Armenia – Culture & History

Arrive in Armenia. Transfert to the hotel.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Tour of the city of Yerevan through the main avenues and squares of the city and visiting the most beautiful buildings of the capital and the following museums:

• The Matenadaran Museum - it's one of the richest manuscript repositories in the world. The Matenadaranc collection contains about 17,000 manuscripts that encompass all areas of culture and science of ancient and medieval Armenia as well as manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, Greek, Syrian, Ethiopian, Indian, and Japanese. etc. Since 1998, Matenadaran has been included in UNESCO's Memory of the World register.
• The History Museum, whose rooms retrace the history of Armenia from prehistoric times to the present day; several showcases are dedicated to the Kingdom of Ourartou (IX - V century before our era)

You will also discover a Brandy factory and a weaving workshop.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Departure to the south of the country. Between the double summit of Ararat and the massive silhouette of the Arakadz (the highest peak of Armenia which culminates at 4,095 m), extends the plain of Ararat, with its vast agricultural orchards, its fields and vines, which are worth to this region the name of "breadbasket of Armenia". It is a fertile region, which was once one of the most important trade routes between Asia and Europe. Visit the monastery of Khor-Virap, one of the sacred sites of Armenia. It was here that Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned in a deep pit before King Tiridate III adopted Christianity as a state religion. A spectacular view opens up to the biblical Mount Ararat from the courtyard of the monastery. On the way to the Noravank Monastery, we will stop in the village of Areni where the best Armenian wine is produced. Armenia specialized in the production of wine and had reached the peak of professionalism in this area. You will have the opportunity to visit a wine cellar. Visit the Noravank Monastery - This is the only monastery located on the Noravank Canyon (near the town of Yéghégnadzor). It is composed of a mausoleum, two churches and a jamatoun. Founded in the twelfth century, the monastic complex expanded when he was promoted to the episcopal seat of Siounia and pantheon of the Orbelian family, lords of the region. Continuation for Goris.

Overnight in Goris.

Continue to Tatev Monastery, 250 km from Yerevan. South of the city of Goris is the famous Tatev Monastery, religious center of the historical Siunic province. The main cathedral, Pierre and Paul, was built at the beginning of the 10th century. The vaulted church of St. Gregory the Illuminator (848) leans against the north wall of the cathedral. The church of the Virgin Mary was built in the 12th century. The monastery was ruined by Seljuk invasions and earthquakes. Lunch. Road to Lake Sevan (located 60 km from Yerevan), by taking the Selim pass at 2410 m altitude. It is the largest lake in Armenia and one of the largest mountain lakes in the world. It extends to 1950 meters above sea level. Armenians call it "Blue Pearl". This lake of fresh water of volcanic origin looks like a mirror that reflects the sky and changes color several times during the day. Visit the village of Noratous. The Noraduz cemetery is a true khachkar forest (cross in stone) dating from the Xth century. The Noraduz cemetery contains about 900 different periods and styles. The khachkar is a purely Armenian architectural tradition containing both Christian and pagan symbols. The first carved khachkars in lace appeared in the 9th century. The art of khachkarsperdure until today. Road to Dilijan.

Overnight in Dilijan.

We are going to visit the Alaverdi Herbal Plantations. Visit the Monastery of Sanahin (10-13 centuries) (UNESCO World Heritage Site), consisting of several churches and a chapel. Then visit the Monastery of Haghpat (10-13 centuries). The construction of this Monastery is associated with the glory of the Royal Bagratouni family. The oldest structure of the Monastery, the Holy Cross Church was built from 977 to 911. Lunch in Haghpat. Road to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Departure to the East. Guéghard tour The Monastery of Geghard was formerly named Arivar, the "Monastery in the Rock". The current constructions of the monastery which are carved in the solid rock date from the X-XIII centuries. It was at this time that the monastery took the name of Geghard which means "lance" in Armenian. The name refers to the spear that pierced Jesus crucified. This spear was kept in Geghard for a long time, before finding its place in the museum of Etchmiadzin. Visit of the magnificent Garni site The pagan temple of Garni was built in the 1st century AD and served as a summer residence for Armenian kings. It is the only temple on the territory of present-day Armenia, the others having been destroyed after the adoption of Christianity. Located on the triangular canyon of the Azad River, the temple offers a magnificent view. Visit the village of Garni, 3000 souls. The Memorial of Tsitsernakaberd, or, fort swallows, dedicated to the victims of the genocide of 1915. This hill is a place of walk as much as of meditation. Erected on a vast space covered with a tessellation, 9 huge blocks of stone represent the 9 provinces in mourning who bow to the eternal flame.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Visits in the city of Echmiadzin The Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church and is considered a must visit. The grandeur and beauty of the cathedral leaves unforgettable impressions to its visitors. In 2001, Etchmiadzin celebrated its 1700th birthday. Armenia is the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301. The city of Echmiadzin is the seat of the Catholicos (Patriarch of the Armenian Church) of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Cathedral of Echmiadzin is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church of Santa Hripsimee bears the name of the saint, martyred and put to death, with its forty following, for refusing to King Tiridate III, who had not yet been "illuminated" by Saint Gregory. The church, a pure jewel of Armenian architecture, with remarkable qualities of sobriety, harmony and unparalleled perfection of execution, served as a model for a whole line of religious buildings. From cruciform planes to central dome, it has four apses and four recesses of circular plan which open on four square pieces occupying the angles; one of these rooms gives access, below, to the small crypt located under the eastern apse and which was dedicated to the Saint in 618 by the Catholicos Komitas. Visit the site of Zvartnots, built between 642 and 662. It was partially destroyed by a devastating earthquake, after 300 years of use. Among the vineyards and orchards, the site of Zvartnots, which features magnificent pieces of sculpture scattered among the ruins, produces an unforgettable impression. These testify to his past greatness. Zvartnots means "vigilant and cheerful forces". It was here that the Church of St. Gregory was built, under the reign of Catholicos Nerses III the Builder, to serve as a chapel at the Vagharchapat Palace. Back to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan.