6-Day Armenia Classic Tour6 Days | Private | Yerevan, Garni, Geghard, Echmiadzin, Khor Virap, Noravank, Karahunj, Tatev, Khndzoresk, Jermuk etc.

Arrival in Yerevan. Meet your driver at the airport for transfer to the hotel, where check-in begins at noon.
After a short rest, start exploring Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest cities. Yerevan is often referred to as the “Pink City” and impresses visitors with its grand Soviet architecture. Our first stop in Yerevan will be at the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex on Tsitsernakaberd Hill. Next, we will visit the modern symbol of Yerevan – Cascade Monument, a giant stairway (572 steps) linking downtown Yerevan with Monument neighborhood. From the top of the monument you can capture the best panorama of Yerevan and Mount Ararat. Continue exploring the city with a walk down its beautiful streets, passing Opera House, Republic Square and Abovyan Avenue. Transfer to the hotel before enjoying a welcome dinner at a traditional local restaurant in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Depart Yerevan and drive to Garni, the only pagan temple in Armenia that survived the Christianization of the land in the 4th century. Descend Garni Gorge to explore a monumental rock formation called Symphony of Stones. The next stop is Geghard Monastery (meaning "spear" in Armenian), a complex founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator near a sacred spring inside a cave. Continue to Echmiadzin*. According to many scholars, it was the first cathedral built in ancient Armenia. We will visit the main Cathedral (the residence of the Catholicos, the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church) and a museum filled with Christian relics. Drive back to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel.
*This site is presently undergoing renovation.

At 08:00, head to Khor Virap Monastery where, according to legend, Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 14 years by King Tiridates III of Armenia. Saint Gregory was subsequently appointed to be the king's religious mentor, and as a result Armenia became the first country to adopt Christianity as an official religion in 301 AD. The monastery’s location allows you to enjoy superb views of Mount Ararat.
Armenia Classic Tour continues with a drive to Noravank Monastery. Located in one of the most gorgeous areas of the country, the monastery outline contrasts beautifully with the sharp red rock cliffs.
Drive to Areni Caves, where researchers found the world’s oldest shoe in 2008, and visit Hin Areni Winery to taste delicious local wines. Continue driving towards Goris, stopping en-route at Karahunj (Carahunge), also known as Zorats Karer. The site was inhabited from prehistoric to medieval times and consists of a prehistoric mausoleum and over two hundred large stone monoliths, eighty of which have distinctive holes bored near their upper edge. The monument is surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it a popular destination with tourists. Arrival in Goris in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning we will visit Tatev Complex, a 9th-century monastery standing near the Vorotan River which attracts many visitors. In order to reach the monastery, we will ride the “Wings of Tatev” cable cars, the longest aerial tramway in the world which is included in the Guinness Book of Records (5700m, 12 min. duration). Tatev was once the religious and political center of the region, and the remote location of the monastery was strategically chosen to protect it from constant invasions.
Continue to Khndzoresk, a historical cave village located on a steep slope and consisting of natural and manmade caves. Since many of the dwellings were carved over and around each other, a complex system of ropes and ladders was required for people to reach many corners of the community. Khndzoresk Cave Village remained the largest village in eastern Armenia right up until the 20th century. Afterward, drive to the mountain spa town of Jermuk. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, continue your Armenia Classic Tour at Selim Pass Caravansarai, also known as Orbelian's Caravanserai, located at a height of 2410 meters above sea level. Built in the 14th century, it was one of the major points along the Armenian Silk Road. After crossing the pass you will visit the medieval cemetery Noratus, where you can see khachkars (Armenian medieval cross-stones). Khachkars are carved with unique symbols and represent the amazing skill of medieval Armenian craftsmen. Since 2010, khachkars have been inscribed in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Our final stop today is Sevanavank Monastery, which stands on a narrow rocky peninsula near the northwest shore of Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater alpine lakes in Eurasia. The road passes along the beautiful coastline of the lake, which attracts many locals and tourists year-round. Afterward, drive to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel.

Check out from the hotel by noon and transfer to Yerevan International Airport for departure. End of Armenia Classic Tour.

Economy:
Mirhav / Goris / Mina / Redroof Gueshouse / Khoreayi Dzor
Comfort:
Mirhav / Goris / Mina / Redroof Gueshouse / Khoreayi Dzor
Lux:
Mirhav / Goris / Mina / Redroof Gueshouse / Khoreayi Dzor

Economy:
Hotel Verona or similar
Comfort:
Hotel Verona or similar
Lux:
Grand Resort Jermuk Hotel or similar