Explore Armenia Tour Description
Armenia is a small, mountainous country in the South Caucasus sandwiched between Turkey, Georgia, Iran, and Azerbaijan. Armenia was the first
country in the world to officially adopt Christianity in 301 AD. As a consequence, it has some of the most beautiful centuries-old churches and gorgeous monasteries in dramatically scenic settings in the world such as the Khor Vrap, Geghard and Tatev.
Lake Sevan covers one fifth of its territory. Before gaining independence in 1991 Armenia was part of the Soviet Union. Throughout most of its long history, Armenia has been invaded by a succession of empire. Under constant threat of domination by foreign forces, Armenia became both cosmopolitan as well as fierce protectors of their culture and tradition. Throughout history, the people suffered greatly in large numbers at the hands of some of its neighbors. There is a very large Armenian Diaspora worldwide. The climate is rich dry with hot summers and moderately cold winters. Ideal for growing abundant fruit such as apricots and produces some of the finest cognac in the world.
For a longer vacation we suggest you also our tour Combined Tour of Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia 2020.
TOUR DETAILS
2022/2023 pricing, please contact us for an estimate anytime
2020 Land Cost Per Person (double occupancy)
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights $1750.00 per person based on double occupancy based on two travelers. $2250.00 per person based on one traveler
Offered year-round but especially Spring, Summer & Fall!
UNESCO SITES:
- St. Hripsime Church
- St. Ejmiadzin Cathedral
- Zvartnots Temple
- Sanahin Monastery
- Garni
Price Includes:
- Full services of a tour leader with local guides and drivers
- Meal plan – HB
- Transfers and all transport as outlined in the itinerary
- All accommodation DBL/TWIN room at 4* hotels (breakfast included)
- Paris Hotel in Yerevan o Mirhav Hotel in Goris
- Best Western Bohemian Resort in Sevan
- Avan Dzoraget Hotel in Dzoraget
- All entrance fees sightseeing and activities as per the itinerary
- Wine degustation
- Brandy degustation
- Farewell Dinner
- Master Class of preparation of Armenian bread Lavash
- Ropeway fee in Tatev
DAY 1: YEREVAN
Arrive in Yerevan at Zvartnots International Airport. Transfer to the hotel for free time before exploring the city. Through the Yerevan City Tour experience one of the oldest cities in the world, founded in 782 BC. The capital of Armenia is called “The Pink City” because of the color of the stone used for building.
Yerevan is acclaimed for its excellent water, for its hospitable people and of course for the breathtaking view of Holy Mount Ararat. The sense of Ararat’s presence in the city and numerous remarkable churches in Yerevan has attracted many pilgrims. The town is adorned with inviting squares, museums, and galleries. Culture is shown through their theaters, universities, restaurants, cafes and parks.
Matenadaran is one of the oldest and richest book depositories in the world. Its collection of about 17,000 manuscripts includes almost all of the areas of ancient and medieval Armenian culture and sciences – history, geography, grammar, philosophy, law, medicine, mathematics, cosmography, theory of calendar, alchemy, chemistry, translations, literature, chronology, art history, miniature, music and theatre, as well as manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, Greek, Syrian, Latin, Ethiopian, Indian, Japanese and others. Mashtots Matenadaran Ancient Manuscripts Collection is included in UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
Proceed to Yerevan Brandy Company. Armenian brandy is the pride of Armenians: it accompanies every single wedding and celebration. Yerevan Brandy Factory is the right place to receive first-hand information regarding the techniques of production, to taste this legendary drink.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 2: YEREVAN-EJMIATSIN-ZVARTNOTS-MARAN WINE FACTORY-YEREVAN 
Breakfast at the hotel.
Start tour at St. Hripsime Church, a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. This church was built in 618 and is one of the magnificent examples of Classical Armenian architecture. Its central dome is an illustration of architectural perfection. The church was named after Virgin Hripsime and was erected in memory of her beauty, purity and faith.
Continue to St. Ejmiadzin Cathedral (UNESCO Site), located in the city of Ejmiatsin founded in the first half of the 2nd century. Since 1441 the city has been Armenia’s religious center. Today, it is the spiritual and administrative center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The cathedral is surrounded by beautiful gardens and structures.
Tour at Cathedral Museum. 5 km away from Echmiadzin are the ruins of Zvartnots Temple a UNESCO Site. It collapsed in earthquake in the 10th century. Zvartnots is a three-tiered central-dome construction with striking sublimity and is considered as one of the wonders of Armenian architecture.
Transfer to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 3- YEREVAN-KHOR VIRAP-NORAVANK-KARAHUNJ-GORIS
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to southern Armenia where the Khor Virap Monastery lies on the Ararat Plain. Khor Vrap is one of the sanctuaries of the Armenian Apostolic Church and a pilgrimage site. In 301AD Saint Gregory the Illuminator converted Armenia to Christianity here. Continue to Noravank Monastery which is included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage0 sites. This medieval Armenian monastery stands out not only with its marvelous structure but also the surrounding marvelous scenery. The monastery was built in the 12th century in the territory of two earlier churches.
Proceed to Syuniq Region. Three kilometers away from Sisian are the remains of an ancient astronomical site and the stone observatory of Karahunj.
Overnight in Goris.
DAY 4- GORIS-KHNDZORESK-TATEV-SELIM PASS-SEVAN
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Khndzoresk Village one of the largest villages in Eastern Armenia where you can find the famous swinging bridge at an altitude 1580 meters above sea leve. It the two banks of the village with a magnificent view of the gorge below. Proceed to the deepest part of the Vorotan gorge which becomes a significant part of the road from Goris to Tatev.
Tatev Monastery a masterpiece of the confluence of ingenious medieval architecture and fabulous natural scenery of Armenia. The road to the monastery goes through a gorge with very steep slopes. The bottom of the gorge is the roughThe Vorotan River that goes a few dozen meters into the cliffs.
Transfer to Sevan via Selim Pass. Overnight in Sevan.
DAY 5- SEVAN-GOSHAVANK-DZORAGET 
After breakfast proceed to the blue pearl of Armenia- Lake Sevan. It is the largest lake in the region and one of the highest fresh water lakes in the world at an altitude of 1,950 meters above sea level. Almost 28 rivers and streams flow into Lake Sevan but only the river Hrazdan originates from it. Sevan is famous for its different kinds of fish particularly a Sevan Trout endemic to the lake which has become endangered of late. Sevanavank Monastery is situated on the peninsula of Lake Sevan. The peninsula was originally an island where two churches are situated. These two churches were built in 874 AD and together form Sevanavank Monastery.
Proceed to Goshavank Monastery, located in Tavush region, which was founded by Mkhitar Gosh – an Armenian scientist, chronologist, writer of fables and author of the first code of law. Goshavank was a center of medieval Armenian culture.
Transfer to Dzoraget. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 6- DZORAGET-SANAHIN-HAGHPAT-DZORAGET
Breakfast at the hotel followed by transfer to the Lori region. Visit Sanahin Monastery (UNESCO from the 10th century to view the magnificent design and scientific significance of this architectural construction. For a period of three centuries all the architects thoroughly examined everything built by their predecessors and were careful preserve the style.
Transfer to Yerevan, en route visit Armenia Alphabet Park, situated on the road to the east of Mt. Aragats. It was Erected in 2005 to commemorate r the 1600th anniversary of the creation of the Armenian alphabet. The monument is an interesting demonstration of the stone carvings of 39 Armenian letters. Overnight in Yerevan.
DAY 7- YEREVAN-GARNI-GEGHARD-YEREVAN
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for the Kotayk region on the way to the Temple of Garni. En route a short stop at “Charents Arch”for a breathtaking view over Ararat Valley and Mount Ararat.
Proceed to Garni ( UNESCO) a classical Hellenisitc Temple, the only extant temple in Armenia, dating back to the era of Paganism and Hellenism. Built by King Tiridates 1 in 76 B.C. Garni was dedicated to the pagan god of the sun Mithra.
Take a Master Class, teaching students how to prepare traditional Armenian bread, Lavash.
Transfer to Yerevan the capital of Armenia to visit Vernissage a large open-air market. 600 meters long, the market mainly features a collection of different types of traditional Armenian art works, traditional carpets, old collections of coins and medallions, books, silver jewelry, musical instruments, electronics and even pets.
In the evening tour the Megerian Carpet Company. Their spectacular showroom attracts visitors from many foreign countries as well as local residents where you can make your purchase. Visitors and guests are welcome to watch the production of the rugs which involve dyeing of the yarns using vegetable dyes, weaving, shearing, finishing, etc.
Farewell dinner at Megerian Carpet. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 8- DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport. Depart.
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
If you have any questions or you’d like to book this trip, please contact us.
Custom itineraries available to this or any of the destinations we travel to.
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Kutrubes Travel can assist you with your flight reservations to your destination with all major carriers. We offer special rates through our various airline contracts. Please call us or email us with your proposed travel plans and we will be sure to accommodate you and respond quickly.
Kutrubes Travel also offers a variety of other tours throughout this region. Contact us for detailed itineraries and descriptions.
