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Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh Republic 9 days

Europe and Caucasus
|
9
days | 2 - 12 people in a group
tour description

nature, history, culture, sightseeing

For centuries, the South Caucasus lands were the ground of battles fought by numerous empires and kingdoms. The territory of today’s Armenia was also the place where trade routes crossed and different cultures and religions met.

The history of this mountainous country is cast in stone which is the basic building material that was used for centuries for the construction of sacred and secular buildings, belonging to the most magnificent ones in the Caucasus area. The Armenian culture dates back to the beginnings of Christianity which was the religion of the Armenian Kingdom already in the fourth century. Despite its small surface area, this country can be proud of its long and rich culture and history. During our expedition, we will learn about the fascinating and often tragic Armenian past. We will also be able to appreciate its extraordinary cuisine and observe the daily life of its inhabitants. We will also visit the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, a country that is not recognised in the world, declared independent in 1991, after the still unresolved war between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

itinerary

Arrival at Zvartnots international airport. Transfer to the hotel. Time for rest. Yerevan city tour. Drive to the Victory Park for the panoramic view of the capital. Visit Cascade open air museum and park. We will continue to the Republic Square for the visit of the Armenian History Museum. Lunch. Free evening. Overnight stay in Yerevan. B.D.

L.D.

Breakfast. Drive to the Holy Capital of Armenia, the town of Echmiatsin. Visit at the St. Hripsime church (7th century). We will continue to the Mother Cathedral (301 AD), visit the treasury museum of the Cathedral. Visit the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral (7th century). Lunch. Drive back to Yerevan for the visit of the Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial. Free evening. Overnight stay in Yerevan.

B. L. D.

Breakfast. Check out of the hotel. Drive to the Khor Virap monastery. Possible view of the Biblical Mountain Ararat. We will continue to the Vayots Dzor province famous for its wine making history and traditions. Visit of a winery. Drive to the Noravank Monastery. Lunch. Then we will set off for the Syuniq province, for the visit of the Tatev monastery. The “Wings of Tatev” double reversible cable car will take us to this unique complex. Then we will drive to the town of Goris. Check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Goris.

B. L. D.

Breakfast. Check out from the hotel in Goris. Drive to Artsakh or Nagorno Karabakh. Visit of Shushi town with Ghazanchetsots Cathedral. Drive to the famous Jdrduz for the fantastic view of the gorge. Short walk to the Hunot Canyon. Lunch. Stepanakert city tour. Dinner and overnight in Stepanakert.

B. L. D.

Breakfast. Visit of the famous Tigranakert archaeological site with its museum. Drive back to Stepanakert. Visit of the food and fruit market to see how local women bake the traditional bread of Artsakh – zhingyalov hats. Free evening. Overnight in Stepanakert.

B. D.

Breakfast. Check out of the hotel. Drive to the Gandzasar and Dadivank monasteries. Lunch. Lake Sevan. Visit of the Hayravank monastery. Dinner and overnight stay in Sevan or Tsaghkadzor.

B. D.

Breakfast. Check out of the hotel. Drive to the Dilijan resort town. Visit at the Haghartsin monastery. We will continue to Russian minority (Molokan) populated villages. We will stop on a way for lunch with a Molokan family. Continue to Saghmosavank monastery. Check in at the hotel in Yerevan. Free evening. Overnight stay in Yerevan.

B. L. D.

Breakfast. Drive to the Kotayq province. Visit to the Geghard monastery. Choir concert of spiritual music. We will continue to the Garni Pagan temple. Visit to the natural wonder: Stone Symphony. Lunch. Visit of the Matenadaran museum, repository of manuscripts. Free time to go to the food and fruit market or the Vernissage souvenir market. B.L.D.

B. D.

Transfer to the airport and outbound flight from Yerevan.

B.

Practical information

The current situation is unstable, however, we hope for peace in Nagorno-Karabah that would enable the planned trip. In case it is not possible to enter the Nagorno-Karabakh republic, the program will be shortened or changed to see little-known but extremely interesting places in Armenia

With any questions please contact BTP ADVENTURE