Great Armenian Discovery - 10 days (AM-03)

Today your Armenian adventure begins as you arrive in the capital Yerevan. The transfer to your hotel is included. Overnight in Yerevan. (D)

You’ll begin by getting to know Armenia’s charming capital, Yerevan. This morning’s tour will encompass the main sights in the city, including the impressive Singing Fountains in Republic Square and the fascinating market stalls of the Vernissage with their mixture of objets d’art, Soviet memorabilia and local crafts. Also on the programme is a visit to the Matenadaran where ancient manuscripts are housed and the Yerevan Cascade, which offers panoramic views across the city and beyond from the top of its many flights of steps. Later, you’ll drive out to Echmiadzin where you’ll be able to see Armenia’s oldest cathedral and on to Zvartnots, home to a ruined 7th century cathedral listed by UNESCO. Return to Yerevan in time for dinner. Overnight in Yerevan. (B, D)

Garni and Geghard are usually combined into one excursion as they are geographically close together; however, in style they couldn’t be more different. Garni is the more unusual, an Ionic Greco-Roman pagan temple initially constructed in the 1st century AD but restored in the 1970s after a 17th century earthquake left it in ruins. Geghard is a UNESCO-listed monastery which was founded by Gregory the Illuminator in the 4th century. What you see today dates from the early 14th century but the spring that you can visit is the original sacred spring in Gregory’s cave. After our visits, we’ll drive back to the city and the rest of the day is yours to explore on your own. Overnight in Yerevan. (B, D)

Khor Virap’s location is pretty special - located very close to the Turkish border you often have wonderful views of Mount Ararat in the distance. The monastery is photogenic in its own right and fascinating to inspect close up. Noravank’s location is even more spectacular. The anticipation builds as we turn down a narrow canyon. The buildings of this monastery complex feature some very intricate carvings. If you have a head for heights, climb the steep, open steps built onto the front of the church to gaze back along the valley from a first-floor vantage point. Areni’s our last stop today. This place is known for its viticulture and we’ll make a stop at one of Armenia’s top wineries to learn about the production process and of course enjoy a tasting. Overnight in Yerevan. (B, D)

Sevanavank monastery is built on the top of a small hill. You’ll climb 243 steps to the top and the reward, once you’ve caught your breath, is the incredible view across the lake. The monastery itself is very pretty and in its churchyard you’ll be wowed by the beautifully carved khatchkhars which look a little like gravestones. It’s a short drive to Dilijan, a spa town and our base for the next couple of nights. You can amuse yourself in the local Geological Museum and Art Gallery which exhibits archaeological pieces and works of art or perhaps visit one of the craft workshops that are dotted about the town. Overnight in Dilijan. (B, D)

This morning we set off for the Debed Canyon. Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries face off against each other and when built, there was a rivalry between them. In fact, Sanahin’s name means “older than that one”. Haghpat itself was built back in the 9th century; check out the holes in the floor designed to keep wine at a cool temperature. Inside Sanahin, don’t be too concerned about showing a lack of respect if you walk over the gravestones on the floor - it’s actually considered good luck as it’s believed the act of stepping on them frees the dead from the burden of sin. The village of Lermontovo, named after the Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov, who’s often called "the poet of the Caucasus" is our next stop and we fit in a visit to the 12th century monastery of Goshavank before returning to Dilijan in time for dinner. Overnight in Dilijan. (B, D)

It’s time to depart Dilijan this morning and our first stop is at Noratus Cemetery. This mediaeval graveyard has the largest concentration of khatchkhars in the entire country. Large and small, embellished with carvings of crosses and weathered with moss and lichen, they are fascinating to explore. Legend has it that when Tamerlane planned an attack, locals placed helmets on top and propped swords up to make them appear like soldiers from a distance. Departing Noratus, we will cross the Selim Pass, calling in at the 14th century Orbelian's Caravanserai and head for Jermuk. This attractive mountain spa town is our base for the next two nights. Overnight in Jermuk. (B, D)

Continuing on, Tatev is our destination today. This hilltop monastery is reached via a flight on the Wings of Tatev, the world’s longest cable car. The journey across the valley is spectacular and the monastery’s remoteness is reinforced as you approach. In the complex itself, seek out a column tucked away in one of the courtyards which historically has helped to predict earthquakes and approaching enemy armies. Departing Tatev, we’ll soon reach the town of Goris from where we visit the nearby Khndzoresk Caves. Until relatively recently, these caves were inhabited. Once we’ve had a good look we’ll set off back to Jermuk. Overnight in Jermuk. (B, D)

Today we journey back to Yerevan. We’ll make a stop after about an hour at the church of St Jacob in a village called Vernashen. Inside there’s a small museum whose exhibits are devoted to education, art, mediaeval science and the history of the ancient Gladzor University which it’s thought was located at Tanahat Monastery about three miles away. It was also an important centre for calligraphy and hundreds of manuscripts were created there. Afterwards, we’ll depart for Yerevan, where you’ll spend your final evening. Overnight in Yerevan. (B, D)

Today’s departure day and it’s time to return to the airport in good time to catch your flight home. (B)