Post-Conference Event 5 Days Tour – 790 EUR Per Person (April 28-May 2, 2019)

Home , Akhtala, Dilijan National Park, Dzoraget (river), Gata (food), Ghapama, Sanahin

Post-Conference Event 5 Days tour – 790 EUR per person (April 28-May 2, 2019)

Day1: Yerevan, Geghard, Garni, Sevan, Dilijan, Dzoraget  Breakfast at the hotel  Geghard Geghard Monastery is 40km south-east from Yerevan. Geghard Monastery carved out of a huge monolithic rock. Geghard is an incredible ancient Armenian monastery, partly carved out of a mountain. It is said that the Holy Lance that pierced the body of Christ was kept here. The architectural forms and the decoration of Geghard’s rock premises show that Armenian builders could not only create superb works of architecture out of stone, but also hew them in solid rock. It is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  Garni From Geghard it is 11km to Garni Temple. Garni Pagan Temple, the only Hellenistic temple in the Caucasus. Gracing the hillside the temple was dedicated to the God of Sun, Mithra and comprises also royal palace ruins, Roman Baths with a well preserved mosaic. Lunch in Garni also Master class of traditional Armenian bread “lavash” being baked in tonir (ground oven). The preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread as an expression of culture in Armeniahas been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

 Dilijan Dilijan city tour. Dilijan is 31km from Sevan Lake. Dilijan is a spa town and urban municipal community in the Tavush Province of Armenia. Usually called Armenian Switzerland or Little Switzerland by the locals, it is one of the most important resorts of Armenia, situated within the Dilijan National Park. The forests of Dilijan cover an area of more than 34,000 hectares. For the enrichment of the natural life around Dilijan, the state forest reserve was founded in 1958 to become known as Dilijan National Park later in 2002. Woods cover 94% of the park territory and with around 40 types of trees and 18 types of bushes, being mostly oaks, beeches, hornbeams, maples, elms, willows, etc. Overnight and Dinner.

Day2: Dzoraget, Sanahin, Haghpat, Akhtala, Gntunik bakery, Alphabet park, Saghmosavanq, Yerevan  Breakfast at the hotel  Sanahin and Haghpat Sanahin Monastery is 26km from Dzoraget is an Armenian monastery founded in the 10th century in the Lori Province of Armenia. The name Sanahin literally translates from Armenian as "this one is older than that one", presumably representing a claim to having an older monastery than the neighboring Haghpat Monastery. The two villages and their monasteries are similar in many ways, and lie in plain view of each other on a dissected plateau formation, separated by a deep "crack" formed by a small river flowing into the Debed river.  Haghpat As with Haghpat which is 15km from Sanahin, Sanahin is frequented by an increasing number of tourists, due to its recent inclusion on the itineraries of a great number of Armenian tour agencies, the beauty of its monastery complex matching that of Haghpat's. The complex belongs to the Armenian Apostolic Church with numerous khachkars (stones with elaborate engravings representing a cross) and bishop gravesites scattered throughout it. Both Haghpat and Sanahin are under protection of the UNESCO.  Akhtala (Optional* rafting / master classes) Akhtala Monastery is 13km from Haghpat one of the unique monuments of Christian history in the Caucasus. It is in the very north of Armenia, near the border with Georgia, 3km from the M6 highway between Yerevan and Tbilisi. It is situated on a small plateau above a small river, Shamlukh. Once there was a

fortress, the walls of which are still visible at the entrance to the monastery. Due to its location, Akhtala Monastery is one of Armenia’s less-frequently visited tourist attractions, despite its rich history, unique architecture, and fascinating collection of frescoes (such frescoes are quite rare in Armenian churches). Its history goes back 1,000 years and, while there are some signs of disrepair, a major restoration project was carried out between 1979 and 1989. Lunchtime. Master classes at NURIK Center. The NURIK Center is located near the historic 10th Century Akhtala Monastery, in the Lori region of northern Armenia, and arranges guided hikes to the monastery. NURIK Center promotes the social and economic participation of women and people from vulnerable groups through tourism development. The Center offers many master classes in doll making, candle making, soap making, and carpet making, and felting. The Center also offers cooking classes featuring traditional Armenian dishes and local foods like tolma (stuffed grape leaves), barbecue, ghapama, harissa, and arishta, as well as lavash and gata (cake). Rafting with rafting.am Armenia on mountainous Debed river of Lori region with the support of professional rafting instructors.

Gntunik Bakery in Aparan is 124km from Akhtala. Gntunik Bakery and Supermarket in Aparan, a small town in Armenia, well known by travelers for its grand bakery, a tourist attraction in itself.

 Armenian Alphabet park Armenian Alphabet park is 22km from Gntunik bakery. Armenian Alphabet Monument is located in Artashavan village of Aragatsotn region, on the Western slope of Mount Aragats. The complex was built in 2005, on the 1600th anniversary of the creation of Armenian alphabet. The complex includes sculptures of 39 letters of Armenian alphabet, as well as monuments to the great Armenian thinkers. All the letters and statues are made of Armenian tufa. Armenian language is an independent branch in Indo-European language family. Armenian alphabet was created by Mesrop Mashtots in 405.Have a photo stop Back to Yerevan. Dinner. Overnight in Yerevan.

Day3: Yerevan, Areni, Noravanq, Goris  Noravanq. Noravanq 117km from Yerevan means “New Monastery” in Armenian. However, today this name does not fit, as the monastery is already more than seven centuries old. The beautiful Noravanq Monastery was built in the 13th century on the ledge of narrow winding gorge above the Amaghu River. The spare lines of the church contrast beautifully with the sharp red rock cliffs, and the dramatic scenery is one of the best reasons to visit Noravanq.

For centuries, the caves in this region were thought to be just simple caves. Children would play in them, but nobody knew much about these caves. But that all changed in 2007, when excavations began in Areni Cave.

 Areni From Noravanq Monastery it is 10km to Areni. Excavations unearthed large complexes, which showed that this cave was once used for religious and economic purposes. A wine press was found in one room of the cave, where there is a hard place that drains into a jug. Traces of seeds, stems, and the compound that gives red wine its signature color were found, which led a wide array of scientists to conclude that the area was used as a winery about 6,000 years ago. Areni Cave is now recognized as the oldest winery in the world. Only in two km from the cave there is one of the most popular wineries of Armenia, Areni Wine Factory. Have a lunch with master class of cheese. Finish your lunch and continue to Goris.

 Goris It is 135km from Areni to Goris. The city of Goris is the oldest among the cities in the Marz of Syunik. It is situated in the valley of the Vararak River, in the southern part of Syunik volcanic highland. The rocks surrounding the city are known as “The Goris Stone Forest”. They are shaped like amazing labyrinths of colored columns, pyramids, cones and towers. These figures combine light and shadow to make an incredible impression. The hilly Goris landscape is indented with gorges from which the rocks, like outlandish plants, reach out towards the sun, opening new and new fantastic landscapes, sometimes resembling extraterrestrial ones. The Goris Stone Forest looks like a film set of some extra-atmospheric blockbuster, and is the main sight of the city. Dinner and Overnight in Goris.

Day4: Goris, Khndzoresk, Tatev, Yerevan  Breakfast at the hotel.  Khndzoresk Khndzoresk which is 13km from Goris is one of those places, about which we can precisely say, that people were able to dominate the nature and take the best of it. You will never forget the thrill of standing on the middle of the bridge suspended so high above the river flowing below. You will feel the ripple-motion of each footstep rolling across the bridge with you.  Tatev Tatev Monastery is 45 km from Kndzoresk. The most interesting part of the tour is still waiting for you - the majestic Tatev monastery, which we reach with the longest cable tram in the world (already registered in the Guinness World Records Book). This used to be wealthiest medieval monastery in Armenia. Besides being a religious center, Tatev was also the important strategical center of Syuniq kingdom, surrounded with deep gorge. In non-stable political conditions the several secret ways in the territory of

the fortress led the way to the canyon and served as a link between the monastery and external world. Have a lunch. In order to see the Tatev Monastery, it is a must to take the ropeway. It will be 300km from Tatev to Yerevan Back to Yerevan. Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.

Day5: Business visits in Yerevan Optional *Zip-line

The rate includes -Airport /hotel transfer -Accommodation in 4 star hotels -Transportation as mentioned in the program in comfortable A/C vehicle -Professional guide -Lunches, Dinners -1 bottle of mineral water per day per person

The rate does not include - Personal expenses -Flights

3 Days tour -690 EUR per person (April 28 -30, 2019)

Day 1: Yerevan, Geghard, Garni, Sevan, Dilijan, Dzoraget  Breakfast at the hotel  Geghard Geghard Monastery is 40km south-east from Yerevan. Geghard Monastery carved out of a huge monolithic rock. Geghard is an incredible ancient Armenian monastery, partly carved out of a mountain. It is said that the Holy Lance that pierced the body of Christ was kept here. The architectural forms and the decoration of Geghard’s rock premises show that Armenian builders could not only create superb works of architecture out of stone, but also hew them in solid rock. It is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  Garni From Geghard it is 11km to Garni Temple. Garni Pagan Temple, the only Hellenistic temple in the Caucasus. Gracing the hillside the temple was dedicated to the God of Sun, Mithra and comprises also royal palace ruins, Roman Baths with a well preserved mosaic. Lunch also Master class of traditional Armenian bread “lavash” being baked in tonir (ground oven). The preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread as an expression of culture in Armenia have been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

 Sevan Visit to Sevan Lake which is 80 km from Garni temple. Sevan Lake is the largest lake in Armenia and the Caucasus region. With an altitude of 1,900 meters above sea level, it’s one of the highest lakes in the world. The name Sevan is of Urartian origin, and is derived of Siuna, meaning county of lakes. The lake is divided into two sections: Big Sevan and Small Sevan. Big Sevan covers 972 km2 and Small Sevan - 284 km2. The lake is fed by 28 rivers and streams, and is the source for only one - the Hrazdan River. In summer, Sevan becomes a tourist magnet and both local and foreign tourists spend their holidays by the lake. The most famous cultural monument is the Sevanavanq monastery located on the peninsula, which was until the mid-20th century an island.  Dilijan Dilijan is 31km form Sevan Lake. Dilijan city tour. Dilijan is a spa town and urban municipal community in the Tavush Province of Armenia. Usually called Armenian Switzerland or Little Switzerland by the locals, it is one of the most important resorts of Armenia, situated within the Dilijan National Park. The forests of Dilijan cover an area of more than 34,000 hectares. For the enrichment of the natural life around Dilijan, the state forest reserve was founded in 1958 to become known as Dilijan National Park later in 2002. Woods cover 94% of the park territory and with around 40 types of trees and 18 types of bushes, being mostly oaks, beeches, hornbeams, maples, elms, willows, etc. Dzoraget. Overnight and dinner.

Day2: Dzoraget, Sanahin, Haghpat, Akhtala, Gntunik bakery, Alphabet park, Saghmosavanq, Yerevan  Breakfast at the hotel  Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery is 26km from Dzoraget an Armenian monastery founded in the 10th century in the Lori Province of Armenia. The name Sanahin literally translates from Armenian as "this one is older than that one", presumably representing a claim to having an older monastery than the neighboring Haghpat Monastery. The two villages and their monasteries are similar in many ways, and lie in plain view of each other on a dissected plateau formation, separated by a deep "crack" formed by a small river flowing into the Debed river.  Haghpat As with Haghpat which is 15km from Sanahin, is frequented by an increasing number of tourists, due to its recent inclusion on the itineraries of a great number of Armenian tour agencies, the beauty of its monastery complex matching that of Haghpat's. The complex belongs to the Armenian Apostolic Church with numerous khachkars (stones with

elaborate engravings representing a cross) and bishop gravesites scattered throughout it. Both Haghpat and Sanahin are under protection of the UNESCO.  Akhtala (Optional* rafting tour / master classes) Akhtala Monastery 13km from Haghpat is one of the unique monuments of Christian history in the Caucasus. It is in the very north of Armenia, near the border with Georgia, 3km from the M6 highway between Yerevan and Tbilisi. It is situated on a small plateau above a small river, Shamlugh. Once there was a fortress, the walls of which are still visible at the entrance to the monastery.

Due to its location, Akhtala Monastery is one of Armenia’s less- frequently visited tourist attractions, despite its rich history, unique architecture, and fascinating collection of frescoes (such frescoes are quite rare in Armenian churches). Its history goes back 1,000 years and, while there are some signs of disrepair, a major restoration project was carried out between 1979 and 1989. Lunchtime. Optional Master classes at NURIK Center or rafting with Rafting.am Armenia. The NURIK Center is located near the historic 10th Century Akhtala Monastery, in the Lori region of northern Armenia, and arranges guided hikes to the monastery. NURIK Center promotes the social and economic participation of women and people from vulnerable groups through tourism development. The Center offers many master classes in doll making, candle making, soap making, and carpet making, and felting. The Center also offers cooking classes featuring traditional Armenian dishes and local foods like tolma (stuffed grape leaves), barbecue, ghapama, harissa, and arishta, as well as lavash and gata (cake). Rafting with rafting.am Armenia on mountainous Debed river of Lori region with the support of professional rafting instructors.  Gntunik Bakery Gntunik Bakery in Aparan is 124km from Akhtala. Gntunik Bakery and Supermarket in Aparan, a small town in Armenia, well known by travelers for its grand bakery, a tourist attraction in itself.  Armenian Alphabet park Armenian Alphabet park is 22km from Gntunik bakery. Armenian Alphabet Monument is located in Artashavan village of Aragatsotn region, on the Western slope of Mount Aragats. The complex was built in 2005, on the 1600th anniversary of the creation of Armenian alphabet. The complex includes sculptures of 39 letters of Armenian alphabet, as well as monuments to the great Armenian thinkers. All the letters and statues are made of Armenian tufa. Armenian language is an independent branch in Indo- European language family. Armenian alphabet was created by Mesrop Mashtots in 405. Have a photo stop and return to Yerevan. It will 34km to reach Yerevan. Back to Yerevan. Dinner at Armenian traditional restaurant in Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 3: Yerevan ,Noravanq, Areni, Vernissage  Noravanq Noravanq 117km from Yerevan means “New Monastery” in Armenian. However, today this name does not fit, as the monastery is already more than seven centuries old. The beautiful Noravanq Monastery was built in the 13th century on the ledge of narrow winding gorge above the Amaghu River. The spare lines of the church contrast beautifully with the sharp red rock cliffs, and the dramatic scenery is one of the best reasons to visit Noravanq. For centuries, the caves in this region were thought to be just simple caves. Children would play in them, but nobody knew much about these caves. But that all changed in 2007, when excavations began in Areni Cave.

 Vernissage Yerevan Vernissage is a large open-air market in Yerevan, Armenia. The name of the market is the derived from the French word vernissage. It will 110km to reach Vernissage from Areni. Dinner.

The rate includes -Airport /hotel transfer -Accommodation in 4star hotels -Transportation as mentioned in the program in comfortable A/C vehicle -Professional guide -Lunches, Dinners -1 bottle of mineral water per day per person

The rate does not include - Personal expenses -Flights

1 Day tour – 100 EUR per person

Day 1: Yerevan, Gum market, Geghard, Garni, Vernissage, Yerevan  Breakfast at the hotel  Gum market One of the most vivid places in Yerevan is Gum market near the Tashir trading center, which opened during former the Soviet Union years. It operates every day from morning until late evening. Here you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, spices, many types of dried fruits, cheeses. Visit the fruit market where local merchants sell fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, spices and delicacies.  Geghard Geghard Monastery is 40km south-east from Yerevan. Geghard Monastery carved out of a huge monolithic rock. Geghard is an incredible ancient Armenian monastery, partly carved out of a mountain. It is said that the Holy Lance that pierced the body of Christ was kept here. The architectural forms and the decoration of Geghard’s rock premises show that Armenian builders could not only create superb works of architecture out of stone, but also hew them in solid rock. It is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  Garni From Geghard it is 11km to Garni Temple, the only Hellenistic temple in the Caucasus. Gracing the hillside the temple was dedicated to the God of Sun, Mithra and comprises also royal palace ruins, Roman Baths with a well preserved mosaic. Lunch in Garni also Master class of traditional Armenian bread “lavash” being baked in tonir (ground oven). The preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread as an expression of culture in Armenia have been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Optional* Vernissage \Shopping\ Arcolad Armenian chocolate factory