WEEKEND IN ARMENIA

Day 1/Arrival in Yerevan – Yerevan Sightseeing Tour

Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the hotel. After hotel check-in we will have an unforgettable sightseeing tour in Yerevan. The capital city is one of the most ancient cities in the world with a rich history and incredible historical landmarks. The city is coeval with the Babylon, Nineveh and other ancient cities of the Mesopotamia. It is an “open-air museum” – there is much to see and explore. During the sightseeing tour you will get acquainted with the city architecture and visit the main sights of the “Pink City”. The city got its specific color from the buildings built with volcanic pink stone tuff. Then we will have lunch at one of the most authentic Armenian restaurants in the heart of Yerevan. After lunch (optional*) we will visit the Megerian Carpet Factory to admire a wide range of hand-knotted carpets and rugs, which contain hidden symbols and messages. During a tour in the carpet museum, you will be exposed to the history and culture of Armenian carpet dyeing and weaving traditions, and of course, get a chance to see weavers working on their patterns and learn about the history of this ancient craft. Each of them is a work of art that represents its own story told by the weavers over the centuries. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (-/-/-)

Day 2/Yerevan – Harichavank Monastery – Gyumri – Yerevan

After breakfast at the hotel (09:00) we head to Gyumri. Gyumri is a perfect destination for those travelers, who want to experience beautiful natural landscapes, historical architectural heritage and authentic local lifestyle. It is the second-largest city after Yerevan and it is considered to be the cultural capital of Armenia with a number of famous artists, poets, musicians, composers and sculptures originating from this beautiful city. Deserved to be mentioned that the city faced devastating consequences from the Spitak earthquake at the end of the 1980s, but through the perseverance of the people, its authentic architectural facades have been restored beautifully. Recently, the only Catholic Church in Armenia has been built here. The first stop of our full-day trip will be in Harich village, where we will get acquainted with the history of Harichavank Monastery. The monastery is one of the ancient medieval Armenian monastic centers and it was especially renowned for its school and scriptorium. In the 19th century Hraichavank used to be the summer residence of Armenian Catholicoses. The monastery is the jewel of Shirak Province. Here we will also visit the Theological Seminary, which is a noble institution where young priesthood-candidates are being trained to become future clergyman. Then we will continue to Gyumri, where we will visit one of the most attractive and a must visit museums – Dzitoghtsyan House-Museum of Social Life and National Architecture. The museum is located in the Kumayri historic district of Gyumri. Passing through the Kumayri district will definitely impress you with the cozy and charming streets that are full of hidden cafes and historical buildings from the 19th to 20 centuries that are made from rare volcanic black and red tuff rock. The city has very carefully preserved the old town of Gyumri, or Alexandrapol like it was called a hundred years ago, and of course, the elements of the daily urban life of the city. Then, paying a visit to Dzitoghyants, we will have a lunch in one of the best fish farm restaurants of Armenia, called “Cherkezi Dzor”. After lunch a nice walking tour through the streets of the colorful city, which will help you to discover the lifestyle of Gyumri people and feel the spirit of 19th century architecture. Gyumri is also considered to be the “Laughter and Humour Capital” of Armenia. The residents of Gyumri are famous for their unique sense of humor and hospitality. This is another land of cheerful people. Driving all the way up to the city we will visit the famous Black Fortress of 19th century, Built by Russian Emperor Nicholas I with black volcanic tuff. The fortress was initially built to protect Alexandropol from Persians and Turks from different times of Russian wars with those countries. Currently, it is a national cultural heritage monument, used as a cultural center, since the historic gem has an amphitheater inside where many concerts and events have been hosted. The Black Fortress of Gyumri is included in the list of intangible monuments of history and culture of the city. During this trip you can’t miss your chance to enjoy an unforgettable horse-drawn carriage ride through charming historical districts of Gyumri. Back, in older times, Gyumretsis used to travel through the city with “phaetons”, and it was an inseparable part of traditional weddings. You will be given free time for carriage ride and coffee before we return to Yerevan. Driving back to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan. (B/-/-)

Day 3/Yerevan – Lake Sevan – Dilijan – Yerevan

After breakfast at the hotel (10:00) we drive to the blue pearl of our mountainous country – Lake Sevan, which is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia. The view is spectacular there and this trip is considered an unforgettable experience due to its great landscape value. First, we’ll visit a 9th century Sevanavank Monastery – the highlight of this fascinating area, and the most famous historical and cultural monument in Gegharkunik region. The monastery is located on the peninsula of Lake Sevan and it overlooks the lake. During the lunch at the lake (optional*), we will have an opportunity to taste the fish from the lake prepared with the special local recipe. After the Sevan trip we will drive all the way down to the forested region of Dilijan, in Tavush region to enjoy the 19th century appearance of the town. It should be mentioned that Tavush region is notorious for being one of the greenest in Armenia, accompanied with rich mineral waters. Some of them are resembled to the Vichy in France and Davos in Switzerland. That’s why Dilijan is nicknamed as “the Switzerland of Armenia’’. We will be driving down to the forests of Dilijan National Park to visit red deer and feed them. Return to Yerevan.
Overnight at a hotel in Yerevan. (B/-/-)

Day 4/Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport. Farewell. (B/-/-)

The rates include*
Accommodation at the hotel on a DBL basis (BB)
Transfer to/from Zvartnots International Airport
Transfers during the tours
English speaking guide services on tour days, upon arrival and departure
All entrance fees
A bottle of water per person per day
Maps of Armenia and Yerevan
24-hour service

The rates exclude*
Flights
Insurance
Visa and visa documents’ related fees (if any)
Beverages
All other services not mentioned above .