Panoramic Tour of Armenia

Highlights

It's time to pack your bags and travel! Discover Armenia, one of the pearls of the Old East. Hike through the amazing and unique landscapes, forests, valleys, villages, climb the highest mountain in Armenia, crisscross and discover the fabulous natural and cultural sites, fortresses and monasteries, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Taste delicious dishes and succulent fruits of this sunny country. Be the first to know the Armenian spirit.

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 reception at 9 a.m and start the day with a visit to the House-museum of Sergei Parajanov, famous Armenian filmmaker. The museum's collection includes around 1,600 pieces, most of which are works of Parajanov himself, including various accessories, collages, drawings, film sketches, dolls and hats. His belongings were transferred from his house in Tbilisi to Yerevan during his lifetime. Next, we will head to the Megerian Carpet Factory where many carpets with different patterns and colors are on display at the factory’s museum, representing the long history of the art of Armenian tapestry. Lunch on site. Later, we will have an excellent opportunity to participate in a master class of clay trimmings preparation at Terracotta Studio. We will finish our day with a cultural evening (a jazz or another event depending on the date). At the end of the day, return to your guest house.

It’s time to start a day full of adventure. The first destination will be the 11th-century Amberd Fortress, located on the slopes of one of the mountain peaks: it offers a magnificent view of unspoiled nature. Then we will take the direction of the Vahramashen church. Picnic on site. Then, get ready to explore one of the country's natural treasures. Put on your most comfortable shoes and let's start the hike to the southern summit (3888 meters above sea level) of Mt Aragats, the highest mountain in Armenia. Ascent accomplished, we will discover the beauty of Lake Kari with its pure and fresh water. From the top, you will be dazzled by the fascinating view of the sky that seems very close and the fantastic panorama. We will not miss the chance to visit Yezidis if they are there and learn about their way of life in the yurts, witness their hospitality. In the evening, arrive in the village of Odzun, overnight in a guest house.

After breakfast, we will start our trekking to the 12th-century Kobayr Monastery, from where we will be exposed to a magnificent view of the surrounding nature and the Debed River. Then, we will continue our walk by heading towards the medieval complex of Horomayr. Here we will take some rest and have a picnic. Then, we will head to chapel of Tsiranavor, in the place of which Ajdahak temple was built, place of worship of the dragons according to certain existing sources. Continuing our hike, we will return to the village of Odzun. Here we will discover the domed basilica of Odzun dating back to the 5th century. Finishing our discoveries, we will go to our welcoming host family, where we will taste honey while obtaining precious information on the beekeeping from our host. We will spend the night there.

After our breakfast, we will head towards the medieval bridge of Sanahin, from where we will start a new hike. The first discovery will be Sanahin Monastery, located above Debed Gorge in the northern Lori region. This building dates back to the 10th century. This intact complex is partly covered with vegetation; that is why it is very appealing to see during spring and summer months. The monastery is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is considered one of the masterpieces of Armenian architecture. Then we will continue our walk towards the welcoming village of Haghpat where we will discover the monastery, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, we will have a stop at the village of Akhtala where we will reveal the fortress and the ancient monastery of Akhtala, built in the 10th century by the Kyurikids, and presenting remarkable frescoes. Later, we will have an excellent opportunity to participate in a culinary master class. In the evening we will return to our guesthouse in Odzun and rest.

After a nice breakfast, we will head to Dsegh village. Here we will enjoy a guided hike accompanied by a local ornithologist. He will introduce us to the world of birds, such as griffon vulture, bearded vulture, green woodpecker, great spotted woodpecker, Eurasian jay, song thrush, black thrush, warbler and other species of raptors. During our trip, we will discover some historical and cultural monuments, such as the chapel of Saint Harutyun, the monastery of Saint Gregory Bardzrakash and the "Sirun Khach" (the beautiful cross). Later, we will continue our way towards the village of Fioletovo, a village of Molokans. Here, we will be welcomed by the Molokans Misha and Natalya. We will enjoy samovar tea with pirozhkis (Russian cakes) at their place. After this hospitable experience, we will set off for the Tavush region famous for its spa resort Dilijan. The vast fir forests, mountains and green hills surrounding the city make it similar to a green oasis in this part of the region. That is why locals call it “Armenian Switzerland”. You will arrive at your guesthouse for the overnight.

Today, we will go hiking to Lake Parz, a small earthly paradise with a picturesque lake surrounded by lush forests. Later on, we will visit the reproduction center of the red deer. The next step will be the discovery of the monasteries of Goshavank (built between the 12th and 13th centuries) and Haghartsin (built in the 11th century), hidden in dense green forests. Later in the evening, you will be dropped off at your guesthouse in Yerevan.

Transfer to the airport. See you soon Armenia!

Price per person
What’s included
Transport

Hotel pick-up / drop-off

Airport transfer

All Transfers

Supervision

Local English-speaking guide

Local mountain guide in Aragats

Local Trekking Guide

Entrance

All entrance fees

Other

Travel documentation

Map

Meals and Drinks

Mineral water

Cooking master class (Day 5)

Enquire an offer

Zvartnots International Airport - Yerevan - Amberd Fortress - Kari Lake - Mount Aragats - Odzun Basilica - Kobayr Monastery - Horomayr Monastery - Odzun Church - Sanahin Monastery - Haghpat Monastery - Akhtala Monastery - Dsegh Village - Fioletovo Village - Dilijan - Parz Lake - Goshavank Monastery - Haghartsin Monastery - Zvartnots International Airport

From 890 CHF

Bank and credit card payment

Free Cancelation

Guarantee of satisfaction

Tour Details
Group Type
Single, Group, Family
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Group Size
1 - 6
Guiding Method
Live Guide / Instructor
Guide Language
English / French / German / Russian
Enquire an offer

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