Armenia in 8 days / 7 nights

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Departure from your country of origin and arrival in Armenia.

• day 2

  Exploration of Yerevan, Etchmiadzin & Zvartnots

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  After breakfast, we set off to discover Yerevan, a capital whose history dates back to the 8th century BC. Our route will take us to Republic Square, a masterpiece of Armenian architecture, before strolling past the famous statue “The Cat” by sculptor Fernando Botero. We will climb the steps of the Cascade to admire an unforgettable panorama over the city, then visit the Opera and Victory Park, dominated by the statue of Mother Armenia. In the afternoon, drive to Etchmiadzin, the spiritual heart of Armenia. On the way, we will visit the Church of Saint Hripsime, considered one of the country’s seven wonders, before reaching the majestic cathedral, one of the oldest in the Christian world. Legend has it that Christ himself designated its location. On the way back, we will make a stop to contemplate the ruins of the Temple of Zvartnots, an architectural jewel of the 7th century listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch in a local restaurant. We will end this day with a moving visit to the Armenian Genocide memorial of Tsitsernakaberd. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 3

  Khor Virap, Noravank and the mystery of Karahunj

  

  

  

  Excursion to the Khor-Virap monastery, offering a breathtaking view of biblical Mount Ararat, where Noah's Ark is said to have run aground. This place is inseparable from Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who was imprisoned there before converting the country to Christianity. We will continue to the Noravank monastery, a 12th-century religious and cultural center, nestled in a spectacular canyon of red rocks. Lunch in a troglodyte restaurant. In the afternoon, we will uncover the secrets of Karahunj, an enigmatic megalithic observatory several millennia old, often nicknamed the "Armenian Stonehenge". Drive to Goris, in the Syunik region. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 4

  Goris, Khndzoresk and the Tatev Monastery

  

  

  

  Visit of Goris, a charming town beautifully nestled in the hollow of green mountains, famous for its unique architecture and its rock formations. Excursion to Khndzoresk, a timeless troglodyte village, where ancient caves are just waiting for you to reveal their secrets. We will then head towards the Tatev monastery, a 10th-century masterpiece listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, often described as « the monastery built on the edge of nothingness ». The experience to get there is unique. Return to Goris for the night.

• day 5

  Silk Road, Lake Sevan and Dilijan

  

  

  

  After breakfast, we will take the Selim Pass to visit a magnificent 14th-century caravanserai, a crucial stop on the ancient Silk Road. We will also stop at the Noratus cemetery, famous for its unique forest of “khatchkars” (stone crosses). Our route will then take us to the “Pearl of Armenia”: Lake Sevan. This immense alpine lake, one of the largest in the world, is an azure jewel set at an altitude of 2,000 meters. We will visit its iconic monastery, perched on the peninsula, before heading to the wooded region of Dilijan, one of the most beautiful climatic resorts in the country. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 6

  Dilijan, the "Little Switzerland", Haghpat & Sanahin

  

  

  A local saying goes: “If Paradise had mountains, forests and springs, it would be called Dilijan.” Nicknamed “Little Armenian Switzerland,” the town is a haven of peace. We will then set off to discover the monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, two masterpieces of medieval architecture listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The perfection of their details suggests that they were the work of the same master craftsmen. Return to Yerevan at the end of the day.

• day 7

  Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery & treasures of Yerevan

  

  

  

  

  Departure for the temple of Garni, a picturesque monument from the Hellenistic period and a work of art of ancient architecture, dedicated to the sun god, Mithra. We will have the chance to listen to a duduk concert there. Lunch with a local will be an opportunity to attend the preparation of the traditional bread “lavash”. We will then explore the monastery of Geghard, an incredible site partially carved into the rock, whose name means “Monastery of the Holy Lance”. Back in Yerevan, we will visit the Matenadaran, the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, which houses invaluable treasures, including magnificent illuminated gospels. Free time to stroll around the famous open-air market of the Vernissage. Farewell dinner and overnight at the hotel.

• day 8

  Departure

  Transfer to the airport for your return flight, your head filled with unforgettable memories.