Luxury Armenia Tour - 8 days (AM-06)

Welcome to Armenia. We’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your centrally located hotel in Yerevan. Settle in and prepare for your adventure to begin at the aptly named Grand Hotel Yerevan. This well-appointed hotel is one of the finest in the country, a stellar five star property that’ falls under of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World umbrella. Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.

Let’s get acquainted with Armenia’s enchanting capital today. Alongside the usual Soviet-era architecture, Yerevan has some interesting sights. You can watch the singing fountains of Republic Square, shop for handicrafts at the Vernissage market and admire the many ancient manuscripts housed in the Matenadaran. Echmiatsin, Armenia’s fourth largest city, is around a half hour drive west of Yerevan and is our first excursion. It’s a treasure trove of UNESCO sites, with five monuments holding the prestigious status. We’ll concentrate on the oldest cathedral in the country, and then move on to Zvartnots. The cathedral there was abandoned in the 7th century and rediscovered after archaeological excavations at the beginning of the 20th century. The reasons for its unexpected demise remain a mystery. Breakfast and dinner; overnight in Yerevan.

Driving distance: 55 km / 34 ml.

Today’s excursion gives you the opportunity to visit two historic but very different religious buildings. The first is a pagan temple built in a rather unusual Greco-Roman style; there’s nothing else like it anywhere in Armenia. Rebuilt after damage caused by an earthquake, its impressive colonnades make this a must for any tourist. We’ll also take you to nearby Geghard Monastery. It takes its name from Gregory the Illuminator, who was the first to head up the Armenian Apostolic Church. The monastery’s church boasts incredible acoustics which can trick you into thinking a lone voice is a choir. Check out a peephole through which you can see into the church from above and also visit its holy spring. Afterwards, we’ll return to Yerevan in time for dinner. Breakfast and dinner; overnight in Yerevan.

Driving distance: 75 km / 47 ml.

Many of Armenia’s monasteries can be found in extraordinary locations and today’s pair is no exception. We’ll show you Khor Virap first. Gregory the Illuminator’s story continues here, as he was a prisoner for a time in one of its cells. Perched on a small hill, you can see it from afar and also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The mountain you can see in the distance is Mount Ararat, but it actually sits across the border in neighbouring Turkey. Noravank too is a delightful place. This monastery is situated along the steep sided Amaghu River gorge. Its stone walls are etched with images depicting Biblical scenes, such as an image of Jesus with his apostles Peter and Paul. Prepare to wait in line if you wish to climb the stone staircase along the outside of Noravank’s two-storey church to take in the amazing view along the valley. Round off the day with a tasting at the renowned Areni winery. Breakfast and dinner; overnight in Yerevan.

Driving distance: 245 km / 153 ml.

It’s time to move on from the capital so we’ll check out of the Grand Hotel Yerevan this morning, our sights set on Lake Sevan. On a hill overlooking the lake shore you’ll encounter Sevanavank. This remarkable monastery is one of Armenia’s prettiest, particularly on a sunny day when cloudless skies and the vivid blue of the lake set off the colour of its stonework to perfection. You’ll need to climb a long flight of steps to reach it, but with panoramic views out over the water and graveyard full of khachkars (carved stones) it’s well worth the effort. Next stop today is Dilijan. This is a popular spa town but it’s also home to a fascinating museum in which you’ll find a diverse array of objects covering topics like geology, history and art. The town is also known for its handicraft shops where you can browse for a suitable souvenir to bring home. Our base will be the delightful Best Western Plus Paradise Hotel Dilijan. This four star property is surrounded by forested slopes which you can see from the outdoor pool and terrace. Breakfast and dinner; overnight in Dilijan.

Driving distance: 98 km / 61 ml.

Today we’ll focus on a trio of monasteries. First up is a drive over to the Debed Canyon where we’ll tour Haghpat and Sanahin. These monasteries are a heritage double act thanks to their proximity to each other. Both date from the 10th century and have earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Haghpat in particular has a stunning location up on the hill, where its monks could benefit from solitude and privacy. After we’ve explored a little, we’ll move on to another monastery. Goshavank is thought to date from the 12th or 13th century and its cluster of churches is in good condition; all but one are connected to each other. Breakfast and dinner; overnight in Dilijan.

Driving distance: 238 km / 149 ml.

It’s around a two hour drive to get back to Yerevan, which means there’s plenty of time for you to see a bit more of the Armenian capital when we return. We recommend you visit the haunting but fascinating Genocide Memorial and Museum, where you can pay your respects beside the eternal flame. The old quarter of Kond, often overlooked by visitors, has a dilapidated charm; you’ll often see wool drying on the ground outside its historic houses. The Cascades, in contrast, teems with visitors who climb its staircases to take in the views over the city. However you choose to spend this additional time, we’re sure you’ll relish getting to know Yerevan a little better. Breakfast and dinner; overnight in Yerevan.

Driving distance: 96 km / 60 ml.

All that remains is for us to accompany you to the airport for your flight home and wish you a pleasant and safe journey. We trust you have enjoyed your tour and hope to see you in Armenia again very soon. (Breakfast)