Arrival in Land of NOAH. At Zvartnots International airport you will be welcomed and assisted through immigration and customs by Santa Maria Tours representative, then escorted to your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan.

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide meets you at the lobby to start off your trip with a city tour in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia and the largest city of the country. As one of the oldest capitals in the world, Yerevan was founded in the 8th-century BC and was known as Erebuni. Visit some of the main streets of Yerevan such as Baghramyan and Mashtots Avenues, as well as Abovyan Street which still showcases century-old houses and historical buildings. Then, head to the Victory Park, from where a panoramic view of the city and the majestic Mt. Ararat opens. From the park, continue your walk through the Cascade, an architectural complex of a massive staircase with fountain terraces to the Opera and Ballet Theater. The Cascade also houses Cafesjian Center for the Arts, which offers a rich collection of Armenian and international contemporary art, including a selection of artwork from the personal collection of its founder Gerard L. Cafesjian. The day continues with a trip to the pagan Temple of Garni, one of the most visited historical sites of Armenia. Built in the 1st century AD, the Temple of Garni managed to survive the destruction of all the pagan temples following Armenia’s adoption of Christianity in 301. Following severe damage by earthquakes, the temple was reconstructed. Situated on a cliff, the temple overlooks a spectacular view of the Geghama Mountains and the gorge of Azat River. From there, go hiking to the Havuts Tar Monastery. Then, visit the medieval Geghard Monastery, located deep within Azat Valley and founded by Saint Gregory the Illuminator. It’s worth to mention that Geghard has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
Hiking trail: 1 hour 30 minutes (3.5 miles)

Start this day by visiting Khor Virap Monastery, right on the foot of the biblical Mt. Ararat. The legend of this monastery is associated with St. Gregory the Illuminator, who was imprisoned here for 13 years. The trip continues to Yeghegnadzor, where you can have lunch and then visit Noravank Monastery located in a narrow gorge of Armagu River. A gem of the Armenian medieval architecture, the 13th-century monastery is the masterpiece of Master Momik. The program includes a stop by Areni village, where you will enjoy some wine-tasting at Areni Winery. You will stay overnight in Yeghegnbadzor.
Overnight: Hotel in Vayots Dzor,
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch,
Hiking trail: 1 hour 50 minutes (3.42 miles)

The road takes you to the ruins of Smbataberd Fortress from the 5th-11th centuries. The fortress used to receive water from an underground water pipe connected to the monastery of Tsakhats Kar. Next, go hiking from Smbadaberd to Tsakhats Kar and then go to the Hermon village for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Hotel in Vayots Dzor
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
Hiking trail: 4 hours 30 minutes (5.8 miles)

The trip continues along the ancient Silk Road to Lake Sevan, to the Blue Pearl of Armenia. At an altitude of 1900 m above sea level, it is the largest sweet water lake in Armenia and the Caucasus region. Located up on the cliffs of a small peninsula, stands the Monastery of Sevanavank. You will have your lunch on the shore of Lake Sevan. After lunch in Sevan, continue the trip to Dilijan, where you will be getting around the old districts of Dilijan, including Sharambeyan Street. Next, enjoy the craftsmen’s workshops, art galleries, and museums. Then, visit the 13th-century Haghartsin monastery, recently restored by a Muslim Sheikh from the United Arab Emirates. The monastery is easily accessible through paved roads and has a large parking area, a gift shop, bakery, and other facilities. The program also includes a visit to the 12-13th century Monastery of Goshavank located in Gosh village. The 12-13th century monastery is in Gosh, surrounded by village houses. Spend the night in Dilijan.
Overnight: Hotel in Dilijan
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
Hiking trail: 2 hours 10 minutes (3.85 miles)

The program starts at Apaga Resort, located in one of the most beautiful areas of Ijevan. The resort provides an opportunity for relaxation in the mountains, offers horseback riding, ziplining, paragliding, and other activities. After your check-in at the hotel, go hiking at the Lastiver hiking trail. Large areas of this region are covered with forests, caves, a swift river, and small waterfalls. Lovers of extreme sports find this road very attractive. Have dinner and overnight in Apaga Resort.
Overnight: Hotel in Ijevan
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Hiking trail: 3 hours (4.01 miles)

After breakfast at the hotel, head to Aragats mountain. Begin the hiking from Lake Kar located on the slopes of Mount Aragats, an isolated four-picked volcano massif. The source of Lake Kar water is mostly melted ice and snow. The lake is located at 3,185 m above the sea level. On the way back to Yerevan, visit Saghmossavank Monastery, which is located at the gorge of the Kasakh river.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
Hiking trail: 6 hours 40 minutes (6.82 miles)

After Breakfast, time to bid farewell to your Tour director and new found friends as you transferred to Zvartnots International airport for your return flight.
Meals: Breakfast