Best of Armenia by Bike
Day 1: Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Lake Azat - Yerevan Breakfast at hotel. Half-day cycling to Garni Pagan Temple and Geghard Monastery. The pagan temple of Garni was built in 1st. c. AC. After Armenia converted to Christianity in the 4th c., the rulers of the country used the temple as their summer residence. We will see the renovated temple of Sun, ruins of the palace and Roman baths. Proceed to Geghard Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage site). We continue on bikes to Lake Azat and return to Yerevan taking an alternative route. (Bike ride 55 km). (B).
Day 2: Aparan – Spitak - Vanadzor We will travel by car to Aparan, one of the oldest towns of Armenia (2nd century), with fantastic views of Mount Aragats. After Aparan we start cycling on a pass between Pambak mountain range and Mount Aragats(4095m). Continue to Spitak and Vanadzor (Bike ride 60 km). (B).
Day 3: Aparan – Sanahin – Haghpat - Noyemberyan We start on bikes today and head for Qobayr (35km). Qobayr is a 12th century monastery with a fantastic location which we will explore on foot, climbing up the last 10 min up the hill. Continue by car to Sanahin and Haghpat, the spiritual centers of Medieval Armenia. Back on bikes again and cycle on a picturesque pass to Noyemberyan, famous for excellent fruits (Bike ride 55 km). (B).
Day 4: Noyemberyan - Ijevan Our first bike ride passes through wooded places passes. Picnic lunch near Makaravanq, a medieval monastic complex on the slopes of Paitatap mountain. Optional hike from the road deep into Enokavan, to explore the caves and cascading waterfals of Lastiver. We will contiune on bikes reach Ijevan, a quiant town near the border with Georgia. (Bike ride 60 km). (B).
Day 5: Ijevan – Goshavank - Dilijan After breakfast we start biking through densely wooded hills to the monastery complex Goshavank (12th century).The stage ends in Dilijan, a small spa town in the midst of Dilijan National Park. A walk in the old town with beautiful wooden architecture and perhaps a visit to Ethnography Museaum are a nice finale for the day. (Bike ride 45 km). (B).
Day 6: Dilijan - Lake Sevan Transfer by car to Lake Sevan. We pass the longest tunnel in
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Armenia and find outselves in stark contrast with the lush green mountains of Dilijan, among steppe-like landscape with high peaks of Geghama Mountains towering in the distance. We reach the lake at 1,900 m above sea level and cannot resist a swim in its turquoise waters. Biking to the peninsula and climb up to Sevan Monastry for some ancient cross stones and the best photographic moments at the lake. Continue to bike along the shore. (Transfer 25km / Bike ride 55 km). (B).
Day 7: Tshapatagh - Martuni We bike around Lake Sevan clockwise, surrounded by surreal views: to our left the blue peaks of Geghama and Vardenis Mountains, to our right, the ever-changing waters of the Lake. (Bike ride 67km). (B).
Day 8: Martuni - Yeghegnadzor We continue on two wheels and tackle the Selim Pass to reach Selim Caravanserai at 2410 meters above sea level, an important trading post at the Silk Road. The most fascinating view of Mount Ararat opens here. Spectacular descent to Yeghegnadzor. (Bike ride 59 km). (B).
Day 9: Yeghegnadzor, Yerevan Today we will partly bike, partly take the car. Our first visit is to Noravank, a fantastic monastery among red rocks, the seat of bishops. Continue biking on one of the most dramatic mountain passes in Armenia, Tukh Manuk Pass. We are in Ararat Valley, cycling among quiet pastoral landscapes with people working in the orchards, children runnning to school, grandma's selling fruit and vegetables – all under the canopy of Mount Ararat. Optional visit to Khor Virap royal prison, where Grigor the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before converting Armenia to Christianity. The trip ends in Yerevan. (Transfer 70km / bike ride 55 km) (B).
Day 10: Free day in Yerevan to enjoy the city on your own. (B).
Price per person: USD 1050 Included:
Accommodation for 10 nights with breakfasts Tour leader/driver fluent in English, cycling guide optional All activities as per itinerary with all entry fees All transfers in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles Luggage handling
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