Spring Colors of Armenia

Day 1: Hello, Yerevan!

Departure from Kiev at 19:50 (estimated flight PS 611). Arrival to Zvartnots International Airport at 22:55. Customs formalities, passport control. Then you will be met by your guide at the airport waiting room. The group transfer to the hotel.

Check-in at Yerevan Marriott Hotel 5*.

Day 2: Magnificent Capital of Armenia

After breakfast, sightseeing tour of the city of Yerevan, which was founded in 782 B.C. Victory Park, which offers panoramic views of the city and the Ararat Mount. Matenadaran is the Museum and Research Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, which stores over 20,000 copies of ancient manuscripts. Cascade is a unique architectural structure that connects the center of Yerevan with its northern part. The Cafesjian Museum of Contemporary Art is located within the Cascade Complex, where the works by famous sculptors and artists are exposited.

Coffee-break at one of the Cascade cafes overlooking the monument and the city center.

Republic Square, Northern Avenue, etc.

Lunch at one of Yerevan restaurants with an exquisite traditional menu.

After lunch we will go to the tour to the Ararat Brandy Factory, which was founded in 1887. Since then Ararat preserves the traditions of the legendary brandy (cognac) production, which has repeatedly been awarded with medals at various international exhibitions. Tasting the brandies of the different exposure periods.

After trips to the Ararat Brandy Factory our trip will continue to the St. Echmiadzin - the residence of the Catholicos (Patriarch) of All the Armenians. Echmiadzin is the world's first Christian church. Translated from the Armenian ‘Echmiadzin’ means "the place of the descent of the Only-Begotten" and according to legend, it is believed that it is a place where it was the second appearance of Jesus Christ. (The UNESCO World Heritage Site).

The Zvartnots Temple built in early Middle Ages is situated close to Echmiadzin; this Temple of Vigil Forces and the Angels of Heaven (The UNESCO World Heritage Site) is a unique structure of early medieval Armenia (built in the 7th century). It will provide you with a unique opportunity to see a beautiful panorama of the biblical Mount Ararat, on which, according to the legend, Noah's Ark landed after the Flood.

Return to Yerevan. Leisure and Welcome Dinner at a traditional Armenian restaurant, where you will see the national Armenian dances accompanied with live traditional music and take part in the culinary master class for cooking national Armenian dishes.

Return to the hotel and overnight in Yerevan.

Day 3: Day of Armenian Flavors

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Today we can expect a fascinating tour to the Geghard Monastery Complex (built in the 4th century), a part of which is dug into the rock. It is a unique architectural structure of the central Armenia (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site). You will enjoy the touching vocal concert of spiritual songs in the cave of the monastery.

Optional: Exciting off-road jeeping in the valley along the Azat River close to the Geghard Monastery. The road leads through a narrow serpentine road to the Azat River, on the one side of which there are the beautiful views of the river and on the other - a grand view of the natural monument made from stones called basalt organ. This natural monument is a "rockfall" made from hexagonal basalt columns.

Armenian wine and cheese tasting will be arranged in the gorge of the Azat River and accompanied by classical Armenian music. History of Armenian winemaking has ancient traditions. According to legend, Noah planted a vine on the Ararat valley after the Flood, and this marked the beginning of the Armenian winemaking. In the caves of the southern part of Armenia the tools for winemaking and vessels containing the remains of grape seeds were found. These tools and vessels, according to archaeologists, were made over 5,500 years ago.

After wine and cheese tasting we will visit the Garni Ancient Pagan Temple (the 1st century) located above the gorge of the Azat River near the territory of Khosrov Reserve. Garni Temple was the summer residence of Armenian kings and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Garni you will be presented duduk - Armenian national musical instrument made from apricot wood. The duduk is the oldest musical instrument firstly made more than 3,000 years ago.

Lunch is scheduled to be prepared in traditional Armenian village house, where the baking process for the national cracker bread ‘lavash’ in an underground clay oven ‘tandoor’, and also a master class on cooking Armenian shish kebab/shashlik in barbecue grill will be held.

After lunch we will return to Yerevan and rest in the hotel.

Dinner will be organized in Yerevan classic jazz - club with live jazz music performed by legendary Armenian jazzmen. Armenian jazz is already 70.

Day 4: Unforgettable Experience on Lake Sevan

After breakfast we will go to the excursion to the Lake Sevan - (2,000 m above sea level). Lake Sevan is the only major source of fresh water in Armenia and the largest in the whole Caucasus. The Sevanavank Monastery Complex is located on the highest hill of the Sevan peninsula. Previously the peninsula was an island and due to the decrease of the water level of the lake turned into a peninsula. The Sevanavank Monastery Complex was founded in 874. It offers the panoramic views of the lake.

For guest the trip on a sailing vessel made in 13th century will be organized on the lake, on the board of which the captain will tell the story of the Armenian navigation and the history of the vessel making in the 13th century. Refreshments will include the local beer and crawfish served on the board (if the weather will be warm).

The vessel will be moored to the restaurant on the shore of Lake Sevan, where a lunch with seafood (skewers of fish, crayfish kebab, salads and a variety of snacks, sweets locally made, etc.) will be arranged.

After lunch, return to Yerevan, leisure at the hotel. Today you can visit the handmade crafts market "Vernissage", where guests will find souvenirs, arts and crafts made by Armenian masters, antiques and many interesting gifts for their relatives.

Farewell Gala Dinner at traditional Armenian restaurant.

Day 5: It’s Time to Go Home!

Early breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the Zvartnots International Airport 2 hours prior to departure flight (estimated flight PS 612 at 06:40).