Armenia Travel

(8days/7 nights – Armenia, 4days/4nights – Georgia, 6days/5 nights – Iran)

DAY 1

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.

DAY 2 – Breakfast served

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)

DAY 3 – 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 - traditional table/lavash making: “Eat thy bread with joy”;
You will take part in the traditional Armenian table LAVASH making in tonir ovens in Garni, to try to make Lavash yourself .
You will have free time to stroll and make your own discoveries in the local shops, bars, restaurants or any attractive areas per your interest.

DAY 4 – Breakfast served

Check out from the Hotel
Depart for Georgia
On the way: 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.
Lunch in Alaverdy
Arrival to Bagratashen/Sadakhlo border and formalities.
Meet Georgian guide at the Armenia/Georgian border.
End of services in the territory of the Republic of Armenia
Drive to Tbilisi, Hotel Accommodation.
Overnight in Tbilisi

DAY 6 – Breakfast served

Tbilisi City Tour
Tour thru the old city of Tbilisi, which stretches along the Mtkvari river within the ancient walls and citadels: Fortress Narikala (4th century), Metechi Church (13th century) and the statue to Vakhtang Gorgasali – the powerful king of the 5th century who founded the capital of Georgia in the city of Tbilisi , basilica of Anchiskhati (6th century); sulfur bath-houses, renowned for centuries for their curative quality; Sioni Cathedral, the main cathedral of Georgia, where services are held by the archbishop of Georgia each Sunday. Sameba Cathedral - tallest church in the Caucasus.
The oldest Jewish synagogue; Statue to Mother of Georgia (“Kartlis Deda”) - the symbol of a powerful and friendly Georgian nation; walk on the Rustaveli Avenue – the main street of Tbilisi with its entertainment centers, museums and the governmental house; visit the Open-air Ethnography Museum.
Tbilisi overnight.

DAY 7 – Breakfast served

The trip to Kaheti - the capital of Georgian wine,
Drive to Signagi - medieval fortified town picturesquely situated on the mountain with the old houses, narrow tortuous streets and old style balconies. Walk around the old city wall and enjoy breathtaking view over the Alazani Valley.
Drive to Velistsikhe:
a) Make Georgian bread – lavash in Georgian bakery
b) Taste Georgian wine in a peasant home with a traditional Georgian wine-cellar
c) The preparation of barbeque (shashlik) in a natural environment, (Lunch)
d) Georgian polyphonic songs performed by singers in their national costumes,
e) Load is music - accordion and portion drums,
Dinner. Then drive to Ninotsminda architectural complex, dating from the 6th to the 18th centuries.
Tbilisi overnight.

DAY 8 – Breakfast served

After breakfast drive to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia is situated 20km from Tbilisi. Scientists date the town back to the 2nd millennium B.C. Mtskheta was the capital of the Georgian Kingdom of Iberia during 500BC - 500AD. Here Georgians accepted Christianity in the beginning of 4th century.
Visit Jvari Monastery (6th c.) and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th c.). Drive to Kazbegi, 1700m. by crossing the “Jvari Pass” (2395m) at the Greater Caucasus. Explore the area and walk up to Gergeti Sameba Church, beautifully situated on the hill. (Walking shoes/boots are recommended to walk up on some steep slopes up to the Sameba Church). It takes about 1h 30 min. to reach the church. You can hire 4x4 vehicles to take you to the church. Enjoy wonderful views of the Caucasian Mountains, including Mount Kazbek, 5047m, one of the six 5000 m. peaks in the Greater Caucasus. According to the legend, Prometheus was chained on Mount Kazbek. Excursion to Dariali Canyon, north from Kazbegi.
Lunch
Drive back to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.

DAY 9 – Breakfast served - Check out

Deapart for Armenia
Transfer to the border of Bagratashen/Sadakhlo
Meet Armenian guide at the Georgian/Armenian border
Lunch in the way
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.).
Dinner and Overnight in Dilijan

DAY 10 – Breakfast served

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.
Returne Yerevan – Check in hotel in Yerevan. Time for resting.

DAY 11 – Breakfast served

In the morning you will have a “sweet” stop at the famous Grand Candy Store in Yerevan where you can taste a “PONCHIK” – the unique Armenian Doughnut.
After this you will have a stop at “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.
In the famous Armen Carpet Factory and Show room you will become acquainted with the ancient technology of Armenian carpet making.
Evening: 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 12 – Breakfast served
Check out
Depart for Iran

On the way: 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 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.
Next is a visit to Yeghegnadzor; Sisian one of the richest towns filled with historical monuments;
Goris nestled in a bowl of green hills and mountains
Dinner and Overnight in Goris: Mirhav Hotel

DAY 13 – Breakfast served

Check out from the hotel
Border Meghri (Armenian – Iranian Border)
End of services in the territory of the Republic of Armenia
Meet and greet Iranian guide at the Armenian/Iranian border.
Inroute visit Ghara klisa (St.Tade Monastery)
Continue to Tabriz.
Transfer to the hotel and check in.
Overnight in Tabriz

DAY 14: Tabriz- Tehran

Breakfast served
Check out from the hotel
Tabriz is admired for its beautiful monuments
City tour in Tabriz to visit the Blue Mosque.
Transfer to the domestic airport to fly to Tehran.
Tehran, Check in.
Overnight in Tehran

DAY 15: Tehran- Shiraz

Breakfast served
Check out from the hotel
City tour in Tehran to visit National Museum - It consists of two buildings: The pre historic and Islamic, manifesting interesting parts of Iran’s history.
Golestan Palace - a Palace Museum including a number of palaces which date back to the 17th century.
Jewelry Museum - a perfect collection of Royal Jewels.
Transfer to the Domestic airport to fly to Shiraz.
Transfer to the hotel and check in.
Overnight Shiraz

DAY 16: Shiraz- Isfahan

Breakfast served
Check out from the hotel
Shiraz is the cradle of Persian history, and the birthplace of a great civilization.
The charms of Shiraz cannot deflect the visitors from Persepolis (514 B.C), the nearby Royal Tomb and the Sassanian rock carvings of Naghashi-Rostam.
The graveyard of a number of Acamenid Kings dates back to 505 BC.
Back to Shiraz to visit Hafiz Mausoleum - the grave of one of the most prominent Iranian poets whose poems are translated into several languages worldwide.
Nassirolmolk Mosque - known as the Pink Mosque, it was established in Qajar era (18 century).
Transfer to the domestic airport to fly to Isfahan.
Transfer to the hotel and Check in
Overnight in Isfahan

DAY 17: Isfahan- Tehran

Breakfast served
Check out from the hotel
Considered the most beautiful of all Iranian cities, Isfahan was Iran's capital in the 16th century.
City tour in Isfahan to visit Naghsh- e Jahan Square - the second largest square in the world, it belongs to the Safavid era, it was known as half of the world. Among the buildings in the square are: Alighapoo Palace - the palace has been built in Safavid dynasty, and its name means the great door
Imam Mosque - built in Safavid era, the mosque is famous for its fantastic blue tile work
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque - also built in the Safavid era, the mosque used to be the private mosque for the courtiers ladies and the traditional Bazaar.
Chehel Sotoon Palace (40 Pillars Palace): The palace belongs to the Safavid era and was used for royal ceremonies.
Siosepol and Khajoo Bridges: Siosepol is the longest bridge over the Zayandehrood River which was originally built to join the Christian part of the city to the city center. Khajoo Bridge is the only bridge in Iran with pavilion and tile decoration. This bridge is also built over the Zayandehrood River. Both bridges date back to Safavid era.
Although Isfahan is world famous for Islamic architecture it has one of the most fascinating Christian churches in the Middle East, the Armenian Cathedral.
Transfer to the domestic airport to fly to Tehran.
Transfer to the hotel and check in
Free time

DAY 18 – Breakfast served
Check out
Transfer to the international airport to fly to homeland

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