Arrival – Yerevan walking City Tour

Arrival in the Land of NOAH. At Zvartnots International Airport, you will be welcomed by the representative of Santa Maria Tours, and then escorted to your hotel. Shortly after, your guide will meet you at the lobby to start the city tour in Yerevan.

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. Next, visit the History Museum of Armenia, where you will learn about the origins of Armenia. After that continue your walk through the Cascade, an architectural complex of massive staircase with fountain terraces to the Opera and Ballet Theater. The Cascade also houses the 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.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: None
Duration: 3-4 hours
KM: 13 km

Haghbat – Sanahin – Aramyants castle mansion

Today we will drive to Lori province to observe two gems of medieval Armenian architecture and spiritual life. Both – Sanahin and Haghpat Monastery, nestled in the stunning Lori Province of Armenia, stand as magnificent testaments to medieval Armenian ecclesiastical architecture and cultural richness. Situated on a verdant plateau overlooking the Debed River, these UNESCO World Heritage Sites are outstanding examples of Armenian religious heritage and craftsmanship. Founded in the 10th century both were centers of learning and spirituality. Those complexes include several structures, including beltowers, gavits (vestibule), scriptorium, refectory and smaller chappells. After monasteries we still have one more sight – the Aramyants’ castle – mansion.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 9-10 hours
KM: 345 km

Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni 1 Cave

On the 3rd day the road will take you to Khor Virap, located in Armenia, which is a monastery with a very close concern with the adoption of christianity in Armenia in 301 CE. We will learn the history, the legend  about the place and the christianity in Armenia. This is one of the primary visiting sites in Armenia with the panorama view of the Ararat Mountain. The legend of this monastery is associated with St. Gregory the Illuminator, who was imprisoned here for 13 years. For lunch you will stop in one of the best places in Areni village. After driving to the Noravank Monastery, known for its brick-red cliffs, located in a narrow gorge of Amaghu River. This monastery is an example of the ornate architecture of the 13th century. The sculptor of the biggest portion of Noravank is Momik, who also carved a number of religious Armenian monuments known as “khachkars”. On the way back to Yerevan, you’ll stop in Areni 1 cave, also known as a “Birds’ cave”, where the oldest human shoe dating back to 3,900 BC and oldest winery were excavated.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 7-8 hours
KM: 260 km

Ejmiatsin cathedral, St. Hripsime, Zvartnots cathedral, Noy brandy factory

Today you’ll start the trip by visiting the Ejmiatsin Cathedral, also known as the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, is the spiritual and administrative center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds immense cultural and religious significance for Armenians. Nearby is located the St. Hripsime church, which is unique with its architecture style and technique. St. Hripsime was one of the maids, who ran from the Roman Empire and settled in Armenia, as Armenia already was christian state. But the details of the story let’s keep for the exact place. 

On the way back to Yerevan you’ll stop at the Zvartnots Cathedral. The latter was built in the 7th century and this is the oldest and largest aisled tetraconch church in historical Armenia. The Cathedral was destroyed in an earthquake in the 10th century, but in spite of this it was reconstructed in the 1940s. Thanks to this restoration, Zvartnotss’ ruins are a touristic place to visit. By returning to Yerevan we will visit an Armenian brandy factory for an excursion and degustation of the drink.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: Breakfast, brandy tasting
Duration: 5-6 hours
KM: 42 km

Departure

Finally, it’s time to bid farewell to your tour director, guide, and new friends as you are transferred to Zvartnots International Airport for your return flight.

Overnight: None
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 1 hours
KM: 13 km