Ararat Summit Hiking & Armenia Classic Tour - 14 nights/15 days

We will meet you at the airport and arrange the transfer to your hotel.
YEREVAN CITY TOUR- Our trip across 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 our city tour by visiting Erebouni museum located on top of the Arin-Berd hill. Here we will discover the above mentioned 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. 
Next stop is Cascade, which is a huge white staircase built on the Yerevan hillside in the 1970s and is located in the heart of Yerevan. It connects the central district to Haghtanak Park -“Victory” Park to the center of the city. This area is considered one of the busiest spots in the city full of cafes and restaurants and a young crowd. 
Continuing our city tour, we will then visit Matenadaran Library and Research Institute of Armenia with close to 22,000 rare manuscripts, one of the richest depositories of manuscripts and books in the world. 
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
 

Then 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 world’s earliest Christian churches. 
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. The Cathedral was built in the middle of the 7th century, under the instructions of the Catholicos Nerses the III. 
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

Today we will see one of the most beautiful mountains in Armenia Mt. Aragats. There are four summits between South and East. 
We will walk around the shores of amazing mountainous Lake Kari, which is a small crystal-clear lake, nestled close to the Southern peak of Mt. Aragats at a height of 3207m and covered mostly by snow and ice. 
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. The fortress has been built in the 11-13centuries. 
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). This is a 13th century Armenian monastic complex, situated atop the precipitous gorge carved by the Kasagh river. 
We will have the 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, the winemakers strive to balance ancient traditions with the newest technology. We will have a chance to do some wine tasting with cheese and meat platters enjoying a variety of Armenian wines.
Later in the evening, you will have some free time to stroll around Yerevan streets, explore the wine bars on Saryan Street and enjoy your 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. We will stop at the best spots to take photos of the spectacular views and capture the unparalleled landscapes.                                                                    The monastery is especially famous as St. Gregory the Illuminator was incarcerated here and it is now a pilgrimage destination for all Christian nations.
Later on we will enjoy a guided tour to the famous “Areni Winery.”  In Armenian, there is a famous saying; “Wine is bottled poetry”. As usual, expect to leave the factory a little tipsy as we will be served a variety of wines to taste. 
Afterwards, we will pass through a narrow gorge to discover another miraculous Monastery - Noravank Monastery, nestled inside the deep red landscape of the tuf stone mountains.
Back to Yerevan
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
 

In the morning we’ll start driving to Dilijan: “A piece of Switzerland in Armenia” - Earth and sky, woods and fields, rivers… Dilijan truly is a piece of paradise. 
“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.....
Dilijan National Park is one of the four national parks of Armenia. 
Goshavank Monastery and Cross Stones are remarkable due to their special type of handcraft work, called as "needle-made"- the pride of Armenian architecture. 
Lake Sevan is considered to be one of the biggest lakes in the world with sweet water situated at the altitude of 1,897 meters above sea level. This gorgeous view to Lake Sevan is opened from the peninsula atop which Sevan Monastery which is nicely nestled, dating to the 9th century. 
Back to Yerevan
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
 

Today we will visit Garni, a unique pre-Christian pagan temple dating back to the 1st century AD. This is a splendid example of ancient architecture. 
Trip to Garni Canyon: “Symphony of stones” – one of the most phenomenal scenaries in Armenia. We will have an enjoyable walk down to the Garni gorge where one cannot help admiring basalt formations and natural beauty of the area.
The highlight of the day will be witnessing the Lavash Making process. “Lavash” (flat bread) is one of the finest jewels of Armenian cuisine. It is typically bakes in “tonir” (ground oven).  The preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional flat 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…
Back to Yerevan
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
 

Early in the morning the group will depart from Yerevan for the Armenian-Georgian border (Bavra). Then via Akhaltskha city will reach the Georgian-Turkish border. We will pass through Ardahan region and Igdir. The group will spend a night in Bayazet.
OVERNIGHT IN BAYAZET
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
 

We will start hiking the Mt. Ararat.   
From Bayazet the group will reach an altitude of up to 2200 meters on Mt. Ararat by vehicle. From there we will start the walking path. After 4-5 hours of walk, the group will reach an altitude of up to 3300m, where participants will spend a night in the first camp, located there.
 

Continue hiking the Mt. Ararat. 
After breakfast, the group will continue hiking up to an altitude of 4100m, where the second camp is located. Participants will have some rest and prepare for the next day. Overnight stay will be in the camp located at an altitude of 4100m.   
 

Climb to the Summit of Mt. Ararat 5165m.
At night, around 1:00 – 2:00am the group will start its final mission to the Summit of Mt. Ararat. The temperature may vary from 0 C to -15 C.  In favorable weather conditions, participants will have a chance to capture the territories of Armenia, Iran, Nakhichevan and Turkey. You will also admire the remarkable scenes of Mount Aragats and Geghama mountain ranges. After taking photos and celebrating the successful hike, participants will start the way down to the camp located at an altitude of 4100m. Then back down to 3300m where you will spend the night in the camp located there.
 

After breakfast, the group will continue the way back to the foot of Mt. Ararat and will be transported back to Bayazet. In the evening, the group will have an opportunity to visit the Daroink Castle and stroll in old Bayazet.
OVERNIGHT IN BAYAZET
 

After breakfast the group will depart for Van and visit the wonderful waterfalls of Berkri on the way. 
Participants will visit Akhtamar St. Cross Church, which is considered to be the first of the seven churches of Armenian architecture. It stands out by its unique architectural solutions, ornaments and sculptures. You will have some free time to swim in Van Lake and taste the local fish Tarekh. We will then visit the Castle of Tushpa (Van Fortress, 9th century BC), where cuneiform inscriptions and mausoleum of kings of Sardar and Argishti are maintained. Our next stop will be the door of Mher. Later, the group will return to Bayazet from Van and spend the night there. 
OVERNIGHT IN BAYAZET
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
 

In the morning, the group will have an opportunity to walk around the streets of Kars and see the ruins of Armenian famous poet Yeghishe Charents’s childhood home. You will also admire all the Armenian buildings with unique architecture from the 19-20 century. We will also visit Kars Fortress, Bridge of Vardan and St. Arakelots church. Next stop will be Ani; “The City of a Thousand and One Churches”. We will then drive back to Yerevan.
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
 

FREE DAY IN YEREVAN
EXPLORE & ENJOY THE CITY! 

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
Meals: Breakfast
 

Transfer to the AIRPORT, Departure

Have a nice and safe flight!!!