The Emerald of Armenia

KHOR VIRAP / NORAVANK / ARENI / SELIM / NORATUS / HAYRIVANK / SEVAN

Breakfast at the hotel.
The day starts with a visit to Khor-Virap (4th-17th cc). Khor Virap is one of the romantically sited monasteries in Armenia with views across a bast plain to Turkey and the twin peaks of Mount Ararat. Here, in the atmosphere of historical environment and vivid imagination you will notice the Noah’s Ark in the snows of Ararat.
The tour continues with a visit to History Museum. The museum is an ideal place to start your exploration of new and old Yerevan as it provides an excellent introduction to the history of the city. Then we will continue with a walking tour of Yerevan exploring various layers of its history – medieval shrines hidden behind imposing Soviet-style façades, narrow streets of the old center with sunlight playing on its pink walls, Blue Mosque on Mashtots Avenue, Republic Square, Cascade and Mother Armenia, Opera House and ambitious projects of independent Armenia – North Avenue and spacious Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral consecrated by His Holiness the Patriarch of all Armenians in the presence of His Holiness Pope John Paul ll.
A cultural showcase not to be missed is Matenadaran, one of the world’s oldest repositories of Greek, Persian and Arabic manuscripts.
Our next stop is Genocide Memorial situated on the hills overlooking the city, a solemn reminder of the first genocide of the 20th c.
On a lighter note we can make an optional excursion to Ararat Brandy factory.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.

SEVAN / SANAHIN & HAGHPAT MONASTERIES / AKHTALA / SEVAN

Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Lori region for the sightseeing of Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries.
Visit Akhtala church. Above Sanahin and Haghpat there lies less known but very worthwhile fortified monastery of Akhtala with breathtaking frescoes. (The key is with a villager; don’t leave without seeing the interior!) The Akhtala fortress with its temple complex is situated in Akhtala village of Tumanyan region in a high valley. The fortress’ territory is surrounded by rocky deep canyons from three sides, and the north side joins the plain.
Drive back to Lake Sevan and visit Sevanavank monastery.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Dinner at a local restaurant or at the hotel in Sevan.
Overnight at the hotel in Sevan.

SEVAN / GARNI & GEGHARD / YEREVAN

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Yerevan via sightseeing of the picturesque Avan Canyon, skirting formidable cliffs and passing exotic-looking gorges until a green plateau by the Azat River comes into view. Here, in the harmony of relief and the virgin nature you will see the pagan Garni architectural complex of the 1st century and feel the spirit of ancient ages. Another ten minutes ride through the gorge will take you to the cave monastery of Geghard (12th –13th centuries). After visiting these wonderful sites we will continue our way and will drive to Yerevan.
Before dinner free time at leisure for individual exploration and packing.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Dinner at a national restaurant with folk music performance.
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.

DEPARTURE

Transfer to the airport for flight back home.