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HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- – Travelling through the beautiful mountains of Armenia
- – Learning how to prepare unique Armenian dishes with locals
- – Hiking through Armenia’s spectacular terrain
- – Sampling local delicacies as well as local wines and brandy
- – Learning about Armenia’s very complex history as you explore this beautiful country
- – Meeting local artisans throughout the country to learn about their way of life
[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Itinerary” tab_id=”1449208778879-fcec8e78-e9ba”][vc_column_text]Day 1: Arrival Yerevan (D)
Welcome to sunny Armenia! On arrival you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Today we will have a familiarization tour of the Armenian capital. Our tour will start from the Victory Park, at Mother Armenia monument, from where you will behold a panoramic view of the city. We will then visit other sights of the capital, including the Republic Square, the Opera house. We will also drive via Baghramyan Avenue, where you will see the Parliament, the Palace of President, and the National Academy of Sciences. We will visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial.
Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 2: Dolma Day in Aragatsotn Region (B, L)
In the morning we will visit a stone-carver who still makes Armenian cross-stones – an ancient tradition still surviving to present day.
Then continue our journey to the slopes of mountain Aragats to the medieval Amberd fortress. We cross a high mountain pass and enter a hidden wilderness of mountain pastures carpeted with multicolour flowers and broad valleys lined by snowy peaks. The way passes by a fast-running stream and spectacular mountains. We reach Amberd fortress with its towers, embrasures and arches is situated on the high cliff, which was emerged due to the deep gorges of rivers Amberd and Arkashen. This site situated at the altitude of 2300m above sea level provides an unforgettable opportunity for taking pictures and walking around the area admiring the amazing landscape.
After we stop at the Park of Letters, which celebrates the 1600th anniversary of creation of the Armenian alphabet.
Lunch in at a private house in Oshakan village with the demonstration of baking lavash in a traditional oven. Today we will have Dolma which is one of the traditional dishes of Armenian Cuisine.
Return to Yerevan.
Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.
Day 3: Lake Sevan-the Emerald of Armenia (B,L,D)
Today in the morning we will drive to Gegharkunik Region. Where our first stop will be Noratus Cross stone cemetery of medieval centuries, where one can find more than 900 cross stones.
After which we will drive to peninsula of the “blue eye of Armenia” – Lake Sevan. This fresh–water lake of volcanic origin is situated at an altitude about 1980m. Its crystal – clear water changes colour several times during the day. It is turquoise in direct sunlight, then turns a greenish shade, and finally becomes gray by the evening. Sevan has always been famous for its fish, especially trout, a part of the tribute Armenia paid to its conquerors.
Here we will visit 9C Sevan monastery which is famous for its folk medical herbs.
Lunch at the restaurant at the lake. Here will try delicious BBQ Trout from the lake.
We continue our journey to the beautiful rolling valley framed by the mountains of the Lesser Caucasus.
In the resort town of Dilijan you will have a pleasant walk through a museum street, with the buildings preserved from 19-century with the ceramics workshop and woodcarvers’ studio.
During dinner we will have the possibility to learn how to cook a traditional Armenian dish with a hostess in a private house.
Overnight in one of the Dilijan Hotel 4*or guesthouse.
Day 4: Armenian Switzerland – Dilijan National Park (B,L,D)
Option 1: 2 1/2 to 3 Hour Walk
There are numerous sites of interest around Dilijan. One of them is Haghartsin, a medieval monastery carefully hidden among the forests of Dilijan National Park, and Goshavank Monastery where you will see one of the finest examples of Armenian cross-stones. This monastery is also connected with the medieval Armenian fable-writer and the author of the first Armenian code of laws.
We will be transferred to Lake Parz, the starting point of our hike, located on the territory of Dilijan National Park. This part of Armenia is often referred to as “the little Switzerland” due to its lush forests decorating steep mountain slopes. The hiking path will finish in Gosh village, which boast one of the most beautiful khach-kars (cross-stones) in Armenia!
Today we will have picnic with Aremnian kabab rolled in Lavashes (delicous Armenian traditional flat bread).
Overnight in one of the Dilijan 4* Hotel or guesthouse.
Day 5: Lesser Caucasus – Haghbat Monastery (UNESCO Site) (B,L)
In the morning we continue our journey to the beautiful rolling valley framed by the mountains of the Lesser Caucasus.
We will drive via Russian-populated villages of Molokans, which have some striking similarities with Jewish traditions.
In Vanadsor we will visit Studio of a cross-stone carver to understand the traditional stone carving secrets.
We will then proceed to Haghbat monastery – both UNESCO World Heritage Site and important religious, cultural and educational centers of medieval Armenia.
Lunch in Alaverdy or Haghpat village. Today we will try Armenian delicious BBQ pork and veggie vegetables. Here we will try as well Armenian homemade vodka of cornelian cherries which is special berry of Lori region.
Each Armenian meal we start with different salads and cheese, after all dessert.
After Lunch we will drive back to Yerevan.
Day 6: Khor Virap – Noravank – Yerevan (B,L)
The road leads through the plains of Ararat, where all of a sudden an attractive picture of Khor – Virab Monastery appears. Today this complex embodies the significant historical event – Adoption of Christianity in Armenia in 301 AD. We stop to see the Complex and to take photographs of the beautiful Ararat Mountain.
After two hours ride we enter the world of full – flowing rivers, fascinating waterfalls, caves and snowy mountain peaks of Vayots Dzor Province.
We pause to enjoy wine tasting at the village of Areni which is famous for its red dry wine. Noravank Monastery is situated on the hill of the twisted gorge, among the freakish plumb rosy cliffs. Noravank Monastery, really the place of breath-taking natural beauty, provides great opportunities for taking pictures.
Lunch near the monastery where we can enjoy BBQ chicken in Tonduri (Armenian traditional oven) and Areni red dry wine.
Overnight and dinner in Yerevan.
Day 7: Trip to Geghard (UNESCO Site) and Garni Pagan Temple (B,L)
In the morning we will drive towards Garni village. From here we will start hiking through the canyon to Garni Temple from the 1st century A.D. – a unique example of pagan times. Apart from the ruins of the royal complex, you will also see a bathhouse with an interesting mosaic. We will have an enjoyable walk down to the Garni gorge where we will admire volcanic basalt formations called “the symphony of stones”.
Not far from Garni we will drive to Geghard Monastery – a UNESCO site. Some buildings of this construction were cut carved out of solid rock. The cave enclosures of this cultural and architectural wonder are notable for amazing acoustics. The secret of the chamber has never been found.
Distance of the hike is 3 km.
Duration of the hike is 1.5 hours.
Altitude change -120 m, +100m.
Lunch in a Village house with Armenian traditional Khashlama (Stew beef or lamb with vegetables) and try homemade apricot vodka.
Drive back to Yerevan
Day 8: Yerevan-Food Market-Ararat Brandy Factory (B,D)
Today we will get acquainted with the capital of Armenia with the major sights of interest, including the Republic Square, the Opera house, the Cascade, with its Modern Arts Center, where you will see the statue of the world-famous sculptor Fernando Botero “The Black Cat” and have a panoramic view to Yerevan city. We will also pass via Baghramyan Avenue, where you will see the Parliament, the Palace of President, the National Academy of Sciences.
We will have a break at some point enjoying a cup of Armenian coffee (or tea) out on a terrace and feel the spirit of the city.
The excursion also includes a stop at the Food Market with its variety of fresh and dried fruits.
After which we will drive to Ararat Brandy Factory to enjoy excursion and degustation of famous Armenian cognac.
Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 9: Departure (B)
Transfer to airport or extend your adventure to Georgia!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Important Info” tab_id=”1449289392103-be095264-cb20″][vc_column_text]PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever changing nature of the area, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until this tour is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS (responsibility of the traveller) – Many nationalities do need a visa to enter Armenia. Available online in advance or at the airport (recommend to get in advance) https://www.mfa.am/en/visa/ [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Hotels” tab_id=”1449289392103-be095264-cb21″][vc_column_text]SAMPLE HOTELS (Subject to change)
Yerevan – Tufenkian Heritage Hotel
Dilijan – Dilijan Hotel
[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Inclusions” tab_id=”1449208780765-5fd2d40a-5e8d”][vc_column_text]TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
INCLUDING:
– All transfers and transport as per program
– All activities/entrance fees/culinary programmes, etc as per itinerary
– All accommodation as per program (based on double/twin sharing room) – 4* properties
– Service of English speaking station guides as program
– All meals as mentioned (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
– All entrance fees on tour
NOT INCLUDING:
– Air tickets both domestic (see below) and international (international flights can be booked by nicola@finisterra.ca)
– Mandatory Travel Medical Insurance
– Personal expenses
– Drinks (alcoholic/non-alcoholic)
– Visa fees and/or visa authorization
– Other expenses not mentioned on the itinerary
– Any compulsory and peak season surcharge
– Activities marked *OPTIONAL
• Any other items not covered under inclusions
*IMPORTANT NOTES:
– Though we will do our best to follow this itinerary as closely as possible, it is subject to change due to factors beyond our control
– DO NOT BOOK FLIGHTS until this tour has been confirmed by us.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Pricing & Dates” tab_id=”1449223591510-29ce0fb2-4171″][vc_column_text]Date: Available on a Custom Basis
PRICES FROM $1895USD per participant Double / Twin based on 2 people
Single supplement: +$300USD
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking to reserve your place. Please contact info@finisterra.ca for more booking information. We accept payment by eTransfer, cheque, and credit cards.Full payment is due 60 prior to departure.
Flights: Please do not purchase your flights until you have received written confirmation that the tour is confirmed.
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