Day 1/ Arrival – Yerevan City Sightseeing Tour
Meet and Greet at the airport, transfer to the hotel. After having a bit rest, we will get acquainted with the ancient city of Yerevan. The city earned the name “pink city” thanks to the pink tuff, which is the main ingredient in the construction of the buildings. We will head from the Republic Square surrounded by the government buildings, Marriott Hotel and History Museum; continue along the most famous Abovyan Street and through the richest Northern Avenue to get to the Opera House with a stop at the Swan Lake. Welcome dinner with dances and music at a local tavern or restaurant. Here we will try a local comfort soup among many other items. (optional*). Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
Day 2/ Yerevan – Garni Temple – Stone Symphony - Geghard Monastery – Khor Virap Monastery – Yerevan
After breakfast at the hotel, Garni Temple, the only surviving pagan temple in the territory of Caucasus. Lunch tasting traditional Armenian dishes at a local house-garden. Master class of “lavash” baking and barbeque making in the underground oven “tonir”(optional*). Enjoying a traditional refreshing healthy drink of “tan” (a sour milk drink prepared by diluting the Armenian yogurt with cold water) will be much more pleasant in the hot weather. Proceed to the magnificent monastic complex of Geghard, which is inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites). Drive back to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
Day 3/ Yerevan – Lake Sevan – Dilijan – Lake Parz – Haghartsin Monastery – Yerevan
After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to visit Lake Sevan, the pearl of our mountainous country and one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia. See Sevanavank monastic complex, located on the peninsula, overlooking the whole beauty of the lake. Currently a religious seminary functions here which is not readily open to the public. Afterwards the route heads to Dilijan, also called "Armenian Switzerland" for its fantastic natural forests. The city is part of the Dilijan National Park. You will stop at the 10th century Haghartsin monastery, which has been recently renovated by donation of Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, who was impressed by the monastery when visiting it. After we will drive to see Lake Parz (Crystal), formed due to natural climatic changes, standing for quite a popular destination among tourists, visiting Armenia. Drive back to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
Day 4/ Yerevan – Gyumri – Yerevan
After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Gyumri. Gyumri is a perfect destination for those travelers, who want to experience beautiful natural landscapes, historical architectural heritage and authentic local lifestyle. It is the second-largest city after Yerevan and it is considered to be the cultural center of Armenia with a number of famous artists, poets, musicians, composers and sculptures originating from this beautiful city. Recently the only Catholic Church in Armenia has been built here. The first stop of our full-day trip will be in Harich village, where we will get acquainted with the history of Harichavank Monastery. The monastery is one of the ancient medieval Armenian monastic centers and it was especially renowned for its school and scriptorium. In the 19th century Hraichavank used to be the summer residence of Armenian Catholicoses. The monastery is the jewel of Shirak Province. Here we will also visit the Theological Seminary, which is a noble institution where young priesthood-candidates are being trained to become future clergyman. Then we will continue to Gyumri, where we will visit one of the most attractive and a must visit museums – Dzitoghtsyan House-Museum of Social Life and National Architecture. The museum is located in the Kumayri historic district of Gyumri and exhibits elements of the daily urban life of Gyumri. Then lunch in one of the best fish farm restaurant of Armenia, called “Cherkezi Dzor”. After lunch a nice walking tour through the streets of the colorful city, which will help you to discover the lifestyle of Gyumri people and feel the spirit of 19th century architecture. Gyumri is also considered to be the “Laughter and Humour Capital” of Armenia. The residents of Gyumri are famous for their unique sense of humor and hospitality. This is another land of cheerful people. During the city tour we will visit the famous Black Fortress, which is an abandoned Russian imperial fortress built in the 19th century. Currently, it is a national cultural heritage monument, used as a cultural center. The Black Fortress of Gyumri is included in the list of intangible monuments of history and culture of the city. During this trip you can’t miss your chance to enjoy an unforgettable horse-drawn carriage ride through charming historical districts of Gyumri. Back, in older times, Gyumretsis used to travel through the city with “phaetons”, and it was an inseparable part of traditional weddings. You will be given free time for carriage ride and coffee before we return to Yerevan. Driving back to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
Day 5/ Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Zvartnots International Airport. Departure.
