Arrival in Yerevan. Transfer to hotel.
City tour: Republic square, «Victory» park , «Mother Armenia» monument by Ara Harutyunyan, Cafesjian Center for the Arts, Cascade, Carpet factory, Monument of A.Tamanyan, Opera House, Tsitsernakaberd - Monument to victims of Armenian Genocide in 1915.

(The first day and the last day of the tour program will be adjusted based on your actual arrival and departure time).

A trip to the Monastery of Geghardavank. (Monastery of the Lance, XII-XIIIcc). The name of Geghard is connected with the biblical lance which is preserved here. As it is mentioned in the Bible, by this lance a roman warrior pierced the body of the crucifixed Christ. What is believed to be the tip of that lance is preserved in the museum of the Cathedral of Saint Echmiadzin.

Visiting Garni castle (III c BC-XIIIc. AD) – the summer residence of Armenian kings, seeing the pagan temple of Sun built by Armenian king Trdat Arshakuni (Arshakid) in 77.

The next route will lead to Goshavank, which was founded by famous Armenian cleric and law codifier Mkhitar Gosh in XII-XIII centuries. The monastery played a prominent role in Armenia’s religious, cultural and educational life through the Middle Ages. Here stands the famous work of sculpture of Varpet (Master) Poghos, a masterpiece of the Armenian craft of carving stone crosses – called «khachkars».

Visiting the «blue pearl of Armenia» – Lake Sevan which is situated at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level. Visiting the Monastery of Sevanavank (11c) which is located on Sevan peninsula. Supper and lodging in hotel near the Lake.

A trip to a village on the western shore of Lake Sevan 12 km from the town of Gavar. In the northeast of the village, on the shore of Lake Sevan , on a rocky promontory stands Hayravank (9-11c).

A trip through Selim carvanasarai (a resting stop for caravans) to Jermuk. A part of the Silk Road from China to Europe passed through medieval Armenia. The best preserved carvanasarai in Armenia was built there by Prince Chesar Orbelian in 1331.

A visit to the health resort of Jermuk, to the mineral waters of Jermuk. A walk through the city. The plateau, where Jermuk is located, is surrounded on three sides by mountains covered with fresh alpine verdure and forests. A wonderful panorama of the gorge of Arpa river and surrounding mountains.

Lodging in hotel in Jermuk.

Visiting the territory of the stunning Bronze Age «Armenian Stonehenge» – Karahunj – which dates to the second millennium B.C. According to scientific consensus today, the arrangement of stones was most probably meant for astronomical observation. Karahunj is situated 3 km north of Sisian. The site consists of hundreds of vertically constructed boulders situated in a deliberate arrangement covering over 3 hectares. At first glance they appear to be randomly scattered but aerial views reveal a surprisingly precise arrangement of these giant stones.

Panorama of the Syunik Mountains and Vorotan river gorge (500 meters deep) takes your breath away. A stop on the bridge called Satani Kamurj («devil’s bridge»), and site of mineral waters.

A trip to the Monastery of Tatevavank (9-17c) – the spiritual and cultural center of medieval Armenia, which is famous for its university (14-15c), an inspirer of the conquer of national-liberation of Syunik Armenians against Iranians and Osmanli Turk invaders (18c).

Visiting Khndzoresk village, the panorama of cave town «Old Khndzoresk». Khndzoresk is a historic place, with very interesting caves and mysterious rocks. Since the Bronze Age and almost till the 20th century, these caves were used as homes.
Lodging in Goris.

A trip to Nagorno Karabakh, to the city Shushi. Shushi founded as a fortress-city in 1752. In the 18th century, it was the commercial and cultural centre of the entire region. The city, nearly destroyed during the Karabakh war (1991-94) hosts Ghazarchetsots Church and Muslim mosques.

A visit to Gandzasar Monastery perhaps the most important architectural monument of Karabakh (ancient name «Artsakh») and Armenia. It is located near the town of Vank of the Mardakert district, in the very heart of Karabakh’s historical province of Khachen. Long a symbol of Karabakh Armenian statehood, the word «Gandzasar» is translated from Armenian as «Treasure-Mountain» (with «gandz» meaning «treasure» and «sar» meaning «mountain»). And it is a treasure indeed.

Excursion to the Gandzasar’s Cathedral of St. Hovhannes Mkrtich (St. John the Baptist). Spectacular view of Khachen River gorge.
Lodging in hotel in Stepanakert.

On the way to Yerevan a trip to the monastery Noravank. One of the masterpieces of medieval Armenian architecture - Noravank the religious centre of Syunik province, was built in 13-14c by architects Siranes and Momik and is known for its laced stone ornaments.

The sight of the stalactites and stalagmites in Bird’s cave.

The excursion also includes a trip to Areni village which is famous for its various factory and home-made wines. Visitors will see wine as it is being processed, followed by a tasting.

Visiting Ararat valley. A visit to Khor Virap Monastery «deep pit». According to Armenian historian Agatangeghos (5th c.) the future first patriarch of Armenian Apostolic Church, Grigor Lusavorich was imprisoned in this dungeon for 13 years. The monastery is several hundred meters away from the border between Armenia and Turkey, on the higher, left bank of Arax river. From here there is a panoramic view of Mount Ararat.

Back to Yerevan. Lodging in hotel in Yerevan.

A largely dormant concrete park during the week, Vernissage blossoms at the weekends as all kinds of national crafts, including jewelry, carpets, woodwork, ceramics, canvases, paintings, and many other works of art can be found.
Visiting the Oriental market. Shopping.

Visiting the old capital of Armenia – Vagharshapat. Excursion in the territory of residence of the Catholicos – the head of Armenian Apostolic church, then visit to the First Cathedral of Saint Echmiadzin (303 AD), which means the «The Descent of the Only Begotten Son».

A visit to church of Saint Hripsime (VIIc) as well as the ruins of Zvartnots Temple which is a monument that embodies the centuries old traditions of Armenian architects.

Transfer to Zvartnots International Airport.