Barbeque Festival

Breakfast. Tour to the Matenadaran, which is one of the richest and fascinating depositories of old manuscripts and books in the world. Presently, the collection has over 100,000 books dated back to 405 AC, when Saint Mesrop Mashtots created the Armenian alphabet. Afterwards, the tour will be followed by a visit to the Cascade – a cozy corner loved by the Armenians.  Here you will visit the Cafesjian Center for Arts. You will walk then through the main streets of Yerevan, expose to the sights of Opera House, Republic Square. Visit to the famous Ararat Brandy Company. At the factory you will learn the history of the brandy-making processes and degustate some samples of Cognac. Afterwards, you will go to Echmiadzin — the main seat of the Catholicos of All Armenians. You will also visit the museum of Ecmiadzin. You will also see ruins of Zvartnots temple. Return to Yerevan.

Breakfast. Trip to one of the most picturesque sights of Armenia — Saghmosavank Monastery. The main church of the monastery, St. Zion, was built in 1215. Having explored the unique interior of the Saghmosavank with our tour guide, you will be welcomed by an Armenian artist. It’s worth seeing the murals on the walls. The next stop will be at Ohanavank church situated in the neighborhood of Ohanavan village. The oldest part of the church is a single nave basilica of St. Karapet (i.e. Holy Forerunner, John the Baptist) that was founded in the beginning of the 4th century by St. Gregory the Enlightener, who baptized Armenia into the world’s first Christian nation. The wooden roof of the early church was replaced in 554 AD with a thatch cover, and the basilica itself underwent profound renovation between 1652 and 1734. Return to Yerevan.

Breakfast. A tour to Geghard, a unique Armenian monastery, built in rock, will be followed by the only pagan temple in Armenia which is also called “Temple of Sun”.  Here you can find roman mosaic baths and ruins of the royal palace. Return to Yerevan.

Breakfast. Trip to Lake Sevan — the Blue Pearl of Armenia. Lake Sevan is one of the high-altitude lakes in the world situated at the altitude of 1896 meters above the sea level. On clear and sunny days it looks like a piece of sky that has descended to the earth among the mountains. A visit to Sevanavank Monastery located on the Northwestern shore of Lake Sevan. According to an inscription in one of the churches, it was founded in 874 AD by Princess Mariam. The Monastery is also well known of its Seminary. The trip will be continued to Dilijan. Here is Dilijan you will see Goshavank — a Monastery which gives a special look to Dilijan region. It is situated in dense oak woods, in the gorges of small but steep mountain fallings. There is also a unique Khachkar which is worth seeing.  Continue your way to Alaverdi and have overnight at “Dzoraget” hotel.

Breakfast. Trip to Akhtala to participate in the “Barbeque” festival (the time of the festival will be told later). The event is an opportunity to get acquainted with the Armenian traditional cuisine. During the festival various game contests will be carried out, short excursion walking tours around Akhtala region will be organized. You will listen to the modern and national music, dance and look at theatrical performances. Also, professional barbeque makers will compete and you will have chance to taste them. There will be free time for leisure. Return to Yerevan.

Breakfast. Tour to Vernissage, an open air market where you can fin art and craft, buy souvenirs. Free time. Return to the hotel.