The Pearls of Armenia

Day 1 Arrival: Transfer to the hotel

1. 1

   Republic Square

   Welcome to Armenia! We are glad to see you in our country!
   Once you arrive at Zvartnots International Airport, you will be met by our Feel Armenia team wearing the T-shirts with our ‘green suitcase’ logo. You must be really tired after the flight(s), that’s why we haven’t planned anything for this time. You will be transferred to the hotel. Today is yours to relax and unwind from your travels. Get prepared for the upcoming days full of experience and surprises.

Day 2 City Tour: Lovers’ Park-Cascade Complex-Cafesjian Centre for the Art- Megerian Carpet-Ararat Brandy Factory

1. 1

   Cafesjian Center For The Arts

   3 hours Admission ticket included

   Yes, the journey starts. Enjoy the lovely weather taking a leisurely walk to Lovers’ Park in the centre of the capital city. Savour the busy and absolutely vibrant life of the city here and continue the way to Cascade Complex. This is the open-air museum for modern art in the heart of Yerevan. Have a visit to Cafesjian Centre for the Art and get acquainted with the Armenian way of modernism. Then, pay a visit to Matenadaran, the largest book depository in Armenia, where the ancient Armenian manuscripts and old-aged books are preserved.

2. 2

   ARARAT Museum

   3 hours Admission ticket included

   The next stop of the day is Megerian Carpet. Did you guess what the place is about? There you will see the amazing works of Armenian masters. The carpets show the long history of our nation and the beauty of Armenian culture. They are all unique by their style, combination of colours. It is time to have a divine drink and taste the exceptional flavour of Armenian cognac at Ararat Brandy Factory. Here, you will get to know the cognac-making process and have an amazing end of the day.

Day 3 Yerevan-St Gayane-St Hripsime-Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin-Zvartnots-Yerevan

1. 1

   Saint Gayane Church

   40 min

   We start a spiritually rich day this time. Heading to the spiritual city of Armenia we get to St Gayane church, and then St Hripsime. They are the virgins preaching Christianity in Armenia.

2. 2

   Echmiadzin Monastery

   2 hours Admission ticket included

   We continue our way and come to Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin where the Catholicos sits and gathers the Christians around him. The monastery is the first Christian church ever built in the world, and Armenia is the first country to adopt Christianity as the state religion of Armenia.

3. 3

   Zvartnots Temple

   1 hour Admission ticket included

   Not far from Echmiadzin city, you will visit Zvartnots cathedral. It stands in ruins at the moment, but even in that way, it is so special and beautiful.

Day 4 Geghard-Garni- History Museum

1. 1

   The Monastery of Geghard

   1 hour

   In the morning take the way to Geghard Monastery. It is quite a big monastic complex in a humble and small place, hidden among the mountains. The origins of the monastery go back as early as the 4th century. Geghard has had huge significance during the history which you will be told about right there.

2. 2

   Garni Temple

   2 hours Admission ticket included

   Drive to Garni village and visit Garni Temple. Along the way to the temple, we make sure to see locals ambling on the roads or children playing and enjoying their holidays. The only pagan temple on the edge of the cliff is one of the most beautiful and captive places in Armenia. The temple dates back to the 1st century. Though it has undergone earthquakes and attacks, the temple has kept its elegance and uniqueness.
   After the visit, you will take part in lavash baking master class and get acquainted with the Armenian national bread, lavash, and the whole process of baking.

3. 3

   History Museum of Armenia

   1 hour Admission ticket included

   Coming back to Yerevan, you will also visit the History Museum of Armenia, where you will see how Armenian civilization has developed over the centuries.

Day 5 Yerevan-Sevanavank-Dilijan-Haghartsin-Yerevan

1. 1

   Monastery Sevanavank

   1 hour 30 min

   This time we are heading to the absolute paradise on the earth. You are wondering where it is? It is in Armenian Switzerland. On the way, you will pay a visit to Lake Sevan, the gorgeous bride of mountainous Armenia. Work your way up the hill and savour the astounding view in front of you where you will find Sevanavank. The monastery and the crystal lake, what else is needed!

2. 2

   Haghartsin Monastery

   1 hour 30 min

   We will journey through the narrow pathways of Dilijan and come to Haghartsin Monastery. It has been one of the most important centres for the development of education, cultural life in Armenia. We will feast our eyes on the white pearl amid the never-ending forests.

Day 6 Yerevan-Saghmosavank-Gyumri-Yerevan

1. 1

   Saghmosavank Monastery

   1 hour

   Unique architecture, distinguished culture… We drive to Saghmosavank and see the amazing monastery which has once been a huge depository. Thousands of Armenian books and manuscripts have been kept in the monastery.

2. 2

   Surp Astvatsatsin or Yot Verk (Seven Wounds) Church

   3 hours Admission ticket included

   Then, head to the second capital city of Armenia, Gyumri. Gyumri is reasonably known as the city of humour and home to all successful sportsmen of Armenia. Wandering in the streets of the city with huge cultural heritage, get acquainted with the life which has existed in Armenia before. Here, you will become one part of the amazing, culture-packed ambience.

Day 7 Yerevan -Noravank-Tatev Monastery-Khor Virap -Yerevan

1. 1

   Noravank Monastery

   1 hour

   In the early morning, we head to Noravank. The towering mountains around the monastery are the guardians which bare full responsibility of the maintenance of the truly wonderful monastic complex.

2. 2

   Tatev Monastery

   3 hours Admission ticket included

   Set in the magnificent natural surroundings with mighty-mountain views, Tatev monastery is welcoming us. The longest ropeway will take you to the exquisite architectural wonder. You will have the feeling of absolute freedom with the wings of Tatev. This is where you will immerse in nature and fly high in the endless sky. The majestic power of the monastery takes you to the times when the monastery was the centre of Armenian educational life. All the manuscripts written there, all the geniuses having studied there, and all the soldiers having fought for the freedom of the Armenian kingdom will come out from the dust of the history.

3. 3

   Khor Virap

   1 hour

   On the way back to Yerevan, we will visit Khor Virap. You will wonder where it is. Anchored by mighty Mt Ararat, Khor Virap is the monastery where the first preacher of Christianity Grigor the Illuminator had been kept for 13 years before Christianity was adopted. The view of the biblical mountain is indescribable. You need to feel the might and majesty, and you need to touch freedom and harmony.

Day 8 Yerevan -Karmravor-Amberd-Vahramashen -Oshakan-Yerevan

1. 1

   Karmravor Church

   1 hour

   Mt Aragats welcomes you on its slopes. Have a perfect day guided by Mt Aragats! The trip starts from Yerevan, and we are heading to Ashtarak city where you will get to know the interesting legend of the handful of churches. They are Karmravor, Tsiranavor, and Spitakavor. The names of the churches are colours. Karmravor stands for red, Tsiranavor stands for the colour of apricot, and Spitakavor stands for white. You will visit Karmravor church and find the peaceful atmosphere here.

2. 2

   Amberd Fortress

   1 hour 30 min

   Then, get prepared, because you are going to visit Amberd fortress. The fortress dates back to the 7th century and it represents the wonderful fortress construction of Armenia.
   Amberd means “a fortress in the clouds", and it truly is. Not far from the fortress you will find another gorgeous construction. It is Vahramashen monastery dating back to the 11th century.

3. 3

   Oshakan Cemetery

   1 hour

   Take your way to Oshakan and know more about the origins of our unique language and alphabet. In the early evening get back to the capital city. The evening is at your disposal. And Yerevan has everything to satisfy your needs.

Day 9 Departure: Transfer to the airport

1. 1

   Republic Square

   Ohhh… It’s time to bid farewell to Armenia, but before that take the time to enjoy delicious breakfast at your leisure and get prepared for your flight. You will be transferred to Zvartnots International Airport for flying back to your country. Your suitcase must be really heavy as the memories, impressions, pictures and amazing time will be so much that you will need some effort to take everything with you!!!
   Safe flight! Hope to see you again in Armenia!