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  • Taste and Smell of Armenia – 9 Days
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Detailed Itinerary

Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Yerevan

Morning breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed for Yerevan City Tour. We will start the tour with the capital of Armenia: Yerevan. For ages this city has been known as a “pink city” because of the colour of the stone it has been built with. So we will visit Republic square, Mashtoc Avenue, the House of Opera and Ballet after Aram Khachatryan, the park “Cascade”. Lunch at local restaurant.

Ararat Brandy Factory-Visit Ararat Brandy Factory, also known as the Yerevan Brandy Company, is a historic and renowned Armenian brandy distillery located in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Founded in 1887, the distillery has a long and storied history of
producing high-quality brandy, often referred to as Armenian cognac. The factory, with its historic buildings and cellars, is not only a destination for brandy enthusiasts but also a place where visitors can learn about the rich tradition of Armenian brandy production.

Visit fruit market "Gum" - One of the most vivid places in Yerevan is Gum Market near the Tashir trading centre, 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 local restaurant.

Morning breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed for Ejmiatsin Cathedral - Zvartnots Cathedral.
We will start the excursion to centuries-old monuments Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots. These sites are listed on UNESCO World Heritage list. The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin, founded in 303, is the official residence of the Catholics of Armenia. Echmiadzin is a sacred place for Armenian people and a spiritual heart of Armenian Apostolic Church. We’ll continue the trip to Zvartnots Temple, which was built on 7th century by Nerses Builder. Currently there are only ruins of Zvartnots, but which has not lost its mystery over the years.

Lunch at local house - Visit a local house where you can participate in the preparation of Armenian pasta "Arishta" and the sweet "Gata."

Return to Yerevan.

Matenadaran museum - Then we will visit the Manuscript Museum of Armenia, which is called Matenadaran; here all ancient Armenian and World Manuscripts are kept.

Dinner at local restaurant.

Morning breakfast the hotel. Take trip to Khor Virap Monastery (4-18th cc.). This monastery is very prominent because of its history; Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia, has been imprisoned there about 13 years as at that time there was a prison in the place of the monastery. Here we can enjoy the spectacular view of the sacred Ararat Mountain - an immortal symbol of Armenia.

Visit MOMIK Winery where we will tour the vineyards to learn about wine-making technology. We will taste 3 types of high quality wines (red, white, and rosé) accompanied by a variety of meats and cheeses, bruschetta, lemon, olives, summer salad, local bread of various types, seasonal fruits and nuts, main dishes, and water. We will also participate in a master
class on carving Khachkars (cross-stones).

We will continue our tour to Noravank - a monastery of XII century situated among amazing sheer rocks on the bench of a twisty gorge. This is the only monastery where we may find a unique sculpture of Father God.

Dinner at local restaurant.

Morning breakfast at the hotel. Khndzoresk is one of the most impressive and mysterious places in Armenia because by visiting this village, you can clearly see how our ancestors lived and what progress led us to today’s level. Even before 1950, the people of this area lived in caves for 1000 years, and now you can walk through the abandoned city and feel the spirit of those times when there was no Internet, no phones, no connection. Because of its inaccessible location, the city remained inaccessible for both enemies and developing urban infrastructure.

Continue our trip to monastic complex Tatev (9-13th century): a famous centre of studies of those times. To reach the monastic complex we should use a cable car which holds the record for world’s longest non stoppable double-track cable car.

Lunch at the local house '' Shen House'' - Here you can also participate in the preparation of "vodka."

Visit Qarahunj located near the town of Sisian in the Syunik Province of Armenia. The site features a large number of vertically standing stones arranged in a circular and radial pattern. These megalithic stones are believed to date back to the Bronze Age, and the purpose and origin of the site are subjects of scholarly debate. The arrangement of stones at Qarahunj is thought by some to have had astronomical or ritualistic significance, with theories proposing that it may have served as an ancient observatory or a ceremonial site. The site provides a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric past of the region and has drawn the interest of archaeologists and historians.

Dinner at the hotel.

Morning breakfast at the hotel.

Selim Caravanserai - Today we are going to pass the pathways that have been used by the travellers of Great Silk Road. We will drive through the Selim Caravanserai, which served as an important center of exchange, trade and for overnight during the times of Great Silk Road. Here we can see the immortal tracks of world history.

Noratus - Visit Noratus; a village located on the western shore of Lake Sevan in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. It is particularly known for its historic cemetery, Noratus Cemetery, which is one of the largest collections of Armenian khachkars (cross-stones) in the country.

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.

Lunch at the local restaurant.

Dilijan - Then we will drive to Dilijan. Walking along the Sharamberyan Street we will come across with many museums, souvenirs’markets, small shops and so on. We will also observe two traditional houses built of wood, with tiled roofs and balconies with meticulously carved being typical examples of Dilijan.

Dinner at the local restaurant with preparation of ''Tolma''

Morning breakfast at the hotel.

Here, you can also take part in preparing "vodka."
2h 3.5 km ↑1,530 ↓1,419

The excursion loops around a valley and connects two historic monasteries: Matosavank and Jukhtakvank, both restored by time and nature. It is suggested to start at Matosavank and take a clockwise route around the valley for a more comfortable and pleasant experience. The trail begins on a dirt road and becomes a narrow path through grassy meadows and dense groves of elms, oaks, and hazelnuts. These 13th-century monastic complexes were once active cultural centres and are now enveloped by nature. Take a moment to sit at the outdoor stone tables and perhaps enjoy a snack.

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.

Sevan - We will drive to Lake Sevan which is one of the largest lakes in the world. It stands out with its sweet and astonishingly blue water. Here we can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful lake. Then we will visit Sevanavank Monastery which is situated on Sevan Peninsula. There are 2 monasteries actually; one of them is destroyed but the other stands still. They
have been built in the Middle Ages, around 10th century.

Dinner at the restaurant "Tsakhkunq" - Here you can sample dishes crafted by Chef Yura Sargsyan and enjoy a relaxing moment in a rural setting. You will also have the opportunity to participate in the preparation of the traditional dish "Ghapama."

Morning breakfast at the hotel.

Dargett Brewery - Visit the brewery. The Dargett Brewpub offers 21 types of handcrafted beer made with high-quality ingredients, the best brewing traditions, and the latest Italian technology.

Garni Temple - Take trip to Garni. This Pagan Temple was built in the 1st century AD. It is the only temple that has been preserves from the Pagan times in Armenia. It was devoted to the god Mihr, who was the god of cleanness. In 1679 it was destroyed by earthquake. In the 1975 the Temple was restored.

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".

Geghard Monastery - Then we will continue our trip to Geghard Monastery. Its name came from the legendary lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ. It has been kept here for centuries. Though the exact foundation of the monastery is unknown, the present complex was built in the mid – 13th century.

Say goodbye to Armenia.

Inclusions

Transportation:
2 persons: Sedan
3-5 persons: 7-8 seat minivan
6 persons: Mercedes Sprinter with 15-17 seats.

Accommodation:
7 nights in DBL/TWIN rooms in Yerevan
1 night in DBL/TWIN rooms in Goris
1 night in DBL/TWIN rooms in Jermuk
1 night in DBL/TWIN rooms in Dilijan
1 night in DBL/TWIN rooms in Tsakhkunk

Meals:
7 breakfasts
7 lunches
7 dinners

Others:
All excursions and entry fees to monuments as indicated in the program.
Master class in preparing Lavash / Arishta / Gata / Tolma / Ghapama
Tasting of wine / brandy and vodka
One bottle of water per day per person

Accompaniment: Spanish-speaking guide.

Exclusions

Travel insurance
Alcoholic beverages
Airline tickets
Tips for guides and drivers
Visits outside the program
Other Insurances
Anything mentioned as optional
Camera and Video Permits
Airport taxes
All expenses of personal nature

Notes

Hotels Used OR Similar
Yerevan: Ani Central Inn
Goris: Mina
Jermuk: Nairi
Dilijan: Armenia
Tsakhkunq: Tsakhkunq Chief House

Program Touring / Guide

Escorted Experience

Trip Highlights

Yerevan-Goris-Jermuk-Dilijan-Tsakhkunq

Periodic Departure
01 Jan, 2025 to 31 Dec, 2025

2-3 pax
AUD 4,276 P P twin share
AUD 4,745 P P single
AVAILABLE

4-5 pax
AUD 3,099 P P twin share
AUD 3,568 P P single
AVAILABLE

6 plus
AUD 2,739 P P twin share
AUD 3,207 P P single
AVAILABLE

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