
The Soul of Armenia Tour: 8-day itinerary uncovers one of the most picturesque countries in the world, situated along the Great Silk Road and lovingly referred to by locals as Hayastan. Adventure awaits you all along this trip: Stroll through Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest cities, experience life in the historic cave village Khndzoresk, discover the mystery of the Armenian alphabet at Oshakan and journey down the Silk Road at Orbeliean’s caravanserai, located 2410 meters above sea level and opening upon a breathtaking view of the land. Come see why this land is adored by citizens and visitors alike!
Tour itinerary:
After short rest, start exploring Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest cities. Yerevan is often referred to as a “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. The Cascade is a giant stairway (572 steps) linking the downtown area of Yerevan with the Monument neighborhood. From the top of the monument you can capture the best panorama of Yerevan and the mountain Ararat. Continue exploring the city by walking along the beautiful streets, past Opera House, Republic Square, and Abovyan Avenue. Transfer to the hotel. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
*The site is presently under the renovation works.
Drive to the Noravank complex. The monastery offers one of the most beautiful surrounding areas in Armenia. The spare lines of the church contrast beautifully with the sharp red rock cliffs.
Continue to Areni Caves. In 2008 researchers found here the world’s oldest shoe. Visit Hin Areni winery to taste delicious local wines. Continue driving towards Goris. En-route stop at Karahunj (Carahunge) – also known as Zorats Karer. The site was inhabited from prehistoric to medieval civilizations. It consists of a prehistoric mausoleum and over two hundred large stone monoliths, eighty of which have distinctive, well-polished holes bored near their upper edge. The monument is surrounded by beautiful nature, making it an attractive journey for many tourists each year. Arrival in Goris in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Continue to Khndzoresk - The historical cave village, located on the steep slope of a gorge. It consists of natural and manmade caves. Since many of the dwellings were carved out over and around each other, a complex system of ropes and ladders were required for people to reach many corners of the community. Right up until the 20th century Khndzoresk Cave Village was the biggest village in Eastern Armenia. Drive to mountain spa town Jermuk for overnight.
Our final stop today is Sevanavank Monastery. It stands on a narrow rocky peninsula, in the northwest part of the Lake Sevan – one of the largest freshwater alpine lakes in Eurasia. The road passes through the coastline of the lake, surrounded by beautiful nature. Lake Sevan attracts many locals and tourists throughout a year. Reach Dilijan for overnight.
Then drive to Gyumri, the second large city in Armenia. It lies on the Shirak plateau which crosses several mountain gorges. The city itself is located in the close quarters from the Aragats northern mountain ranges. Gyumri concentrates a lot of mineral deposits and the whole city’s southern part is located above an artesian basin. Overnight in Gyumri.
- All transfers (1-2 pax by sedan, 3-4 pax by Mercedes Vito or similar, 5-10 pax by Mercedes Sprinter passenger van);
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
- Sightseeing tour program in Armenia with local English-speaking guide;
- Entrance tickets to sights as per itinerary;
- Wine tasting at Hin Areni;
- Welcome dinner in Yerevan;
- Bottled drinking water.
- Full board (lunches and dinners);
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Personal travel insurance;
- Tips are not included, but would be appreciated.
Accommodation:
Yerevan - 3 nights | |
Cascade, Ani Central Inn, Hrazdan or similar | DoubleTree by Hilton Yerevan, Opera Suite, Grand Yerevan, Tufenkian or similar |
Goris - 1 night | |
Mirhav, MonteBello or similar | Mirhav, MonteBello or similar |
Jermuk - 1 night | |
Hotel Verona, hotel Kasanova or similar | Grand Resort Jermuk Hotel or similar |
Dilijan - 1 night | |
Toon Armeni or similar | Best Western Plus Paradise, Turfenkian Old Dilijan Complex, Dilijan Resort & Spa or similar |
Gyumri - 1 night | |
Hotel Villa Kars, Berlin Hotel or similar | Hotel Nane or similar |