Weekend in Armenia (4days / 3 night)

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 Lake Sevan and Sevanavank Monastery on the semi peninsula. This wonder of nature is surrounded by Geghama Mountains. During the 8th century a few monks settled on the former island of Sevan in the present day Sevanavank Monastery, and began to build their churches. Due to the strategically good location, many others came here. For a while it was the residence of the king Ashot Erkat (Ashot the Iron) who received his name due to his numerous glorious victories. With the time the walls of the monastery were destroyed and in 1930 the last monk left the monastery. During the lunch at the lake (optional*), we will have an opportunity to taste the fish from the lake prepared with the special local recipe. We will then drive to have a walk in the wonderfully forested region of Dilijan to enjoy the 19th century appearance of the town. Dilijan is rich in mineral waters. Some of them are compared with Wichi in France and Davos in Switzerland. Moreover, Dilijan is often called “the Switzerland of Armenia.” Drive to the forests of Dilijan national Park to visit red deer and feed them. Return to Yerevan. Overnight at a hotel in Yerevan.