THE REGION OF THE SUN AND THE GRAPES

Description

Day 1
 
 
Arrival at the international airport “Zvartnots”.
Meeting with representatives of the “Land of Noah”.
Transfer to the hotel.
Lunch Time.
Resting.
The day begins with a tour of the thirteenth capital of Armenia – Yerevan.
First visit – The history museum of Armenia, located in the heart of the city – Republic Square. A Museum called the Ethnographic-anthropological museum library. By the number of showrooms, publications and ways of their conservation the National History Museum of Armenia meets all the requirements of a modern museum. Today it is one of the leading museums in the country.
Tsitsernakaberd – Memorial to the victims of the Armenian Genocide in 1915 on the hill Tsitsernakaberd. A 44-meter obelisk symbolizes the will of the revival of the Armenian people. All along the obelisk from bottom to top stretches a deep cut or fault that separates it into two parts. The arrow symbolizes the shattered Armenian people, a minority of whom live in Armenia, and the most – in the Diaspora. Next to the obelisk is a pedestal – a cone formed of twelve large stone slabs. In the center of the cone, an eternal flame burns at a depth of 1.5 meters. The plates symbolize the 12 provinces in which the massacre mainly occurred. An integral part of the complex is the Genocide Museum, which contains a large number of photographs to see, documentary films – archives and original documents issued by international organizations and parliaments of foreign countries that have recognized the Genocide.
After lunch at a local restaurant, guests will continue their tour in Yerevan, visiting one of the most famous sights of the city among tourists – The Yerevan Brandy Factory. Ararat brandy preserves the tradition of legendary producing since 1887, when Nerses Tairyan founded the first wine and brandy factory in Yerevan.
Ararat – one of the most successful brands of cognac, both in Armenia and abroad. The exceptional taste of this drink is due to the peculiar climate of the Ararat Valley, the local varieties of grapes and the sun bathed Armenia. Guests have a unique opportunity to visit the Museum of the plant, to get acquainted with the legend of the ARARAT brandy, the 120-year history of the creation of Armenian cognac, to see ancient Armenian barrels and medals that adorn the long cellar. In addition, they are given the opportunity of tasting the unique varieties of cognac called “THREE STARS” and “AKHTAMAR”.
Next, a walk along the Republic Square with the “singing fountains”, admiring the magnificent view of the city from the top of the Yerevan Cascade complex, which is one of the most popular attractions of the city.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner. Overnight.
 
 
  
 
 
Day 2
 
 
After breakfast at the hotel, a visit to the city of Dilijan.
Dilijan – the largest city in Armenia, has the status of a mountain climate resort and spa. It is located in the Tavush Marz, in the valley of the river Argstev, at an altitude of 1258-1510 m and surrounded by pine forests. Dilijan is known for a truly magical healing air, filled with the scent of pine trees.
Dilijan – a city with ancient history, mild climate, a lot of holiday homes, guest houses, resorts and other tourist facilities. Every year, many tourists come here to relax, to improve their health, breathe fresh air and enjoy the crystal clear water of the natural mineral springs.
12 km from Dilijan is a medieval monastery complex called Haghartsin. The complex consists of four churches, two chapels and Khachkar’s (cross-stones). Among the memorial cross stones Haghartsin has examples of original artwork.
A trip to the ancient relic Lake Sevan – “The Pearl of Armenia” or “Geghama Sea” – one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world.
Sevan feeds 28 rivers and only the river Hrazdan flows out of it. Lake Sevan is the largest lake in the Caucasus, as well as one of the largest alpine freshwater lakes on Earth. It consists of two unequal parts called Great Sevan and Small Sevan.
From historical sites on the coast of Lake Sevan monastery Sevanavank is considered the most legendary, located on a peninsula in the northwestern part of the lake. Originally it was on the island, although due to the decrease in water level arose an isthmus linking the peninsula to the mainland.
On the western slope stands another monastery – Ayrivank.
Today Sevan is one of the most popular and frequently visited tourist resorts.
After the tour, lunch will be had at a local restaurant on the lake, where you can taste the traditional Armenian trout called ‘Izhkan’.
Return to Yerevan.
Dinner.Overnight. >
 
 

 
 
Day 3
 
 
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visiting the monastery Khor Virap (deep dungeon). In this dungeon for 13 years languished in limbo the future head of the Armenian Apostolic Church St. Gregory the Illuminator. The monastery is located a few hundred meters from the border with Turkey, on the banks of the border river Araks at the foot of the biblical Mount Ararat (5165 m).
A trip to Areni village which is famous for its vineyards. A tour of the winery, its technologies and how they make wine – including Areni wine tasting.
Due to climatic conditions contributing to grape growing, in Armenia unique dessert and “sherry” wines are made. Armenian grapes contain high amounts of sugar, so that the wine is more robust, with a high alcohol content.
At the heart of winemaking “Ararat-Trust”, located in the gorge carved in the cliff, there is a unique museum with a collection of more than three thousand varieties of wines that are aged a few centuries. There are only two other countries with such a large-scale storage of wines, in addition to Armenia: France and Italy.
A visit to the Noravank Monastery (XIII c.).
The beautiful Noravank monastery complex was built on the narrow ledge that winds the gorge of the Arpa River near the town of Yeghegnadzor. The gorge is famous for its steep red cliffs, towering behind the monastery.
During the reign of the princes of Orbelian the monastery became a major religious center, and in the XIII-XIV Century – the residence of Syunik’s bishops and, accordingly, major religious and, later, a cultural center of Armenia closely connected with many local institutions – especially the famous university and library Gladzor. According to legend, there is a hidden piece of a cross in Noravank, covered in the blood of Christ.
Noravank, thanks to the magnificent creations of medieval architects and its location in the beautiful landscape, leaves a lasting impression. In 2002 the church was completely restored and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Return to Yerevan.
Dinner.
Depending on the departure time, spare time.
Transfer to the airport.
 

The price includes:

• All transfers (In comfortable modern minibuses);
• Staying at the hotel (accommodation in double rooms);
• Full board: Breakfast (hotel), lunch, dinner (restaurant / menu); and drinks – coffee, tea, water are available on request throughout the trip;
• Excursions in the program with a professional guide;
• All entrance fees (museums, galleries, participation in various events);
• During the trip you will be accompanied by a group representative of the
  “Land of Noah”.

The price does not include:

• Insurance;
• Personal and other expenses not covered by the program (souvenirs);
• Airplane ticket (we can help you find the best and most convenient ticket);

At 6 people the price of the tour per person will be €593, when there are less than 6 people, the price per person will increase – when there are more than 6 people the price per person will be lowered.