DISCOVER ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL ARMENIAN CHURCHES & ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrival

 Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport  A representative Hi will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel  We'll meet at our hotel and get to know each other  Overnight in ITINERARY

Day 2 Holy center of the country

 Breakfast at the hotel  Drive to religious center of the country Echmiadzin. Religion plays significant role in the life of each Armenian and has remained strong up to the present days. It has more than 1700 years of rich history. Cathedral and churches of Echmiadzin are included in the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. The Mother Cathedral of is one of the most ancient examples of Christian architecture. Within the cathedral there is a museum that contains the Treasures of Echmiadzin such as the Holy Lance(Geghart) which pierced the side of Christ and the reliquary with the relic of Jesus Christ’s wooden cross.  We will also visit nearby old churches St.Gayane and St. dating to the 7th century and St Shoghakat which is relatively new.  Free evening  Overnight in Yerevan ITINERARY

Day 3 -

 Breakfast at the hotel  Drive to Geghard . The monastery of Geghard, with its remarkable rock-cut churches and tombs, is an exceptionally well preserved and complete example of medieval Armenian monastic architecture and decorative art.  After we will visit the only survived pagan Temple Garni and the fortress which are located five miles away from Geghard. Here one can also find the oldest well preserved cross stone in Armenia.  Free evening  Overnight in Yerevan ITINERARY

Day 4 Sevan –

 Breakfast at hotel  Proceed to Lake Sevan which is the main recreation resource in Armenia for locals and tourists alike. One of the most interesting sites in Sevan is medieval church complex - on the rocky peninsula which was founded in 874 AD.  Dilijan is known for its wonderful nature and forests as well as for cultural heritage. We will visit that undertook major renovation and infrastructure upgrade in the recent years, and Monastery which was again famous cultural and religious center in medieval Armenia.  Afterwards, we can enjoy late dinner at Tufenkian Heritage Hotel.  Overnight in Yerevan ITINERARY

Day 5 -

 Breakfast at the hotel  Drive to Khor Virap which is one of the most iconic places in Armenia.  The monastic complex is located near the mountain Ararat. Therefore here one can enjoy wonderful and fascinating view of the Biblical mountain Ararat where Noah's Ark is considered to stop. This place is also famous for the fact that St. , first official head of the Armenian church was imprisoned here for 14 years by Armenian king Trdat III.  Proceed to Noravank which is a medieval Armenian monastery and is famous not only with its appearance but also with the surrounding marvelous scenery. Among the decorations over one of the entrances one can find exclusive and rare sculpture with the image of Father God.  Evening free  Overnight in Yerevan ITINERARY

Day 6 Fascinating and magnificent examples of medieval . –

 Breakfast at the hotel  Drive to North Armenia where Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin are located built on the top of the hill. The Sanahin complex was founded in the 10th century and consists of a bell tower, library, cemetery and churches. Haghpat was built at the same time and later served as a cultural and literary center for Armenia. In the church one can find a small pool with curing holy water.  These buildings represent the highest point of Armenian religious architecture and have similarity in construction elements and ornaments. It is a mix of Byzantine and traditional Armenian architectural style.  Traditional dinner at Tufenkian Heritage Hotel Dzoraget  Overnight in Yerevan ITINERARY

Day 7 Walking and discovering Armenian treasurers

 Breakfast at hotel  We will visit State History Museum which is located in the heart of Yerevan. The museum presents the valuable and unique examples of jewelry, coins, household items, tools, weapons, carpets and clothing from ancient times till nowadays.  Proceed to - the largest deposit of ancient manuscripts which contains 17,000 manuscripts. Among the museum's treasures are the largest Armenian manuscript Msho Charantir (Homilies of Mush) which weights 28kg.  Short walk around the city (Cascade, Opera House, Republic Square)  Evening free  Overnight in Yerevan ITINERARY

Day 8 Departure

 Early breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport 2 hours prior to the flight.

The package includes following:  Airport transfer  Transportation during the entire program  Accommodation (centrally located 4*5-3* hotels with breakfast)  Sightseeing and entrance fees

Note The price does not include dinner at Tufenkian Heritage Hotel