Ancient Armenia & Egypt Oasis tour - 13 nights/14 days

Arrive to Yerevan Intl Airport. Our Representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
 

YEREVAN CITY TOUR!
Republic Square, Yerevan, the rose-colored capital, so called because most buildings use a pink shade of "tuf" stone, quarried in Armenia. 
Let’s start our acquaintance with the city of Yerevan by stepping through its ancient history at the Erebouni museum and Fortress, which was founded in 782 B.C.,
Republic Square, Sports and Concert Complex, Kievian Bridge, Bagramyan Avenue, Presidential Palace, Academy of Sciences, National Parliament, Opera Theater; 
Next stop is Cascade, which is a huge white staircase built on the Yerevan hillside in the 1970s, with water fountains running down the sides, all reminiscent of a natural river or stream cascading. It connects the central district to Haghtanak Park -“Victory” Park to the center of the city. The structure has escalators so that it is unnecessary to manually ascend the stairs all the way to the top. 
Visit to “MEGERIAN RUGS” Factory & Show room: Which brings together time-honored traditions and a range of exquisite aesthetics to create objects of art for the modern living and you will become acquainted with the ancient technology of Armenian carpet-making. 
Today the lunch will be provided  at a special restaurant in Megerian Carepet Factory where you will have the opportunity to have a Master class on cooking “Tolma” and  taste Armenian traditional meals with old recipes by “Araratyan Khohanots – Armenian Cuisine”.
Evening is free for walking in the city.
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 considered to be one of the world’s earliest Christian churches. Lunch. 
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, under the instructions of the Catholicos Nerses III (r. 641-661 CE), Zvartnots is the oldest and largest aisled tetraconch church in historical Armenia.

Afterwards’ we will Visit to KARAS winery for tour and tasting. Winery for tour and wine tasting
Back to Yerevan and free evening
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

Check out
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 17000 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. 

Today we will visit to 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. 

In Garni and Geghard, you can also 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.

Trip to Garni Canyon : “Symphony of stones” – some of the most dramatic scenery in Armenia. We may 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 follow the whole process of how one of the finest jewels of Armenian cuisine is crated in a tandoor from formlessd 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 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. We’ll stop for lunch here, before continuing on towards the turquoise blue waters of Lake Sevan, set some 1900m above sea level, situated high in the mountains and famed for its glorious and ever changing hues, as well as its delicious trout. This is one of the planet’s largest high-alpine lakes. On arrival we will visit the lakeside churches of Arakelots (Apostles), which along with its neighbor the church of Astvatsatsin (Mother of God), present a spectacularly picturesque scene overlooking the lake itself. 

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 because there is 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 Great 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  Chesses and wonderful flavors   with glass of wine, here you will feel the spirit of Armenian Family.

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 the Monastery of Haghartsin and Goshavanq Monasteries (10-13th cc). The Cross Stones in Goshavanq are remarkable due to their special type of handcraft work, called as "needle-made"- the pride of Armenian architecture. 
Return to Yerevan. Evening is free to explore the city,the wine bars and restaurants on Saryan street.
OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

We’ll depart Yerevan this morning 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 is not only a place of breathtaking beauty, but also an architectural delight, that dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. 

Vayots Dzor is famous for its millennial wine making traditions, as the oldest winery dates to 6000 years was discovered in Areni village of the region.
Areni-1 cave complex multicomponent site and late Chalcolithic/Early Bronze Age ritual site and settlement  is located near the Areni village in southern Armenia along the Arpa River. There were found an earliest lather shoe and the earliest known winery in the world at the site
 In ArpaParnas Wine & Rest Valley you can have authentic experience test 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 and 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 in the early morning. The Aerial Tramway of Tatev - spanning 5.7 kilometers across the spectacular Vorotan River Gorge, offer a spectacular journey with 
Breathtaking views of the river gorge below, but most significantly, it will link 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 - is poised to be one of southern Armenia's most popular attractions. Arriving you the picturesque monastery nestled at the top of an impregnable plateau, crowned by the ramparts walls from the upper part of the territory. After you will have time to discover the interior of the monastery which was founded in the 4th cent., becoming an important religious and educational center of medieval Armenia in 9-10th cent.  
Lunch in Tatev
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.  Troglodytic dwelling at Khndzoresk – Prehistoric era. Winding road leads your pleasant ascent. 
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.
Afterword’s we will Visit to “NOY” ARARAT Brandy, Wine Factory:  “…one does not drink brandy, one derives pleasure from it.” Just let's do it in one of the oldies factories in "NOY" Yerevan Brandy factory, Tour and tasting

Later this afternoon we will stroll through the ‘Vernissage’, the bustling open air handicraft market. The Vernissage is the perfect place to get a little taste of Armenia and a unique scenario to witness the fusion between national traditions with contemporary taste You can find almost anything in this weekend open market Vernisage. In just a few blocks, you will see, besides art, 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.

EVENING: FAREWELL DINNER IN A TYPICAL ARMENIAN RESTAURANT WITH LIVE NATIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE

OVERNIGHT IN YEREVAN
MEALS: Breakfast/Dinner

Check out
Transfer to AIRPORT, Departure to EGYPT – CAIRO (07.00 – 08.45)
Our Representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

CAIRO CITY TOUR start the visit of Old Cairo!
After breakfast, our guide will take you to the Egyptian Museum, which enables you to enjoy 63 thousands of cultural relics and valuable treasures of the Pharaoh period, and then visit the must-see Salah El Din Citadel with its fine decorations. Next, we will  visit to the nearby Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque, where you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the old Cairo town. 
Next stop is visit to Madrasa of Sultan Hassan: Constructed during the mid-14th century, is one of the largest mosques in the world and is home to some remarkable architectural achievements for its age.
After that, we will proceed to the distinctive Hanging Church above the gate of a castle in ancient Cairo. 
Visit to the Hanging Church is one of the oldest churches in Egypt and the history of a church on this site dates to the 2nd century AD. It is called the Hanging Church because it was built on the southern of Babylon Fortress, the Roman fortress in Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo)
St. Mary Tree - So thrilled to be in a place where Joseph, Mary & Jesus stopped. The tree has been a place of pilgrimage for Coptic Christians for many centuries, who come to pray around it or touch it, believing that it will heal illness.
The Cave Church has a rich and fascinating history that you will discover during our Egypt day tours. It was founded in the 8th century by Saint Simon the Tanner, who is said to have lived as a hermit in a nearby cave.
In the afternoon, we will go to the prosperous Khan El Khalili Market to experience the local life and customs. 
OVERNIGHT IN CAIRO
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

After breakfast, this morning we will set out for the renowned Pyramids of Giza. As the landmark of Egypt, the group of Giza pyramids is composed of three tombs, which belonged to three Pharaohs in ancient Egypt namely Khufu, Khafra, and Menkaure. Among the three significant mausoleums, the Khufu Pyramid is the largest one that amazed the world. Later, our guide will take you to see the Great Sphinx. This is a roughly 20-meter (66-feet) high statue with a man’s face and lion’s body, and it has guarded the Great Pyramid of Giza for over 4500 years in southwest Cairo. 
Then transfer to Sakkara and you will have a glimpse of the world’s oldest Step Pyramid there dating back to the 27th century BC. Ambling around the pyramid, you can discover a lot of ruins of temples and stone pillars. 
We will   continue with a visit to Memphis, a capital of the ancient Egyptian kingdom. Our guide will take you to capture the exquisite Statue of Ramses II and discover the clear 3,200-year-old pictographs on it. You will also see the statue of Amenphis II who has the head of a human and the body of a lion. After the tour, you will be dropped back to your hotel. The rest of the day will be at leisure.
Lunch will be served in a quality restaurant with Pyramids Plateau view.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact.

Pick up at evening for a Cruise Dinner on Maxim Nile cruise, with Live entertainment band, Tanoura  Show and Belly Dancer Show
Transfer back to t Hotel
OVERNIGHT IN CAIRO
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Check out
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel for departure to Alexandria. While on tour in Alexandria, you will first visit Pompay’s Pillar which is the site of the ancient Temple of Serapis attributed to Pompey. 
Next, you will visit the Catacombs of Kom al Shuqafa which is the most important hypogeum in Alexandria. The Kom al Shuqafa catacombs date from the 2nd century AD and their decoration is a result of the fusion of Hellenistic and Pharaonic elements which are so typical of Alexandrian art and culture.
You will also get to see Alexandria Library.
We will visit Qaitbay Fort which is the fort of Sultan Qaitbay and one of the symbols of Alexandria. It was built on the ancient island of Pharos over the ruins of the world-famous lighthouse. 
Transfer to hotel 
OVERNIGHT IN ALEXANDRIA
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

Around 06.00 in the morning pickup from hotel with the desert guide heading to SIWA OAZIS.
 Afternoon you will be teached Siwa and Check in Hotel, after  lunch pick up to visit the Old City – Shali Fortress. 
Visit Mountain of the Dead; Gebel Al – Mawta
After dinner in the evening drive back  to the Hotel in Siwa
OVERNIGHT IN SIWA
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
 

Pick up to enjoy the Sand Dunes of Siwa
After Lunch around 14.00 you will drive back from Siwa to Cairo.
Around 22.00 you will arrive at the hotel in Cairo, 
Hotel accommodation and rest
OVERNIGHT IN CAIRO
MEALS: Breakfast/Lunch
 

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Cairo and transfer to the Cairo International Airport according to your flight details. 
This will be the end of our tour and services.