In the heart of the Armenian mountains and lakes

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Armenia

  

• day 2

  Yerevan, millennial city & sacred treasures

  

  

  

  

  

  After breakfast, we set off to discover Yerevan. Founded in 782 BC, it is one of the oldest cities in the world. Our visit will take us to Republic Square, an architectural masterpiece, before climbing the steps of the grand staircase of the Cascade. The highlight of this ascent will be the breathtaking panoramic view over the city and the mythical Mount Ararat. We will then take the road to Etchmiadzin, the spiritual heart of Armenia, only 20 km away. There you will discover its cathedral, one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, whose legend says that Christ himself designated its location. On the way back, we will make a stop to admire the majestic ruins of the temple of Zvartnots, a jewel of 7th-century architecture, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.

• day 3

  From Khor Virap to the Flaming Gorge of Noravank

  

  

  Departure for the monastery of Khor Virap (“deep pit”), an emblematic place where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before converting the kingdom, making Armenia the first Christian nation in the world in 301. We will then head to the village of Areni, the starting point of our hike to the hamlet of Amaghu. The trail will take us through a spectacular gorge to the monastery of Noravank, whose ochre-red façade seems to blaze under the sun. This 12th-century “new monastery” was an important cultural center where the monks excelled in the art of calligraphy. Drive to Goris for the night.

• day 4

  Troglodyte cities and hanging monastery

  

  

  

  Breakfast. We explore Goris, a picturesque town nestled in the hollow of green hills, famous for its unique architecture and its troglodyte caves. Our hike will take us to Khndzoresk, a ghost village where hundreds of caves, once inhabited, await rediscovery. The afternoon will be devoted to visiting Tatev, an architectural masterpiece of the 10th century, often described as a « monastery built on the edge of nothingness ». To get there, we will take « The Wings of Tatev », the longest cable car in the world (5,7 km), for an unforgettable crossing above the gorges. Return and overnight in Goris.

• day 5

  On the Silk Road to Lake Sevan

  

  

  

  Breakfast. We leave Goris and take the road to the Selim Pass. There we will visit a superbly preserved 14th-century caravanserai, an essential stop on the ancient Silk Road. A short walk will allow us to soak up the atmosphere of these places steeped in history. Our route continues towards Lake Sevan, an azure jewel and one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world. This magnificent mountain lake, located at 2 000 meters, covers 5% of the country's surface area. We will visit its famous monastery perched on the peninsula before heading to Dilijan, a charming climatic resort. Night at the hotel.

• day 6

  The “Little Armenian Switzerland” and its forest monasteries

  

  

  

  Breakfast Exploration of Dilijan, nicknamed the « Little Armenian Switzerland » A local saying goes: « If paradise had mountains, forests and springs, it would be called Dilijan » Our trail begins on the outskirts of Lake Parz, a small picturesque lake nestled in the heights From there, we will walk through dense and lush forests to reach the village of Gosh Our walk will end beautifully at the medieval monastery of Goshavank, a former spiritual and educational center bearing the name of the famous scholar Mkhitar Gosh Return to Yerevan at the end of the day Night at the hotel

• day 7

  Monastery of Psalms and Fortress of Winds

  

  

  

  Departure for Saghmosavank, the “monastery of Psalms”, which spectacularly overlooks the gorges of the Kasakh River. We will make a fun stop at the Alphabet Park, where 39 giant sculptures pay tribute to the Armenian letters. Then, we will begin our hike on the slopes of Mount Aragats towards the fortress of Amberd. Built in the 9th century at an altitude of 2300 meters, this “fortress of the clouds” offers breathtaking views. We will explore the remains of its palace, its chapel and its baths. Return and overnight in Yerevan.

• day 8

  Symphony of Stones and Temple of the Sun

  

  

  

  Departure for the monastery of Geghard, an extraordinary site, partially carved into the rock, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, a magnificent hike will lead us to the ruins of the monastery of Havuts Tar (11th-13th c.), a fortified complex offering splendid views over the valley. We will then descend towards the pagan temple of Garni. This masterpiece of the Hellenistic period, dedicated to the sun god Mithra, stands proudly facing the gorges. Lunch in a local home will be an opportunity to attend the fascinating preparation of “lavash”, the traditional Armenian bread. Return and overnight in Yerevan

• day 9

  Departure

  Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport for your return, your head filled with unforgettable memories.