Print Dossier - Wild Frontiers

Spirit Of Armenia
Set amongst the mountains of the Southern Caucasus, Armenia lies at the crossroads of Western Asia and
Eastern Europe. Often overlooked, this little visited nation-state can boast an impressive lineage and a tragic
history. The first country in the world to adopt the new Christian religion, its mountains are filled with a
dazzling wealth of churches, monasteries and rock-cut chapels.
Under the towering gaze of Mount Ararat you will have a chance to explore Yerevan, the Armenian capital,
and its surrounding treasures including Echmiadsin, the spiritual home of the Armenian Church. You’ll visit the
important monastic settings of Khor Virap and Noravank, explore the cave village of Khndzoresk and take the
longest cable car ride in the world to Tatev Monastery.
Crossing the ancient Selim Pass, you then head into the gorges and valleys to seek out the hidden
monasteries of Haghartsin, Haghpat and Sanahin, before paying visits to Gyumri and Amberd, site of one of
the finest preserved fortresses in the country.
Highlights:
Drive over the 2400m high Selim pass with its green pastures and shepherds
Marvel at the presence of Mt Ararat, looming over the city of Yerevan
Immerse yourself in the history and architecture of the monasteries
Visit the valleys and gorges with their hidden monasteries.
Stroll the avenues of Yerevan and drink coffee in its cafes
Tour Includes:
6 nights boutique hotel, 2 nights guesthouse or simple hotel
8 breakfasts and 1 dinner
Private guided sightseeing
Private driver and vehicle
Entrance fees included as per itinerary
Private guided transfers to and from all airports
Please note the prices shown above are based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
Itinerary
Day 1: Yerevan
Arrive in Yerevan and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Yerevan
Today enjoy a full days sightseeing of the Armenian capital Yerevan. Visit the Matendaran Manuscript
museum and Erebuni - the Urartian hill top fortress. You will also have a chance to visit the Memorial to the
1915 Genocide, the Blue Mosque and a brandy distillery to sample some of Winston Churchill's favourite
brandy. (B)
Day 3: Yerevan - Echmiadsin - Geghard - Yerevan
Today is a full day's excursion to some of the most important sites surrounding Yerevan. First of all visit
Echmiadsin, the spiritual home of the Armenian church then continue on to Geghard with its rock cut chapels.
Finally visit Garni temple which was constructed in the 1st century AD and is Armenia's best preserved preChristian monument. Return to Yerevan where you will stay overnight. (B)
Day 4: Khor Virap - Noravank - Goris
This morning depart Yerevan and first of all visit the monastery of Khor
Virap stunningly located with Mount Ararat towering above it. This was
where St Gregory the Illuminator who brought Christianity to Armenia
was imprisoned for 13 years. Next continue to Areni in the heart of
Armenia's wine growing region where you will be able to visit a winery
and sample some of the local produce. Later visit Noravank Monastery
before arriving in Goris. (B)
Day 5: Khndzoresk - Tatev - Sissian
The first stop today will be at the cave village of Khndzoresk before continuing onto one of the highlights of
Armenia - Tatev monastery which is reached by the longest cable car in the world. Next of all visit the
prehistoric sites of Karahunj, Armenia's Stonehenge and Ughtasar with petroglyphs next to a volcanic lake.
Arrive in Sisian where you will stay overnight. (B,D)
Day 6: Smbataberd - Selim - Noraduz - Dilijan
This morning leave Sisian and head towards the ancient Selim pass.
First of all it's a steep walk up to Smbataberd fortress which is
spectacularly located at the southern end of the ridge with steep cliffs on
3 sides. Continuing on cross the Selim pass (2410m) stopping at the
Selim Caravanserai - a reminder of the region's role in the Silk Road.
Next visit perhaps one of Armenia's most surreal sights - the field of
approximately 900 Kachkars (carved memorial stones) at Noraduz.
Continue to Dilijan. (B)
Day 7: Haghartsin - Haghpat - Dzoraget
Today you will visit the Monastery of Haghartsin set beautifully at the head of a small wooded valley. Next
continue to the important UNESCO World Heritage sites of Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries both located
over looking Alaverdi where there is a 12th century bridge you will be able to stop at. Stay overnight at
Dzoraget. (B)
Day 8: Gyumri - Amberd - Yerevan
This morning depart Dzorgaet and first of all visit the Gyumri, the second largest city in Armenia and famous
for its poets, writers and composers. Here you can visit its museum and also the 7th century monastery of
Harich. Afterwards continue onto Amberd, one of the best preserved fortresses in Armenia before arriving in
Yerevan. (B)
Day 9: Yerevan
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Accommodation
Dzoraget
Avan Dzoraget Hotel
Goris
Mirhav Hotel
Yerevan
Villa Delenda
Dilijan
Tufenkian Old Dilijan
Sissian
Lalaner Hotel