Armenia Exploration

Welcome to Yerevan! Today your driver will pick you up at the airport on time and then transfer you to the hotel, where your guide is waiting for you. After checking into the hotel and having a short rest, you will be accompanied to take a walking tour.

Located on the bank of Hrazdan River, Yerevan is the largest city and the economic and cultural center of Armenia. According to Archaeological research, the history of this city could date back to 782 BC. Since the trade caravans from Europe and India all needed to pass through Yerevan, which played a very important role in both military and commerce. Nowadays, museums, art galleries, coffee houses could be seen everywhere. Strolling on the street and enjoying the sunset will surely refresh you.

Accommodation: Ani Plaza Hotel or similar

In the morning, we will drive along the mountain road decorated by wild flowers and towering trees to the Lake Sevan, which is a mountain lake surround by Mt. Caucasus. The clear sky is reflected in the crystal water, which makes it very blue, thus it is also known as the “blue pearl of Caucasus”. In this area, there is a love legend. A young man and a beautiful girl lived on opposite sides of Lake Sevan and they fell in love with each other. The young man swam across Lake Sevan every day to see his beloved girl, but they were separated by the girl’s parents. Finally the young man died of sorrow and the brokenhearted girl built one monastery after another around the lake in memory of her lover. Among them, the most famous monastery here is Sevanavank Monastery, after which Lake Sevan is named. This architecture was built by black stones, so it is also called “black monastery”.

At noon, we will drive to Dilijan, a picturesque spring town, where we will enjoy today’s lunch. You will also learn to make the Gata here. Gata is a traditional Armenia dessert which is served in important occasions like wedding and big festivals in the past and now has been served in daily life. The soft stuffing is covered by crispy crust and the vanilla cream flavor goes well with both tea and coffee. You can have the Gata made by your own here.

In the afternoon, we will continue to Haghartsin Monastery, which was built in the 10th century at the North of Dilijan. Then go to the nearby Goshavank Monastery. Both of the two monasteries are located in the oak woods and show the harmony of artificial and natural scenery. Finally after visit Lake Parz, we will drive back to Yerevan.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ani Plaza Hotel or similar

Today’s highlight is Garni Temple. Different from other temples in Armenia, it has a strong touch of Greek and Rome influence in its style. The date of the construction could be traced back to the 8th -6th century BC. Next, we will head to Geghard Monastery. According to the legend, the lance used by the roman solider to stab Jesus was enshrined here. The inner construction of the monastery is also ingenious. The hole on the dome allows sunshine streams down through to light the whole space and the special structure of the hall makes sound echoes, so the chant of choir becomes more attractive. At last, after visit the natural wonder - Garni Canyon “Symphony of stones”, we will send you to the airport to catch your flight.

Meals: Breakfast