Best of Armenia - 8 days (AM-02)

We’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your centrally located hotel in the Armenian capital Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan. (D)

Yerevan’s a charming capital and though it boasts plenty of Soviet-era architecture, there’s also much history and a vibrant café culture. This morning’s city tour will show you such highlights as the Singing Fountains of Republic Square, the antiques and crafts of the Vernissage market and the ancient manuscripts of the Matenadaran. You’ll get the chance to orient yourself as we take the escalators to the top of the Yerevan Cascade, from where Mount Ararat is visible on a clear day. This afternoon’s programme takes us to the oldest cathedral in the country at Echmiadzin and also to the 7th century Zvartnots Cathedral. Dinner tonight is in Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan. (B, D)

Close to Yerevan you’ll find two very different but equally compelling sights: the Temple of Garni and Geghard Monastery. 1st century Garni is an Ionic pagan temple built in Greco-Roman style. It was destroyed in a 17th century earthquake but was built three centuries later. Nearby Geghard Monastery is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Founded by Gregory the Illuminator, you’ll see through to the church below from a hole in the floor. There’s also a spring which Armenians consider sacred. From there, we’ll head back to Yerevan where you can get to know the city a little better. Overnight in Yerevan. (B, D)

In the morning, the snow-capped peak of Mount Ararat across the border in Turkey looms large on the horizon. It’s just one of the reasons why a visit to Khor Virap Monastery is so rewarding. Noravank Monastery’s location if anything is even more fantastic. Approach along a narrow canyon and this religious complex appears, famed for its carvings of Jesus with Peter and Paul. Steep steps run up the outside of the church above its door and the views from the first floor, if you can handle the ascent, are incredible. Last stop today is at Areni, where we’ll taste local wines at a popular winery. Overnight in Yerevan. (B, D)

We’ll take an excursion out of Yerevan to visit Armenia’s most beautiful lake. Sevanavank Monastery is located on a hilltop and from it there are breathtaking panoramic views of the lake. In the churchyard, take a look at the intricately carved stones, known as khatchkhars. From Sevan, we’ll drive to the nearby spa town of Dilijan, where we can visit the Geological Museum and Art Gallery which displays archaeological pieces and works of art. There are also plenty of craft workshops in town where you can pick up a souvenir or two. Overnight in Dilijan. (B, D)

The twin monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin face off across the Debed Canyon. Haghpat is a mediaeval complex largely completed in the 9th century. Grey stone is topped with terracotta roof tiles, but it’s the floor that’s most interesting - the holes in it were originally designed to keep wine cool. Sanahin is Haghpat’s twin; its name means “older than that one”. The floor of the cavernous interior is covered with tombstones, though it’s considered good luck to step on them as it’s thought doing so will free the dead of their sins. From there, we’ll head to the village of Lermontovo, named after the Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov, who’s often called "the poet of the Caucasus". Our final stop is at the 12th century monastery of Goshavank before we return to Dilijan for dinner. Overnight in Dilijan. (B, D)

Today, we’ll retrace our steps and return to Yerevan. The drive takes about two hours from Dilijan so there’ll be plenty of time today to fit in some independent sightseeing. Overnight in Yerevan. (B, D)

After what’s been a fascinating and enjoyable week, it’s time to return to the airport in good time to catch your flight home. (B)