Armenia – Land of Churches 10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS PROGRAM |
Click to enlarge 
| Highlights Yerevan, St. Echmiadzin, Garni, Geghard, Lori Region, Khor Virab, Lake Sevan, Ashtarak |
Click to enlarge 
| Day 1: Arrive in Yerevan. |
Click to enlarge 
| Day 2: Yerevan Begin tour with a panoramic view of Yerevan – capital of Armenia and one of the oldest cities in the world. A basalt slab unearthed by archaeologists shows Yerevan to be over 2700 years old. We then will go to the Madenadaran, a depository of more than 16,000 manuscripts. You will be able to see samples of the oldest Armenian literature. Also stop by the Dzidzernagapert Monument and Museum in remembrance of the 1915 genocide. |
Click to enlarge 
| Day 3: Yerevan See the Erebouni city museum and its fortress, National Art Gallery, Kiev Bridge, Parliament, Palace of President and in the evening, schedule allowing, we can try to see an event at the Opera House. |
Click to enlarge 
| Day 4: St. Echmiadzin Day trip to the pilgrimage site of St. Echmiadzin, the religious center of Armenia. Also see the Gayane Church, Cathedral (4th century) and Museum. In the afternoon we visit the Sardarabad Museum. Returning to Yerevan, we stop enroute to see the ruins Zvartnots temple from the 7th century. This church was built in the 7th century but destroyed by an earthquake in the 10th century. Still, the triple-tiered structure, with sculptured capitals and motifs of eagles, grapes, leaves and pomegranates attract visitors to this day. Zvartnots is considered the masterpiece of Armenian church architecture. |
Click to enlarge 
| Day 5 : Garni, Geghard Day trip to the restored temple Garni which was a pagan temple in 1AD. It was devoted to on e of the Armenian pagan gods – Mitra. After Armenia converted to Christianity in the 4th century, the rulers used the temple as their summer residence. Drive to Geghart, the cave monastery which is cut into the side of a cliff. This cave has a history from the 10-12 century. On return trip, stop at the Charents’ for a panoramic view of Mt. Ararat.
|
Click to enlarge 
| Day 6 : Lori Region Full day trip to Northern Armenia – the Lori Region. Here we see the Monastery of Haghpat (UNESCO Heritage site) and the Sanahin Monastery from the 10th century. Haghpat is a monastery complex built by architect Trdat for princes from the Kyurikian Kingdom. The Sanahin Monastery had many holdings including properties, vineyards, oil-mills and factories. |
Click to enlarge 
| Day 7: Khor Virab
We go to Khor Virab, known mainly for its fortress and the underground prison where the first Armenian saint and the founder of Christianity in Armenia, St. Gregory - the illuminator was imprisoned. Head towards the Zankezour region, we stop at the restored Noravank Monastery. The Noravank monastery is considered to be the center for the Syunik bishops. The main church of St. Kara was built in early 1200’s. The monastery has many interesting architectural elements.
|
Click to enlarge Image To follow | Day 8: Lake Sevan Region Tour the region including Lake Sevan with its turquoise waters. Sevan is a popular holiday place and is famous for it’s fish. One of the most interesting sites in Sevan is the monastery on the peninsular founded in 875AD by King Ashot. Church of Peninsula, Noraduz (forest of “cross-stones”). Returning to Yerevan, we stop at the Kecharis Monastery. |
Click to enlarge 
| Day 9: Ashtarak Day trip to Ashtarak, famous as a scientific center. Also many ancient burial sites and edifices to see in this area. - the Churches of Karmravor and Mughni. We see Amberd (old castle and church from the 10-13th century). Also the Oshakan Village where we see the burial site of St. Mashtots – creator of the Armenian Alphabet. |
| Day 10: Yerevan Transfer to international airport for departure flight. |
