Welcome to Armenia in East Europe on the isthmus of the Black and the Caspian Sea. This is not a country for the visitor in a hurry. There are many jewels to be discovered by the traveller. Armenia has had a hard time for most of its existence. It’s been run over time and again and almost vanished in the early part of the 20th century.
Day 01 Arrive Yerevan
Arrival at Yerevan airport meet, assist and transfer to hotel.
City tour in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, one of the oldest cities in the world. The tour will start from Yerevan History Museum where you will find the so-called birth-certificate of Yerevan. Afterwards, we will leave for Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex, which is an official memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide in 1915. Later, visit to Cafesjian Center for the Arts, which offer a wide variety of exhibitions of contemporary art. Next sites are Opera House and Republic Square, the heart of the city. At the end of the tour, Yerevan Municipality building and ”Noy” Wine and Brandy Company both unique in their architecture. After visit back to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 Yerevan–Vagharshapat–Zvartnots–Yerevan (95 kms/1H 45M appx)
After breakfast, proceed to Armenian religious centre Vagharshapat ( Echmiadzin), the 1st Christian church in the world St. Holy Mother Cathedral and St. Gayane church. Next are Memorial Complex of Sardarapat Battle, National Museum of Armenian Ethnography and History of Liberal Struggle, as well as Metsamor Historical-Archeological Museum. We will have a great chance to visit two Museums dedicated to Armenian History and lifestyle. On the way back to Yerevan we will visit “Zvartnots” Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve. It is to note that the Cathedral and Churches of Echmiadzin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots are listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Yerevan (79 kms / 1H 15M appx.)
After breakfast, proceed to Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts in Yerevan. Here you will find the smallest and the biggest books in the world. After a comfortable drive we will arrive to Garni pagan temple (1 cent.) at the edge of Azat river canyon, as well as Symphony of Stones – a splendid natural monument. Then, the tour will continue to Geghard or Ayrivank Monastery (10-13th cc.) partly carved in rocks with specific acoustics in some parts, which is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites together with Azat river upper valley. Return to Yerevan. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Yerevan – Sevan – Haghartsin – Haghpat (225 kms / 4H appx.)
After breakfast, proceed to the day will start with a tour to Lake Sevan, the 2nd highest lake with fresh water in the world. We will surely visit Sevanavank Monastery of 9th century. After an excursion and enjoying the nature around the Monastery, we will continue our way to the northern wings of Armenia – Dilijan city, and we will visit the Monastery of Haghartsin (10-13th cc.). Afterwards, a beautiful city tour in Old Dilijan will be held where we will have a chance to see the houses and buildings of 19-20th centuries. Later, we will take a way to Lori region, Haghpat village. Visit to Haghpat Monastery (10-13th cc.). Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Haghpat – Odzun – Ashtarak – Yerevan (184 kms /3H 42M appx)
After breakfast, proceed to the tour will start with a visit to Sanahin Monastery and Haghpat Monastery, both included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then, we will go to see the Monastery of Odzun in Lori region. It is to state that each of them is a unique architectural monument worthy to be seen. We will keep our way to the town of Arapan to see Kasakh Basilica formally known as the Holy Cross Church (4-5 cc.). Then, we will visit another picturesque place – the town of Ashtarak with beautiful and historical sites as the old bridge, the old mill and Karmravor church. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 Yerevan-Noravank–Karahunj–Sisian (307 kms/5H 35M appx)
After breakfast, proceed to the tour will be dedicated to the southern part of Armenia. After visiting Khor Virap Monastery (4rd cent.), where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned during about 13 years, our group will leave for Noravank Monastery (13-14th cent.) and Gnishik river canyon with an extremely picturesque nature. Another place to visit is Karahunj (Armenian Stonehenge) one of the oldest observatories in the world. Here we will have a great experience of watching stars with a telescope. After observing stars, we will go to enjoy Shaki Waterfall located in Vorotan Canyon associated with a legend about a beautiful same-named girl whom a conqueror fell in love and ordered her to come down. But she didn’t want to become a victim of his violence and preferred to fall down. When falling her hair turned into waterfall. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 Sisian–Artsakh–Gandzasar–Shushi (247 kms / 4H 25M appx)
After breakfast, proceed to visit to Old Khndzoresk village, where people lived in caves to be protected from enemies. We will also see the swinging bridge of Khndzoresk village connecting two sides of the gorge. Continuing our way we will find ourselves in Artsakh. The 1st place to visit is Gandzasar Cathedral of 10th century with extraordinary beautiful architecture and Tsovin Kar Lion sculpture. The tour will end in Shushi, a city of contrast of ancient and modern. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 Shushi
After breakfast, proceed to the day will be wholly dedicated to Shushi, which is the symbol of freedom for Armenian people. We will see Kanach Zham Church, Cathedral Ghazanchetsots, considered to be the religious centre of Artsakh. Our group will also have an opportunity to see the gorgeous nature of Artsakh walking to Jdrdus or Hunot canyon. At the end of the day a visit to Shushi Fortress (10th century) is suggested. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 Shushi – Tatev – Areni – Yerevan (365 kms / 6H 45M appx)
After breakfast, proceed to we will take our way back to Yerevan. On the road, we will have a stop at Tatev Monastery (9th cent.) taking Tatev ropeway which is the longest ropeway in the world. It connects the Monastery site to Halidzor village. Another stop on the way back is planned in Areni village for tasting the best wine in Armenia. Areni village is considered to be the cradle of winery. We will also visit the oldest winery of the world dating back 6000 years, found at this site in 2007. Return to Yerevan. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 Yerevan
After breakfast, free day at hotel. In the evening, farewell party. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 Depart Yerevan
Departure transfer to onward destination.
| City | Nights | 5* Hotels |
| Yerevan | 06 | Imperial Palace Hotel |
| Alaverdi (Haghpat) | 01 | Qefo |
| Sisian | 01 | Hotel Basen |
| Stepanakert (Shushi) | 02 | Vallex Garden |
- Accommodation as per the program.
- Meals as per the program.
- Entrance fees.
- Local English speaking guide.
- All transfers, sightseeing, excursions.
- All taxes
Branding
– Logo branding on Vehicles.
– Color and logo branding Merchandise.
– Departure gifts with company’s branding.
- Personal Expenses.
- Camera / Video Camera Fees.
- Medical Aid.
- Tips.
- Travel Insurance.
- Visa (If any).
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.