Traditional Armenia

10 days from £2430 per person

Route: Yerevan – Dilijan – Dzoraget – Yerevan

Springtime is the best season to enjoy the beauty and history of this small, fascinating country. Armenia is rightly famous for its early Christian churches and monuments. The way of life in the rural communities is unchanged for centuries and we recommend experiencing the country from the comfort and charm of the hotels of the Tufenkian group.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

Since 1918, Yerevan has been the seventh capital of Armenia. The city enjoys many restaurants, shops and cafes and is overlooked by the magnificent Mount Ararat.

Dilijan is amongst Swiss-like landscape and is home to artists and craftsmen. An expatriate Armenian businessman restored the traditional Armenian architecture of the central, old town.

In Lori Province, Dzoraget is located on the banks of the fast flowing Debed river. Midway from Yerevan and Tbilisi, this is a pleasant village to break the journey amongst the Caucasus Mountains.

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Guide
to Price

Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £2430 per person

The exact cost of this itinerary will vary depending on the season of travel, standard of accommodation, flight class, activities included and the date the booking is made. Please speak to one of our experienced travel specialists who will create a completely tailor-made and personalized quotation based on your requirements and budget.

** The above price is based on two adults travelling together in economy, sharing accommodation, travel based on low season for this destination and advance booking approximately nine months prior to travel**

Itinerary: Traditional Armenia

Day 1 London to Yerevan

Depart London Heathrow on the Air France flight to Yerevan via Paris. (N)

Accommodation in Yerevan: Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel (or similar)

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)

Accommodation in Yerevan: Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel (or similar)

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 archaeological 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)

Accommodation in Yerevan: Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Yerevan to Dilijan – 142kms

In the morning drive out to Lake Sevan – the 'Pearl of Armenia'. We visit the 9th century Sevan monastery, perched on a cliff above the lake. Driving by the road framed by Lesser Caucasus Mountains we reach the resort town of Dilijan, which still preserves 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. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Dilijan: Old Dilijan Complex (or similar)

Day 5 Dilijan to Dzoraget – 131kms

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. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Dzoraget: Avan Dzoraget Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Dzoraget to Yerevan – 220kms

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 2300m we will visit Amberd medieval castle that once served as a summer residence of Armenian noblemen. We then stop at the Park of Letters on the foot of Mount Aragats, which celebrates the creation of the Armenian alphabet. (B/L)

Accommodation in Yerevan: Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Yerevan

Head south through agricultural land to see Khor Virap Monastery. Weather permitting, there is an excellent view of Mount Ararat from here. Continue through a picturesque gorge to Noravank Monastery, with intricate exterior carvings set amongst great natural beauty. En route, visit Areni village famous for wine production. We can visit a small, family-owned winery and try the wine. (B/L)

Accommodation in Yerevan: Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel (or similar)

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)

Accommodation in Yerevan: Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Yerevan to London

Morning transfer to Yerevan airport for Air France flight to London Heathrow via Paris. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Private car and driver
Sightseeing with an accompanying English speaking guide
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

Traditional Armenia

10 days from £2430 per person

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

CONTACT US TO DISCUSS YOUR HOLIDAY PLANS

Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £2430 per person

Itinerary: Traditional Armenia

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

What To Do Next?

SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR TRAVEL SPECIALISTS TO START PLANNING YOUR TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY