Escorted Tours
Upon arrival at Zvartnots International Airport, you will be transferred to the Hotel for an overnight stay in Yerevan.
We will begin our Tour in the Capital of Armenia, Yerevan. For centuries, this City has been known as the 'Pink City' because of the colour of the Volcanic tuff stone used in its construction. Yerevan is one of the World’s oldest continuously inhabited Cities, founded in 782 B.C. and its streets are filled with history, culture and vibrant energy. During the Tour, we will explore some of the City’s most iconic landmarks. Republic Square is the heart of Yerevan, surrounded by government buildings and the History Museum and at night the square comes alive with its famous dancing Fountains. Mashtots Avenue, named after Mesrop Mashtots, creator of the Armenian Alphabet, is a central avenue lined with shops, cafés and cultural institutions. The Aram Khachaturian Opera and Ballet Theatre, named after the famous Armenian composer, is a grand cultural hub for Opera, Ballet and Concerts. The Cascade Complex is a massive staircase connecting the Downtown area with the Monument neighbourhood, offering stunning views of the City and Mount Ararat and is also home to the Cafesjian Centre for the Arts, featuring modern sculptures and art exhibitions. Mother Armenia is a towering Statue symbolising peace and strength, offering a panoramic view of Yerevan from Victory Park and serving as a reminder of Armenia’s resilience. Throughout the tour, we will also have the chance to explore local Markets and Parks and to enjoy the City’s lively café culture. Yerevan blends the old and the new, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Armenia’s rich past and vibrant present. Afterwards, visit to the Ararat Brandy Factory, also known as the Yerevan Brandy Company, a historic and renowned Armenian brandy distillery located in Yerevan. Founded in 1887, the Distillery has a long and storied history of producing high quality Brandy, often referred to as Armenian Cognac. The factory, with its historic buildings and cellars, is not only a destination for brandy enthusiasts but also a place where visitors can learn about the rich tradition of Armenian Brandy production. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to one of the most vivid places in Yerevan is 'GUM' Market, near the Tashir Trading Centre, which opened during the former Soviet Union years. It operates every day from morning until late evening. Here, you can find fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Meat, Spices, many types of Dried Fruits, Cheeses, traditional Armenian Bread 'Lavash', Pickles and more. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Yerevan. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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After breakfast, we will start the excursion with the centuries old monuments of Vagharshapat (formally Ejmiatsin) and Zvartnots, both listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Cathedral of Vagharshapat (formally Ejmiatsin), founded in 303, is the official residence of the Catholicos of Armenia. Vagharshapat (formally Echmiadzin) is a sacred place for Armenians and the spiritual heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church. We will then continue to Zvartnots Temple, built in the 7th Century by Nerses the Builder. Today, only ruins of Zvartnots remain, though the Site has not lost its mystery over the years. Enjoy lunch at a local house, where you can take part in preparing the Armenian Pasta 'Arishta' and the sweet 'Gata'. Afterwards, we will return to Yerevan to visit the Manuscript Museum of Armenia, known as the Matenadaran, where Ancient Armenian and World manuscripts are kept. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Yerevan. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before taking a trip to Khor Virap Monastery (4th–18th Centuries). This Monastery is especially prominent for its history. Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia, was imprisoned here for around 13 years, at a time when a prison stood on the Monastery’s current Site. Here, we can enjoy the spectacular view of the sacred Mount Ararat, an immortal symbol of Armenia. Afterwards, we take a visit to Dav Canyon Winery, where we will tour the Vineyards and learn about Winemaking techniques. We will taste three types of high quality Wine (Red, White and Rosé), accompanied by a variety of Meats, Cheeses, Bruschetta, Lemon, Olives and more. Lunch will be served here. Our journey continues to Noravank, a 12th Century Monastery set among impressive sheer rock faces at the mouth of a winding Gorge. This is the only Monastery where a unique sculpture of God the Father can be found. From here we visit Qarahunj, located near the Town of Sisian in the Syunik Province of Armenia. The Site features a large number of vertically standing stones arranged in a circular and radial pattern. These megalithic stones are believed to date back to the Bronze Age and the purpose and origin of the Site remain subjects of Scholarly debate. Some Scholars believe the arrangement of stones at Qarahunj had Astronomical or Ritualistic significance with theories proposing that it may have served as an Ancient Observatory or Ceremonial Site. The Site offers a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric past of the region and continues to draw the interest of Archaeologists and Historians. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Goris. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Khndzoresk, which is one of the most impressive and mysterious places in Armenia. By visiting this Village, you can clearly see how their Ancestors lived and what progress led us to today’s level. Even before 1950, the people of this area lived in Caves for 1,000 years and now you can walk through the abandoned City and feel the spirit of those times when there was no Internet, no phones and no connection. Due to its inaccessible location, the City remained inaccessible for both enemies and developing urban infrastructure. Afterwards, we continue our trip to the Monastic Complex, Tatev (9-13th Century), which was a famous centre of studies in those times. To reach the Monastic Complex we will use a Cable Car, which holds the record for World’s longest non stoppable double track Cable Car. Enjoy lunch at a local house, 'Shen House' where you can also participate in the preparation of 'Vodka'. Afterwards, we return to Goris. Here, visit Museum of Axel Bakunts (closed on Monday's), an Armenian Writer and Public Activist who was tragically murdered during Stalin’s 1937 Assassinations. Previously his home, the beautiful Villa features a Timber Veranda, stone walls and a pretty courtyard garden with Roses, Raspberry bushes, Apple and Cherry trees. The house is taken care of by the amazing curator, Anjik who has been working at the Museum for 50 years and will take you on a Tour. Anjik is brilliant, knowledgeable and passionate. Tonight enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay in Goris.
This morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today, we will follow pathways once used by travellers on the Great Silk Road. We will drive through Selim Caravanserai, which served as an important centre for trade and overnight stays during the era of the Great Silk Road. Here, we can see the enduring traces of world history. Afterwards, we will visit Noratus, a Aillage on the Western Shore of Lake Sevan in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. It is particularly known for its historic Cemetery, Noratus Cemetery, home to one of the largest collections of Armenian Khachkars, 'Cross Stones', in the Country. Our next stop is the Mikaelyan Family Farm, where unique Armenian Cheeses have been produced by the Mikaelyan Family for many years. This Family run business specialises in Wine infused Cheese, Cognac infused Cheese, 'Horats' and Parmesan style Cheeses. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before we continue our journey to Dilijan. Here, enjoy a walk along Sharambeyan Street. We will pass many Museums, Souvenir Markets and small shops. We will also see two traditional wooden houses with tiled roofs and finely carved balconies, typical examples of Dilijan’s architecture. Dinner will be served at a local B&B including a masterclass in preparing 'Tolma'. Overnight in Dilijan. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart on a Jukhtakvank–Matosavank Trekking adventure (Approx. 2 hours, 3.5 km, ascent 1,530 m / descent 1,419 m). The route loops around a valley and links two historic Monasteries, Matosavank and Jukhtakvank, both weathered by time and nature. It is best to start at Matosavank and follow the valley clockwise for a more comfortable and enjoyable route. The trail begins on a dirt road before narrowing into a path through grassy meadows and dense groves of Elm, Oak and Hazel. These 13th Century Monastic Complexes were once active cultural centres and are now enveloped by nature. Take a moment to rest at the outdoor stone tables and enjoy a snack. We then continue to the Village of Fioletovo, home to a community of Molokan Russians. You will be hosted by a local Family with the chance to see a typical Molokan House, wander in the Garden and take part in a Tea Drinking Ceremony around the Samovar with freshly Baked Pastries or Biscuits. Lunch at the Molokan family’s house. Afterwards, we will drive to Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater high altitude Lakes in the World, often called the 'Pearl of Armenia'. The Lake is notable for its clear, strikingly blue water, which reflects the surrounding Mountain landscape. Situated at an altitude of around 1,900 metres above sea level, it is a vital Ecological and cultural landmark for Armenia, offering breathtaking scenery and a peaceful setting for relaxation and photography. We will then visit Sevanavank Monastery, a historic complex on the Sevan Peninsula. The Peninsula was originally an Island, however a fall in the Lake’s water level has since connected it to the shore. Our journey continues to Tsaghkunq for dinner at the restaurant and our overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we will depart Tsaghkunq to visit Dargett Brewery. Dargett Brewpub offers 21 varieties of handcrafted Beer, made using high quality ingredients, the best brewing traditions and the latest Italian technology. Afterwards, we will take a trip to Garni. This Pagan Temple was built in the 1st Century A.D. and is the only surviving Temple from Armenia’s Pagan era. It was dedicated to the God Mihr, God of Purity. The Temple was destroyed by an Earthquake in 1679 and was restored in 1975. We will continue our drive to the Symphony of Stones, located near the Village of Garni, not far from the Ancient Temple. This striking Basalt Rock Formation has been shaped by nature over Centuries. The rocks in the Gorge have taken on various columnar shapes resembling a natural Orchestra of standing stones, giving rise to the name 'Symphony of Stones'. Lunch at the local Abelyan House, where you will have the chance to see and take part in preparing the traditional Armenian Bread, 'Lavash'. It is very thin and usually sold in large sheets, typically baked in a ground oven or 'Tonir'. Lavash was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2015. Here, we will enjoy 'Armenian Fast Food' with Lavash and Cheese. We will continue to Geghard Monastery. Its name derives from the legendary lance used to pierce the body of Christ, believed to have been kept here for Centuries. Although the exact founding date of the Monastery is unknown, the present complex was built in the mid-13th Century. Afterwards, we will return to Yerevan. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a cosy restaurant. Overnight stay in Yerevan. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you are transferred to the Airport. Here, say goodbye to Armenia for your onward journey! Meals: Breakfast
Tour Prices are per person twin share in Australian Dollars. Conditions apply and group tours are subject to change and availability. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations. (sr)
