Slopes of Biblical Ararat

KHOR VIRAP / YEREVAN CITY TOUR

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.

YEREVAN / ECHMIADZIN / GARNI & GEGHARD / YEREVAN

Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day excursion to Armavir Region: tour to Echmiadzin – the holy seat of the Supreme Patriarch-Catholicos of all Armenians. The Cathedral was built in 303 on the site of a pagan temple after the adoption of Christianity as a state religion in 301. Here we will also visit St. Hripsime Church (7th century). A few kilometers from Echmiadzin there are the ruins of the 7th century AD Temple of Zvartnots which is going to be our next stop. Drive to Kotayk province 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).
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.

YEREVAN / DEPARTURE

Transfer to the airport for flight back home.