Summer Seasonal Classic Tour - 8nights/9days

On arrival at Zvartnots International Airport our representative will be waiting to welcome you at meeting point. Transfer to your hotel, check in and relax in comfortable rooms with full facilities.
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
 

YEREVAN CITY TOUR - your trip through Armenia begins today in Yerevan - the capital, one of the most ancient cities in the world - Erebouni Fortress which was founded in 782 BC. We will start from Erebouni museum located at the top of Arin-Berd hill. You will also have a chance to discover this ancient fortress.
Afterwards, we will stop by the eternal flame and memorial symbolizing the Armenian Genocide in 1915 – Tsitsernakaberd. It is dedicated to preserving the memory of the Armenian Genocide and to honoring 1.5 million innocent Armenian victims who went through the horrors in the beginning of the 20th century. 
While we are driving we see many of the other remarkable landmarks in Yerevan as: Sports and Concert Complex, Kievian Bridge, Bagramyan Avenue, President’s Palace, Academy of Sciences, National Parliament, Opera Theater. 
Next stop will be the remarkable Matenadaran Library and Research Institute of Armenia with close to 17,000 rare manuscripts, one of the richest depositories of manuscripts and books in the world
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
 

We embark on our journey to the land of ancient treasures of Christian history - Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin (UNESCO) the "religious capital" and the seat of the Supreme Patriarch-Catholics of all Armenians. The story holds that the place where Noah made the fire after the flood is the site upon which the main Cathedral, one of the earliest Christian churches, was built. Nowadays, it is located in the lower chamber, underneath the main Altar of the Cathedral. 
Then we will admire the Churches of Sts. Hripsime and Gayane (7th century) named after the faithful nuns, these churches are dedicated to these virgins, 3rd century followers of Christ who were martyred.
Next visit is to the Zvartnots Cathedral. The ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral are located on a flat plain within the Ararat Plateau between the cities of Yerevan and Etchmiadzin. Built in the middle of the 7th century, under the instructions of the Catholicos Nerses the III. 
Back to Yerevan
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch

Today we’ll see one of the most beautiful mountains in Armenia Mt. Aragats. There are four summits Between South and East summits the crater wall is broken, and a stream flows down to the village of Aragats. A sharp ridge descends south from the South summit.  
After we’ll check out the shores of Lake Kari. Lake Kari a small crystal-clear lake, nestled close to southern peak of Mt. Aragats at a height of 3207 m and is covered mostly by snow and ice. 
We’ll also visit the medieval fortress of Amberd which is a complex structure with a church built on the slopes of Mt. Aragats at 2,300 meters above sea level in the 11-13 c.c. The church is slightly down the hill from the fortress, closer to where the two streams join.
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”.
Next stop is Saghmosavank Monastery (Monastery of the Psalms) – it is a 13th century Armenian monastic complex, situated atop the precipitous gorge carved by the Kasagh river. Their silhouettes dominate the adjacent villages and rise sharp against the background of the mountains crowned by Mount Aragats.
Today there is an opportunity to visit one of the best wineries in Armenia - ARMENIA WINE which is the icon of modern Armenian winemaking. In constant pursuit of improvement, at the winery they strive to balance ancient traditions with the newest technology We will have the opportunity to taste and enjoy a variety of Armenia wines: Armenia White Dry, Armenia Red Dry and Armenia Pomegranate Semisweet served with cheese and meat platers. 
Back to Yerevan and free time
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

Driving through the fertile plains of the Ararat valley, you will reach Khor Virap Monastery – the beginning of the History of the Christian nation in Armenia, magnificently set against the towering slopes of the Biblical Mountain of Ararat. You have some quite spectacular photo opportunities before a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty. The monastery is the site where St. Gregory the Illuminator was incarcerated and is a pilgrimage destination for all Christian believers, as well as having had a determinate impact on the Armenia people and their history.
We will take the path through the narrow gorge, revealing Noravank Monastery, nestled inside the deep red landscape of the tuf stone mountains.  
Our Jeep tour takes you places few are able to explore and leaves you with unforgettable memories of the landscapes and wildlife of Vayots Dzor. We will learn about the red rock geology of the area and admire the iconic landscape. 
Close by is the village of Areni, famous for its wine and surrounded by a landscape of towering peaks.

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

Today we’ll drive to Lake Sevan -the emerald of Armenia, a blue-eyed beauty under the sky. Lake Sevan is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, situated at an altitude of 1,897 meters above sea level. The most picturesque view of Lake Sevan is seen from the peninsula atop which Sevan Monastery (9th c.) towers over the lake.  
Drive to 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, museums, and ultimately showing typical 19th century living with all its local customs and handmade wood furnishings...
Dilijan National Park is one of the four national parks of Armenia. 
We will also visit the 10-13th centuries Haghartsin & Goshavank Monasteries, nestled in the forest and Cross Stones are remarkable due to their special type of handcraft work, called as "needle-made"- the pride of Armenian architecture. 
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

In Garni and Geghard, you can see many natural sights, the Azat canyon and Khosrov reserve are wonders of nature. They appear to be gigantic basalt “organ” in the rocks, where the stone symphony dies out.
Our first stop is Garni, the location of the rare pre-Christian pagan temple maintained in Armenia, dating from the 1st century AD is a splendid example of ancient architecture. 
Next is an enjoyable walk down to the Garni Canyon where one cannot help admiring the volcanic basalt formations and natural beauty. It’s like a “Symphony of stones'' – one of the most dramatic scenes in Armenia. 
Today there is an opportunity to follow the whole process of how one of the finest jewels of Armenian cuisine is crated in a tandoor from formless traditional table/lavash making: “Eat thy bread with joy”.
Master Class of Traditional Armenian bread “lavash” being baked in tonir (ground oven). The preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread as an expression of culture in Armenia has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Then we will reach Geghard (Cave monastery) (UNESCO) architectural complex (12-13th centuries), carved out of one monolithic rock. Due to the extraordinary acoustics, when the local singer begins to sing in this chamber it is hard to believe a large choir isn’t singing… be aware it is only one man… 
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

 “MEGERIAN RUGS'' Factory & Showroom which brings together time-honored traditions and a range of exquisite aesthetics to create objects of art for modern living and you will become acquainted with the ancient technology of Armenian carpet making. 
Visit to “NOY” ARARAT Brandy, Wine Factory:  “…one does not drink brandy, one derives pleasure from it.” NOY ARARAT Brandy Factory is one of the oldies ones in Armenia. We will have the opportunity to taste some brandy.
Free time in Yerevan.
Later this afternoon we will stroll through ‘Vernissage’, the bustling open air handicraft market. Vernissage is a perfect place to get a little bit of taste of Armenia and witness the fusion of national traditions and contemporary art. You will have a chance to get some souvenirs to take home with you, carpets, old collections of coins and medallions, jewelry, music, books, carved wood, lace, embroidery, ceramics, posters, food, tools, parts for electronics and even pets. It is open year round.

Today you say goodbye to Armenia and leave with amazing memories which you will carry with your lifetime.
FAREWELL DINNER IN A TYPICAL ARMENIAN RESTAURANT WITH LIVE FOLK MUSIC AND DANCES

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Dinner

Transfer to AIRPORT, Departure