Hospitable Armenia

Meet at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos airport and fly to Yerevan.

Arrival in Yerevan and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

After a rich breakfast at the hotel, we will 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 also 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 listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, although it was destroyed by an earthquake, its ruins impress with their architectural elegance.

After the tour, you will enjoy lunch in a traditional Armenian country house, where you will have the chance to cook and taste traditional dishes of Armenian cuisine in a welcoming setting.

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 its buildings. 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 enchanting “dancing fountains” show, offering 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 come across 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 high-calibre opera, ballet and concert performances.

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 site also houses the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, with open-air modern sculptures and temporary art exhibitions that will impress you. On your transfer to the hotel you will get your first taste of 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.

Once you have completed 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, wood carvings, paintings and other works of art. This market is ideal for discovering Armenian art and crafts and picking up unique souvenirs.

Overnight in Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel, and the first visit of the day is Garni Temple, the only preserved pagan temple in Armenia, dating from the 1st century AD. The temple is dedicated to the sun god Mithras, and its architecture, combining Greek and Roman elements, is impressive. Its location, on a natural plateau overlooking the gorge of the Azat river, offers amazing views and is one of the most popular spots for photographs. A short distance from the temple is the “Symphony of Stones”, a natural geological formation of basalt columns resembling a church organ. This unique site was created by cooling lava and is one of Armenia’s most impressive natural monuments.

The next stop is Geghard Monastery, a masterpiece of Armenian architecture featuring rock-hewn chambers, built in the 4th century. The name Geghard means “Monastery of the Spear” and is linked to the spear used to pierce Christ on the cross. The monastery’s unique architecture and mystical atmosphere make it one of Armenia’s most important religious centres.

Afterwards you will take part in a traditional class making lavash, the Armenian unleavened bread that is a key element of Armenian cuisine and cultural heritage. You will enjoy a meal including 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 will return to your hotel for the night.

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 will be transferred to the airport for the return flight. Flight to Athens. Return home full of lovely memories.