Discover the Taste of Regional Specialties

Highlights

Welcome to Armenia – the homeland of delicious and unique cuisine! Being one of the oldest nations in the world Armenians have rich culinary history. It offers a variety of tasty and special dishes for its visitors, who are eager to experience the real taste of Armenia. All traditional Armenian meals are made of the fresh local products. During this tasty tour, you will take part in the preparation of the Armenian national dishes, which reflect the cultural peculiarities of the country.

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.

Your guided city tour will begin from the capital of Armenia – Yerevan. The first stop will be in Matenadaran, which holds a rich collection of ancient manuscripts and books, that have been preserved as a national treasure over many centuries. After discovering the treasures of Matenadaran, be ready to explore another outstanding place, called Megerian Carpet Factory. Here, the Armenian culture will seem to be closer, than ever, as it contains well displayed antique carpet museum, that will surely catch on your interest. After admiring the museum and getting acquainted with the process of making those carpets, we will be invited to taste exquisite Armenian dishes in the restaurant of the factory.

At the beginning of the day, we will head to the Western province of Kotayk where we will uncover two remarkable landmarks. The first one is Geghard Monastery, which is carved out of a solid mountain. The complex was built in the IV century, although the main chapel was structured in 1215. Besides, this is an incredible historic site, surrounded by natural beauty. We will continue our exploratory mission by visiting the next sight Garni Temple, located on the same valley. This is the only non-Christian, religious structure in Armenia. Thanks to its location which offers gorgeous views especially from the top where the spectacular mountains and cliffs are situated. Take the time to capture this unrepeatable panoramic views. After unfolding these two sites, it will be the time to try something delicate and delicious. Therefore, we will visit a local host family to join the real cooking experience. The main course will be "Dolma": grape or cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat, together with rice, onion and herbs. Whenever its done enjoy the tastiness and get ready to immerse yourself in another interesting place, Lake Sevan. "The Blue Pearl" will be a real treat for your eyes. The next stop will be the ancient Sevanavank Monastery, located on the Sevan Peninsula. The unique location of the church will gift you another heavenly and an attractive view of the impressive Lake Sevan. After finishing our discoveries, we will drive to the hotel in Sevan. Have some rest and wait for the next interesting day to come.

After the breakfast, we will head to uncover Tavush Province with its famous resort Town of Dilijan. Dense forests, pristine landscapes and rolling hills are surrounding this town and making it look like a green wall, therefore, the locals call it ''Armenian Switzerland''. Not far from Dilijan, in the deep forest, Haghartsin Monastery will welcome us. It is a tranquil place, surrounded by marvelous nature. Followed, we will depart to Goshavank Monastery, which is another ancient place to admire. One more site is on our list – the Old Town of Dilijan, with its famous Shamberyan street, mold as traditional, colorful "Old Dilijanian'' style. Here, in the gourmet restaurant, we will have our next cooking class. Step by step you will learn how to make traditional "Ghapama" – the Armenian popular pumpkin dish, stuffed with raisins, dried fruit, walnuts, cinnamon and honey. After enjoying the Armenian dinner, we will go to our hotel in Dilijan and rest, as on the next day we will continue the exciting discoveries.

Today, we will head to the second largest city in Armenia-Gyumri, located in Shirak Province. This is the city of humor, art and hospitality. Whereas, we will start our exploration from the Old Town, with its antique architecture style, wooden balconies and colorful facades. After the stroll, it will be the right time to enjoy a meal. Hence, fish will be on the main menu. Also, we can participate in the preparation of a fresh trout dish by ourselves. In the evening, we will enjoy mint tea with walnut jam and have a relax after a long walk. 

The day will start with a stroll around Gyumri. After discovering the main sights of the city, we will leave Gyumri to uncover Haritch Village, with its VII century Haritchavank Monastery. Together with the medieval style structure, we will admire a great view over the canyon. Late in the evening, we will arrive at your hotel in Yerevan.

We will proceed with our tour to explore Etchmiadzin – the spiritual center of all Armenians. Along the way, we will have a 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. In Etchmiadzin you can take part in the baking process of the traditional ''Lavash''  –the Armenian bread, as well as taste Armenian butter cake, called ''Gata''. Later, we will explore the monastery and the pilgrimage place Khor Virap from the IV century. In the evening we will return to Yerevan.

Your trip to Yerevan will be incomplete if you do not visit Vernissage – home to the precious antiques that represent Armenian traditions. Take your time to wander around, buy souvenirs and admire the beautiful creative crafts. The last traditional culinary experience will be the famous Armenian sweet ''Pakhlava''. It is made with walnuts and poured with honey. In the evening, we will be invited to Armenian gastronomic restaurant, to taste genuine and exquisite dishes. The day will be concluded with a private return to your hotel.

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

Meals and Drinks

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drinking water

Wine tasting

"Lavash" baking master class (1 day)

Cooking master classes (4 days)

Entrance

All entrance fees

Other

Travel documentation

Map

Accommodation

Free WIFI

What’s excluded
Excluded

International flight

Medical insurance

Enquire an offer

Zvartnots International Airport - Yerevan - Garni Temple - Geghard Monastery - Sevanavank Monastery - Sevan Lake - Haghartsin Monastery - Goshavank Monastery - Dilijan - Gyumri - Harichavank Monastery - Zvartnots Cathedral - Etchmiadzin Cathedral - Khor Virap Monastery - Zvartnots International Airport

From 906 USD

Bank and credit card payment

Free Cancelation

Guarantee of satisfaction

Tour Details
Group Type
Single, Group, Family
Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Group Size
1 - 6
Guiding Method
Live Guide / Instructor
Guide Language
English / French / German / Russian
Enquire an offer

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