Exploring “The Land of Stones” Armenia 7 days / 6 nights

Day 1: Arrival in Yerevan

Arrival in Yerevan. Transfer to the selected hotel.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 2: Yerevan City tour

Breakfast at the hotel. The city tour in Yerevan will start with the panoramic view of the city and acquaintance with the Center of the city, Republic Square, the sightseeing of Opera and Ballet building, the Parliament and Residency of the President of Armenia, State University, Mother Armenia Monument, Sports & Concert Complex. A visit to Tsitsernakaberd - a Monument to the Armenian Genocide Victims, as well as the Genocide Victims’ Museum, commemorating the 1.5 million Armenians who perished during the first Genocide of the 20th century in Western Armenia and in the territory of Ottoman Empire. 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 cozy cafes surrounded by beautiful sculptures. A visit to one of the biggest and oldest mosques in Caucasus “Blue mosque”, which is situated in the heart of Yerevan city.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 3: Yerevan - Lake Sevan - “Armenian Switzerland” Dilijan - Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Lake Sevan, one of the wonders of Armenia. This blue lake is one of the greatest high mountainous freshwater lakes of Eurasia. On a clear and sunny day, the water is often deep turquoise. The total surface of the lake is 940 km2. Climb on the peninsula, from where opens a fascinating and breathtaking view of Sevan Lake. Visit Sevanavank Monastery (9th century), which stands in its greatness on the peninsula, overlooking the lake for centuries. Drive to the mountainous resort Dilijan, or so-called “Armenian Switzerland”, which is well-known for its forests, as well as for its mysterious flora and fauna. Small walking city tour in Dilijan with a visit to handicrafts’ street, where one can watch the preparation of different national souvenirs from wood, stone, and ceramics. A visit to the Haghartsin Monastery complex, located in a secluded place of a forest. Appearing unexpectedly in front of the visitors, out of the dense forests, the Monastery creates a magical impression of a lost world. After a visit to the monastery in 2005, His Royal Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi made a generous donation for certain renovation works and preservation of this monastery, representing the rich history of humankind. The complex includes Church St. Stepanos, St. Mary, and St. Gregory’s Church, as well as a famous refectory. Drive back to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 4: Yerevan - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the only remaining Pagan temple in Armenia, devoted to the God of the Sun – Myrth, in Garni. Photo stop at Charentc Arc. A visit to the ruins of the Royal Palace and Royal bath-house nearby.

Optional: Family hosted lunch in a private village house, with watching the preparation of “Lavash” (Armenian traditional flat bread baked in the stone-make oven) by countryside Armenian ladies using the same ancient technology as hundreds of years before. Continue the tour to the uniquely caved Geghard monastery, which dates back to the 12th-13th centuries, the name of which means “holy spear” in honor of the long-preserved spear, the same spear that pierced the body of the crucified Christ, which was brought here by Apostle Thaddeus. Drive back to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 5: Yerevan - Tsaghkadzor - Shopping in Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Tsaghkadzor (which means “gorge of flowers”) town, the magical place of forested mountains. Short walking tour around the small town. Visit Kecharis monastery. Opportunity to go up to the mountain peaks by ropeway, where you will catch an unforgettable gorgeous panoramic view of this part of the world. Drive back to Yerevan. A visit to Vernissage, an open-air exhibition market. Drop by Dalma Garden or Yerevan Mall for shopping.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 6: A free day in Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 7: Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out. Transfer to Zvartnots International Airport.