Armenia Cultural Tour 7 Nights 8 Days

Day 1: Arrival

Arrival at Zvartnots International airport. Meet and greet transfer to the hotel. Rest. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (-/-/-)

Day 2: Yerevan sightseeing/Genocide Memorial/ Vernissage

Breakfast at hotel. At 11:00 start our exploration of the vibrant capital of Armenia, Yerevan, where the ancient culture is mixed with modern lifestyle and great traditions. Though the city has turned 2800 years’ old, it keep up to the latest trends alive with hustle and bustle of contemporary life. We start our tour from the Republic Square, the masterpiece of the architect Alexander Tamanian. Continue to Cascade Complex, an op en-air museum of modern art. The complex links the downtown with the residential area with massive stairways leading up to the Victory Park providing a fantastic overlook to the entire downtown from above. The monument to Mother Armenia is standing tall in the park carefully guarding the city from above. Next we are in the Opera House, a remarkable sample of urban architecture and a lively hub of the city. Freedom Square is just behind it, surrounded by parks and outdoor cafes which are a favorite spot to spend breezy summer evenings. Lunch at local restaurant. Our next visit is Parliament Park facing the splendid building of The National Assembly of Armenia. The park in newly opened to the public after velvet Revolution in Armenia, May 2018. Continue to Memorial park to the victims of Armenian Genocide in the 20th Century. Our last visit of the day is the local flea market Vernissage complete with handmade souvenirs, jewelry and antiquates, ancient rugs and hand-woven carpets in traditional ornaments (open on weekends). Dinner in a local’s house in Yerevan. Our host is the daughter of a renowned Armenian painter. She will treat us with homemade special dishes and entertain with her piano performances. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/L/D)

Day 3: Yerevan - Khor Virap / Tushpa/ Noravank/ Goris

Breakfast at hotel. Today we head for exploration of the south of Armenia. Departure to Ararat region. Sightseeing at Khor-Virap monastery 4- 17th cc. In early times it was used as a pit- dungeon for convicts. The religious importance of the monastery is related to the adoption of Christianity in Armenia in 301 AD. The monastery is located in Ararat Valley, at the loop of the biblical Ararat Mountain, were Noah's arch cast anchor. In clear weather you will be lucky to take a great shot of the snow-picked mount at the nearest point. Aarart Valley is the cradle of Armenia wine-making traditions so we proceed to visit “Tushpa Wine Cellar”. Here we will take tour inside the factory and enjoy high quality Armenian wine in all its perfection and delicate taste. Continue tour to Vayots Dzor region, the agricultural center of Armenia. Along the road you will see tens of fruit stands colorful with fresh vegetables and fruits. Lunch at local house/restaurant. Visit Noravank monastery, set higher up the Amaghu gorge nestled in rocky mounts and red cliffs. Drive to the town of Goris in Syunik region for dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 4: Goris / Old Goris/Khndzoresk /Tatev / Goris

Breakfast at hotel. Start the exploration of Goris at Old Goris with medieval cave dwellings inhabited by the locals until not too long ago. Rocks and wild forests compete the image of this rustic view. Drive to Khndzoresk, a cave village with many trails of past settlement throughout the valley. Here you can notice that some of the caves have been carved out by man and served as house-shelters for locals. Continue to explore the monastic complex of Tatev, often referred as “monastery built at the edge of nothing”. The monastery used to be the religious center of the region and one of the first education center of medieval Europe. We will reach Monastery via the World's longest aerial tramway called “Wings of Tatev”. The tramway is registered in Guinness Records book with length of 5.7 km and biggest height of 320m. Drive to our hotel in Goris for dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 5: Goris/ Karahunj/ Selim / Noratus / Sevan

After breakfast Visit Karahunj, the so called Armenian Stonehenge even older than Stonehenge itself. The scientists have proven the thesis that Karahunj was used by locals to observe the stars back in ancient times. In 2001 in the vicinity of Karahunj many rock – paintings were discovered some drawings that represent a great astronomic interest. Drive to Lake Sevan taking stops at the remarkable sights on the way. Lunch at local restaurant. We will cross Selim Pass to visit the medieval Selim Caravanserai, an important trading post on the Great Silk Road. This caravanserai has welcomed travelers along the highway through the mountains of Selim (Sulema). Selim is an excellent example of medieval Armenian architecture partly preserved till nowadays. Continue to Noratus, a small village at the lake. The village is famous for its “forest of Khachkars” - one of the largest collections of khatchkars dating centuries 7-10. “Khachkar” is a religious and secular monument typical to only Armenian culture and represents commemorative symbolism. Drive to Lake Sevan, the Pearl of Armenia and the largest alpine freshwater lake in the Caucasus region. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Sevan. (B/L/D)

Day 6: Sevan Peninsula/ Garni/ Geghard/ Yerevan

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Cave Monastery Geghard a magnificent monument of medieval Armenian architecture inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list. Geghard is a unique monument in the whole country being carved out of adjacent rocks. Our next visit is Garni Temple, a Hellenistic monuments built in 1st c A.D. The temple is the only standing monument in its style and is dedicated to ancient god of the sun. After enjoying the scenery, we will have lunch at a local’s house in Garni where you will have opportunity to watch how Armenian national bread “lavash” is baked in the underground stove called “tonir”. Return to the capital to enjoy Yerevan at night, when the city has special charm. At the end of the working day people come out for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine in the city center. All buildings at lit up in colorful lamps making it like a daytime. Choose to go to Republic square where each night is unique with singing fountains and light show under classical music gathering crowd around. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/L/D)

Day 7: Yerevan / Zvartnots/ Echmiadzin/Yerevan Fruit market

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the ruins of Zvartnots Temple (7th century) which is listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Temple used to a splendid monument of Armenian architecture. Long while ago the earthquake ruined the temple and now even in ruins the temple impresses the visitors. Continue to Echmiadzin, the center of the Armenian Church and the spiritual center of Armenian people. Here we will step into Echmiadzin Cathedral, the oldest ever Christian monument in the world. The cathedral was built in 301-303 by Gregory the Enlightener, the first bishop of Armenians. Lunch in a local house/restaurant. Drive back to Yerevan. Visit Yerevan Food & Fruit Market complete with alleys of Armenian flatbread “lavash”, fresh vegetables, dried fruits and local sweets, optional visit to chocolate store. Free time on your own. Farewell dinner at traditional restaurant with folk music to enjoy last glance of Armenian experience. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/L/D)

Day 8: Departure

Transfer to the airport and departure (B/-/-)

Please call 1-800-417-3880 for more information or e-mail us at info@flotours.com . We are here to help you get the best out of your vacation
Rates in USD per person in DBL/TWIN occupancy
Price per person in Double or twin: $ 1775
Single Supplement :$ 375

The rates include:

Accommodation

• 4 x overnights at the hotel in Yerevan
• 1 x overnight at 4*+Harsnaqar hotel in Sevan
• 2 x overnights at 4* Mirhav hotel in Goris
• Transportation as per program in a comfortable A/C vehicle
  English speaking guide throughout the program
• Entrance fees to the sites as per itinerary, incl. Tatever aerial tramway
  Wine tasting at Tushpa Winery
• Catering FB: breakfast at the hotel, 6 x lunches, 6 x dinners
  1 bottle of water per day/per person

The rates do not include:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Credit card payment fee
• Travel insurance
• Portage at the hotels Tips

Yerevan: Grand Yerevan Hotel or Ramada by Wyndham Sevan: Harsnagar Hotel Goris: Mirhay Hotel

Visa is not needed for US  Citizens and can be obtained at the border for $ 9 per person