September 11 - 23, 2010

We adore thee, O Christ, and we bless thee,
for by thy cross thou hast redeemed the world.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him may not perish, but have everlasting life.

- John 3:16

DAY 1 – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Arrive at Zvartnotz International Airport Meeting; Transfer to Hotel

DAY 2 – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 - 9.00 – 10.00 – Breakfast served

Dying, you destroyed our death; raising you restored our life.
Save us by your cross, Christ our Redeemer.
FEAST OF EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is the last one of the five major feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is the most important feast among the feasts dedicated to the Holy Cross, as it is dedicated to the history of the return of the Holy Cross from imprisonment, its elevation and glorification.
For Christians the Cross is God’s power and strength and pride of all prides, on which Christ’s innocent blood was shed. By means of the Cross Jesus proved His love towards mankind, and the Cross became for us the symbol of hope, love and saving.

Today we embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient treasures of Christian history. Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, you will also participate in DIVINE LITURGY of Exaltation of the Holy Cross. It's the "religious capital" of the country and the seat of the Supreme Patriarch-Catholics of all Armenians. It has 4 main churches, including the Cathedral. Built in 303AD, the cathedral is a masterpiece of Armenian classical architecture and considered to be one of the world’s earliest Christian churches. Admire Hripsime and Gayane Churches (7th c) named after faithful virgins. – Lunch in Yerevan – Armenian Traditional Restaurant

DAY 3 – MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 - 9.00 – 10.00 – Breakfast served
Ashtarak – where you can find numerous churches and various ancient buildings at every turn; Artashavan – New Complex of Armenian Letters: “It is difficult to express the deep feeling Armenians have for their language, which many regard as the lifeblood of their culture”, Saghmosavank Monastery perch on the edge of the precipitous gorge of the Kasakh river. Oshakan – most famous as the last resting place of Mesrop Mashtots;Lunch  and  traditional table/lavash making: "Eat thy bread with joy";  with a local family,  where you will  experience the true hospitality of Armenian people.

DAY 4 – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 - 9.00 – 10.00 – Breakfast served
YEREVAN CITY TOUR - Republic Square, History Museum of Yerevan, Yerevan State University, Tsitsernakaberd memorial and museum to the 1915 Genocide, Sports and Concert Complex, Kievian Bridge, Bagramyan Avenue, Presidential Palace, Academy of Sciences, National Parliament, Opera Theater; Cascade and Gerard Cafesjian Art Museum, which is Armenia’s largest repository of modern art with the Sculpture Garden at the base of the Cascade.“Victory” Park with panoramic view of Yerevan and Mt. Ararat
 Lunch in Yerevan

DAY 5 – WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 - 9.00 – 10.00 – Breakfast served
Visit to Lake Sevan – the emerald of Armenia, a beauty under the sky. Lake Sevan is considered  to be one of the biggest lakes in the world with sweet water situated at the altitide of 1,897 meters above sea level. This gorgeous view to Lake Sevan is opened from the peninsula atop which Sevan Monastery is nicely nestled dating to the 9th century; Dilijan: “A piece of Switzerland in Armenia” -Earth and sky, woods and fields, rivers, the mountains are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn otherwise… The old approach in the new century ... “Old Town Dilijan” complete with craftsmen workshops, small shops with traditional Armenian products and crafts, museum, showing typical 19th century living with all its local customs and handmade wood furnishings..... 10-13th centuries Goshavank Monastery; Lunch in Sevan

DAY 6 – THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 - 9.00 – 10.00 – Breakfast served
Garni the rare pre-Christian pagan monument maintained in Armenia; wonderful canyon of Garni, where you can see magnificent sheer vertical cliffs, which look manmade; Geghard (Cave monastery) architectural complex in the 12-13th century, cut in one monolithic rock; Lunch in Yerevan

DAY 7 – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 - 9.00 – 10.00 – Breakfast served
Vanadzor City – the historical and modern center of the province of Lori; Alaverdy town in a canyon, between Yerevan and Georgian - is famous for its copper mines. Dsegh Village beautiful and magnificent mountains, rolling green hills, singing brooks, streams and rivers accomplish you till the village where is situated the Home/Museum of famous Armenian writer Hovhannes Toumanyan; Lunch; We proceed to another outstanding masterpiece of Armenian architecture Haghpat Monastery (World    UNESCO Heritage) in which artistic merits transcended the limits of the national culture.

DAY 8 – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 - 9.00 – 10.00 – Breakfast served
Matenadaran - Depository and Museum of ancient manuscripts, The museum of  Sergei Parajanov's works - his graphics, dolls, collages, photographs, 23 screenplays and librettos of unrealized productions in cinema, theater, ballet ... It is an adornment and pride of any city....  “Vernissage”– outdoor market featuring hand made arts and crafts; Lunch in Yerevan

DAY 9 – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 - 9.00 – 10.00 – Breakfast served
Khor Virap Monastery (St. Gregory the Illuminator’s underground pit); amazing view of Biblical Mt. Ararat: “The blessed Mountain for Armenians Driving via the fertile plains of Ararat valley you reach “Areni Winery” as in Armenia: “Wine is bottled poetry”; you'll taste and enjoy a guided tour of the winery. After this we take the path through the narrow gorge, you reveal “Human-and-natural-created wonder”- Noravank Monastery.  Lunch in Noravank

DAY 10 – MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 - 9.00 – 10.00 – Breakfast served
Yerevan Brandy Factory:  “…one does not drink brandy, one derives pleasure from it.” Just let's do it in one of the oldest factories, in "Ararat" Yerevan Brandy factory; Armen Carpet Factory and Show room: Which brings together time-honored traditions and a range of exquisite aesthetics to create objects of art for modern living; Pak Shuka - a covered bazaar where you can taste the rich yield of our Blessed Ground such as luscious fresh and dried fruits, flavorsome vegetables and delicacies; Lunch in Yerevan
A Unique experience: Master Levon, through Godly vision, transformed the rock into a underground sanctuary that will undoubtedly impact both the eyes and the spirit of all who walk through.

DAY 11 – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 - 9.00 – 10.00 – Breakfast served
FREE DAY

ARMENIA INDEPENDENCE DAY

Independence Day celebrates the birthday of the Second Republic of Armenia. Founded on September 21, 1991, after 70 years of Soviet rule, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Armenia will celebrate it's 19th anniversaries this year (2010).

The 21st of September is a time for the Red, Blue and Orange. A time for Parades and Marching Bands and "Bombs Bursting in Air." So join us for this birthday celebration of Armenia.

DAY 12 – WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 - 9.00 – 10.00 – Breakfast served
FREE DAY

EVENING: Farewell Party Dinner in the restaurant with Armenian traditional cuisine and folklore live music

DAY 13 – THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
TRANSFER

Price includes per person:
Full transportation and transfers in Armenia as specified in itinerary
Meals as indicated - Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner 
Entrance fee to all sightseeing destinations
Bi-lingual tour guide

Price does NOT include:
Airplane Ticket
Visa for Armenia
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic drinks
Additional tours and transfers not included in itinerary.

NOTES:
Other hotels are available upon request.
Discounted Tour Packages for groups of 20 or more people.
Discounts for children under 11 years old. 

For individual and family arrangements or details,
please refer your enquiry to: info@simatours.com

BOOKING FORM

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