Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Yerevan Airport Arrival - Transfer to the Hotel - Yerevan O/N

Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport.

Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight Stay at Hotel.

Day 2: Yerevan HTL - Yerevan Full Day City Tour - Yerevan O/N (B)

Depart for the Yerevan full day city tour that includes all the major sights of the capital. Yerevan is on the list as one of the worlds Oldest continuously inhabited cities, dating back to 8th century BC. Its very lively with open cafes, eateries and local markets. Enjoy a panoramic view of Opera House, the magnificent scenery of the two ice-capped biblical Mount Ararat, Swan Lake, Northern Avenue and Republic Square which is considered one of the most amazing and famous places of the capital.

Visit Cafesjian Center for the Arts and Sculpture Garden. The Cafesjian Center for the Arts is dedicated to bringing the best of contemporary art to Armenia and presenting the best of Armenian culture to the world. Inspired by the vision of its founder, Gerard L. Cafesjian, the Center offers a wide variety of exhibitions, including a selection of important work from the Gerard L. Cafesjian Collection of contemporary art. Having celebrated its grand opening in November 2009, CCA continues to exhibit unique works of modern and contemporary art and offers a diverse program of lectures, films, concerts, and numerous educational initiatives for adults and children. Over one million people have visited the Center annually since its opening.

Free time for lunch.

Visit Vernissage outdoor flea market where you can find local crafts jewellery, needlework as well as traditional carpets, books and t-shirts with traditional design. A favourite place also for the locals who are looking for original presents for their loved ones as well as for diaspora leaving out of the countrys boundaries. (fully open on weekends only and partly on weekdays). Visit Gumi Shuka, an Armenian indoor market, where you can have especially handpicked selection of local homemade products: dried fruits, pickles, spices. Experience the extreme hospitality of the vendors who will be simply offended if you dont try a piece of their home-made product.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight Stay at Hotel.

Day 3: Yerevan HTL Ararat Valley - Areni Village - Bird Cave (Areni 1) Gnishik Canyon - Goris O/N (B)

The tour begins with a comfortable drive from Yerevan through the Ararat Valley, a breathtaking region in Armenia known for its fertile lands, vineyards, and iconic views of Mount Ararat. This drive will take you through the picturesque landscapes of the valley and introduce you to the agricultural and cultural highlights of this region. Next, you ll head to the Areni region, renowned for its winemaking traditions that date back thousands of years. Visit the Bird Cave (Areni-1) which is a 6100-year-old winery located at Areni village? Here you will have an interesting excursion inside an old cave with an exciting and mysterious past. The worlds oldest leather shoe (5500 years old) which is now preserved in the History Museum of Armenia was uncovered here during the archaeological excavations. Gnishik canyon is located in the province of Vayots Dzor, near Noravank monastery. It is also called Noravank Gorge because of its close proximity with the monastery. The Gnishik canyon leads up to it, with many rock formations made by volcanic activity. There are several caves in the area. On sunny days the cliffs and caves make a symphony of light and shadow which makes the beauty of the canyon indescribable.

Continue to Goris.

Overnight Stay at the Hotel.

Day 4: Goris HTL - Khndzoresk Village Wings of Tatev Cable Car Tatev Village - Goris O/N (B)

Visit Khndzoresk located on the steep slope of a gorge and comprised of both natural and manmade caves, which used to be inhabited till the 1950s. Cross the Swinging Bridge of Khndzoresk suspending on the gorge and connecting the old village with the new one. To reach the swinging bridge you will need to descend many stairs. Drive to Halidzor village where you will take the longest cable car in the world  Wings of Tatev (5.7 km length). During the ride you will enjoy breathtaking views above Vorotan gorge and once at the top you will get to Tatev Monastery complex.

Drive back to Goris.

Overnight Stay at the Hotel.

Day 5: Goris HTL - Shaki Waterfall - Jermuk Visit - Jermuk Waterfall - Jermuk O/N (B)

Visit Shaki waterfall which is considered one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Armenia. The air here is full of inspiring melody of water and scent of mountains loading all their wafts. (Access note: The buses dont reach the area so there is a light hike of 15 min before you see the wonder of the nature).

Visit Jermuk, which is a mountain spa town. The city is famous for its hot springs and mineral water brands bottled in the town. It is attractive for its fresh air, waterfall, artificial lakes, mineral water pools, the surrounding forests and walking trails. Another pride of Jermuk is a special drinking gallery along which pump rooms with mineral water are lined up. Visitors can enjoy the curing water options.

Visit fabulous Jermuk waterfall, which is the trimming of the city. It drops gently from a height of 72 m (236 ft) and spills into a river gorge. Popular stop for the locals from all over country.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight Stay at the Hotel.

Day 6: Jermuk HTL - Jermuk Free day - Jermuk O/N (B)

Free day in Jermuk.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 7: Jermuk HTL - Orbelian Caravanserai - Noratus Village - Sevan Lake - Dilijan O/N (B)

Continue your way to trace the historical Silk Route (14th-c.) and visit Orbelian Caravanserai. This unique architectural monument of Medieval Armenia is a splendid relic of the days when Armenia was at crossroads of economic, cultural and military affairs. Depart to Noratous village near Lake Sevan famous for an ancient cemetery, which is the 2nd biggest area (1st used to be in historical Nakhijevan) housing khachkars translated as cross-stones. This unique cross-stone field is spread over a 7-hectare containing almost a thousand khachkars, each of them depicting unique ornamentation. Scenic drive along the pearl of Armenia, Lake Sevan, which covers over 10% of the countrys territory. Peninsula is the

regular stop with its spectacular view opening to the Lake. Some small buildings from Soviet style architecture will be worth seeing by quick stops as they represent the architectural solutions of the early 20th c. Continue to Dilijan.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8: Dilijan HTL - Dilijan Visit - Garni Temple Hiking in Azat River Gorge - Symphony of Stones - Yerevan O/N (B)

Head to Dilijan to enjoy its natural and architectural monuments of antiquity, the mountains and the forests that surround you at any point in the city. In the Old Town you will see unique balconies and terraces typical of 19th century Dilijan that display the regions historical love for fine woodwork.

Visit Garni village, famous for its Hellenistic pagan temple of the 1st c. Its the only pagan temple that survived after the Christianization of Armenia. The place is particularly famous for its nice landscapes and the extraordinary view opening to the gorge and surrounding mountains. Visiting the Garni Bathhouse provides a unique opportunity to experience ancient bathing rituals and appreciate the architectural achievements of the past. The Garni Bathhouse is a well-preserved example of medieval Armenian architecture. It was constructed during the 3rd century AD and showcases the ingenuity of ancient engineering and construction methods. Hike in the Azat River Gorge where the Symphony of Stones or Basalt Organ seats. Those basalt columns were formed as a result of slow-moving lava. This natural monument is the highlight of the area and a favourite picnic spot for the locals.

Hike Details: 3.5 km / ~ 2 hours / – 140m, + 140m

After a day filled with memorable experiences and stunning sights, you ll return to Yerevan with a deeper appreciation for

the beauty and cultural significance of the region.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 9: Yerevan HTL - Free day - Yerevan O/N (B)

Free day at leisure.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10: Yerevan HTL - Yerevan Airport Departure (B)

Departure transfer to Zvartnots International Airport.