Mysterious Armenia: Mountains and Monasteries

Arrive in Yeravan, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax although if you arrive early enough you may wish to head out for some sightseeing in the afternoon and evening.

This morning take a city tour of Yerevan.

Yerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia, and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Yerevan is even older than Rome. In 2018 Yerevan celebrated its 2800th anniversary. After exploring the central part of Yerevan you will the tour will visit Tsitsernakaberd – the memorial complex of the 1915 Armenian Genocide by Ottoman Turkey, (Museum and Memorial).

Later on, have a unique musical experience, and observe Duduk making and a master-class on playing the Duduk. The Duduk is an ancient Armenian double reed woodwind instrument made of apricot wood. It is indigenous to Armenia. UNESCO proclaimed the Armenian duduk and its music as listed in the Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005 and inscribed it in 2008.

This evening you’ll get to eat dinner in a typical Armenian restaurant with Armenian folk music and dance.

Optional:

After the city tour you may visit Matenadaran (a book depository) – one of the world’s most ancient libraries. Its collections comprise ancient Armenian books and miniature paintings that have gained worldwide fame. The depository contains 18.000 manuscripts which are also on the UNESCO world Heritage list.

Visit the world famous Ararat cognac factory and taste different sorts of Armenian cognac with local chocolate.

Today you will visit the Armavir region and visit Echmiadzin – the spiritual centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians. Visit the Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin (UNESCO world heritage site) – an ancient and beautiful example of early Christian architecture.

On the way back to Yerevan you will visit Zvartnots temple (means “celestial angels”). A 7th century wonderful architectural masterpiece. The remains of Zvartnots, even in ruins, are a majestic sight.

You will have a traditional a village restaurant. Here you will also have an opportunity to watch the process of baking Armenian bread – lavash (inscribed in UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity).

Today you are going to visit Geghard Monastery, which is cut into the rock (13th c); and Garni – the only type of pagan temple across the Caucasus and the former Soviet Union (2nd half of 1st c AD).

Drive back to Yerevan. Overnight in the hotel in Yerevan.

Optional:

Local singers can perform a choral rendition of spiritual songs in the porch of Geghard monastery. The porch has unique acoustics which magnifies choral singing to create a magical sound.

In Echmiadzin we can organise a dolma making master-class. Dolma is ground meat, beef, lamb or whatever you like, mixed with rice and herbs of your choice and wrapped in grape leaves. You may even cook it in vegetables, like in peppers or tomatoes.

Today’s excursion will take you to the Ararat region. Visit the Khor Virap monastery (meaning “deep pit” or “deep well”) .The monastery was host to a theological seminary and was the residence of Armenian Catholicos. Khor Virap Monastery continues to be a holy site of the Armenian Apostolic Church and an important pilgrimage location. The walled, religious complex also stands in front of a gorgeous backdrop of the snow-capped flanks of Mount Ararat, offering a spectacular view of the mountain and cutting a striking silhouette in and of itself.

Noravank (meaning “New Monastery” in Armenian) is a 13th century Armenian monastery, the spiritual centre of the Orbelyan dynasty. The monastery is best known for its two- storey Surp Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God, Burtelashen) church, with a narrow stone-made staircase jutting out from the face of building.

On your way back to Yerevan visit Trinity Canyon Vineyards for a wine-tasting session, in the picturesque Vayots Dzor region of Armenia. 

Optional:

In Noravank you can dress up in national costumes, decorations, and have photos taken.

After breakfast head to the Gegharkunik region. Pass Sevan Lake, the “blue-eyed beauty” of Armenia. It’s one of the biggest mountain freshwater lakes in the world at 1900 m above sea level. Then continue along the coast of Lake Sevan to the peninsula. Here you will see the monastery of Sevanavank (IX cent.) in an amazing location in a fabulous scenic setting.

Continue on to the Tavush region where you’ll visit Dilijan -a mountain resort known for its pure air, beautiful landscape and healing mineral water. Visit the Haghartsin Monastery, which was built between the 10th and 13th centuries (in the 12th under Khachatur of Taron); much of it under the patronage of the Bagratuni Dynasty.

The ethnographic village of Yenokavan is located in the Tavush region, where 70% of all Armenian forests are concentrated, at an altitude of 1100, above the picturesque gorge of the Khachahpyur River.

Here you’ll have free time to explore the village and countryside at your leisure or partake of optional activities such as horse-riding, trekking with a guide, ziplining, paragliding, paint ball or rope park.

Overnight in the hotel in Yenokavan

Visit the 12th or 13th century ArmenianVisit the 12th or 13th-century Armenian monastery of Goshavank, situated in the village of Gosh. After that, enjoy lunch in a nearby village at a vibrant and traditional restaurant. Savour delicious home-cooked dishes like local fish, and take part in a masterclass focused on cooking veal. This is a genuine culinary experience, as the chef is a member of the Association for the Preservation of Armenian Culinary Traditions.

Drive to Kotayk region, town Tsaghkadzor (a spa town and a popular ski resort). Visit Kecharis monastery. Kecharis was a major religious centre of Armenia and a place of higher education.

This morning visit Saghmosavank, a 13th century monastic complex. Saghmosavank is situated atop the precipitous gorge carved by the Kasakh river. Its silhouette dominates the adjacent villages and rises sharply against the background of the Mount Aragats mountain range.

Continue the tour to Amberd Fortress (8th c). Amberd is a rare example of Armenian military architecture of the Middle Ages. The walk to the Fortress, is very photogenic. You are surrounded by colourful alpine meadows and mountains.

Lunch today will be with a local family, giving you an Armenian home-cooking experience. Free time this afternoon in Yerevan.

In the evening visit Megerian carpet factory where you can see the different local carpets and learn about the production process, and dyeing with natural materials.

Note that this trip is tailor made and can be adapted to suit your needs.