Armenia 7-Day Tour7 Days | Yerevan, Garni, Geghard, Khor Virap, Sevan, Dilijan, Sanahin, Gyumri, Amberd Fortress, Oshakan etc.

Arrival in Yerevan. Meet your driver at the airport. Transfer to the Hotel. Check in at noon.
After short rest, start exploring Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest cities. Yerevan is often referred to as a “Pink City” and impresses visitors with its grand Soviet architecture. Our first stop in Yerevan will be at the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex on Tsitsernakaberd Hill. Next, we will visit the modern symbol of Yerevan – Cascade Monument. The Cascade is a giant stairway (572 steps) linking the downtown area of Yerevan with the Monument neighborhood. From the top of the monument you can capture the best panorama of Yerevan and the mountain Ararat. Continue exploring the city by walking along the beautiful streets, past Opera House, Republic Square, and Abovyan Avenue. Transfer to the hotel. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

Depart Yerevan and drive to Garni, the only pagan temple in Armenia that survived Christianization of Armenia in the 4th century. Descend Garni Gorge to explore a monumental rock formation called Symphony of Stones. The next stop is Geghard Monastery (meaning "spear" in Armenian). The monastery complex was founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator at the site of a sacred spring inside a cave. Continue to Etchmiadzin*. According to many scholars it was the first cathedral built in ancient Armenia. We will visit the main Cathedral (it is the residence of the Catholicos, the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church) and the museum of Christian relics. Drive back to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel.
*The site is presently under the renovation works.

At 08:00 head to Khor Virap Monastery. According to the legend, Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned here for 14 years by King Tiridates III of Armenia. Saint Gregory subsequently became the king's religious mentor. In 301 Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as an official religion. The monastery’s location allows you to enjoy superb views of Mount Ararat.
Drive to the Noravank complex. The monastery offers one of the most beautiful surrounding areas in Armenia. The spare lines of the church contrast beautifully with the sharp red rock cliffs.
Continue to Areni Caves. In 2008 researchers found here the world’s oldest shoe. Visit Hin Areni winery to taste delicious local wines. Arrive in Yerevan at around 18:00. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart Yerevan and drive towards Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater alpine lakes in Eurasia. The road passes through the coastline of the lake, surrounded by beautiful nature.
Lake Sevan is referred to as the “Jewel of Armenia”. Visit Sevanavank Monastery. It stands on a narrow rocky peninsula, in the northwest part of the Lake. The complex includes two churches – Surb Arakelots and Surb Karapet, surrounded by numerous limestone khachkars, stone blocks with intricate designs carved into them. Continue towards Haghartsin Monastery complex. The complex consists of four churches, courtyards, prayer halls and a famous refectory, one of the brightest masterpieces of Armenian architecture. It was built in 12th century, like the most parts of the complex. Next to the refectory are unique chapels dating back to 5th and 7th centuries. Continue to Goshavank Monastery. It served as an educational establishment during the middle ages. The complex includes churches, a bookstore/library with a chapel and school building. The sight is surrounded by the houses and it gives you the opportunity to learn more about the lifestyle in the villages of Armenia. Drive to Dilijan for overnight.

After breakfast start exploring northern part of Armenia – the region of Lori.
Today you will visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat.
Dating from 10th to 13th centuries, both monasteries were important centers of learning. Sanahin was famous for its school of illuminators and calligraphers. The monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat combine elements of Byzantine Church architecture and traditional building styles of the region. Drive to Gyumri, the second largest city in Armenia, located at the central part of the Shirak plateau. Overnight in at the hotel.

In the morning we will have a short walk on streets of Gyumri to see examples of traditional Armenian urban architecture of 19th century. We will then drive towards Amberd complex, comprised of medieval fortress and a church located in a quiet area on the southern slopes of the Mount Aragats. Amberd is at 2300 meters above the sea level; this explains its name which means ‘fortress in the clouds’. Next stop is Oshakan, which is known as a burial place of the father of the Armenian alphabet Saint Mesrop Mashtots. A cathedral named after him houses his grave which was rebuilt by Catholicos George IV in 1875. Drive back to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel.

Check out from the hotel till noon. Transfer to Yerevan International Airport. Departure. End of the tour.

Economy:
Turfenkian Old Dilijan Complex / Hover Boutique
Comfort:
Turfenkian Old Dilijan Complex / Hover Boutique
Lux:
Dilijani Tun / Best Western Plus Paradise

Economy:
Villa Kars / Kuma Hotel / Hotel Plaza Viktoria / Aratta
Comfort:
Shiraz Plaza Hotel & Spa / Orienta Hotel Gyumri
Lux:
Grand Hotel Gyumri by Apricot Hotels