Arrival at the “Zvartnots” international airport of Yerevan, meet and greet the group by our English-speaking guides and hostesses and private transfer to the hotel in downtown Yerevan by private luxury vehicles, the luggage will be transferred separately by the local DMC. Fast check-in.
The history of the capital of Armenia – Yerevan, dates back to the foundation of a Urartian fortress called Erebuni in 782 B.C. With a population of more than 1,000,000 people, Yerevan stretches along the banks of the River Hrazdan, under the wistful gaze of the biblical Mt. Ararat, guarded by the tremendous statue of Mother Armenia at Haghtanak (Victory) Park, from where the spectacular panorama of the city is seen.
Republic Square is the center of Yerevan. With the beautiful buildings of Government, Ministries, Armenia Marriott Hotel, Central Post Office and banks, it makes up a unified architectural style. The square is also home to the History Museum of Armenia that offers a fantastic journey through time, from the Stone Age to the 20th century, to take in a single day.
Relax and WELCOME DINNER at the hotel with traditional Armenian cuisine.
Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
Day 2: Yerevan City Tour – Etchmiadzin Cathedral – Zvartnots Temple – Yerevan
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Enjoy a brief walking tour at the famous Cascade complex in Yerevan and visit the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, featuring works by renowned contemporary artists.
Transfer to the town of Vagharshapat, home to the mother cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic Church – the Etchmiadzin Cathedral. The tour at the cathedral will also include a visit to the Treasury museum housing important Christian relics, such as the Spear of Destiny.
A short ride will take you to the ruins of the 7th-century Zvartnots temple, a UNESCO world heritage site. After the tour, enjoy Armenian duduk performance in the temple, and then a stunning show by 15 young drummers playing a traditional Armenian drum, dhol, in front of the Zvartnots temple.
Transfer to Yerevan. Lunch at the “Dolmama” restaurant in Yerevan. After lunch, visit the Yerevan Brandy Factory for a tour and VIP tasting of 3 types of Armenian cognac (10 y.o. Akhtamar, 20 y.o. Nairi and 15 y.o. Limited Edition DVIN).
Transfer to the hotel, rest and prepare for dinner.
Transfer to the “Salon” restaurant for dinner.
OPTIONAL: Evening at the legendary “Malkhas” Jazz Club.
Day 3: Geghard Monastery – Garni Temple – Yerevan
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Travel to a major pilgrimage site in Armenia, the cave monastery of Geghard, dating back to the fourth century and carved into the mountainside. The monastery complex was founded by Gregory the Illuminator at the site of a sacred spring inside a cave. Geghard is included in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Here at the monastery, enjoy a haunting performance of Armenian spiritual songs in one of the halls of the monastery famous for its acoustics.
At the nearby Garni village, visit the 1st century Garni pagan temple, the only temple of its kind in the region. It is the best-known structure and symbol of pre-Christian Armenia.
Afterwards, visit a local rustic house where an Armenian lavash bread baking ceremony and tasting will take place. Enjoy traditional Armenian dishes during lunch at the rustic house accompanied by Armenian folk music and dances.
Transfer to the hotel in Yerevan, rest at the hotel and prepare for the evening program and dinner.
Transfer to the Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Yerevan. Welcome champagne.
Ballet performance at the Historical Big hall of the Yerevan Opera and Ballet Theater (3th and 4th acts of “Gayane” ballet of Aram Khachaturyan). Cocktail at the VIP reception hall of the theater.
Transfer to the “Yans” restaurant for gala dinner.
Transfer to the hotel.
Day 4: Departure
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant and check-out. Transfer to the GUM market where local food and produce is sold (the luggage will be transferred to the airport separately by the local DMC). Short visit at the market.
Transfer to the Zvartnots international airport for departure.
