Monday tour 5 days

Gyumri is located in the north-western part of Armenia, in the middle of Shirak valley, 126 km far from Yerevan. From the ethnical point of view it is the most colorful city in Armenia. The local traditions are deeply rooted here, national spirit is reflcted in everything. Walking along the streets of old Gyumri one still seems to hear the voice of the smiths' hammers, it seems that a cart will appear from the street corner and the carter will call to show around the city. The old houses, a part of which fortunately resisted the devastating earthquake in 1988, speak of the high architectural achievements of the city. These buildings are notable with their architectural solutions, combination of colorful stone and masterfully elaborated bas-reliefs. Gyumri has always been in the center of cultural events.and were destroyed. The monastery complex ceased to function in the 1930s. Urban life Museum of Gyumri. The museum of urban life and national culture of Gyumri, where the everyday life, culture and history of Gyumri are presented. This remarkable mansion was built by wealthy merchant Petros Dzitoghtsyan in 1872 from the famous red tuff of Shirak. The museum was founded in 1984 in this very building. It is included in the list of intangible monuments of history and culture of Gyumri. Black Fortress. Built in 1834, the Black Fortress is one of the famous monuments of Gyumri. The fortress is a complex of military and architectural buildings. In the central part there stands the Alexandropol Fortress with 3 gates, in the center - the layout of St. Alexandra church together with the southern and northern fortresses, serving as the General Protection Complex of Alexandropol. Underground roads were built for the Black Fortress and there were roads leading from the fortress to the present Mother Armenia Monument and the Red Fortress. Black Fortress is included in the list of intangible monuments of history and culture of Gyumri. Harichavank. The monastery complex of Harichavank is situated on the western slope of Mount Aragats, on a roky cape. According to the architects' studies the complex was founded in the 7th century. In the 13th century the main church was built. In the 19th century the complex became the summer residence of Catholicoses. Not far from the main buildings there is a small chapel which is of great interest. The chapel is built on a piece of rock, which as a result of an earthquake split from the cape and the chapel is now towering over the canyon. Refreshments: You will be provided with a bottle of water and some pastries during the tour. Lunch: There will be a lunch stop at a local restaurant at noon. Additional payment is required on the spot for lunch. Return to Yerevan for overnight stay.

Etchmiadzin - The Holy See Mother Cathedral is considered to be one of the most ancient monuments of Christianity. It was built in the 4th century after the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion. Learn the mysterious legends behind the establishment of the Cathedral and see the Holy See of All Armenian Pontiac (Catholicos).The tour will enter the Treasury-museum of the Holy See where you will be able to observe some of the most holy relics in Christianity of all times. Echmiatzin also accommodates two UNESCO heritage sights: St. Hripsime and St. Gayane churches. These are monuments which maintained their most authentic and original appearance since the 7th century. However, the list of holy sights doesn’t end here. You will have a chance to take a look the ruins of Zvartnots Temple. This last one is a manifesto to the amazing architectural school of Armenia in the 7th century. The “House of Angels,” as the name states, is abundant with silhouette carvings of angels and eagles. Refreshments: You will be provided with a bottle of water and some pastries during the tour. Return to Yerevan for overnight stay.

After breakfast trip to Tsaghkadzor, surrounded with lush forests and high mountains; a popular place for both winter and summer tourism. Here the beauty of nature is shown in all its facets. Visiting the monastery Kecharis (11-13cc.). Trip to Sevan, one of the most beautiful and largest alpine lakes in the world. Then we will take a voyage to Sevan, one of the most beautiful and largest alpine lakes in the world. We’ll explore around the peninsula and the medieval monasteries which served as an isolation establishment for disobeying monks. Some of the churches couldn’t survive the religious purge of Stalinizm and were destroyed. The monastery complex ceased to function in the 1930s. Refreshments: You will be provided with a bottle of water and some pastries during the tour. Lunch: There will be a lunch stop at a local restaurant at noon. Additional payment is required on the spot for lunch. Return to Yerevan for overnight stay.

Departure from the hotel after the breakfast. Transfer to the airport.