Taste and Smell of Armenia

Arrive at Zvartnots International Airport and stay overnight in Yerevan

We will start the tour with the capital of Armenia: Yerevan. For ages, this city has been known as a “pink city” because of the colour of the stone it has been built with. So we will visit the Republic Square, Mashtoc Avenue, the House of Opera and Ballet after Aram Khachatryan, and the park “Cascade”.

Visit Ararat Brandy Factory, also known as the Yerevan Brandy Company, is a historic and renowned Armenian brandy distillery located in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Founded in 1887, the distillery has a long and storied history of producing high-quality brandy, often referred to as Armenian cognac. The factory, with its historic buildings and cellars, is not only a destination for brandy enthusiasts but also a place where visitors can learn about the rich tradition of Armenian brandy production.

One of the most vivid places in Yerevan is the Gum Market near the Tashir trading centre, which opened during the former Soviet Union years. It operates every day from morning until late evening. Here you can find fresh fruits and vegetables,
meat, spices, many types of dried fruits, cheeses, traditional Armenian bread (lavash), pickles, and more.

We will start the excursion to the centuries-old monuments Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots. These sites are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin, founded in 303, is the official residence of the Catholics of Armenia. Echmiadzin is a sacred place for Armenian people and the spiritual heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church. We’ll continue the trip to Zvartnots Temple, which was built in the 7th century by Nerses the Builder. Currently, there are only ruins of Zvartnots, but which has not lost its mystery over the years.

Then we will visit the Manuscript Museum of Armenia, which is called Matenadaran; here all ancient Armenian and World Manuscripts are kept.

Take trip to Khor Virap Monastery (4-18th cc.). This monastery is very prominent because of its history; Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia, was imprisoned there for about 13 years, as there was a prison on the site of the monastery at that time. Here we can enjoy the spectacular view of the sacred Ararat Mountain – an immortal symbol of Armenia.

Visit Momik Winery, where we will tour the vineyards to learn about wine-making technology. We will taste 3 types of high- quality wines (red, white, and rosé) accompanied by a variety of meats and cheeses, bruschetta, lemon, olives, summer salad, local bread of various types, seasonal fruits and nuts, main dishes, and water. We will also participate in a master class on carving Khachkars (cross-stones).

We will continue our tour to Noravank – a monastery of the XII century situated among amazing sheer rocks on the bench of a twisty gorge. This is the only monastery where we may find a unique sculpture of Father God.

Khndzoresk is one of the most impressive and mysterious places in Armenia because by visiting this village, you can clearly see how our ancestors lived and what progress led us to today’s level. Even before 1950, the people of this area lived in caves for 1000 years, and now you can walk through the abandoned city and feel the spirit of those times when there was no Internet, no phones, no connection. Because of its inaccessible location, the city remained inaccessible for both enemies and developing urban infrastructure.

Continue our trip to the monastic complex Tatev (9th-13th century): a famous centre of studies of those times. To reach the monastic complex, we should use a cable car which holds the record for the world’s longest non-stop double-track cable car.

Visit Karahunj, located near the town of Sisian in the Syunik Province of Armenia. The site features a large number of vertically standing stones arranged in a circular and radial pattern. These megalithic stones are believed to date back to the Bronze Age, and the purpose and origin of the site are subjects of scholarly debate.

The arrangement of stones at Qarahunj is thought by some to have had astronomical or ritualistic significance, with theories proposing that it may have served as an ancient observatory or a ceremonial site. The site provides a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric past of the region and has drawn the interest of archaeologists and historians.

Today we are going to pass the pathways that have been used by the travellers of the Great Silk Road. We will drive through the Selim Caravanserai, which served as an important centre of exchange, trade and for overnight during the times of the Great Silk Road. Here we can see the immortal tracks of world history.

Visit Noratus, a village located on the western shore of Lake Sevan in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. It is particularly known for its historic cemetery, Noratus Cemetery, which is one of the largest collections of Armenian khachkars (cross-stones) in the country.

Our next stop is Mikaelyan Family Farm, where the unique Armenian cheese has been produced for several years by Mikaelyan’s family. This family-run company specialises in the production of wine cheese, cognac cheese, “horac” and parmesan-type cheeses.

Then we will drive to Dilijan. Walking along the Sharamberyan Street, we will come across many museums, souvenir markets, small shops and so on. We will also observe two traditional houses built of wood, with tiled roofs and balconies with meticulously carved being typical examples of Dilijan.

The excursion loops around a valley and connects two historic monasteries: Matosavank and Jukhtakvank, both restored by time and nature. It is suggested to start at Matosavank and take a clockwise route around the valley for a more comfortable and pleasant experience. The trail begins on a dirt road and becomes a narrow path through grassy meadows and dense groves of elms, oaks, and hazelnuts. These 13th-century monastic complexes were once active cultural centres and are now enveloped by nature. Take a moment to sit at the outdoor stone tables and perhaps enjoy a snack.

Continue the tour to Fioletovo village, which is inhabited by Molokan Russians. You will be hosted by a family in Fioletovo village, where you can see the ordinary Molokan house, wander in the garden and participate in a tea drinking ceremony around samovar with freshly baked pastries or cookies. In Molokan’s house, you can taste tea froma samovar.

We will drive to Lake Sevan which is one of the largest lakes in the world. It stands out with its sweet and astonishingly blue water. Here we can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful lake. Then we will visit Sevanavank Monastery, which is situated on Sevan Peninsula. There are 2 monasterie,s actually; one of them is destroyed, but the other stands still. They were built in the Middle Ages, aroundthe  10th century.

Visit the brewery. The Dargett Brewpub offers 21 types of handcrafted beer made with high-quality ingredients, the best brewing traditions, and the latest Italian technology.

Take a trip to Garni. This Pagan Temple was built in the 1st century AD. It is the only temple that has been preserved from the Pagan times in Armenia. It was devoted to the god Mihr, who was the god of cleanness. In 1679, it was destroyed by an earthquake. In the 197,5 the Temple was restored.

Drive to the Symphony of Stones, located near the village of Garni, not far from the ancient Garni Temple. It is a stunning basalt rock formation that has been shaped by nature over centuries. The rocks in the gorge have taken on various columnar shapes, resembling a natural orchestra of standing stones, which has led to the name “Symphony of Stones”.

Then we will continue our trip to Geghard Monastery. Its name came from the legendary lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ. It has been kept here for centuries. Though the exact foundation of the monastery is unknown, the present complex was built in the mid – 13th century.

Say goodbye to Armenia!