Highlighs of Armenia
Duration
5days/4nights
Availability
spring-autumn

This tour includes the visits to the highlights of Armenia. It allows the visitors to discover the rich historic, cultural and religious heritage of Armenia within a short visit. 


Day 1: ARRIVAL IN ARMENIA. (20 km)

Arrival to airport. Meet and greet. Transfer to hotel. Overnight.

Day 2: FREE DAY IN YEREVAN

The day will be free for you to explore the friendly and active city of Yerevan. Take a stroll in the downtown Yerevan admiring the beautiful Republic Square and the beautiful art of world-famous modern sculptors in the outdoor sculpture garden of Cascade complex or just take a cup of coffee in one of the many outdoor cafes of Yerevan. In the evening there is a beautiful fountain show in the Republic Square which can be a perfect ending to your free day in Yerevan.
Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 3: ECHMIADZIN, THE RELIGIOUS CAPITAL OF ARMENIA (60 km)

Today we will tour Echmiadzin – the religious capital of the Armenian Apostolic Church to visit the Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral founded in 303 A. D.  
*On a Sunday we will catch part of the Holy Mass and hear the Divine Liturgy performed by the famous Echmiadzin choir. 
The tour will include a visit to the Zvartnots Cathedral, which is a unique example of Armenian architecture of the early Christian period.  Return to Yerevan and visit the Vernisage arts and crafts market (open only on weekends) or the 
Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 4: THE BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES OF THE SOUTH – SILK ROAD – LAKE SEVAN (360 km)

We will leave Yerevan to discover changing landscapes, views and monuments of great importance and beauty in the Southern part of Armenia.
We will drive through Ararat plain enjoying the view of Mt. Ararat, believed to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark. We will make a stop at Khor Virap Monastery, located at the foot of the mountain. This monastery is connected to St. Gregory Illuminator, one of the founders of the Armenian church, and is an important pilgrimage place. Continuing our way through the mountains, we will reach Vayots Dzor region which is rich in history, art and viniculture. 
Driving through spectacular Noravank gorge, we will drive past a cave where one of the oldes t wine-making facilities and the oldest leather shoe in the world were discovered recently. We will make a stop at Noravank monastery, dominating the gorge, famous for its red rocks. Noravank monastery is a masterpiece of 13-14th centuries architect Momik and stands out with its intricate carvings, decorations and architecture.
Following the Silk Road we will drive up to one of the highest points of our trip – Selim Pass (2014 m), where will stop at a well preserved caravanserai built in the 14th century, which offered hospitality for traders traveling along the Silk Route. 
We will then continue our drive along the shores of Lake Sevan, the “Pearl of Armenia” and one of the largest high-altitude fresh water lakes in the world (1900 m). We’ll stop at Noratus to see the field of hundreds of Armenian khachkars, and then continue to Sevan peninsula and ascend to its top to admire the beautiful colors of the lake from this viewpoint. 
Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 5: DEPARTURE (20 km)

Transfer to airport. Departure.