Day 1: Departure for Yerevan
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Relax. Overnight
in hotel.
Day 2: Yerevan, ancient city and the
capital of Armenia
Yerevan, the capital of the Republic of
Armenia is a lively metropolis with an ancient history dating back to 782 BC.
Yerevan is located in a valley surrounded by hills. At the south-west part it
overlooks the Ararat plain dominated by Mount Ararat covered with perennial
snows. Visit to the main monuments of Yerevan (walking tour) Republic Square, Opera Square, the Northern Avenue,
Abovyan street with the “Armenian Belle Epoque” buildings, Cascade square with
its Contemporary Art Centre. Visit to Matenadaran:
a museum and research centre where about 18,000 ancient manuscripts are kept. Free
afternoon with a visit to the Vernissage, a
colorful and lively local craft market. Night walk
of the city stopping and admiring the musical Fountains, destination of walks
and place of evening shows. The fountain forms water choreography synchronized
with the music. Overnight in hotel.
Option:
While you are
in Yerevan we strongly advise you “WINE
& GRAPES SPA” CENTER for couples
especially, the first and unique spa center in Yerevan. The grape and wine SPA
shall give you an opportunity to feel the magic strength of the Ararat valley
sweet grape. The wine bathing, steaming, skin peeling with the grape seeds and
fresh blend, the massage with the grape oil and too many procedures shall take
you to another world of Edem. You will taste the grape honey juice and wine
made of it, which is a Divine drink.
Day 3: Lake Sevan “The Pearl of Armenia”
and Valley “Symphony of Stones”
After breakfast we will departure for the
Kotayk region where we will visit the pagan temple
of Garni, an ionic temple built in the Hellenistic period (77 AD) on a
triangular promontory surrounded by deep gorges. Descent in the Garni Canyon
which is a place particularly
known for its formations of basalt columns called the "Symphony
of the stones". We will visit Geghard
(UNESCO), a 13th century rock-carved monastery. The name
indicates the spear that pierced the side of Christ, a relic that was kept for
a long time in this monastery, now the it is exhibited in the museum of
Etchmiatsin. We will continue towards Lake Sevan,
the Pearl of Armenia and also one of the largest high altitude lakes in
the world. Coffee or tea break with tasting the
Armenian sweet “Gata or Pakhlava”. We will visit the peninsula of Sevan
from where there is also a beautiful panorama of the lake. Before returning to
Yerevan, a boat trip on the shimmering waters of Lake Sevan. Return to Yerevan. Overnight in a hotel in
Yerevan.
Day 4: In the Shadow of Mt. Ararat, the
Noah’s Ark Mount
After breakfast we will departure towards the
Ararat region to visit the monastery of Khor Virap,
a place particularly dear to Armenians. Its name, which means "deep
pit", indicates the place where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was held
prisoner for many years, hence not only the liberation of the saint but also
the Armenian king’s conversion to Christianity and the consequent
Christianization of Armenia. Beyond for its historical importance, this place
is an indispensable destination because from the top of its walls you can enjoy
one of the most beautiful views of Ararat, the mountain where biblical
tradition tells Noah's Ark stopped after the Great Flood. After Khor Virap we
will return to Yerevan and visit to the Museum and
Memorial of the victims of the Armenian genocide. Afterwards free time
in the dried fruit and spices market, a
world where you can get intoxicated with the magic of colors and perfumes. Overnight
in Yerevan.
Day 5: Departure
After breakfast transfer to the airport. Check-in and departure.