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).

Excursion to the remains of Zvartnots Temple (VIIc.). The Zvartnots Temple («Celestial Angels») is like a proud eagle, perched on a high pedestal.

Visit one of 12 old capitals of Armenia – Ejmiadzin (Vagharshapat) and the First Cathedral of Saint Ejmiadzin, church of Saint Ripsime (VIIc). Saint Ejmiadzin is believed to be the first Christian church in the world, founded by Gregory the Illuminator in 303 A.D. It is the Holy Seat and the centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church, with the Residence of the Catholicos, spiritural leader of All Armenians.

A trip to the southern slope of Mount Aragats in Aragatsotn province. From the road leading to Ashtarak there is a wonderful panorama on the extinct volcano of Mounts Aragats and Arailer. And from here, near the town of Ashtarak there opens a view on the gorge of the Kasakh River.

The trip continues to Amberd fortress («Fortress of clouds» of 7-14cc.) which is located at 2300 m. above sea level, on a high triangle cliff which is formed by rivers Amberd and Arkashen. From here there is a wonderful view on Mount Ararat and Ararat Valley. A walking tour around the fortress (1.5 km-2 hours).

Climbing up to 3200 meters and a stop near the high mountainous lake – Kari Lich. Camping. Walking around. Spending the night in tents.

Breakfast. Climbing the Southern (3887m) and Western (4001m) peaks of Mount Aragats. Lunch on the peak. Descending to the camp.

Supper and lodging in tents.

Breakfast at 8:00. Descending to the crater (3683m.) through the arch of northern and eastern peaks. Climbing the northern peak, which is the highest (4090m.). Dinner on the peak.

Climbing the eastern peak (3916m.) and descending through the picturesque gorge Gegharot. The length of the tour is 8 km. The average time - 6-7 hours.
Upon the descent from the crater through the gorge Gegharot – you will see three waterfalls. According to the legend, «Icon-lamp of the educator» shined here at nights and under this light Gregory the Illuminator – the founder of Armenian Apostolic church and the First Catholicos of all Armenians – prayed.

Supper and lodging in tents near the eastern peak.

Breakfast at 9:00. Descending to Aragats village. Proceeding to the city Aparan. A stop in the city with a visit to the beautiful three-nave basilica of S. Khach (the Holy Cross, IV-V cc.). (Visiting the church of S. Peter and Paul, depending on the season).

A trip to the Monastery of Saghmosavank (XII-XIIIcc). A wonderful view on the gorge of the Kasakh river. On the highway, where the road turns to the mountains there will be a stop to see the Monuments of Armenian alphabet (Aibbenaran).

Returning to Yerevan. Lodging at the hotel.

A trip to Geghardavank («Monastery of the Lance» XII –XIII cc.). The name of Geghard is connected with a lance which, according to the Holy Bible, was used to pierce the side of the crucified Christ. (What is believed to be a remnant of the lance is preserved in the museum at Holy Echmiadzin).

Excursion in the territory of Garni Temple and castle (III BC-XIII AD) – the summer residence of Armenian kings and site of pre-Christian temple honoring Mithra, god of the sun.

Visiting the «blue pearl of Armenia» – Lake Sevan situated at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level. Visiting the Monastery of Sevanavank (XIc.) which is located on Sevan peninsula.

Back to Yerevan. Visit to a museum (upon your choice):
Visiting Sergey Parajanov museum. The basis of museum collection consists of more than 250 art works, documents and photos. Of special interest are the artist’s assemblages, collages, drawings, dolls and film sketches.

Visiting the Museum of Martiros Saryan (the greatest Armenian painter of the 20th century) built during the lifetime of the artist, next to his home and studio, you’ll be introduced to the masterpieces of the great master and will feel the national colour of Armenia.

Overnight in the hotel.

Visiting the institute of ancient manuscripts – Matenadaran. Manuscript art which was portable enough to be smuggled out of harms way, has left the world a legacy of some 30,000 known Armenian manuscripts.

Each weekend exhibition-sales – known as «vernissage» - are held by local artists and street merchants. The most popular is the three-block-long open bazaar (starting near Nalbandyan Street, just off Republic Square) where visitors find everything from kitsch to clothes, carpets to car parts.

Visiting Yerevan Brandy Factory «Ararat», the storehouse, the museum of brandy. Degustation.

Transfer to Zvartnots International Airport. Departure.