7 days
Armenia is steeped in history.  Each new step brings with it a new story of battle, of religion and of legends told. From Hayk Nahabed (tradition holds - the father of the Armenian people) to the modern scholars of the 21st century, an indelible mark has been made on this land, a quality which makes Armenia what it is.

Day1 - Yerevan the Ancient Colorful City (Half day)

Early morning Arrival to Yerevan. Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel in Yerervan.
Check in hotel in Yerevan. Time for resting.
Early Breakfast
We will  start our acquaintance with the city of Yerevan by walking through the history of its  foundation.
 Erebouni museum and fortress founded in 782 B.C.
The next stop on the tour will include a visit to the remarkable Matenadaran Library and Research Institute of Armenia which houses close to 17,000 rare manuscripts. The Matenadaran is one of the richest depositories of manuscripts and books in the world.
Lunch in Armenian Traditional Restuarant
Later this afternoon we will round off our tour with a stroll through ‘Vernissage’, Yerevan's  bustling open air handicraft market.

Day2 - Religious Capital of Armenia and Cathedral of Celestial Angels(Half day)

After an appetizing breakfast, you will visit the ancient monastery, churches and museum complex of Etchmiadzin, the seat of the Catholics of all Armenians. The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin is the religious capital of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church. The complex houses 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. Just steps away, you will admire the Hripsime and Gayane Churches (7th c) named after the faithful virgins of the 3rd century. On the way back to Yerevan, the magnificent ruins of Zvartnots (celestial angels) Cathedral (7th c) will show you the uniqueness of Armenian church architecture.
You will also participate in DIVINE LITURGY (optional, only on Sundays).
Lunch in Yerevan
Free time (you have a chance to wander or join any cultural event you like)

Day3 - Lake Sevan - Emerald miracle of Armenia (Full Day)

Breakfast served
Continuing our journey across Armenia’s fascinating landscapes, we will drive to the lush environs of Dilijan- “a piece of Switzerland” in Armenia and one of Armenia’s most appealing resort towns. The town is peppered with numerous examples of traditional Armenian architecture and the romantic settings of the monasteries of Haghartsin (11th c) and Goshavank (10th – 13th c).
No trip to Armenia is ever complete without a visit to the sparkling blue waters of Lake Sevan - “The Emerald of Armenia”, set approximately 1900m above sea level, situated high in the mountains and famed for its glorious and ever-changing hues.
On arrival, you have a stop by the lakeside churches on the top of peninsula to admire a spectacularly picturesque scene overlooking the lake and distant mountains.
Lunch will be served in the restaurant of Sevan, tasting the famous fish of the lake, ishkhanatsoog.

Day4 - Reveal the paths of Christianity traveling to the South (Full day)

Breakfast served
Driving through the fertile plains of the Ararat valley, you will reach Khor Virab Monastery – the beginning of the History of Christianity in Armenia, magnificently set against the towering slopes of Biblical Mount Ararat. This setting offers some of the most spectacular photo opportunities in all of Armenia.
The monastery is the site where St. Gregory the Illuminator was incarcerated and is a pilgrimage destination for every Armenian as well as for foreign believers.
On the way to Noravank, you will taste and enjoy a guided tour of the famous “Areni Winery.”  In Armenian, there is a famous saying that “Wine is bottled poetry”. Next, we will take the path through the narrow gorge, revealing  Noravank Monastery, nestled inside the deep red landscape of the tuf stone mountains.
Lunch will be served in the historic 12th c. refectory of Noravank Monastery.

Day5 - Pagan temple Garni and Geghard Cave Monastery (Half Day)

Breakfast served
This morning begins with a visit to the Tsitsernakaberd memorial and museum dedicated to the 1915 Genocide, one of the most impressive monuments in Yerevan.
Later, we will proceed to Garni, the rare pre-Christian pagan temple maintained in Armenia and Garni canyon, with a view magnificent sheer vertical cliffs, which appear to be a gigantic basalt organ carved in the rocks.  The next stop is the Geghard (Cave monastery) architectural complex, rising out from the mountain, carved from one monolithic rock in the 12th-13th centuries. Sing an ancinet hymn while inside; the acoustics in this chamber are extraordinary.
Lunch in Garni
You will have free time to stroll and make your own discoveries in the local shops, bars, restaurants.

Day6 - Prince's Fortress: Amberd on the slope of marvelous Mt. Aragats,
            Baking opportunity by famed Armenian tradition (Half Day)

Walking around the Aragatsotn Region, you will find a church or ancient structure at every turn. In the village of Oshakan, you will see the wonderful church which is built over the grave of Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet, and one of the greatest benefactors of Armenia.
During this day you will see one of the most beautiful and highest mountains in Armenia, Mt. Aragats. Next is a visit to the medieval fortress of Amberd, a complex dating back to the 11th-13th centuries, with a church built on the slopes of Mt. Aragats at 2,300 meters above sea level.
You will take part in the traditional Armenian table LAVASH making in tonir ovens in Mughni (14th c. Monastery of S. George) to try to make Lavash yourself
Lunch will be provided at the place of event.

Day7 - Get acquainted with culture of bargaining at the Markets (Half Day)

Breakfast served
In the morning we will make a “sweet” stop at the famous Grand Candy Store in Yerevan where you can taste “PONCHIK” – the unique Armenian Doughnut.
After this we will stop at “Pak Shuka” – a covered bazaar where you can taste the rich yield of our Blessed Ground; luscious fresh and dried fruits, flavorsome vegetables and delicacies.
In the famous Armen Carpet Factory and Show room,  you will become acquainted with the ancient technology of Armenian carpet making.
“Veratsnund” Art Show Room 
THE FAREWELL DINNER will be enjoyed in a typical Armenian restuarant, with live Armenian folk music and dance, completing your journey with unforgettable memories.

Day 8
Transfer to the Airport

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES

1. Transfers and transportation as specified in itinerary with A/C
2. Hotel Accommodation in 4 * - based on Double occupancy (8 night)
3. Meals as specified in itinerary
4. Guide service
5. Entrance fees to museums and sightseeing destinations
6. For SGL supplement : 240 $

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

BOOKING FORM

^ UP ^