DAY 1 THURSDAY
Arrival in Yerevan and transfer to the hotel.
DAY 2 FRIDAY
10:00 am departure to Garni and Geghard.
Garni
Garni temple which towers over a
triangular cape, is the unique survived example of heathen culture in
Armenia. It is a blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles. King Trdat the
First ordered building the temple in the first century A.D. and dedicated it to
the God of Sun. After adopting Christianity in 301 the pagan temple lost its
significance and the fortress of Garni became the summer residence of the
kings. Nowadays the ruins of the royal palace and the bathroom with a stunning
mosaic work can be found near the temple.
Geghard
Geghard monastery is the
unsurpassable masterpiece of the 13th century Armenian architecture. Some
of the churches of the complex are masterfully hewn in a huge rock. From the
outset the complex was called Ayrivank (cave monastery), later it was renamed
Geghard (lance), as the lance used by the roman soldier to sting Jesus Christ's
side, was kept in this monastery for many centuries. Due to its construction
Geghardavank serves the best place for singing spiritual songs. The complex is
rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars
(cross-stones).
DAY 3 SATURDAY
10:00 am departure to Tsaghkadzor (Kecharis), Lake Sevan, and
Dilijan (Goshavank, Haghartsin)
Tsaghkadzor
Tsaghkadzor
city ("Valley of flowers") is considered to be one of the most
popular winter resorts of Armenia. It is one of the places of our mountainous
country, where the beauty of the nature appears with its whole variety.
Tsaghkadzor is situated
in Kotayk region, 50 kilometers
North from Yerevan, on the eastern slope of Teghenis Mountain and is surrounded
with virginal woods and alpine meadows.
Kecharis
Kecharis monastery is in the
north-western part of Tsakhkadzor. It was built in 11-13th centuries. The
monastery consists of four churches and a half-destroyed mausoleum of Grigorius
Pahlavuni, who financed building the monastery.
Lake Sevan
The
fascination and the pearl of mountainous Armenia is Sevan Lake, which is one of
the world's greatest high altitude fresh-water lakes. It is about 1900 m above
sea level. The lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded with mountains of
3000 m and higher. The beautiful landscape and the crystal water serve nice
preconditions for excellent rest. The lake is also famous for its peninsula and
medieval church complex built in
874.
Dilijan
Dilijan entices people with its
unforgettable beauty and mild climate. The city stretches on the banks of
Aghstev river, surrounded with mountains and forests. Dilijan has the fame of a
health resort. The warm sun, fresh air and natural spas have great healing
influence on people. Dilijan is also rich in interesting architectural
monuments.
Goshavank
Goshavank was founded by the
famous medieval scientist, fabulist Mkhitar Gosh. The complex consists of
several religious and secular buildings. The unrivalled khachkar put in front
of the one-naved basilica was created by the skillful master Poghos in 291.
Goshavank used to be one of the most famous religious and cultural centers in
medieval Armenia.
Haghartsin
Haghartsin monastery situated in
the woodlands of Tavush region represents an indescribable example of blend of
nature with architecture. It was founded in the 10-11th centuries, though new
buildings were added in the 12-13th centuries. Now it consists of St. Grigor,
St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), St. Stepanos churches and some other
buildings. The refectory due to its skillful architectural composition is of
great interest. The huge oak tree, which is almost at the age of the monastery,
completes the whole scene.
DAY 4 SUNDAY
10:00 am departure to Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral), and
Zvartnots
St. Hripsime
St. Hripsime church is the one of
the famous ecclesiastical buildings in the city of Echmiadzin. This is the
developed and perfect example of cross-cupola churches in Armenia. The church
is notable with its architectural simplicity and loftiness. The tomb of the
Christian martyr Virgin Hripsime is in the sacristy of the church.
St. Gayane
Not far from the Echmiadzin
Cathedral against the background of white peaks of Ararat one can see the
silhouette of the cupola of St. Gayane church. The church was built in the 7th
century and belongs to the domed-basilica style. According to the legend this
church was constructed over the tomb of Virgin Gayane, who was martyred for
preaching Christianity.
Cathedral of
Echmiadzin
The center of Armenian Apostolic
church- St. Echmiadzin is located 20 km far from Yerevan. The Cathedral of
Echmiadzin was founded at the beginning of the forth century and is one of the
oldest churches in the world. According to the legend the church was built in
the place where apparition of Jesus Christ was seen to Grigory the Illuminator
in the dream. The interior of the church is covered with frescoes created by
Hovnatanyan family. The residence of the Catholicos and the Theological Academy
are situated near the Cathedral.
Zvartnots
This
marvelous temple is a result of skillfulness and brave creativity of Armenian
architects of the 7th century. Having been built on several columns it could
survive only till the 10th century. When in the beginning of the 20th century
this site was being excavated many specialists could hardly accept its
reconstruction model designed by famous Armenian architect Toros Toramanyan as
it was difficult to believe that such a huge and complicated construction
could have been built those days.
DAY 5 MONDAY
Transfer from the hotel to the airport.
The price includes:
* Hotel
accommodation (4 nights)
* 4
breakfasts
* Full
transportation service (comfortable air-conditioned minibus or bus)
*
Professional guide service, speaking Armenian, Russian, English
* Soft
drinks and cakes during trips
* Entrance
fees to the historical and cultural attractions
* Insurance of the vehicle and passengers