Armenia Heritage Explorer

Once you have arrived in Zvartnots international Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day at leisure to relax, explore or grab a meal.

This morning at 10 AM, you will begin your city tour of Yerevan. You will explore the capital’s most notable landmarks, starting with Republic Square, where a stone carpet in the centre symbolically reflects more than 3,000 years of history. You will continue to the Opera and Ballet Theatre, designed by the city’s chief architect, Alexander Tamanyan, whose vision shaped much of modern Yerevan.

From the top of the Cascade Monument, you will admire sweeping views over the city, with the biblical Mount Ararat rising on the horizon. You will also visit the Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art, located within the Cascade complex.

Following the city tour, you will visit the renowned Ararat Brandy Factory, one of Armenia’s most celebrated producers. During a guided tour of the museum, you will learn about the history of the ARARAT brand and enjoy a tasting of selected varieties.

Later, you will visit a local duduk master. The duduk is a traditional Armenian woodwind instrument known for its distinctive, expressive sound. You will learn about its history and craftsmanship before enjoying a live performance with coffee in the master’s garden.

Yerevan -Geghard - Garni - Yerevan. After breakfast, at 9 AM, you will visit the treasury of Armenian manuscripts, Matenadaran. Established in 1959, this renowned repository houses one of the world’s richest collections of ancient manuscripts, reflecting centuries of Armenia’s literary and cultural heritage.

You will then travel to Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also known as Ayrivank, meaning church carved out from the rock, the monastery is partly hewn directly into the surrounding cliffs, creating a striking fusion of architecture and nature.

On the way to Garni, you will stop at the Symphony of Stones, a natural formation of basalt columns shaped like organ pipes rising above the gorge.

At a local house, you will take part in a traditional lavash baking masterclass. Lavash is Armenia’s thin flatbread and a staple of the national cuisine. You will see how it is prepared in a traditional underground tonir oven.

Afterwards, you will continue to the Garni Pagan Temple. Dating back to the 1st century AD, this Hellenistic temple was dedicated to the sun god Mihr. Set on a hilltop overlooking the Azat River gorge, it remains one of Armenia’s most significant pre Christian monuments. Later, you will return to Yerevan.

Yerevan -Khor Virap - Areni - Yerevan. Today, you will visit Khor Virap, considered the cradle of Armenian Christianity and an important pilgrimage site. The monastery complex stands on a rocky outcrop above the river plain and offers magnificent views of Mount Ararat.

You will then drive to Areni 1 Cave, where archaeological excavations uncovered the world’s oldest known winery, dating back around 6,100 years, as well as a 5,500 year old leather shoe. You will have the opportunity to visit a local family owned winery and taste regional wines from Vayots Dzor.

Afterwards, you will continue to Noravank Monastery, dating back to the 13th century. Set within a dramatic gorge, the monastery is surrounded by striking red and orange rock formations that rise high above the valley floor. The colours of the cliffs shift with the light, creating an ever changing landscape.

After your visit, you will return to Yerevan.

Yerevan - Sevan - Dilijan - Yerevan. You depart at 9 AM for Lake Sevan, situated at an altitude of approximately 2,000 metres above sea level and considered one of the highest freshwater alpine lakes in the world. You will visit the Sevan Peninsula and Sevanavank Monastery, dating back to the 9th century. From here, you will enjoy panoramic views across the lake, surrounded by mountain ranges.

You will then continue to Dilijan, one of the most important and picturesque towns in the Tavush region. Located on the banks of the Aghstev River and encircled by forested mountains, Dilijan is known as a major resort town thanks to its lush natural setting. The town is also home to monasteries, churches and historic ruins reflecting Armenia’s long and varied history.

Here, you will visit Haghartsin Monastery, built in the 13th century. Set on a plateau amid wooded mountains, the complex features notable examples of medieval Armenian architecture and contains numerous inscriptions that provide insight into the socio political life of the period. After you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Yerevan - Ejmlatsin - Yerevan. This morning at 10 AM, you will depart for Zvartnots Temple. Built in the 7th century and now in ruins, Zvartnots is noted for its circular exterior structure, which is unique in medieval Armenian architecture.

You will then continue to the Holy See of Ejmiatsin, one of the earliest Christian churches in the world, built between 301 and 303 AD and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the Mother Cathedral of Ejmiatsin, it is regarded as one of the most ancient examples of Christian architecture and is widely considered the oldest cathedral in Armenia.

Afterwards, you will visit a local gastro yard, where you will take part in a gata making masterclass. Gata is a traditional Armenian sweet pie, baked in a traditional oven known as a tonir.

Back in Yerevan, you will visit GUM Market, where you can explore stalls offering fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, spices, dried fruits, cheeses, lavash and pickles. You will also visit Vernissage Market, a popular open-air market showcasing traditional Armenian crafts, artworks, souvenirs, antiques, jewellery and textiles.

After your final breakfast, you might have some extra time to enjoy some last-minute shopping or exploring, before you are met and transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Safe Travels