In the footsteps of Tubalcain

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Yerevan

  Arrival at the airport. Flight to Yerevan. Welcome at Yerevan airport by a French-speaking agent. Transfer to the hotel and welcome table.

• day 2

  City tour in Yerevan

  Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception at 9 am. Morning dedicated to discovering the prehistoric capital of Armenia: departure towards the archaeological city of Chengavit (3000 BC). In the afternoon, visit to the History Museum of Armenia, where you can discover the richness of the history and civilization of the Armenian people. After lunch, exploration of the Armenian capital and a short walk in the city center. Free evening.

• day 3

  Yerevan – Metsamor – Sardarapat – Yerevan

  Morning dedicated to the discovery of the Metsamor archaeological site and museum (4000–3000 BC), one of the first open-air rock metallurgy factories. In the afternoon, departure for Sardarapat and visit to its ethnology museum: first contact with Armenian paleontology. At the end of the afternoon, return to Yerevan.

• day 4

  Yerevan – Amberd – Aragats – Yerevan

  Early departure towards the highest mountain in the country, Aragats (4095 meters in altitude). First discovery of the Amberd fortress, located at 2300 m, a rare testimony of Armenian military architecture from the Middle Ages, as well as the Vahramashen church, built in 1026 in tuff (volcanic material). Picnic on site. Later, ascent towards Qari Lich (Stone Lake), located at 3300 m altitude. Optional hike on site up to the south summit (3880 m in altitude), while admiring the beautiful surrounding landscapes. Return to the capital. Dinner in the city center. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 5

  Yerevan – Khor Virap – Areni – Noravank – Qarahundj – Goris

  In the morning, journey towards Vayots Dzor. Visit to the Khor Virap Monastery ("Deep Pit") from the 4th century, built on a hill dominated by the majestic Mount Ararat. Arrival in Areni, a charming wine-making village, and wine tasting with a winemaking family. In the evening, journey through the mountains to reach the Noravank Monastery ("New Monastery"), a monument in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature. Towards the evening, arrival in Goris. Check-in at the hotel and rest.

• day 6

  Goris – Khndzoresk – Tatev – Goris

  Morning dedicated to discovering the village of Khndzoresk and its limestone caves. In the afternoon, an exceptional moment: arrival at Tatev by the new cable car, the longest in the world, where we can admire one of the country's religious jewels: the 9th-century Tatev Monastery, once a great intellectual and university center. In the evening, stroll through the old town of Goris. Overnight stay.

• day 7

  Goris – Selim – Odzaberd – Noratous – Hayravank – Ltchashen – Sevan

  In the morning, on the way to the Gegharkunik region, stop near the Selim caravanserai (14th century), formerly a resting place for caravanners. Continue the road towards the cyclopean remains at Odzaberd, an important archaeological site built by King Russa I in 735-713 BC. In the afternoon, head towards the khachkar cemetery of Noratous ("stone crosses"). Then, departure towards Hayravank (9th century) on the shore of Lake Sevan (1920 m above sea level), the pearl of Armenia. Later, discovery of the prehistoric remains of Lchashen, a living testimony to the very ancient settlement of the region. Overnight in Sevan.

• day 8

  Sevanavank – Geghard – Garni – Symphony of Organs – Yerevan

  Morning visit to the church of Sevanavank, perched on the Sevan peninsula. Later, we will set off to discover the 13th-century rock monastery of Geghard. The journey will continue to the impressive site of Garni, with its 1st-century pagan temple, spread out in an area on the right bank of the Azat river. Descent into the Garni gorge, where we will admire the magnificent panorama of the "Symphony of the Organs", a set of superb basalt organs. In the evening, return to Yerevan and rest.

• day 9

  City tour in Yerevan

  The first part of the day will be devoted to discovering the Matenadaran, which immerses visitors in the heart of manuscripts dating back to the medieval period. This visit will give us the opportunity to understand how science and writing developed in Armenia. Continue to the Megerian factory to discover the mystery of the creation of handmade Armenian carpets. Lunch on site. Later, visit the Genocide Memorial and its museum, located on the Tsitsernakaberd hill. Free evening.

• day 10

  Yerevan – Zvartnots – Etchmiadzin – Aknashen – Yerevan

  Excursion in the Armavir region. Visit to the ruins of the round cathedral of Zvartnots (7th century), a masterpiece of Armenian architecture from the early Middle Ages. We will then take you to the church of Saint Hripsime (7th century), endowed with unparalleled simplicity and architectural purity, before introducing you to the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, seat of the Patriarchate of the Catholicos and the oldest Christian place of worship in Armenia (301-303). In the afternoon, visit to the village of Aknashen, a typically Armenian meal with a local family and participation in the preparation of lavash, traditional Armenian bread. In the evening, return to Yerevan. Departure preparations.

• day 11

  Return flight

  Transfer to the airport. End of our services.