Discovery of Armenia

Discovery of Armenia

Situated at the cultural, historical and religious crossroads between East and West, Armenia and Georgia have accumulated on their territory a rich and unique heritage dating from different periods. Travel through lush hills and valleys, year-round snow-capped mountains, beautiful lakes, picturesque villages and fascinating ancient architectural monuments. Legendary mountains, hot springs, soft sandy beaches, the diversity of flora and fauna and the hospitality of the locals are just some of the reasons to explore these countries. Travel through these two countries, feel the pure breath of the mountains, discover its incomparable histories and the enchanting combination of cultures, which have made Armenia and Georgia a pillar of the mythological universe.

9 days / 8 nights Eng-Fr-Nl speaking tour with breakfast and accommodation in 3* / 4* hotels.

DAY 1: BRUSSELS - EREVAN
Arrival in Yerevan, meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Settling in and overnight.


DAY 2: YEREVAN, CITY TOUR
Breakfast and discovery of the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts of Mesrop Machtots. It is one of the richest repositories of medieval manuscripts and books. Visit of the museum and the Tsitsernakaberd monument. Visit of the waterfall, a staircase to the top of the building from where a magnificent landscape opens to you. Visit the Blue Mosque, the only mosque in the Yerevan region. Overnight in Yerevan.


DAY 3 : EREVAN - GARNI - GEGHARD - EREVAN - (75 KM)
After breakfast, visit the pagan temple of Grani, built in the 1st century AD. In Garni, workshop for the preparation of the national bread "lavash". Continuation by the visit of the monastery of Geghard. Although the exact date of the foundation of the monastery is unknown, the present complex was built in the 13th century. Return to Yerevan and visit of the brandy factory, Ararat. Brandy tasting and overnight at the hotel.


DAY 4 : EREVAN - KHOR VIRAP - NORAVANK - ARENI - ZORATS QARER - GORIS - (270 KM)
Departure to the south and visit the monastery of Khor-Virap, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Armenia. It is the closest point to Mount Ararat, from where you can enjoy a majestic view of the biblical mountain. Then discover the medieval monastery of Noravank. Not far from this important ornithological region is the Areni Cave where you will find the oldest wine cellar in the world. Afterwards, visit Zorats Qarer: a thousand-year-old observatory with dozens of sets of vertical stones decorated with petroglyphs. Overnight in Goris.


DAY 5 : GORIS - TATEV - SELIM CARAVANSERAIL - NORADOUZ - SEVAN - DILIJAN - (330 KM)
In the morning, after breakfast, departure from Goris for the visit of the Tatev monastery, known at the time for its university. Recently in Tatev, the longest cable car in the world was built. Continuation through the Selim Pass. Visit the medieval caravanserai on the Silk Road. Visit of Noradouz with the largest collection of Armenian Khachkars (stone crosses). Road by the Sevan lake, located at 1.900 m of altitude. Drive to the spa town of Dilijan and visit of the main street. Overnight in Dilijan.


DAY 6 : DILIJAN - HAGHARTSIN - GYUMRI - (130 KM)
In the morning, after breakfast, walk around the city on the main street where you will find many shops of local Armenian handicrafts and a museum house, typical habitat with typical furniture. Visit the Haghartsin Monastery, a complex built in the 12th century in the heart of the forest. Continuation to the Shirak region and to the city of Gyumri. Overnight in Gyumri.


DAY 7 : GYUMRI - SAGHMOSSAVANK - EREVAN - (130 KM)
In the morning, tour of the city of Gyumri, the folklore center of Armenia. Not far from the central square, stroll in the historical center of Kumayri, visit of the Black Castle, former barracks of Tsarist Russia. Road to the medieval monastery of Saghmossavank, located in the magnificent Kasakh canyon. Return to Yerevan.


DAY 8 : EREVAN - ETCHMIADZIN - ZVARTNOC - EREVAN - (45 KM)
After breakfast, visit of Etchmiadzin, the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Visit of the Saint Echmiadzin Cathedral and the Temple of Zvartnots - UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Yerevan. Visit the local market where you can buy various Armenian fruits and products. Afternoon free. Optional evening at the Song Club. Return to the hotel.


DAY 9: EREVAN - BRUSSELS
Breakfast, free time and transfer to the airport for the return flight.


Services included:

Guaranteed departure dates from 4 people;
Transfers airport - hotel - airport
Transportation during the stay
8 nights accommodation with breakfast in 3*/4* hotels
A english-speaking guide to disposal

Services not included :

Return flights Brussels - Yerevan
Half board or full board (possible in addition)
Personal expenses and tips
Hotel extras
Cancellation and/or assistance insurance