Armenia: 5000 Years of History!

Highlights

Historic Armenia
A huge number of archeological findings, ancient structures, books and manuscripts are the proof that Armenia is one the oldest cradles of civilization. Armenians struggled over many centuries to preserve Christianity and their cultural heritage. The true spirit of hospitality of people, impressive traditions and irrepressible love of life give this country a special flavor. We offer a very interesting and rewarding archeological tour through Armenia! If you want to spend your next vacation off the beaten track, we will fulfill your expectations.

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.

In the morning you will be welcomed by our guide at the hotel. We will start our exploration tour from Shengavit Settlement (3000 BC), which is considered as one of the oldest inhabited places. The ancient archaeological site is located on a hill in the south-eastern part of Yerevan Lake. Next, we will have a professionally guided tour in the History Museum of Armenia. Rich collections of ancient Armenian artefacts exhibited in the halls of the museum represent the history of Armenia − from prehistoric times to the beginning of the XX century. After the rest, we will stroll through the city and explore Yerevan Metro, hidden deep under the ground. Later, we will admire one of the oldest and longest streets in Yerevan – Abovyan Street – and of course, we will continue our program by attending the impressive performance of the Singing Fountains in the Republic Square. In the evening you will be transferred to the hotel to have rest.

After breakfast, we will drive to Armavir Province, to reveal the ancient settlement of Metsamor. We will visit the archaeological site and the museum of Metsamor (5000 - 4000 BC). Next, we will pay a visit to one of the first metal workrooms embedded in the rocks. Afterwards, we can have a picnic on the lovely spot nearby. Later, we will head to Ethnography Museum in Sardarapat, which is a huge complex located in the same province. In the evening we will return to Yerevan. Rest time.

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.

Today, in the morning we will drive to the southern part of the country. The first stop will be at KhorVirap Monastery, standing high in the plain valley of Ararat. We will be gifted a flawless view of the Mount Ararat on a clear day. Next, we will drive to the wine-making center of the country − Areni. Here, we will have a traditional Armenian lunch and taste local wine at a family vineyard. Afterwards, we will drive to Amaghu Gorge, which is always twined with Grand Canyon, where one of the most beautiful monasteries called Noravank is situated. This is a perfect location for taking pictures and admiring the red cliffs. While there, we will have a coffee break in a cozy cave-cafe. In the evening we will arrive in Goris to stay overnight.

The new day will start with a delicious breakfast in Goris. Afterwards, we will visit the Old Khndzoresk Village. This will be a real gift for nature lovers. Here, the caves and rocks look like as they cracked the mountain and came out to the surface. Afterwards, we will continue to the Monastery of Tatev. The combination of architectural marvel together with divine nature around, make Tatev one of the most visited and photographed places in Armenia. While there, we will take the longest reversible ropeway of the world. We will have a chance to enjoy the stunning scenery of the steep gorge of the Vorotan River from the cabin of the ropeway. At the end of the day, we will return to our hotel in Goris.

In the morning the exploration will continue in Selim, where we will unfold the caravanserai, which offered shelter for all travelers and their animals that were crossing the mountains. We will proceed to the fortification Odzaberd in the village of Tsovinar. Next, we will visit ancient and biggest cemetery of Noratus, where the whole area is covered with numerous ''khachkars''. Near the village Hayravank, on the western shore of Lake Sevan, we will visit the Hayravank Monastery built in the IX century that overlooks gorgeous Lake Sevan. Later we will unfold the ruins of prehistoric settlement Lchashen, which is another proof that Armenia is one of the oldest civilized regions of the world. The last discovery for today, will be the largest lake in Armenia − Sevan. The turquoise beauty will be a real treat for your eyes. At the end of the day we will settle in a hotel in Sevan.

The morning starts with a fresh breakfast at an Armenian traditional hotel. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will head to Sevan Peninsula to explore another precious ancient structure − Sevanavank Monastery. Due to its great location, we will have a fantastic view over the lake and its nearby area. Next, the tour continues to the UNESCO World Heritage listed ancient Monastery of Geghard that was carved out of a mountain. The monastery is surrounded by fascinating natural treasures and strong spiritual power. Then, we will hike to nature-made Basalt organs along the River Azat that have a shape of the musical instrument. Afterwards, we have Garni Temple (I century AD) in our program, which stands at the edge of the gorge and overlooks endless mountains and a deep canyon. Close to the evening, we will return to the capital, and you will have time to make discoveries at your own pace.

Today you can enjoy your free day. We recommend you to visit the Matenadaran, one of the most impressive museums and research centers for ancient books and manuscripts preserved in special storages. The building is situated in Mashtots Avenue, which offers a stunning view of the city. And of course, you may also discover Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial.

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".

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

High Mountain Expert Guide (1 day)

Hiking guide (1 day)

Local Archaeologist (1 day)

Meals and Drinks

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drinking water

Wine tasting

"Lavash" baking master class (1 day)

Entrance

All entrance fees

Tatev ropeway fee

Other

Travel documentation

Map

What’s excluded
Excluded

International flight

Medical insurance

Enquire an offer

Zvartnots International Airport - Yerevan - Metsamor - Sardarapat Memorial - Amberd Fortress - Mount Aragats - Khor Virap Monastery - Areni - Noravank Monastery - Karahunj - Goris - Khndzoresk - Tatev Monastery - Selim Caravanserai - Odzaberd Fortress - Noratus - Hayravank Monastery - Lchashen - Sevan Lake - Geghard Monastery - Garni Gorge - Garni Temple - Zvartnots Cathedral - Etchmiadzin Cathedral - Aknashen - Zvartnots International Airport

From 780 EUR

Bank and credit card payment

Free Cancelation

Guarantee of satisfaction

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

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