ARMENIA 10 DAYS

Early in the morning, your plane lands at the airport of Yerevan. After the usual formalities you  will be warmly welcomed by our guide and transferred by our comfortable bus to the hotel, where you can relax after the flight. Today you get acquainted with the Armenian capital. What makes this city stunningly  picturesque and unique is that the inner city of Yerevan reminds a drawing board, there is no city center as we imagine it, because old buildings are scattered randomly. We stroll by the main attractions of the Yerevan: the Republic Square, the Opera House, the Parliament and the Cascade. From the first day in Armenia you will be captured by the feeling that you are in the oldest Christian country. Among other things, we see Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, built in 2001 for the 1700th anniversary of the Christianization of Armenia. In the afternoon, we visit the scientific library Matenadaran with its Museum of Manuscripts, which houses a collection of ancient Armenian manuscripts. In the evening, we try Armenian food specialties.

After the breakfast we drive to Echmiadzin, the seat of Catholicos of All Armenian, the spiritual head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. On the way you will see Zvartnots – a ruin from the middle of the 7th century and other well-known churches: the Cathedral of Echmiadzin,  St. Gajane, St. Hripsime, Shoghakat Church and the Mother of God church. In the background we will be accompanied by the towering spiritual symbol a for all Armenians – the mountain Ararat. You also will have a unique possibility to attend a mass in Armenia and, if you are lucky that day, to see the Catholicos. This day we also will uncover a sad page in the history of Armenia. In the afternoon we visit Tsitsernakaberd – a memorial complex, dedicated to the memory of genocide victims of the  Armenians in 1915. For many years the Soviets didn’t recognize the tragedy as a genocide. An obelisk and an eternal flame remind us today about grievous past and a giant 100 meter long wall with engraved names of massacred cities and villages is aimed to express the enormity of tragedy. You will also visit the museum of the Memorial Park of Genocide victims. In the late afternoon we organize a conversation with a university professor on ethnic conflicts in Armenia in the 20th century.

The third day is completely dedicated to the theme of religion. In the morning we drive to the south of the country to Khor Virap Monastery. Its history is deeply connected with the name of Grigor Lusavorich (St. Gregory the Illuminator) who introduced Christianity in Armenia and was imprisoned here for the 13 long years. In the village of Areni we visit a private winery and taste its highly-praised dry wine. In an enjoyable atmosphere you will have a possibility to learn more about everyday life of the Armenians. Then we will explore Noravank Monastery, which belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site List. The most peculiar feature of the monastery is the two-story facade of the Mausoleum Church, construction of which had started during the reign of the Prince Burtel Orbelian and was finished in 1339. In the late afternoon, we start our way towards Lake Sevan. Our next aim is Noratus. Here we find the famous Noratus Cemetery. The cemetery has the largest cluster of khachkars (carved memorial stele bearing a cross) in the republic of Armenia from the 6th c. BC. We stay in the hotel near the Lake Sevan in one of the surrounding villages.

In the early morning we drive to Lake Sevan, one of the largest mountain lakes in the world, which lies at the altitude of almost 2000 meters. The beautiful scenery and crystal clear water will carry you away to the loins of nature and captivate you by the tranquil atmosphere. Except its spellbound beauty, the lake is also famous thanks to its island and the prominent landmark of Armenian architecture – Sevanavank Church Complex, built in the 9th c.  It is well worth climbing numerous stairs to see the mysterious medieval complex and enjoy the breathtaking view. Then  we will explore other treasures of Dilijan National Park. Nearby there are located two impressive monasteries. The construction of monastery Haghartsin has lasted from 10th to 14th century.. Now, as then, it is surrounded by dense forests and is known as the place of asceticism and self-knowledge. Armenia is considered as a very religious country, and this of course not a surprise, when we talk about a first state which has accepted Christianity as the state religion. To the Armenian Apostolic Church belongs 94% of the population and it plays a crucial role for the Armenian identity. Of course, there are fringe groups that complete the religious mosaic picture in Armenia. That afternoon we briefly visit Lermontovo and Fioletovo – two Molokan settlements. This  Christian branch is predominantly popular among Russian population. In the late afternoon, we reach  hotel near Alaverdi where we stay for two nights.

This day we explore two other unique religious highlights of Armenia. We drive along the so-called Monastery Street, which are full of smaller and larger monasteries. Thanks to the picturesque mountainous scenery the area is known as “Armenian Switzerland”. In Haghpat we admire the glorious monastery from the 10th c, UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main feature of this monastery is numerous cross-stones, a religious art, unique to Armenia. The most famous one is Savior Cross-stone, which represents the scene of the Crucifixion. Another UNESCO World Heritage site that we explore is a monastery complex situated in the village of Sanahin. We will attend the monastery academy from 10-13 c. and the Mother of God Church from 934th.

On our way to Gyumri we visit Spitak, a city, almost completely destroyed by the earthquake in 1988. You will find out this story and visit the cemetery with an iron church, a symbol of 25 000 victims of the earthquake. Our next stop is Gyumri where we stay in the hotel. During a guided tour you will see the oldest district of the city – Gyumri. The beautiful architecture of the city will leave you a profound impression. Here you will see the famous Powder Tower and the Surb Nshan Church. In Gyumri there’s even a monument to the famous French singer Charles Aznavour, who had Armenian roots. The same earthquake caused a great harm to Gyumri as well. Interestingly that many new buildings in the city resemble features architectural features of the countries, which have taken part in the reconstruction works. At the end of our day’s program  we visit also Dzitoghtsyan Museum of National Architecture.

Early in the morning we leave Gyumri and drive through the Aragatsotn Province back to  Yerevan. Further, we head for Talin where we visit three-nave vaulted Talin Cathedral from the 7 century, which, even being partially ruined, remains an iconic landmark of the Armenian  architectural style. Next stop we make in Aruch, where is located one of the greatest early Christian churches of Armenia (7th century), dedicated to St. Gregory. A few kilometers to the north lies Amberd Fortress – rare example of Armenian medieval military architecture. Then we make a quick stop in Ashtarak – scenic town, nestled by lush-green banks of Kasagh River. The three-level bridge over the river has become a landmark of the city. The skyline of Ashtarak boasts of four medieval churches, located within city center.  In the afternoon we get acquainted with the national pride of Armenia. We visit the famous Ararat Museum, that is located inside the walls of Yerevan brandy company and enjoy a brandy tasting. A little exhilarated we arrive at our hotel in Yerevan.

In the morning, you have an opportunity to visit the country’s largest market. The Vernissage is a perfect place to immerse yourself in the Armenian life and buy souvenirs. Impressive Armenian monasteries again and again will accompany us at the backdrop, for example Geghard Monastery – a true gem in the crown. The monastery of the 13th century is located at the ridge of a canyon. Translated from Armenian, it means “Monastery of the Holy Lance”. This relic is currently kept in Echmiadzin.  Then we are happy to behold the rare Western European heritage in Armenia, town of Garni and its magnificent peripteros (temple with columns). Once summer residence of the Armenian kings, it is considered to be the oldest building in Armenia (1st-3st century).  In the afternoon, we come back to Yerevan and have plenty of time for tasting famous  Armenian cognac at one of the best Armenian distilleries. In the evening, we have a common farewell dinner.

In the early morning we are driving towards the airport. We hope you have discovered  Armenia, its culture, traditions and nature, and will keep these emotions for your lifetime. We are always happy to become your devoted companion for your future travels.