Wine tour in Armenia (7 days /6 nights)

    

 

The day starts with a trip to the pagan temple of Garni, built in the I century by Armenian king Trdat I and dedicated to the god of sun Mihr. According to history, the temple was built on the money of the Roman Emperor Nero.

Next stop is Geghard monastery complex (IV century), which is included in the list of World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO. Its full name is Gegardavank, literally it is translated as "Monastery of the spear." The name of the monastery complex comes from Christ Spear (Spear of Longinus), which the Roman soldier Longinus thrust in Jesus Christ. The spear is now kept in the museum of Echmiadzin Cathedral.

Lunch in a restaurant with tasting of national dishes.

After lunch, we continue the tour to the city of Ijevan, where we will have an excursion to the Ijevan winery, built in 1951. The factory is located between the rivers Aghstev and Spitak Jur. Being located in the north-eastern part of Armenia its organic vineyards have favorable climatic conditions for the growth of European grapes. Ijevan winery is one of the leaders in the export of Armenian wines and brandy. And, of course, after the tour we will have wine tasting of 6 varieties of Armenian wines.

Afterwards we go to the pearl of Armenia - blue Sevan. Lake Sevan is a freshwater lake in the Armenian highlands. It is the largest lake in the Caucasus. It is guaranteed to be the largest source of fresh water in the region. We will also visit the Sevanavanq - a monastery in the north-west coast of Lake Sevan. The monastery is located on a peninsula, which was once a small island.

Back to Yerevan.

Day 4

   

 

On this day we start the tour with a visit to the monastery  Saghmosavank (XII-XIII c.). Located on the right bank of the picturesque gorge of Kasakh River, opposite the mountain Arailer (2600m.). These monasteries provide an opportunity to feel the power and antiquity of Armenian architecture.

Stop at Square alphabet. This is a monument to the Armenian alphabet, which consists of the 39 letters of the Armenian alphabet. There are monuments to Mesrop Mashtots and his disciples.

Then we continue our trip to Amberd fortress (Fortress of clouds, VII-XIII century), which is located on the southern slope of mount Aragats, at an altitude of 2300 m above the sea level.

Lunch in a restaurant with tasting of national dishes.

Next we visit "Armenia" Wine Factory. The factory retains and strengthens its positions in the Armenian and international markets, while maintaining the best traditions in the production of cognac and wines.

Back to Yerevan.

Day 5

  

We will visit the Sergey Parajanov Museum. Sergei Paradjanov is a great director, who created a new language of cinema, an artist, whose art has no analogues in the world of art. Fellini said: "His contribution to world cinema is primarily in the fact that he created a unique cinematic language. Parajanov's films’ world is a magical combination of color, plastics, music and words. In his films there are  an encyclopedic knowledge of Eastern culture and art, a riot of fantasy ... ".

Next we visit "Proshyan" Cognac Factory. The factory retains and strengthens its positions in the Armenian and international markets, while maintaining the best traditions in the production of cognac and wines.

Lunch at a restaurant with tasting of national dishes.

Next we  visit the Vernissage - the market of folk art products. Here you will find hand-made chess and backgammon made of wood, ceramic pots, made in national style, handmade ornaments, traditional musical instruments, silverware, paintings and many more things.

A visit to the central market in Yerevan. Dried fruits - a national treasure and the usual accompaniment to cognac. In Armenia, it seems, they can make them of anything you wish. Including watermelon, cantaloupe and even tomatoes!

Day 7

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Yerevan - Tsagkhadzor - Kecharis - Arinj - Yerevan

 

 

Pleasant pastime in Tsaghkadzor. A visit to monastery Kecharis which consisting of four churches and two chapels. The main church of St. Gregory was built in 1013. There is a small chapel on the territory of the monastery. It is the tomb of the founder of the monastery Grigor Magistros Pahlavuni.

Lunch in a restaurant with tasting of Armenian beer (beer brands "Kilikia", "Kotayk", "Gyumri", "Erebuni").

On the way back we will visit the wonderful cave, located in the village of Arinj. Once one residents of the village saw a vision that he would build a temple near his house all alone, which he soon forgot about. And how it ended and what happened you will see for yourself.

Return to the hotel, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport.

 

• airport-hotel-airport transfers;
• accommodation in a 3 * hotel;
• breakfast in the hotel and lunch at various Armenian restaurants;
• comfortable transport service;
• accompanying guide service throughout the tour;
• entrance tickets to the historical and cultural centers;
• tasting of Armenian Brandy (Cognac) and wine;
• 2 bottles of spring water in the transportation;
• tourist support service over the phone.

Tour price does not include:

• airline tickets;
• an entry visa (if required);
• alcoholic beverages (other than those specified in the tour program);
• medical insurance.

Notes:

• If you wish you can choose any other hotel in Armenia. Also possible to stay at a hostel or private flat (you should arrange that with the manager). The price of the tour will be reconsidered.
• Those under 18 can't participate in that tour.