Armenia and the Silk Road

This cultural tour allows You to find yourself in Middle Ages, to visit places, where the medieval trade road passed. That route was known as Silk Road, an medieval route connected Asia with European countries over Mediterranean sea. Armenia was at the crossroads of trade between East and West, North and South.

• Day 1: Departure from home country

• Day 2:Yerevan city tour

  

  Arrival in Zvartnots airport. Meet and greet transfer, accommodation at the hotel. Rest. In the morning meet your escort guide and start city tour around Yerevan. Visit History museum of Armenia providing a deep insight into Armenia's unique culture and history. The museum is arranged chronologically from early mankind up to recent historical events with a rich exhibition of historical treasures, ancient artifacts related to the faith of Armenian people and of course the world’s oldest-5000 year old shoe. We visit Tsitsernakaberd Memorial park with an 'Eternal Flame' meant to commemorate the victims of the genocide and the Genocide museum - a powerful, solemn dedication to the first genocide of 20th century. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.

• Day 3:Yerevan-Echmiadzin-Zvartnots-Vernissage

  

  Departure to Echmiadzin. On the way stop at the ruins of Zvartnots temple - the pearl of the 7th c. architecture (inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list). The mother cathedral of Etchmiadzin is mere 20 km from Yerevan. On the way stop at St Hripsime church which is considered to be one of the 7 wonders of Armenia. Echmiadzin Cathedral is one of the oldest standing churches in Christendom. It was built in 303 AD over a pagan fire altar. The name Echmiadzin means “descent of the Only Begotten”. It was believed to have been designated in a vision where Christ came to earth and struck the plains with a golden hammer. This landmark is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In the second half of the day visit open air market Vernissage where you can find hundreds of vendors selling a variety of crafts (open only on weekend). Overnight in Yerevan

• Day 4:Khor Virap-Noravank-Selim Caravansary-Noratous-Sevan

  

  Sightseeing tour to Khor-Virap monastery the importance of which is connected with Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia and is considered to be the first Armenian Catholicos - bishop. Continue tour to Noravank monastery - religious and cultural centre of 12th c. On the way visit the great Areni local wine factory to taste local wine made from special sorts of grapes. Drive to Selim Pass for visiting the caravanserai (XIV c.) this used to be an important trade point in the famous Silk Road. In the whole country it is the only well surviving one coming from the depth of the history. Built along the Selim Pass, it once hosted the weary travelers and their beast of burden passing by. This unique architectural monument of Medieval Armenia is a splendid relic of the days when Armenia was a crossroad for economical, cultural and military affairs. Visit also to Noratous ancient cemetery with medieval khachkars (cross-stones) dating back to 6th c. Drive to Lake Sevan. Overnight in Sevan.

• Day 5:Sevan-Dilijan-Goshavank-Haghpat & Sanahin Monasteries-Dzoraget

  

  Start tour from Sevan to the North of Armenia through spectacular forested region of Dilijan where you can walk through the museum street and be inspired with 19th c. Armenian architecture. Visit Goshavank Monastery situated in the woodlands of Dilijan. Departure to Lori region to visit the architectural complexes of Sanahin (966 AD) and Haghpat (976 AD) which are among the outstanding works of medieval Armenian architecture. Drive to Dzoraget. Overnight at the hotel Avan Dzoraget.

• Day 6:Dzoraget-Gyumri City tour-Talin-Aruch Caravansary-Yerevan

  

  After breakfast visit to the town of Ashtarak – one of the most ancient Armenian cities. Visit the church of Karmravour, one of the smallest pan-Armenian churches but in spite of its size you can still feel authentic Christianity. It’s also one of those rare churches where some traces of frescos are still seen. Continue to Saghmossavank medieval monastery that is situated in the breathtaking site, at the deep canyon of Ashtarak. Saghmossavank is translated as “monastery of psalms”. Contune to Amberd fortress. Currently in a ruined state the Fortress of Amberd meaning a "fortress in the clouds" used to be one of the primary military-defensive points of the Armenian Kingdom Drive back to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

• Day 7:Yerevan-Ashtarak-Saghmossavank-Fortress of Amberd-Yerevan

  

  After breakfast visit to the town of Ashtarak – one of the most ancient Armenian cities. Visit the church of Karmravour, one of the smallest pan-Armenian churches but in spite of its size you can still feel authentic Christianity. It’s also one of those rare churches where some traces of frescos are still seen. Continue to Saghmossavank medieval monastery that is situated in the breathtaking site, at the deep canyon of Ashtarak. Saghmossavank is translated as “monastery of psalms”. Contune to Amberd fortress. Currently in a ruined state the Fortress of Amberd meaning a "fortress in the clouds" used to be one of the primary military-defensive points of the Armenian Kingdom Drive back to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

• Day 8:Matenadaran-Garni-Geghard-Fruit Market

  

  In the morning visit the depository of ancient manuscripts the Matenadaran which contains historical documents from all over Europe and Asia throughout many centuries. Departure to Garni Temple which was built which was built in the first century A.D. Opportunity to have lunch at a local house in Garni where you will have opportunity to watch Armenian national bread “lavash” baking and barbeque making process in the underground stove called “tonir”. Northeast of Garni there is a magnificent monument of medieval Armenian architecture - Geghard Monastery inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list. Geghard is another incredible ancient Armenian monastery, partly carved out of a mountain. Return to Yerevan to visit the fruit market where local merchants sell fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, spices and delicacies. Overnight in Yerevan.

• Day 9: Departure

  

  Transfer to the airport. Departure home!