Tour “Armenia feast of taste” !

Welcome to Armenia

Airport transfer. Arrival in Yerevan, at "Zvartnots" International airport. Pickup at the airport and transfer to hotel for check-in. On the way: sightseeing tour of Yerevan. Based on the arrival time, you will be free to explore the city. In the evening, a welcome dinner in one of the restaurants in Yerevan..

Khor Virap Monastery – Noravank Monastery - Areni village (winery).

Breakfast at the hotel: starting from 8:00 am
Tour starts at 10:00 am.
Duration: 9 hours.
Distance: 260 km
Requires: Comfortable shoes a jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat in the summer. Overcoat/raincoat for autumn/winter/spring seasons
 
Khor Virap - We will visit the monastery of Khor Virap (4-17cc.), one of the most ancient monasteries in Armenia, 200 meters away from the border of Turkey. It is the closest point to the mountain Ararat. When the weather is clear, the legendary Giant is visible like the palm of your hand.

Areni village - Later on, a trip to Areni village situated on the banks of the river Arpa. At the entrance to the village, near the road, there is a private winery "Areni"; you can visit it to observe wine production process and to taste it. At the end of the excursion, lunch at a local restaurant with a master class on cooking the national dish “dolma” of grape leaves, which you can enjoy later.

The route passes among the picturesque mountains and canyons toward Noravank Monastery (XII-XV centuries.). In the territory of the monastery there are many khachkars (cross-stones) survived. Among them you can see khachkars of the year 1308 made by Momik. There you can also find the kachkar created in the memory of the chief architect of the monastery, Momik. Return to Yerevan.In the evening dinner at one of Yerevan restaurants

Refreshments: You will be provided with a bottle of water and some pastries during the tour.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Brandy factory « ARARAT» - Garni - Gegard

Breakfast at the hotel: starting from 8:00am
Tour starts at 10:00am.
Duration: 6 hours
Distance: 100 km
Requires: Comfortable shoes a jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat in the summer. Overcoat/raincoat for autumn/winter/spring seasons

"Ararat" Brandy Factory-We invite you to familiarize yourself with the history of cognac production in Armenia, learn about the stages of making Armenian cognac, and also enjoy the beauty, unique aroma and taste of various varieties of ARARAT cognacs from the primary source.

Geghard – Not far from Garni is Geghard, another marvel of Armenian architecture. Geghard is a UNESCO heritage sight named after the spear with which Longinus pierced the side of Jesus on the cross. The monastery complex dates back to the 13th century BC but the location was considered holy starting AD times. Geghard, being carved out of one solid rock, is also considered to be an outstanding architectural composition by international standards.

Garni -The only surviving pagan temple in Armenia which was made in Hellenistic style. Having been used as a summer house for the Armenian Royal family, the sight has all the power to take your breath away with its picturesque location, architecture and history. On the way, we will stop by at the “Charents’ Arch,” where you can take in the magnificent view of Biblical Ararat and the open valleys. At the end of the tour lunch in the village of Garni in a local restaurant with master classes. During lunch, you will participate in the preparation of the Armenian national bread "lavash", just cook “sujukh” from nuts and a sweet mixture of grapes. And the main dish is kebab in tonder. ( Enjoy your meal ). After lunch, return to Yerevan. Free time. In the evening dinner at one of Yerevan restaurants.

Refreshments: You will be provided with a bottle of water and some pastries during the tour.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Matenadaran - Cascade - Echmiadzin- Zvartnots

Tour starts at 10:00am.
Duration: 6 hours
Distance: 110 km
Requires: Comfortable shoes a jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat in the summer. Overcoat/raincoat for autumn/winter/spring seasons

After breakfast, tour of Yerevan. Visit to Matenadaran, where ancient manuscripts are preserved.

Visit Cascade complex, which is considered the modern art center of Yerevan. Cascade is home to Cafesjan modern art museum. This place becomes even more charming in the evenings, when it is full of people, both locals and tourists from all over the world, enjoying the magic and the warmth of the capital.You will enjoy spending time in one of the cosy open-air cafes surrounded by beautiful sculptures, redolent flowers shining brightly with magic colours. It is also a popular place for open air concerts in summer season.

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 at St. Shogakat church and 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.

After the tour, you will taste a delicious lunch with a master class on cooking arishta (Armenian spaghetti) and gatа (Armenian flour sweet). You will see a very interesting culinary show program

Refreshments: You will be provided with a bottle of water and some pastries during the tour.

Return to Yerevan for overnight stay.

Airport Transfer

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