Gastro Tour - FOOD and WINE 9 nights/10 days

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
 

Our 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.
We will also see all the other remarkable landmarks in Yerevan: Sports and Concert Complex, Kievian Bridge, Bagramyan Avenue, President’s Palace, Academy of Sciences, National Parliament, Opera Theater. 
Yerevan is called the rose-colored capital as most buildings are built with pink "tuf" stone. 
 
Visit to “MEGERIAN RUGS” Factory & Show Room which brings together time-honored traditions and a range of exquisite aesthetics. You will also have a chance to see the ancient technology of Armenian carpet-making. 
Lunch will be served at a special restaurant in Megerian Carepet Factory. We will have “Dolma” Master class and taste Armenian traditional meals with old recipes by “Araratyan Khohanots – Armenian Cuisine”.
Free time in the evening.
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

Today we embark on our Journey to the lands of ancient treasures of Christian history…the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin (UNSECO) It’s the “religious capital” of the Armenian Church and the seat of the Supreme Patriarch-Catholics of all Armenians. It has 4 main churches, including the Cathedral. Built in 303 AD, the cathedral is a masterpiece of the Armenian classical architecture and is considered to be one of the first Christian churches in the world. 
Lunch at “Cross of Union” restaurant and Master class on Cooking Armenian Gata.

Visit to 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 (r. 641-661 CE), Zvartnots is the oldest and largest aisled tetraconch church in historical Armenia.
Afterwards we will Visit “NOY” ARARAT Brandy, Wine Factory:  “…one does not drink brandy, one derives pleasure from it.” We will not only have a tour but also have a chance to taste some brandy. 
Free time in Yerevan.

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

Today we will visit Garni, a rare pre-Christian pagan temple maintained in Armenia, dating back to the 1st century AD. Garni is one of the splendid examples of ancient architecture. 
In Garni and Geghard, you can also see many natural sights - the Azat canyon and Khosrov reserve are wonders of nature. 
Trip to Garni Canyon: “Symphony of stones” – some of the most dramatic scenery in Armenia. We will have an enjoyable walk down to the Garni gorge where one cannot help admiring basalt formations and natural beauty.
Today you will have the opportunity to witness traditional Armenian Lavash making process. Lavash is one of the finest jewels of Armenian cuisine and is created in tandoor; “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 you 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… 
Return to Yerevan
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.  

Not far from Airivank Monastery on the shore of Lake Sevan is the settlement of Noraduz famous for its big khachkars (crosses-stones) cemetery. There are about 900 khachkars of various styles and epochs there. Noraduz Cemetery became one of the most visited and popular sights of the Gegarkunik region since it presents one of the largest collections of Armenian khachkars. The prominent feature of the majority of khachkars is the cross with a solar disk under it.
After we will visit a unique place for excellent cheese experience, Mikayelyan Family Farm where you will have a chance to see the Gourmet cheeses production (Master Class) and will taste variety of Chesse and wonderful flavors with a glass of wine.
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…
We’ll also visit Haghartsin and Goshavanq Monasteries (10-13th cc). The Cross Stones in Goshavanq are remarkable due to their special type of handcraft work, called "needle-made"- the pride of Armenian architecture. 
Return to Yerevan. 
Evening is free to explore the wine bars and restaurants on Saryan Street.
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

During this day 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. Between the other summits are high saddles with sweeping views.  
We’ll visit the medieval fortress of Amberd which is a fortress complex 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, nearer to where the two streams join.
Visit to Chir’s house which offers a masterclass on making Armenian dried fruits, which is a really interesting and unique process. Armenian dried fruit is especially delicious because it is made from local fruits, which are known around the world for their sweetness and richness of the taste.
Next stop is Saghmosavank Monastery (Monastery of the Psalms) – 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 of Armenia - ARMENIA WINE which is the icon of modern Armenian winemaking. In constant pursuit of improvement, the winery strives to balance ancient traditions with the newest technology. The visit to the winery will also include testing and enjoying a variety of Armenian wines… Armenia White Dry, Armenia Red Dry and Armenia Pomegranate Semisweet served with cheese and meat platers. 

Back to Yerevan and free evening
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

We’ll depart Yerevan and travel south, through the plains of Ararat to visit Khor Virab Monastery, magnificently set against the towering slopes of Biblical Mount Ararat, presenting us with some quite spectacular photo opportunities. 
The monastery is the site where St. Gregory the Illuminator was incarcerated and is a place of pilgrimage for many Armenian Christians. 
We also aim to visit the site of Noravank Monastery situated on a hill overlooking a twisted gorge, this place stands out with its breathtaking nature, additionally it’s an architectural delight dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. 
Vayots Dzor is famous for its millennial wine making traditions. The oldest winery dates to 6000 years which was discovered in Areni village of the region. 
Areni-1 cave complex multicomponent site and late Chalcolithic/Early Bronze Age ritual site is located near the Areni village in southern Armenia along the Arpa River. Moreover, the oldest leather shoe in the world as well as the oldest winery were found here.
 In ArpaParnas Wine & Rest Valley you can have authentic experience and buy the best wine assortments of the region. Lunch and testing in Arpa Parnas restaurant 

Close by is the village of Areni, famed for its wine and surrounded by a landscape of towering peaks. We’ll have time to sample some of the local produce of this delightful mountain community.
Returning to the main highway we shall start driving south.
OVERNIGHT IN GORIS
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

After breakfast we leave Goris for Tatev Monastery early in the morning. The Aerial Tramway of Tatev - spanning 5.7 kilometers across the spectacular Vorotan River Gorge, offers a spectacular journey with breathtaking views of the river gorge below. What’s fascinating is that it links you to one of the jewels of Armenia's medieval legacy - Tatev Monastery as well the Tatev Aerial Tramway - the longest passenger aerial tramway in the world. It is poised to be one of southern Armenia's most popular attractions. After you will have time to discover the interior of the monastery which was founded in the 4th century, becoming an important religious and educational center of medieval Armenia in 9-10th centuries.  

On your return, you have a very attractive stop in Khndzoresk, a cave village and exotic rock formations. This village looks like a vertical multi-storied rocky amphitheater. 
Drive back to Yerevan

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

Visit to Tsitsernakaberd memorial and museum to the 1915 Genocide, which is one of the most impressive monuments in Yerevan.

Today you will enjoy a tour of the most enigmatic of cities, visiting the remarkable Matenadaran Library and Research Institute of Armenia which houses about 17,000 rare manuscripts. This is one of the richest depositories of manuscripts and books in the world. The history of the Matenadaran dates back to the creation of the Armenian 
alphabet in 405. 
Later this afternoon we will stroll through ‘Vernissage’, the bustling open air handicraft market. Vernissage is the perfect place to get a little taste of Armenia and feel the unique fusion of national traditions and contemporary taste. It’s a great opportunity to get some souvenirs to take home with you. Besides art, you will also find 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

HAVE A NICE FLIGHT!!!