Colors of Armenia

– Arrival.
– Check in.
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Note: 1st and 2nd day activities will be adjusted according to the itinerary of the group.
– City Tour around Yerevan – the capital of the Republic of Armenia. Having a history of almost 2800 years, Yerevan is a modern city with high rise buildings, nice cafes and parks. It’s a combination of reach history and a modern lifestyle. The Holy Mount Ararat can be seen from every corner of the capital. You will see all major sights of the capital including Opera house, Republic Square, Kievyan Bridge, Baghramyan Avenue, the Presidential Palace, Academy of Sciences, National Parliament as well as “Cat statue” by famous sculptor Fernando Botero at the Cascade area and, of course, enjoy the panoramic view of Yerevan.
– Matenadaran – is an ancient manuscript repository located in Yerevan, Armenia. It holds one of the world’s richest depositories of medieval manuscripts and books.
– Lunch.
– Visit the History Museum where artifacts and items from prehistoric time to our days tell us the reach history of the to enjoy Yerevan.

– Breakfast at the hotel.
– Etchmiadzin town – the residence of the Supreme Catholicos of all Armenians and the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Etchmiadzin means “The Descent of the Only Begotten Son and is one of the ancient capitals of Armenia.
– Saint Hripsime Church – one of the oldest surviving churches in Armenia. The church was erected in the year 395 AD. It is known for its fine Armenian architecture of the classical period, which has influenced many other Armenian churches since.
– Etchmiadzin Cathedral – the oldest state-built church in the world. According to the legend, Jesus Christ descended from heaven and indicated the spot for a church to be built. The construction of the church began in 301, the year when Armenia became the first state in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion. – Zvartnots temple. The architectural masterpiece of Zvartnots was built between the years 641 and 662. It was damaged by the earthquake in 10th century and unearthed nearly thousand years later in 1900-1907.
All sites mentioned above are listed on UNESCO World Heritage List.
– Lunch.
– Leisure time in Yerevan.

– Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure to Lake Sevan, largest in Caucasus.
– Noraduz – the valley of khachkar (crossstone) and the ancient cemetery. A a unique place, the most original manifestation of Armenian medieval culture
– It is impossible to imagine the island of Sevan (currently a peninsula) without the Sevan Monastery, a perfect example of a manmade testimony of faith complementing the surrounding divine nature. According to the historical records, the Monastery was built in 874.
– Lunch.
– The resort town of Dilijan with beautiful scenery of mountains covered with thick forests.
– Haghartsin – the monastic complex among the picturesque fortress, near the town of Dilijan includes three churches, two gavits (one in ruins), a refectory, a group of chapels and several khachkars.
– The principal church Sourb Astvatsatin was built in 1281 as a cupola structure with a tall drum.
– O/N in Dilijan.

– Breakfast.
– Drive to Alaverdy town.
– Monastery of Akhtala – located on a high plateau. Archeological excavations show that the area has been occupied by human since the early Bronze Age. The half-ruined fortress of Akhtala is more than 1000 years old.
– St. Astvatsatsin (Mother of God), the main church of the Monastery of Akhtala was built early in the 13th century. The church is famous for its first-rate and highly artistic frescos, covering the interior walls, partitions, and bearings. They are characterized by perfect iconography, richness of themes and diversity of colors. In autumn festivals like the chef competition, national games and wine tasting take place in Akhtala.
– Lunch.
– Hakhpat and Sanahin monastic complexes (UNESCO World Heritage List). These magnificent samples of Armenian architecture represent a unique mix between domestic Caucasian architecture and the evolved Byzantine style.
– Return to Yerevan.

– Breakfast at the hotel.
– Khor Virap is translated into Armenian as a Deep Pit. Here in the deep pit St.Gregory the Illuminator was kept imprisoned for 13 years. It is situated in the Ararat valley against the Biblical Mount Ararat, were Noah’s arch cast anchor.
– The monastery complex of Noravank (5-13th cc), erected on a breathtaking site, on brick-red cliffs of Amaghu canyon.
– Lunch in Noravank area.
– En route to Noravank visit Areni Wine factory for wine tasting of local grape varieties.
– O/N in Yerevan.

– Breakfast at the hotel.
– Pagan Temple of Garni (1st c. A.D.), which is a vivid example of Hellenistic culture on the territory of Armenia. Here the ruins of a bath (3rd cent) and a palace (2nd cent. B.C.) can be seen. Garni is located on a deep canyon of Azat river. One can enjoy a panoramic view over the river gorge.
– The cave monastery of Geghard. Since the Holy Spear was kept here, the name of the monastery was taken (Geghard means Holy Spear). This prominent work of architecture, partially carved in the rock, is listed in the UNESCO world heritage list.
– Lunch.
– Thitsernakaberd, the museum & monument in honor of the victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide.
Optional: Armenian Wine/Brandy factory (10 EUR per person).
– Vernisage open-air handicraft market where you can buy souvenirs as reminders of your trip and Armenia
– Farewell party dinner at a traditional Armenian restaurant with live music and performance.

– Checkout
– Trabsfer to the airport.