Arrival in Yerevan. Transfer to hotel.

Visit to Echmiadzin (Vagharshapat) and the First Cathedral of Saint Echmiadzin, churches of Saint Hripsime and Saint Gayane. St Echmiadzin is believed to be the first Christian church in the world, founded by Gregory the Illuminator in 303. Echmiadzin is the residence of the Supreme Catholicos of all Armenians and the center of Armenian Apostolic Church.

Visiting Zvartnots Temple (7th c). The temple of Zvartnots (temple of «Celestial Angels») is like a proud eagle, perched on a high pedestal. This majestic temple was built in 652 AD and its ruins remain as a reminder of a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture.

Evening sightseeing tour: Republic Square, the «singing» fountains, State Museum of Armenian History, National Gallery of Armenia: Museum of Sergey Parajanov; «Haghtanak» park (commemorating Armenia’s participation in World War II); Cascade; Cafesjian Center for the Arts, Contemporary Art Museum; Alexander Tamanyan statue; Monument to Sasuntsi David (Armenian folk hero); Museum and Monument of Armenian Genocide of 1915.

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

Ararat valley – home of Khor Virap («Deep Dungeon») Monastery, from which Grigor Lusavorich rose from imprisonment to become the first patriarch of Armenian Apostolic Church. The monastery is very near the Turkish border and offers Armenia’s most splendid view of Mount Ararat, from which, according to the Holy Bible, Noah’s ark landed following the «Great Flood».

The tour continues to Vayots Dzor marz, along the picturesque gorge of the Gnishik River and comes to the monastery of Noravank («New Monastery») (12-15cc.) the religious center of principality of the Orbelyan dynasty, home to prominent Armenian figures of the medieval culture.

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 degustation.

Viewing the stalactites and stalagmites in Bird’s cave.

Back to Yerevan. Overnight.

Trip to Geghardavank, Armenia’s 12-13cc «Monastery of the Lance» (about 45 minutes outside Yerevan city center). 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 to Garni Temple and Garni Castle (3c. BC-13c. AD) – the summer residence of Armenian kings and the site of a pre-Christian temple honoring Mithra, god of the sun.

Visiting the «blue pearl of Armenia» – Lake Sevan is situated at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level. A famous writer has poetically characterized Sevan as: «A genuine piece of sky, dropped down on earth among mountains».

Visiting the monastery of Sevanavank (XI c.) which is located on Sevan peninsula. Back to Yerevan.

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.