highlights

Discover Armenia through its Music
We are honored to invite you to make this magical cultural tour through Armenia and feel the joy of hospitality, dramatically beautiful views and the presence of strong spiritual power of the historic land. You can’t help falling in love with the sound of the most Armenian instrument − duduk! Explore the melodies of the nation that has created rich intangible heritage over two thousand years. Welcome to Armenia and hear the melody of the land.

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.

Good morning and welcome to Yerevan. Our guide will be waiting for you at the hotel lobby. We will explore the landmarks and main points of interest in the city. First destination to be discovered is the Matenadaran − place full of valuable manuscripts and books, preserved in special storages over many centuries. After we get acquainted with the precious collection of the Matenadaran, we will continue to Yerevan Subway. Almost all the stations are very deep under the ground, thus making the temperature below 25°C, even on the hottest days of summer. Next, we will proceed to Abovyan Street, opened in 1863, where the first tram in Yerevan passed once. After few minutes of walk, we will reach the Republic Square to admire its impressive architecture and enjoy the show of the Singing Fountains in the evening. At the end of the day we will attend a cultural evening and prepare ourselves for new explorations of the next day.

Early in the morning we will continue to the province of Kotayk, where the top rated landmarks are waiting for us. First one on the list is Geghard − a gorgeous monastery complex surrounded by cliffs and mountains of Azat valley. The trip continues to Garni, where we will admire the Symphony of Stones − a wonderful ensemble of organ pipes made of basalt. The last treasure to be uncovered for this day will be Garni Hellenistic Temple − a pre-Christian monument located on the western side of the valley. This historic site offers a panoramic view from top, where endless cliffs and mountains resemble a landscape on canvas. Right in front of the temple, we will attend the magical live performance of Chorus Quintet. On the final part of the day you will have a comfortable drive back to your hotel.

Today we are going to have a special day accompanied by traditional dance and music. We will get acquainted with Armenian folk dance art and have a closer insight into the Armenian dance culture. Now, when you have learned to dance to the Armenian music, we can proceed to Megerian carpet factory. Here, you will be stunned by the beauty of hanging carpets around the wooden hall. We will stop our exploratory mission for a while to enjoy a unique representation of Armenian recipes. Late in the evening, you will have some free time to discover the city at your own pace.

Wake up and prepare for a day full of adventures. First, we will cover the XI century Fortress of Amberd, with picturesque valleys on the background which is located on the slopes of the highest mountain of Armenia, Aragats. We will pass to Vahramashen church, situated next to the fortress, where we will have a short lunch break on a lovely picnic spot. Now it is time to hike the southern peak (3888 m above sea level) of the highest top in Armenia − Aragats (4090 m above sea level). On our way to the southern peak of the mount, we will unfold the beauty of Lake Qari with its cool and fresh water. As we reach the peak, you will be astonished by the fascinating view of the sky that will seem to be closer and of the mesmerizing view of the Mount Ararat. Depending on your wishes, we can also hike up to the East Summit (3650 m above sea level). In the evening, we will drive back to our hotel in Yerevan.

We will start today's discoveries from the magical and freshwater Lake Sevan, with splendid and picturesque panorama around. Next, we will take a direction to the top of the peninsula of the lake, where we will fall in love with the ancient Sevanavank Monastery and its marvelous and natural surroundings. Later, we will explore the emerald city of Dilijan, known as ''Armenian Switzerland''. Thick forests, mountains and hills embrace the city of Dilijan, creating a little green oasis in the southern part of the province. Afterwards, we will pay a visit to Haghartsin (XI C.) and Goshavank (XII-XIII CC.) monasteries located very close to Dilijan, in a densely forested area. In the evening we will drive to our guesthouse in Odzun Village situated in the province of Lori.

Our day begins early in the morning with fresh and delicious breakfast, which will energize us for our coming adventures. The first discovery will be Akhtala Village, famous for its ancient frescos, which is located on the bank of the Debed River. The discoveries of the treasures of Lori continue and two famous sights, named Haghpat and Sanahin are undeniably one of the precious landmarks of the region. Both monasteries lie in a plain green area surrounded by numerous khachkars and splendid nature. One of the most important facts is that the monasteries are listed on UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trip continues to the domed basilica of Odzun, where we will admire the ancient church with its appealing background. You will be dropped-off back to Odzun to stay overnight.

Today we will head to the second biggest city in Armenia − Gyumri. This city is considered as the center of Armenian humor, hospitality and art. We will take a stroll through the streets and uncover antique architecture of the Old Town with wooden balconies and colorful facades. We will have an opportunity to observe the daily routine of the locals and that of the craftsmen as well. We will spend the rest of the day in Gyumri and prepare for the next destination.

In the morning, we will depart to Harich Village to unfold another top attraction of the region, Harichavank. The VII century monastery used to be a fortress town; we can even find its ruins around the preserved monastery. All the guests, who visit the monastery, will be granted a magnificent view over the canyon. Later, we will take a direction to archeological site of Yererouk Basilica, which is partially destroyed, but still attracts thousands of visitors every year. In the evening we will return to the capital by train and have a rest after a long day.

After breakfast, we will depart to the Armavir Province, where we will discover the main points of interest of this region. First, we will have a stop at the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, which once used to be a circle-shaped architectural masterpiece. Later, we will visit the spiritual city of Armenia − Etchmiadzin. We will take a tour inside the religious complex of the city, where the oldest church of the country is situated. Afterwards, we will proceed to Aknashen Village, where hospitable people will be waiting for us to have traditional lunch consisting of unique Armenian dishes, we will also have an opportunity to take part in the process of baking Armenian bread − "lavash".

At the beginning of the day we will visit the Museum of Komitas − the most famous Armenian musicologist, composer and priest. After, we will head to Tsitsernakaberd − the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum. Late in the evening, we will attend a cultural evening and have a nice conclusion of the day.

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

Gyumri - Yerevan train ticket

Supervision

Local English-speaking guide

High Mountain Expert Guide (1 day)

Meals and Drinks

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drinking water

Wine tasting

"Lavash" baking master class (1 day)

Entrance

All entrance fees

Cultural event fees (2 days)

Chorus Quintet fee (1 day)

Dance master class fee (1 day)

Other

Travel documentation

What’s excluded
Excluded

International flight

Medical insurance

Enquire an offer

Zvartnots International Airport - Yerevan - Geghard Monastery - Garni Gorge - Garni Temple - Amberd Fortress - Mount Aragats - Sevanavank Monastery - Haghartsin Monastery - Goshavank Monastery - Odzun Basilica - Akhtala Monastery - Haghpat Monastery - Sanahin Monastery - Gyumri - Harichavank Monastery - Yererouk - Zvartnots Cathedral - Etchmiadzin Cathedral - Aknashen - Zvartnots International Airport

From 978 CHF

Bank and credit card payment

Free Cancelation

Guarantee of satisfaction

Tour Details
Group Type
Single, Group, Family
Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Group Size
1 - 6
Guiding Method
Live Guide / Instructor
Guide Language
English / French / German / Russian
Enquire an offer

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