Wine & Dine in Armenia

There will be private transfer directly to your hotel from the airport upon arrival at Zvartnots Airport. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and unwind after your journey, take advantage of your hotel's facilities and wander around the local area.

Armenian Flag

Yerevan

Yerevan

Yerevan Sunset

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The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel

overnight

After breakfast, start your day with a personal guided tour of Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, famously known as the "pink city" due to the color of its stone buildings. The tour includes Republic Square, Mashtots Avenue, the Opera and Ballet House named after Aram Khachaturian, and the Cascade complex. Next, visit the Matenadaran, a museum housing the world’s largest collection of ancient Armenian manuscripts, alongside Persian and Arabian texts. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant. The tour continues with a visit to the History Museum, which boasts a national collection of 400,000 artifacts, followed by a stop at the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, Tsitsernakaberd, dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Later, visit the renowned Armenian Cognac Factory, known for producing world-famous cognac, a favorite of Winston Churchill.Overnight at your hotel.

Government House

Republic Square

Brandy Factory

Yerevan Brandy Factory

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The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel

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The excursion begins with a visit to the centuries-old monuments of Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin, founded in 303, serves as the official residence of the Catholicos of Armenia and is the spiritual heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Next, visit the ruins of Zvartnots Temple, built in the 7th century by Nerses the Builder, which, despite its ruined state, still retains a sense of mystery. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Parakar village, where a local family will host a cooking masterclass. Here, you'll learn to prepare the Armenian dessert "Gata" and the traditional homemade pasta "Arishta." The experience will be led by a famous Armenian TV star, with active participants receiving gifts and enjoying homemade liquor. Return to Yerevan for a visit to the Megeryan Carpet Factory, followed by dinner at the factory’s restaurant.

Ejmiatsin Cathedral

Zvartnots Temple

Preparing "Arishta"

Armenian Cookery Class

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The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel

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Today’s tour heads to Goris with several stops along the way. The first stop is (4th-18th centuries), a site of great historical significance where Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia, was imprisoned for 13 years when it was still a prison. The site also offers stunning views of the sacred Mount Ararat, an enduring symbol of Armenia. The name "Khor Virap" translates to "deep gorge." Next, visit the village of Areni, a key center for winemaking with a history spanning over 6,000 years. Archaeologists discovered the world's oldest leather shoe here, and visitors are welcome to sample the village’s excellent wines and even participate in the preparation of traditional Armenian barbecue. Continue to Noravank, a 12th-century monastery nestled among dramatic cliffs in a winding gorge, home to the only known sculpture of God the Father in Armenia. The final stop is Karahunj (or Zorats Karer), an ancient site believed to be 7,600 years old, predating both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Some experts believe it to be the world’s oldest astronomical observatory. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay in Goris.

Khor Virap Monastery

Winery Visit

Noravank Monastery

Karahunj

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Khoreayi Dzor

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After breakfast, begin with a city tour of Goris, known for its unique rock formations and traditional stone houses. The tour continues to the fascinating cave village of Khndzoresk, where you'll take a short walk across a swinging bridge that spans a massive gorge. This leads to ancient cave dwellings, which were inhabited until the late 19th century, offering a glimpse into Armenia’s past. Next, enjoy a homemade lunch at a local house in Yeghegnadzor, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste traditional Armenian dishes paired with the family’s homemade wine. This meal provides not only a taste of Armenian hospitality but also a chance to connect with local traditions. The journey continues to the Tatev Monastic Complex, an important center of learning from the 9th to 13th centuries. To reach the monastery, you'll take the Wings of Tatev, the world’s longest nonstop double-track cable car, offering breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape. After exploring the monastery’s rich history and architecture, return to Goris for dinner and overnight at your hotel, reflecting on a day filled with cultural, historical, and natural beauty.

Khndzoresk Bridge

Armenian Food

Tatev Monastery

Tatev Monastery

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Khoreayi Dzor

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Today’s journey follows the ancient pathways of the Great Silk Road, beginning with a drive through the Selim Caravanserai. This historic site once served as a vital center for trade, exchange, and rest along the Silk Road. Here, you can witness the enduring traces of history. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The tour continues with a visit to the Mikaelyan family farm, renowned for its unique cheese-making process. You'll have the opportunity to observe the production of the world’s only cheese infused with cognac and, of course, sample this special delicacy. Next, travel to Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, famed for its crystal-clear blue waters. The stunning natural scenery surrounding the lake is truly breathtaking. While here, explore Sevanavank Monastery, perched on the Sevan Peninsula. Although one of its two medieval monasteries is in ruins, the other remains well-preserved, offering a glimpse into the region’s 10th-century religious architecture. The day concludes in Dilijan, where a stroll along Sharambeyan Street—one of the city’s oldest—provides a chance to shop for souvenirs and experience the small-town charm. You’ll also visit a local brewery to learn about the traditional process of Armenian beer-making before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay in Dilijan.

Selim Caravanserai

Mikaelyan Family Farm

Lake Sevan

Dilijan

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EcoKayan Boutique Hotel & Camping

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Depart for Alaverdi, with a stop en route at a renowned wine and brandy factory, famous for its exceptional white wines. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the production process and sample some of their finest offerings. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savoring regional Armenian dishes. Continue the journey with a visit to the Haghpat Monastery, a stunning example of Armenian architecture from the 10th to 14th centuries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a major religious, cultural, and educational center in medieval Armenia, Haghpat offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich history and spiritual heritage. Its intricate stone carvings and majestic setting make it one of Armenia’s architectural treasures. After exploring Haghpat, head to Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant arts scene and traditional Armenian charm. Dinner will be at a local restaurant famed for its delicious fish dishes, where you can enjoy the freshest flavors of the region. End the day with a relaxing meal in a cozy atmosphere before settling in for the night in Gyumri.

Wine and Grapes

Haghpat Church

Gyumri

Ishkhan (Trout)

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Hotel Plaza Viktoria

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After breakfast, start your day by strolling through the charming streets of Gyumri, a city with a rich history and many name changes. Originally known as Kumayri, it later became Alexandrapol, then Leninakan, and finally Gyumri. As Armenia's second-largest city, located about 120 km from Yerevan on the banks of the Akhurian River, Gyumri is known for its cultural heritage and resilience. During the city tour, visit the Aslamazyan Sisters Art Gallery, where the artists are often compared to Frida Kahlo for their vibrant and expressive works. Next, depart for the Aragatsotn region, where you’ll enjoy lunch at a local house. This experience includes a masterclass on making the traditional Armenian sweet "Sharots," along with a tasting of homemade wine. Afterward, visit the Armenian Alphabet Monument, a tribute to the unique Armenian script. Continue to the medieval Amberd Fortress (7th-13th centuries), perched on the slopes of Mount Aragats, 4,091 meters above sea level. Explore the fortress’s fascinating architecture and history before heading to Saghmosavank Monastery, known for its dramatic location atop a gorge. Return to Yerevan for dinner at a traditional restaurant, followed by an overnight stay in the capital.

Gyumri

Amberd Fortress

Saghmosavank

Yerevan Sunset

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The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel

overnight

Start the day with a trip to Garni, home to a Pagan temple built in the 1st century AD. Dedicated to the god Mihr, it is the only surviving temple from Armenia's Pagan era. Though destroyed by an earthquake in 1679, it was restored in 1975. Continue to Geghard Monastery, named after the legendary lance said to have pierced Christ's body, which was kept here for centuries. The current structure dates back to the mid-13th century. Afterwards, visit a local home to witness and participate in the making of lavash, Armenia's traditional bread, baked in a ground oven called a “tonir.” Recognized by UNESCO, lavash is a thin, large bread often enjoyed with cheese, which you'll sample during lunch with the family in their garden. Return to Yerevan for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Garni Temple

Geghard Monastery

Baking Lavash

Lavash

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The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel

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There will be private transfer directly to the airport from your hotel. Your guide will confirm pick up time. We trust you have enjoyed the beauty of Armenia. Enjoy your flight!

Armenia stone cross

Ejmiatsin Cathedral

Lake Sevan

Happy Travels!

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The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel

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