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TRADITIONAL ARMENIA
Day 1 London to Yerevan
Depart London Heathrow on the BMI flight to Yerevan. On arrival you will
be met and transferred the Avan Villa for three nights. (N)
Day 2 Yerevan
Today visit the capital of Armenia and see the Republic Square, the
Opera house and the Cascade where you will see the statue of the famous
sculptor Fernando Botero. Drive via Baghramyan Avenue, where you can
see the Parliament, the Palace of President and the National Academy
of Sciences. Stop at the Victory Park, where there is a panoramic
view of the city. Visit the Manuscript museum of Matenadaran. (B)
Day 3 Yerevan
Visit Echmiadzin
In the morning drive out to Echmiadzin, the religious capital of Armenia.
and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Firstly visit the archeological
site of Zvartnots Cathedral, a masterpiece of Armenian architecture
of 7th century. Then the main Cathedral of Echmiadzin. At the museum
of Echmiadzin we will see many valuable exhibits, including a fragment
of Noah’s Ark and the Holy Lance. Return to Yerevan and visit
the Genocide Memorial Complex.
On a weekend visit the outdoor handicraft market Vernisage where you can find attractive hand-made local souvenirs, carpets, and handicrafts. (B)
Day 4 Yerevan to Lake Sevan - 129kms
The road leads through the plains of Ararat. Lying in the shadow of biblical
Mt. Ararat, this land has always been vital for the agriculture of the country.
According to tradition, this was the place where Noah first planted a vine after
he descended from the Ark. Driving past the farms Khor Virab Monastery appears,
resting on a lonely hill. Weather permitting you should have an exceptional view
of Mt. Ararat.
Driving via a picturesque gorge we reach Noravank Monastery, situated amongst pink cliffs, with exceptionally intricate exterior carvings. Visit a small, family-owned winery in Areni village. Continue via Selim pass, stopping en route at a medieval caravanserai.
Following the Silk Road we reach Lake Sevan - the 'Pearl of Armenia'. Visit the 9th century Sevan monastery, perched on a cliff above the lake. Stay one night at the Avan Marak Tsapatagh Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 5 Lake Sevan to Dilijan - 77kms
Driving by the road framed by Lesser Caucasus mountains we reach the resort town
of Dilijan, which still preserves its 19th-century houses.
At Goshavank monastery there is one of the finest examples of Armenian cross-stones. This monastery is also connected with the medieval Armenian fable-writer and the author of the first Armenian code of laws. Stay one night at the Dilijan Resort. (B/L/D)
Day 6 Dilijan to Dzoraget - 62kms
In the morning we will visit the 6th century church of Odzun. We will
then proceed to Sanahin and Haghbat monasteries – both UNESCO
World Heritage Sites and important religious, cultural and educational
centres of medieval Armenia. Stay one night at the Avan Dzoraget hotel.
(B/L/D)
Day 7 Dzoraget to Yerevan - 155kms
Driving through deep gorge of the Debed river we cross a mountain
pass and reach the slopes of Mt. Aragats – the highest mountain
in Armenia. Here at the altitude of 2.300m we will visit Amberd medieval
castle that once served as a summer residence of Armenian noblemen.
We then stop at the Park of Letters, which celebrates the creation
of the Armenian alphabet. Return to Yerevan and stay two nights
at Avan Villa. (BL)
Day 8 Yerevan
In the morning drive east of Yerevan and visit the unique medieval
monastery of Geghard. Some chambers of the monastery were carved out
of solid rock and possess exceptional acoustics. Continue towards
Garni village and explore a pagan temple from 1st century AD –
the only one remaining from the pre-Christian period in Armenia. The
temple is located overlooking the deep canyon of Garni. In the evening
there is a dinner at an Armenian restaurant with folk music. (B)
Day 9 Yerevan to London
Early morning flight with BMI to London Heathrow. Arriving in the morning
local time.
STAYING ON
Explore this region further by travelling north over the border to Georgia and visit the capital, Tbilisi, stunning mediaeval towns and remote mountain villages.
Enjoy Turkey's fabulous capital city Istanbul. Despite no direct connections, Armenia and Turkey can be linked by travelling through Tbilisi in Georgia.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – TRADITIONAL ARMENIA
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £2,136. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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