Day 1 Yerevan is waiting for you

Arrival in Yerevan. Transfer to the hotel. Get acquainted with the city.

Visit the most unique corner of the Armenian Capital, the Sergei Parajanov Art Museum.

Walk in the City Centre. Welcome dinner.

Overnight in Yerevan. (Dinner included)

Day 2. Trip to the South.

Check out of the hotel in Yerevan and head towards the Southern Province of Vayots Dzor. We will drive through the whole Ararat Valley where the Biblical Mount in all its beauty can be clearly seen in cloudless weather. We will visit the 17th century Khor Virap Monastery which is the closest point in Armenia to Mount Ararat.

Later on our trip will continue to Jermuk Resort town which is 170 kilometres from Yerevan. Jermuk is known for its hot springs. Until the year 2000 this town was just a summer resort where people would spend time breathing the fresh and sanative air as well as undertaking various treatments. However after 2005, since its ropeway (cable car) was built, Jermuk has transformed into a ski resort and can be actively visited at any season. Even if you are not a fan of skiing it is still worth taking the ropeway to the highest point from where a spectacular view opens up amidst the fresh and healthy air to be found at an altitude of 2700 metres above sea level.

We will also see Jermuk waterfall as well as the hot springs gallery.

Overnight in Jermuk. (Breakfast and Dinner included)

Day 3. Jermuk-Noravank-Areni wine tasting-Yerevan

After breakfast and checking out we will take a short but pleasant morning stroll to the hot springs.

Leaving Jermuk we will continue with our exploration of the Armenian South visiting the ancient Areni Cave, where in 2008 archaeological excavations revealed the oldest shoe ever discovered (5,500 years old) which is now exhibited in the history museum of Yerevan. This cave offers a special opportunity as the excavations are still ongoing and remains of clay jars from the oldest winepress can currently still be seen.

Further on, surrounded by the magnificent landscape of reddish rocks, will we see the 13th-14th century Noravank Monastic Complex with its unique history.

Following this lunch will be accompanied by wine tasting where you will have a chance to try several types of local wine.

Return to Yerevan for one overnight. (Breakfast and Lunch included)

Day 4. Northern Direction.

Leaving Yerevan this morning we will head towards the Pearl of Armenia, Sevan Lake, and visit its peninsula where the Sevanavank Monastic complex can be found.

Afterwards we will continue to Dilijan Resort town which, being one of the principal stations on the Silk Road, is now known for its healthy air and cold water springs. We will see its Old District reconstructed in the original style.

In the evening we will arrive at Haghpat village where the Biggest Medieval Monastic Complex, included in the List of UNESCO World Heritage sites, will be visited.

Overnight in Haghpat. (Breakfast and Dinner included)

Day 5. Tbilisi

On the way toward the Georgian border we will visit the 12th century Akhtala Monastery with its fresco paintings.

After completing border formalities the same vehicle will drive us to Tbilisi where our adventure will continue. There will be an evening walk in the City with dinner in one of the local restaurants.

Overnight in Tbilisi. (Breakfast and Dinner included)

Day 6. Mtskheta,Spiritual Capital

On this day we will get acquainted with the Spiritual Centre of Georgia, namely its ancient Capital Mtskheta and the splendid Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. We will also see one of the oldest churches, called Jvari which means “Cross”, which dates back to the 6th century. These sites will surprise you with their beauty and relationship with the sacred history of Georgian Christianity.

Returning to Tbilisi we will have a free evening and opportunity to explore more of the capital. As an option we can visit the State History Museum or Puppet Theatre (additional fee per person to be advised dependent on demand).

Overnight in Tbilisi. (Breakfast and Lunch included).

Day 7. Alazani Valley, Georgian Wine Route

Today we will visit Kakhetia Province notable for its grape vines. We will see Bodbe Monastery where Saint Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia, was buried. After this we will visit Signakhi, a beautiful town of lovers which started as a fort overlooking the valley, and hear about its legends.

This will be followed by lunch with wine tasting.

Return to Tbilisi. (Breakfast and lunch included).

Day 8. Departure

Morning transfer to the airport. End of program.