Armenia Small Group Tour 2023-20245 Days | Yerevan, Hayravank, Noratus, Sevanavank, Etchmiadzin, Khor Virap, Areni cave, Noravank, Garni, Geghard

Arrival in Yerevan. Private transfer to your hotel will be arranged. Check-in at 14:00. Free time.
Driving distance: 10 km

After breakfast, drive out of the city to the Holy See of Armenia, Etchmiadzin, where we’ll visit Etchmiadzin Cathedral* (the residence of the Catholicos, the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church) and the museum of Christian relics. Return to explore Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest cities. Yerevan is also nicknamed 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, visit the Cascade Monument, a 500-metre high, 50-metre wide limestone staircase with no less than 572 steps. From the top of the monument, enjoy a breathtaking city view that includes the Opera House, Mount Ararat, Swan Lake, Republic Square, and Abovyan Avenue, all of which we’ll see as we walk the streets of Yerevan (~2 km walking). Then transfer to the hotel. Free evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
*The site is currently under conservation works. Observation of the Cathedral is possible from the outside.
Driving distance: 50 km

Breakfast. At 08:00, head to Khor Virap Monastery. According to the legend, St. Gregory the Illuminator (who is credited with converting Armenia to Christianity) had been kept in the basement here for 13 years for disseminating of Christianity, until King Tradt decided to adopt the new religion. The monastery’s location allows you to enjoy superb views of Mount Ararat. Drive to the Noravank complex, which is situated on a ledge of a deep, winding gorge. Noravank stands among bizarrely shaped, precipitous red cliffs. Visit the Areni Cave complex where, in 2008, the world’s oldest leather shoe was found. On the way back to Yerevan, stop at Areni winery to taste wines made from local grape varieties. Arrive in Yerevan at around 18:00. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Driving distance: 240 km

Breakfast. Depart Yerevan and drive to Garni, the only pagan temple in Armenia that survived the introduction of Christianity in the 4th century. The next stop is the Geghard ("spear") monastery complex. The beautiful landscape surrounding Geghard is framed by towering cliffs. Decorative art cut into the rocks reflects and explains Medieval development in this region. The complex was established in the 4th century around the sacred spring inside the cave.
Return to Yerevan, which you’ll have a free afternoon to explore. Here are some possible places to visit:

• Ararat Brandy Factory;
• Matenadaran Manuscripts Museum;
• History Museum;
• Vernissage souvenir market.

Meet in the evening for a farewell dinner at a traditional local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Driving distance: 80 km

Breakfast, followed by hotel check out (by 12:00). Free time until your transfer to Yerevan International Airport. Departure. End of the tour.
Driving distance: 10 km