The Color of Armenian Pomegranate

First of all pay attention that transfers from/into airport are included in the price, so you will have enough time to relax before we start/finish the tour.

DAY 1. Transfer.

Transfer and enjoy your time in the hotel or guesthouse and nearby.

DAY 2. Yerevan City Tour - Echmiadzin - Zvartnots.

We start our Yerevan city tour and continue it to Echmiadzin Holy city. Yerevan is one of the oldest capitals in the world founded in 782BC by Urartian - Armenian king Argishti I. We will visit and admire Mother Armenia statue in the Victory Park to have a nice view of Ararat biblical mountain. The Cascade is the capital's best kept secret which was built during almost 30 years. Northern Avenue is a beam between Opera and Ballet House and Republic square. Armenian Genocide memorial is a must-visit site of the country. A short drive will take as to Echmiadzin Holy city, so called "Armenian Vatican", a pontifical residence of Catholicos. The museum of the Cathedral contains a Spear which had wounded Jesus Christ and a fragment of Noah's Ark. St. Hripsime church and Zvartnots medieval ruined Cathedral are the next stops. All structures of Echmiadzin are included in UNESCO heritage sites since 2000. On the way back to Yerevan we will visit GUM market to taste the dried and fresh fruits, Lavash Armenian flatbread and cheese. Another interesting place to visit is Vernissage, an open-air market of souvenirs and jewelry.

DAY 3. Garni - Stone Symphony - Geghard.

Another UNESCO heritage sites are waiting for as. The first stop is Charents Arch, a beautiful place to have a look in Ararat valley, dedicated to Eghishe Charents, an Armenian poet who was killed during Stalin repressions. Geghard Spear monastery is the highlight of the tour, devoted to a legendary Spear which had wounded Jesus Christ at the Crucifixion. Garni pagan temple is the only standing heathen time temple in Lesser Caucasus since 77AD. After the lunch and Lavash Armenian thin bread master class we will drive to the canyon of Azat river to walk 20 minutes and admire the beauty of Stone Symphony. Back to Yerevan.

DAY 4. Khor Virap - Areni - Noravank - Tatev - Goris.

Early in the morning we leave Yerevan to explore the beauties of the Southern part of Armenia. Half an hour of driving and we stop at the Armenian - Turkish border to visit Khor Virap Royal Prison where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 14 years before Armenia's conversion from Paganism into Christianity. This is the nearest point of Armenia with Turkey. Ararat biblical mountain stands proudly close to you as if in the palm of your hand. Areni caves and wine tasting are included in the program as well as the lunch somewhere in the local family restaurant. Noravank monastery is the masterpiece of the medieval Armenian sculptor Momik. In a 2 hours we will reach Tatev monastery through "Tatever", listed in Guinness book as the world's longest double-truck reversible cable car (5752m). Overnight in Goris.

DAY 5. Old Khndzoresk - Karahunj - Shaki - Yeghegnadzor

Early in the morning after the delicious breakfast we head to Khndzoresk widely famous for its canyon with picturesque rock formations, ancient manmade cave settlements and Swinging Bridge. Next stop is Karahunj, an Armenian Stonehenge, a megalithic ancient observatory which is more than 8000 years. Shaki waterfall is so beautiful and noisy as you couldn't hear anything but the uproar. Lunch in the food court. Overnight in Yeghegnadzor.

DAY 6. Yeghegnadzor - Selim Pass - Noratus - Lake Sevan - Dilijan

We head to north through Selim Pass where XIV c Caravanserai stands without any restorations since it was built. The breathtaking view of the gorge will make you so happy as we are on the highest point of view in Armenia (2400m above sea level). Meet our local friends Armen and Anna and try the local wine made from pomegranate and grape, as well as local brandy and fruit Vodka. Noratus is a heritage of Armenian people and a cemetery of hundreds of Khachkars (Cross stones). Cheese master class will be organized for you in Noratus (optional). Lake Sevan is the world's #3 largest and highest freshwater lake. Sevanavank monastery is located on the hill and consists of St. Astvatsatsin (Mother of God) and St. Arakelots (Holy Apostles). Overnight in Dilijan.

DAY 7. Dilijan - Haghartsin - Goshavank - Parz Lake - Dilijan

We will drive to explore the north eastern part of Armenia, so called "Armenian Switzerland" National Park full of so interesting fairy tale monasteries Haghartsin and Goshavank, hiking trails, waterfalls and parks. Taste the local sweet bread Gata in Haghartsin. Parz Lake means a crystal lake. Enjoy your time over there before to drive back to Dilijan to have a small city tour in the historical Sharambeyan street and visit local wood and ceramic workshops and souvenir shops. Overnight in Dilijan.

DAY 8. Dilijan - Haghpat - Sanahin - Gyumri

In the morning after the breakfast we drive through Honey Pass mountains of Lori Province to visit 2 UNESCO medieval monasteries Haghpat and Sanahin dated back to X-XIII cc. Sanahin Bridge is another interesting sightseeing places of the region. Two hours of drive and we are in Gyumri city, the father capital of Armenia, the centre of arts and crafts, music and theatres, museums and churches. Explore the city with your guide and visit Sev Berd (Black Fortress), the past reminder of Tsarist Russia existence in Armenia. Have a look on another Mother Armenia statue of Gyumri. Vardanants Square, AllSavior and Mother if God churches are mandatory to visit. Do not forget to have an excursion in Dzitoghtsyan museum. Overnight in Gyumri.

DAY 9. Gyumri - Amberd - Saghmosavank - Yerevan

Early in the morning we will head back to Yerevan. On the way we will see the ruined castle of Amberd on the slope of the highest peak of Armenia. Armenian Alphabet memorial was created in 2001 during the 1700th anniversary of the creation of Alphabet by Mesrop Mashtots in 301AD. Last stop of our trip is XIII c Saghmosavank monastery (a monastery of Psalms) proudly standing on the edge of Kasagh canyon. Back to Yerevan.

DAY 10. Free day and transfer.