Easter in Hospitable Armenia

Meet at Eleftherios Venizelos airport and fly to Yerevan.

Arrival in Yerevan and transfer to the hotel. Overnight.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we visit Ejmiatsin Cathedral, regarded as the spiritual centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the first Christian cathedral in the world, built in 303 AD. The importance of Ejmiatsin is immense, not only for Armenia but for Christianity worldwide, as it is the seat of the Catholicos of All Armenians.

Our next stop is the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, one of the most impressive examples of 7th-century Armenian architecture. The church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, although it was destroyed by an earthquake, its ruins still impress with their architectural elegance.

We return to Yerevan and begin our tour of the Armenian capital.

For centuries this city has been known as the “pink city”, thanks to the distinctive pink colour of the volcanic stone (tuff) used to build it. Yerevan, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, was founded in 782 BC, and its streets are full of history, culture and life.

During our tour we will discover some of the city’s most iconic sights:

Republic Square – The heart of Yerevan, surrounded by government buildings and the History Museum of Armenia. At night the square comes alive with the magical “dancing fountains” show, a dazzling spectacle of light, water and music.

Mashtots Avenue (Mashtots Avenue) – The city’s main avenue, dedicated to Mesrop Mashtots, creator of the Armenian alphabet. Along it we will find modern shops, traditional cafés and important cultural institutions.

Aram Khachaturian Opera and Ballet Theatre – An imposing building dedicated to the world-famous Armenian composer. It is the centre of the city’s musical and theatrical life, hosting opera, ballet and top-class concerts.

Cascade Complex – An impressive marble stairway structure linking the city centre with the Monument neighbourhood. From the top there is a panoramic view of Yerevan and, weather permitting, of majestic Mount Ararat. The complex also houses the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, with open-air modern sculptures and temporary art exhibitions that will impress you. On the way to the hotel you will have your first introduction to the wonderful Pink City. You will tour the centre of Yerevan, where you will see Republic Square, considered the heart of the city, with its imposing government buildings and the History Museum of Armenia. You will also pass the State University and the Opera, and get to know the modern, cosmopolitan side of Yerevan.

After completing the first tour, you will be transferred to the hotel and have free time to explore the city on your own. Yerevan is known for its lovely cafés and its hospitable people.

You can also visit the “Vernissage” open-air art and crafts market, where you will find handmade jewellery, woodcarvings, paintings and other works of art. This market is ideal for discovering Armenian art and handicrafts and picking up unique souvenirs.

Overnight in Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel, and the first visit of the day is Garni Temple, the only surviving pagan temple in Armenia, dating from the 1st century AD. The temple is dedicated to the sun god Mithra, and its architecture, combining Greek and Roman elements, is impressive. Its setting, on a natural plateau overlooking the gorge of the Azat river, offers stunning views and is one of the most popular spots for photographs.

Close to the temple lies the “Symphony of Stones”, a natural geological formation of basalt columns that resembles a church organ. This unique site was formed by cooling lava and is one of the most impressive natural monuments in Armenia.

The next stop is Geghard Monastery, a masterpiece of Armenian architecture partly carved into the rock and founded in the 4th century. The name Geghard means “Monastery of the Spear” and is associated with the spear used to pierce Christ on the cross. The monastery’s unique architecture and mystical atmosphere make it one of the most important religious centres in Armenia.

Afterwards you will take part in a traditional class in making lavash, the Armenian unleavened bread that is a staple of Armenian cuisine and cultural heritage. You will enjoy a meal that includes the freshly baked lavash together with local specialities.

Visit to the “Gum” fruit market: your visit to the traditional “Gum” market will let you explore the variety of local produce. Here you will find fresh fruit, nuts, spices and many traditional sweets. It is the ideal place to taste Armenian flavours and pick up some souvenirs and gifts.

In the evening you return to your hotel for the overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel.

A free day for leisurely strolls around the markets or personal activities. Explore the city or enjoy a stroll through the cafés of Republic Square.

Overnight in Yerevan

Very early in the morning we transfer to the airport for the return flight. Flight to Athens. Return home full of beautiful memories.