ARMENIAN ADVENTURES
DMC
1 WEEK TOUR
$470
The price of the program includes:
● Hotel accommodation in Yerevan (6 nights);
● 6 breakfasts at the hotel;
● Full transportation service (comfortable air-conditioned minibus or bus);
● Professional guide service, speaking Armenian, Russian, English;
● Soft drinks and cakes during trips;
● Entrance fees to the historical and cultural attractions;
● Insurance of the vehicle and passengers.
PLACES THAT WE WILL VISIT.
Cathedral of Echmiadzin
The center of Armenian Apostolic church- St. Echmiadzin is
located 20 km far from Yerevan. The Cathedral of Echmiadzin
was founded at the beginning of the fourth century and is one of the oldest churches in the world. According to the legend the church was built in the place where apparition of Jesus Christ was seen to Grigory the Illuminator in the dream. The interior of the church is covered with frescoes created by Hovnatanyan family. The residence of the Catholicos and the Theological Academy are situated near the Cathedral.
St. Hripsime
St. Hripsime church is the one of the famous ecclesiastical
buildings in the city of Echmiadzin. This is the developed and
perfect example of cross-cupola churches in Armenia. The
church is notable with its architectural simplicity and loftiness.
The tomb of the Christian martyr Virgin Hripsime is in the
sacristy of the church.
St. Gayane
Not far from the Echmiadzin Cathedral against the background of white peaks of Ararat one can see the silhouette of the cupola of
St. Gayane church. The church was built in the 7th century and
belongs to the domed-basilica style. According to the legend this
church was constructed over the tomb of Virgin Gayane, who
was martyred for preaching Christianity.
The Museum "Treasures of Echmiadzin"
The Museum "Treasures of Echmiadzin" is situated in the
southeast section of the Cathedral. Unique holy relics and
religious art are now housed in the museum. Among the many
treasures are: the Holy Lance (Geghard) which pierced the side of Christ, housed in a silver reliquary; the relics of Noah's Ark in a reliquary that was created in 1698 and other valuable pieces of art. According to the history, the relic of Noah's Ark, was given to Patriarch St. Hakob (Jacob) of Mts'bna in the fourth century, as he desired to climb the peak of Mount Ararat to find Noah's Ark.
Zvartnots
This marvelous temple is a result of skillfulness and brave
creativity of Armenian architects of the 7th century. Having been
built on several columns it could survive only till the 10th
century. When in the beginning of the 20th century this site was
being excavated many specialists could hardly accept its reconstruction model designed by famous Armenian architect
Toros Toramanyan as it was difficult to believe that such a huge and complicated construction could have been built those days.
Lake Sevan
The fascination and the pearl of mountainous Armenia is Sevan
Lake, which is one of the world's greatest high altitude freshwater
lakes. It is about 1900 m above sea level. The lake is of volcanic
origin and is surrounded with mountains of 3000 m and higher.
The beautiful landscape and the crystal water serve nice
preconditions for excellent rest.The lake is also famous for its
peninsula and medieval church complex built in 874.
Sevanavank
A marvelous scene opens in the north-western part of Sevan
Lake, where the peninsula towers over the transparent surface of
the lake. Sevanavank monastery was built on the peninsula in
874 by the order of king Ashot Bagratuni's daughter princess
Mariam. The silhouette of the churches against the background of
the turquoise lake and blue sky casts unexplainable impression
on the visitors.
Dilijan
Dilijan entices people with its unforgettable beauty and mild
climate. The city stretches on the banks of Aghstev river,
surrounded with mountains and forests. Dilijan has the fame of a
health resort. The warm sun, fresh air and natural spas have great
healing influence on people. Dilijan is also rich in interesting
architectural monuments.
Goshavank
Goshavank was founded by the famous medieval scientist,
fabulist Mkhitar Gosh. The complex consists of several religious
and secular buildings. The unrivalled khachkar put in front of the
one-naved basilica was created by the skillful master Poghos in
1291.Goshavank used to be one of the most famous religious and
cultural centers in medieval Armenia.
Haghartsin
Haghartsin monastery situated in the woodlands of Tavush region represents an indescribable example of blend of nature with architecture. It was founded in the 10-11th centuries, though new buildings were added in the 12-13th centuries. Now it consists of St. Grigor, St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), St. Stepanos
churches and some other buildings.The refectory due to its
skillful architectural composition is of great interest. The huge
oak tree, which is almost at the age of the monastery, completes
the whole scene.
Erebuni Museum
The fortress of Erebuni is on Arin-Berd hill. It was built in 782
B.C. by the Urartian king Argishti the first. During the excavations started in the 20th century a cuneiform inscription
was found, according to which the history of nowadays Yerevan
starts from this place. On the top of the hill the ruins of the citadel and the frescoes on the wall reveal the high artistic achievements of those remote centuries. The museum down the hill displays the findings that have been excavated in the territory of the fortress.
Local Market
The local market or "Kayarani shuga" was founded in 2015, in
scope of programs to ensure the profitable consumption
of Armenian agricultural products. The market is situated near the
metro station "Sasuntsi Davit', which makes the way to market
easier. Here, in the territory of 6000 sqm, everyone can
experience the sights and sounds of fresh, sweet and affordable
fruits, vegetables, dry fruits and other products from the fertile
Armenian land and hardworking locals.
Megerian Carpets
The Megerians have been well known for their expertise in
antique and decorative rug reproductions. The Megerians have
successfully implemented natural methods of dyeing yarn in
Armenia, with most natural dyes being derived from flowers,
roots, and plans of the Armenian Highlands, as was done
thousands of years ago. Megerian Carpet in Yerevan has a
spectacular showroom where can make their purchases. Guests
are welcome to watch the production of the rugs which involve
dyeing of the yarns by using vegetable dyes, weaving, shearing,
finishing, etc.
Yerevan Brandy Company
ARARAT brandies produced by Yerevan Brandy Company
embody the Legend itself, the spirit of Armenia, its cultural and
historical heritage and the craftsmanship of the Armenian people.
ARARAT is the most famous and successful brand of Armenian
brandy in the world. We are pleased to invite you to get
acquainted with the history of brandy making in Armenia, follow
its production phases and enjoy the delicious taste and flavor of
different kinds of ARARAT brandies just from the first hand.
Garni temple
Garni temple which towers over a triangular cape, is the unique
survived example of heathen culture in Armenia. It is a blend of
Greco-Roman and Armenian styles. King Trdat the First ordered
building the temple in the first century A.D. and dedicated it to
the God of Sun. After adopting Christianity in 301 the pagan
temple lost its significance and the fortress of Garni became the
summer residence of the kings. Nowadays the ruins of the royal
palace and the bathroom with a stunning mosaic work can be
found near the temple.
Geghard
Geghard monastery is the unsurpassable masterpiece of the 13th
century Armenian architecture. Some of the churches of the
complex are masterfully hewn in a huge rock. From the outset the
complex was called Ayrivank (cave monastery), later it was
renamed Geghard (lance), as the lance used by the roman soldier
to sting Jesus Christ's side, was kept in this monastery for many
centuries. Due to its construction Geghardavank serves the best
place for singing spiritual songs. The complex is rich in subtle
sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars
(cross-stones).
Lavash baking
You will have a good opportunity to participate in lavash baking
procedure (traditional Armenian bread) as well as in the process
of making cheese, after which you can taste them together with a
home-made local wine.
Areni village
The village of Areni is in Vayots Dzor region. This sunny village
is famous for its best wine assortments. Due to its specific flavor
and delicate taste "Areni" wine has its respectful place among the
best Armenian wines. The visit to the wine factory of the village
will serve a good testimony to the above mentioned. The St.
Astvatsatsin church built by skillful architect and sculpture
Momik is in Areni village, too.
Tatev monastery
Among the architectural pillars of Zangezour the monastery of
Tatev doesn't have its rivals. This used to be wealthiest medieval
monastery in Armenia. Besides being a religious center Tatev
was also the important strategical center of Syunik king-dom.
Being situated on a naturally defended place Tatev monastery has
always been an impregnable fortress for alien. In non-stable
political conditions the several secret ways in the territory of the
fortress led the way to the canyon and served as a link between
the monastery and external world.
Tatev Ropeway
Church bells were ringing loud in Tatev on October 16 of 2010,
heralding the launch of a program to revive a medieval monastic
complex and the opening of an aerial tramway called Wings of
Tatev. The 5.7-kilometer ropeway was built within 11 months,
passes through a deep gorge of the River Vorotan and over hills
covered with lush forests. The tramway is supported by three
towers between its two terminals. One terminal is on a hill
overlooking the village of Halidzor and the other is near Tatev
Monastery, on the road to Tatev village. Two cabins operate at
once, traveling in opposite directions.
Shaki
Shaki fall is in the southern part of Armenia, close to Sisian. The fall, being located in one of the cosiest and nicest corners of
Syunik, gloriously opens its striking beauty to all admirers. The air here is full of inspiring melody of water and scent of mountains loading all their wafts.