Yerevan
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Breakfast at the Hotel. Tour to Echmiadzin, one of three sacred places in Armenia, the center of Armenian Apostolic Church. We will visit Mother Cathedral, St. “Gayane”, and St. “Hripsime” churches, which are just few hundred meters away from each other, located conveniently around downtown Echmiadzin. On the way back from Echmiadzin, we plan to stop at Zvartnots Architectural Monument, ruins of 7th-century Cathedral. Main Cathedral, St. “Gayane” and St. “Hripsime” Monasteries of Echmiadzin and the Archaeological Site of “Zvartnots” are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Overnight in Yerevan.
Breakfast at the Hotel. Tour to the ancient Temple of Garni, the only Pagan Temple preserved in Armenia. The monument is a reflection of Greco-Roman and Armenian architectural styles and was built by Armenian King “Trdat” the First in the 1st century A.D. It’s been dedicated to the God of Sun. Following Garni Temple, is a drive to Geghard Monastery (13th century) carved in the rocks of a mountain and initially called “Ayrivank” (the Monastery of the Cave). The Temple is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. According to legend, the famous spear that a Roman soldier used to injure Jesus Christ, has been kept in this monastery for over 500 years. Initially, the monastery was called Geghardavank (the Monastery of the Spear). And finally, a drive to Lake Sevan, one of the gorgeous and greatest high mountainous lakes of Eurasian continent. The Lake Sevan represents a fascinating collage of turquoise waves playing with wind and mountains emerging on the backstage of water. Visit of “Sevanavank” Monastery on the Lake peninsula. At the end of the day, a trip back to Yerevan with an overnight in the Hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Tour to Khor Virap, one of three sacred/holy places in Armenia and the closest point in Armenia to the mount Ararat geographically and for observation as well. The fame of the monastery is due to it’s an international importance as a cultural site and also as the pilgrimage site as well for certain travelers. The monastery is mentioned in all historical records as a place where Gregory The Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years.
Following the visit of “Khor Virap” Monastery tour has a planned stop on the way back to Yerevan at a small but famous village Areni, where everybody can taste all kinds and blends of Armenian home-made wine. Right after leaving Areni, the tour will lead to very popular and famous destination “Noravank” Monastery (13th-century), also included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. “Noravank” is best recognized for its two-story “Surb Astvatsatsin” church architectural solution (to get to the second floor one needs to take the narrow stone-made stairs emerging from the facade of the monastery). The surrounding area of the “Noravank” complex has a unique and breathtaking view to the gorge. Upon completion of this visit, return to Yerevan with Overnight.
