Armenian Hearth and Heritage

Breakfast at the hotel.

Yerevan City Tour, we will begin our tour with the capital of Armenia: Yerevan. For centuries, this city has been known as the “pink city” due to the color of the volcanic tuff stone used in its construction. Yerevan is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, founded in 782 BC, and its streets are filled with history, culture, and vibrant energy.

During our tour, we will explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks:
Republic Square – The heart of Yerevan, surrounded by government buildings and the History Museum. At night, the square comes alive with its famous dancing fountains.
Mashtots Avenue – Named after Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet, this central avenue is lined with shops, cafes, and cultural institutions.
Aram Khachaturian Opera and Ballet Theatre – This grand structure, named after the famous Armenian composer, is a cultural hub for opera, ballet, and concerts in Yerevan.
Cascade Complex – A massive staircase that connects the downtown area with the Monument neighborhood, offering stunning views of the city and Mount Ararat. The Cascade is also home to the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, featuring modern sculptures and art exhibitions.
Mother Armenia – A towering statue that symbolizes peace and strength, offering a panoramic view of Yerevan. Located in Victory Park, the statue serves as a reminder of Armenia’s resilience.
Throughout the tour, we will also have the chance to explore local markets, parks, and enjoy the city’s lively café culture. Yerevan blends the old and the new, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Armenia’s rich past and vibrant present.
Lusik Aguletsi house-museum - Our tour continues to Lusik Aguleci museum. She is honored worker of culture of Armenia, painter, writer, lover of ethnology. The woman, who has preserved more than a thousand different elements of Armenian culture, spending almost her entire life on it.
Master Class of “Gata” - We will participate in the preparation of Armenian Sweet Gata in Lusic Aguletsi Cultural centre
Visit fruit market “Gum” - One of the most vivid places in Yerevan is Gum Market near the Tashir trading center, which opened during former the Soviet Union years. It operates every day from morning until late evening. Here you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, spices, many types of dried fruits, cheeses, traditional Armenian bread (lavash), pickles, and more.

Dinner at the local restaurant.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

Yezidi Ziarat Temple of Aknalich - Visit Yezidi temple "Ziarat of Aknalich". This temple is the biggest Yezidi temple in the world. Since ancient times, the Yezidis -biggest minority in Armenia - have been engaged in cattle breeding on the Caucasian plateau. Yezidis have guarded their religion for nearly three millennia. The Yezidi do not have a Holy Book and their religion is based on the knowledge of their priests. The right to become a priest is recognized after having achieved sufficient knowledge.
Amberd Fortress - The tour continues to Amberd fortress. The medieval fortress of Amberd (7th–13th century AD) is built on the southern slope of Mount Aragats (4091 meters above sea level) and is the only well-preserved from Medieval Armenia.
Kurds

On the way, stop to meet the Kurdish people. Drive to Gyumri. Dinner at the local restaurant.

“Cherkezi Dzor”, famous for its delicious fish.

Overnight in Gyumri.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

Gyumri, the second-largest city in Armenia, is a vibrant and culturally rich destination. Gyumri's historic center is characterized by charming cobblestone streets, elegant buildings adorned with intricate carvings, and ornate churches dating back to the medieval period. We will visit:
Vardanants Square: Start your day at this lively square. Enjoy a coffee at a nearby café while soaking in the atmosphere.
Cathedral of the Seven Wounds: Visit this important church known for its beautiful architecture and serene ambiance.
Kumayri Historic District: Take a leisurely walk through the charming cobblestone streets, admiring the intricately carved buildings and traditional houses.
Varpetats street: the most famous street where you can see the oldest barber shop, and other old crafts' centers. It has always been the center of Arts and Crafts.
Black Fortress and Mother Armenia Statue
Dzitoghtsyan Museum - During our tour we will visit the Dzitoghtsyan house-museum, which represents the lifestyle and everyday life of Gyumri in 19th century. Here you will learn about their habits and traditions.
Fioletovo Molocan’s house - Continue the tour to Fioletovo village which is inhabited with Molokan Russians. You will be hosted by a family in Fioletovo village, where you can see the ordinary Molokan house, wander in the garden and participate in a tea drinking ceremony around samovar with freshly baked pastries or cookies. In Molocan’s house you can taste tea from samovar.
Parz Lake - We will visit to Parz Lake in Dilijan National Park, a destination known for its serene beauty and lush natural surroundings. This picturesque lake is nestled within the dense forests of the park, creating an idyllic setting where the clear water reflects the greenery and sky, offering an atmosphere of tranquility and relaxation. The lake's name, which means "clear" in Armenian, perfectly describes the crystal-clear quality of its water. Visitors can enjoy walking along the scenic paths, taking in the fresh forest air, or simply relaxing by the water’s edge. This stop is perfect for nature lovers looking to experience the unspoiled charm of Armenia’s landscapes.
Dilijan National Park - This park is often referred to as the "Armenian Switzerland" and offers numerous bike trails through dense forests and gentle hills.

Dinner in a local house where you can taste the delicious dishes prepared by Amalya Hakhverdyan.

Overnight in Dilijan.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

Sevan - We will drive to Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world, often referred to as the "Pearl of Armenia." The lake stands out with its sweet and astonishingly blue water, reflecting the surrounding mountain landscapes. Situated at an altitude of about 1,900 meters (6,200 feet) above sea level, it is a vital ecological and cultural landmark for Armenia. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and serene ambiance, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and photography. Next, we will visit Sevanavank Monastery, a historic complex located on the Sevan Peninsula. Originally, the peninsula was an island, but due to a decrease in the water level of the lake, it has transformed into a peninsula. 
Cruise - Another surprise is expected for our tourists; we will have a cruise in Lake Sevan and take the chance to admire the beauty of the blue pearl of Armenian highland.
Noratus - We will visit Noratus, a village located on the western shore of Lake Sevan in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. Noratus is particularly famous for its historic cemetery, Noratus Cemetery, which holds one of the largest collections of Armenian khachkars (cross-stones) in the country. These intricately carved stones, some dating back to the 9th century, are a unique representation of Armenian art, culture, and religious tradition.
"Khachkar" carving workshop - Mikaelyan's cheese farm - Our next stop is Mikaelyan Family Farm, where the unique Armenian cheese has been producing for several years by Mikaelyan's family. This family-run company is specialized in the production of wine-cheese, cognac-cheese, “horac” and parmesan-type cheeses.
Selim Caravanserai - Visit Selim Carvanserai, the immortal evidence of Great Silk Road.

Dinner.

Overnight in Yeghegis.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

Noravank - We will continue our tour to Noravank, a 13th-century monastery nestled among stunning red cliffs at the edge of a winding gorge in the Vayots Dzor Province. This remarkable site is not only known for its dramatic natural surroundings but also for its rich architectural and cultural significance. Noravank is the only monastery in Armenia where you can find a unique sculpture of God the Father, depicted above the entrance of the Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church—an extraordinary and rare representation in Armenian religious art.
Areni Cave - Continue the tour to Areni Village and Areni Cave. The cave consists of 3 rooms, most of which are not yet explored. During the studies of the cave, metal knives, fruit seeds, grain residues, rope, pottery, clothing, grapes and dried plums attributed to the years 4200-3500 BC were found. The oldest leather shoe in the world (which is more than 5500 years old) was found here. Here has been found the cellar which is considered to be the oldest cellar in the world (dating back over 6000 years ago).
Local Winery - Visit a local vineyard to have lunch and taste local wines.

Return to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel.

Garni Temple - Take a trip to Garni, home to the only standing Pagan temple in Armenia, built in the 1st century AD. This unique structure was dedicated to Mihr, the god of light and purity, showcasing Armenia’s ancient pre-Christian beliefs. While the temple was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1679, it was meticulously restored in 1975, bringing back its classical Greco-Roman architectural style. Set atop a rocky hill with stunning views of the Azat River gorge, the Temple of Garni provides a fascinating insight into Armenia's pagan history and its preservation efforts.
Symphony of Stones - Drive to the Symphony of Stones,  located near the village of Garni, not far from the ancient Garni Temple. It is a stunning basalt rock formation that has been shaped by nature over centuries. The rocks in the gorge have taken on various columnar shapes, resembling a natural orchestra of standing stones, which has led to the name "Symphony of Stones".

Lunch at the local house - Abelyan house. Afterwards we will visit a local house for lunch where you will have the chance to see and participate in the preparation of Armenian national bread: lavash. It is very thin, usually sold in very large forms. It is usually cooked in a ground oven: “tonir''. In 2015 it has been inscribed in UNESCO intangible heritage list. Here we will enjoy the “Armenian fast food” with lavash and cheese.
Master class of Lavash Baking - Afterwards we will a local house where you will have the chance to see and participate in the preparation of Armenian national bread: lavash. It is a very thin, usually sold in very large forms. It is usually cooked in a ground oven: “tonir''. In 2015 it has been inscribed in UNESCO intangible heritage list. Here we will enjoy the “Armenian fast food” with lavash and cheese.

Return to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport. Say goodbye to Armenia!

Meal Plan: Breakfast