Incredible Trip to Armenia (4 days/ 3 nights)

After breakfast at the hotel (09:00) we head to Gyumri. Gyumri is a perfect destination for those travelers, who want to experience beautiful natural landscapes, historical architectural heritage and authentic local lifestyle. It is the second-largest city after Yerevan and it is considered to be the cultural center of Armenia with a number of famous artists, poets, musicians, composers and sculptures originating from this beautiful city. Recently the only Catholic Church in Armenia has been built here. The first stop of our full-day trip will be in Harich village, where we will get acquainted with the history of Harichavank Monastery. The monastery is one of the ancient medieval Armenian monastic centers and it was especially renowned for its school and scriptorium. In the 19th century Hraichavank used to be the summer residence of Armenian Catholicoses. The monastery is the jewel of Shirak Province. Here we will also visit the Theological Seminary, which is a noble institution where young priesthood-candidates are being trained to become future clergyman. Then we will continue to Gyumri, where we will visit one of the most attractive and a must visit museums – Dzitoghtsyan House-Museum of Social Life and National Architecture. The museum is located in the Kumayri historic district of Gyumri and exhibits elements of the daily urban life of Gyumri. Then lunch in one of the best fish farm restaurant of Armenia, called “Cherkezi Dzor”. After lunch a nice walking tour through the streets of the colorful city, which will help you to discover the lifestyle of Gyumri people and feel the spirit of 19th century architecture. Gyumri is also considered to be the “Laughter and Humour Capital” of Armenia. The residents of Gyumri are famous for their unique sense of humor and hospitality. This is another land of cheerful people. During the city tour we will visit the famous Black Fortress, which is an abandoned Russian imperial fortress built in the 19th century. Currently, it is a national cultural heritage monument, used as a cultural center. The Black Fortress of Gyumri is included in the list of intangible monuments of history and culture of the city. During this trip you can’t miss your chance to enjoy an unforgettable horse-drawn carriage ride through charming historical districts of Gyumri. Back, in older times, Gyumretsis used to travel through the city with “phaetons”, and it was an inseparable part of traditional weddings. You will be given free time for carriage ride and coffee before we return to Yerevan. Driving back to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.

After breakfast at the hotel (10:00) we will drive to Ararat Valley – a great place to admire the most picturesque views of the Holy Mount Ararat. We pay a visit to the Monastery of Khor Virap. It is the most visited pilgrimage site in Armenia, where the first Catholicos Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years for spreading the light of Christianity in Armenia. After Khor Virap Monastery we will drive to Garni to explore the only standing Greco-Roman temple, to feel the breath of preChristian era and to admire the beauty of this fantastic ancient structure. The pagan temple was built in the 1st century as a worship place devoted to the god of sun. It is an outstanding example of Hellenistic culture in Armenia. Then we will have lunch at one of the best restaurants in Garni. Here we will participate in the preparation of “lavash” bread baking ceremony and taste the freshly baked traditional thin bread with some fresh greens and local cheese. Next, we will have a walk to Garni Gorge to see the long vertical pillars of hexagonal shape, which are known as the “Symphony of Stones” or “Basalt organ”. After the nice walk we will get amazed by the magnificence of the 13th-century Geghard monastery complex, partially carved in the rock and included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Driving back to Yerevan. Overnight in the city. Driving back to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.