In the footsteps of Noah

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Yerevan

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

• day 2

  City tour in Yerevan

  Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception at 9 am. Our journey begins with the discovery of the treasures of the capital, Yerevan. In the morning, visit to the Matenadaran, which preserves thousands of ancient manuscripts with timeless charm. Continue to the Megerian factory to discover the mystery of the creation of handmade Armenian carpets. Lunch on site. In the late afternoon, visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial, Tsitsernakaberd, and its museum. Return to the city center for an exploratory walk. Dinner in a traditional restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 3

  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 4

  Yerevan – Geghard – Symphony of Organs – Garni – Yerevan

  Continuation of the journey to the Kotayk region. Discovery of the 13th-century rock-hewn monastery of Geghard. Later, walk in the Garni gorge to admire its superb basalt organs. Then, ascent to visit the unique pagan temple of Garni (1st century). Return to the capital. Free evening.

• day 5

  Yerevan – Khor Virap – Areni – Noravank – Qarahunj – Goris

  Heading south of the country. First stop in the Ararat region: visit to the Khor Virap Monastery, located on the Armenian-Turkish border. Later, wine tasting in Areni, the "Armenian Bordeaux". Continue the itinerary to the Noravank Monastery (13th c.), one of Armenia's architectural marvels listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lunch in a picturesque cave. In the late afternoon, visit Qarahunj, one of the oldest observatories in the world (5000 – 5500 BC). In the evening, arrival in Goris, check-in at the hotel, 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 – Noratous – Hayravank – Sevanavank – Dilidjan

  Continuation of the journey towards the Lake Sevan region. First, discovery of the Selim Caravanserai from the 14th century. The most important concentration of famous khachkars ("stone crosses") awaits us in Noratous. Next, we will head towards the Hayravank Monastery from the 9th century. Our last discovery will be the Sevan Peninsula: Sevanavank, with its two churches perched on its hill. In the evening, arrival in Dilijan, check-in at the hotel. Rest.

• day 8

  Dilidjan – Haghartsin – Gochavank – Yerevan

  Exploratory tour of the old town of Dilidjan and visit to a woodcraft workshop. Departure for the Haghartsin Monastery (13th century), lost in forests with shimmering colors. Return to the main road to reach the village of Goch. Visit to the Gochavank Monastery (12th-13th centuries): an exceptional discovery of Armenian medieval architecture and its famous khachkar called "lace". In the evening, return to Yerevan. Dinner and rest.

• day 9

  Yerevan – Zvartnots – Etchmiadzin – Aknashen – Yerevan

  After breakfast, departure for the Armavir region. Discovery of the ruins of the Zvartnots Cathedral (7th c.), a masterpiece of Armenian medieval architecture. Then, stop at the Saint Hripsime Church (7th c.) and the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, one of the first Christian churches in the world (301-303). Traditional meal in the village of Aknashen. Participation in the preparation of lavash, traditional Armenian bread. Return to Yerevan in the evening. Departure preparations.

• day 10

  Return flight

  Transfer to the airport. End of our services.