In the land of stones and volcanoes

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Yerevan

  Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan. Welcome, transfer to the hotel. Rest.

• day 2

  City tour in Yerevan

  Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception at 9 a.m. Our journey begins with the discovery of the famous Matenadaran, which preserves thousands of ancient manuscripts with timeless charm. After lunch, visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial, Tsitsernakaberd, and its museum. Cultural evening in Yerevan.

• day 3

  Yerevan – Hovhannavank – Saghmosavank – Amberd – Qari Lich – Yerevan

  Morning visit to the Monastery of Saint John or Hovhannavank from the 4th century and the Saghmosavank Monastery ("Monastery of the Psalms") from the 13th century. Presentation of the fault and basalt layers in the Kassagh gorge by the geologist. In the afternoon, discovery of the Amberd fortress from the 11th century (2300 m altitude), notably its keep, baths, ramparts, and the Vahramashen church. Later, hike from Qari Lich (Stone Lake) towards one of the peaks of the highest mountain in the country, Aragats (4095 m). In the evening, return to the capital. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 4

  Yerevan: city tour – History Museum

  After breakfast, discovery of the Armenian capital, Yerevan. A short walk in the city center. Then, visit to the History Museum of Armenia, where you can discover the richness of the history and civilization of the Armenian people.

• day 5

  Yerevan – Khor Virap – Areni – Noravank – Herher

  Morning discovery of the Khor Virap Monastery ("Deep Pit") from the 4th century, located at the Armenian-Turkish border. Presentation of Mount Ararat, an extinct volcano 4 million years old. Heading south. Arrival in Areni, a charming winegrowing village. Wine tasting with a winemaking family. Easy one-hour hike to the 13th-century Noravank Monastery ("New Monastery"). Lunch in a picturesque cave specially arranged for travelers. In the evening, arrival at the village of Herher. Overnight stay with a local family.

• day 6

  Herher – Vayots Sar – Herher

  Early in the morning, hike to Mount Vayots Sar to admire the sunrise and the impressive surrounding landscapes. Later, descent into the crater to the chapel built in its center. Picnic on site. Return to Herher, rest.

• day 7

  Herher – Sélim – Armaghan – Sevan

  Continuation of the journey in the Gegharkunik region. Discovery visit of the 14th-century Selim caravanserai, followed by a hike to Mount Armaghan, where you will discover its crater and its lake. Later, arrival in Sevan. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 8

  Sevanavank – Geghard – Symphony of Organs – Garni – Yerevan

  Morning walk on the Sévana peninsula, topped by two churches: Saints-Apostles and Holy Mother of God (9th century). In the afternoon, departure for the rock-hewn monastery of Geghard, dating from the 13th century. Later, continue on to the impressive site of Garni, with its 1st-century pagan temple. Walk in the gorge, with its superb basalt organs. Return to Yerevan in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 9

  Yerevan – Zvartnots – Etchmiadzin – Aknashen – Yerevan

  Day dedicated to discovering the Armavir region, notably the ruins of the round Zvartnots Cathedral from the 7th century, the Saint Hripsime Church, and the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the Armenian "Vatican," seat of the Catholicos and the oldest Christian place of worship in the country (301-303). Then, departure for the village of Aknashen and farewell meal with a local family. Participation in the preparation of lavash, traditional Armenian bread. In the evening, return to Yerevan. Departure preparations.

• day 10

  Return flight

  Transfer to the airport. End of our services.