Sound paths

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Yerevan

  Welcome at Zvartnots International Airport. Transfer to the hotel, overnight stay.

• day 2

  City tour in Yerevan

  Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception at 9 am. The first discovery of the day will be the Matenadaran, or Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts. There you will discover a rich and exceptional collection of thousands of Armenian manuscripts with timeless charm. Next, we will organize a city tour, discovering the famous Republic Square with its singing fountains, particularly attractive when illuminated in the evening. We will also discover the metro as well as the Armenian "Champs-Élysées," Abovian Street. Then, we will cross the newly developed Northern Avenue, connecting Republic Square to the Opera and Ballet building. Cultural evening in the city.

• day 3

  Yerevan – Geghard /Quintet Choir/ – Symphony of Organs – Garni – Yerevan

  Morning visit to the 13th-century rock-hewn monastery of Geghard, which once housed the relic of the lance that pierced the body of Christ. We will have the opportunity to attend a religious concert performed by the Quintet choir. Continue on to the 1st-century pagan temple of Garni, where we will listen to a folk concert performed by the same quintet. Before heading up to the temple, we will organize a walk in the gorges, with their superb basalt organ pipes. In the evening, return to Yerevan, overnight at the hotel.

• day 4

  Yerevan: MasterClass Day "Armenian Dance" – Megerian Carpet

  The day will be dedicated to discovering Armenian traditional cuisine and dances. In the first part of the day, we will learn to dance "Armenian style." A dance class will be organized by the "Karin" dance ensemble. Later, we will go to the traditional, family-run Megerian carpet factory, where magnificent world-renowned Armenian carpets are on display. There, you will have lunch while enjoying traditional Armenian dishes and learn to cook at the same time. Free evening.

• day 5

  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 east summit (3650 m altitude), while admiring the beautiful surrounding landscapes. Return to the capital. Dinner in the city center. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 6

  Yerevan – Sevanavank – Haghartsin – Gochavank – Dzoraget

  In the morning, we will set out to discover the Sevana peninsula: Sevanavank with its two churches, Saints-Apostles and Holy Mother of God. Later, we will head towards the Tavush region. Visit of the sumptuous monastic complexes of Haghartsin, from the 13th century, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Gochavank, from the 12th-13th centuries. At the end of the day, arrival in Dzoraget, check-in and overnight at the hotel.

• day 7

  Dzoraget – Akhtala – Haghpat – Sanahin – Odzoun – Dzoraget

  The day will begin with the discovery of the 10th-century Akhtala Monastery, richly decorated with medieval frescoes. Continue on the road to the monastic complexes of Haghpat and Sanahin, listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. In the afternoon, visit the 4th-century Odzoun Basilica. Return to Dzoraget at the end of the day, rest.

• day 8

  Dzoraget – Gyumri

  Early departure to the city of Gumri. City tour in Gumri, a cultural and artistic center highly appreciated for its hospitality and humor. Meal in a typical restaurant with regional specialties. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 9

  Gumri – Haritchavank – Yererouyk – train to Yerevan

  Continuation of the journey to the Haritchavank Monastery, an immortal monument of medieval Armenian architecture. Then, discovery of the ruins of the Yererouyk Basilica (4th-6th centuries) in Anipemza, one of the solemnly decorated monasteries of the country. In the evening, return to the Armenian capital. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

• day 10

  Yerevan – Zvartnots – Etchmiadzin – Aknashen – Yerevan

  Route to the Armavir region. Visit the ruins of the 7th-century round cathedral of Zvartnots, a masterpiece of early medieval Armenian architecture, as well as the Saint Hripsime Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Etchmiadzin, you will be impressed by its cathedral, the Armenian "Vatican," seat of the Catholicos and the oldest Christian place of worship in Armenia (301-303). In the evening, departure for the village of Aknashen. Dinner with a local family, with a warm atmosphere guaranteed! Participation in the preparation of lavash, traditional Armenian bread. In the evening, return to Yerevan.

• day 11

  City tour in Yerevan

  Our journey will conclude with a visit to the museum of the great composer and bard of the 20th century, Komitas. You will have the opportunity to visit at the same time the Armenian pantheon, which is located next to the museum and bears the name of Komitas. Later, visit to the Genocide Memorial, Tsitsernakaberd, and its museum. Cultural evening in Yerevan and farewell dinner.

• day 12

  Return flight

  Transfer to the airport. End of our services.