Stones Symphony

Overview

Itinerary

• Day
  1

  Yerevan

  Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport, meeting by the exit door and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Yerevan

• Day
  2

  Yerevan

  Departure for a half-day tour of the city of Yerevan which includes all the main tourist sites of the capital. Yerevan is on the list of "oldest cities in the world permanently inhabited", dating from the 8th century BC. The city is very lively with its open cafes, restaurants and local markets .... Enjoy a panoramic view of the Opera, the magnificent landscape of the two Biblical mountains Ararat covered with ice, the Swan Lake, the Avenue du Nord and Place de la République which is considered one of the most surprising and famous places in the capital. Visit the National Museum of History of Armenia which is the ideal place to start your historical and cultural tour of Armenia. You will see a collection of exhibits there, illustrating the secular history of the Armenian nation. The museum can be considered a must visit, as it is one of the richest museums in the region and has a unique collection, including the oldest leather shoe in the world (5,500 years old). (Closed on Mondays). Head to Etchmiadzin, the Center of Armenian Christianity, which is considered the "Vatican City" of Armenia with the Holy See of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Visit the Cathedral, built in 301-303 AD and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first state Christian church in the world, the cathedral boasts of its unique architectural style and its frescoes produced over the centuries by a generation of painters belonging to one and the same dynasty. Legend has it that this is where Jesus Christ came down from Heaven to show where he wanted a church to be built. NOTE: In Etchmiadzin cathedral, there have recently been cosmetic reconstruction processes and a new layer of frescoes has been discovered and by the government announcement, the cathedral is blocked, as well as research and new excavations. This means that the cathedral visit will not be carried out and that the guests may not see inside the church. Visit to the Cathedral of Zvartnots (UNESCO World Heritage) from the 7th century, which was excavated and rebuilt at the start of the 20th century. The daring design and construction of the complex represents architectural innovation at its peak. It was originally a masterpiece from the Middle Ages. Due to his unique design and architectural techniques, he had a global influence on architecture of the time. Overnight at hotel in Yerevan

• Day
  3

  Yerevan

  Visit of the Monastery of Khor Virap ("deep pit"), (4th century BC) at the foot of Mount Ararat. Also enjoy the magnificent view of the biblical mountain of Ararat where Noah's ark dropped anchor. * Please note that visibility can be difficult depending on weather conditions. Visit the Bird Cave (Areni-1), a 6,100-year-old wine company located in the village of Areni. You will take an interesting excursion to an ancient cave with an exciting and mysterious past. The oldest leather shoe in the world (5500 years), now kept at the History Museum of Armenia, was discovered there during archaeological excavations. Visit the Noravank Monastery, an architectural gem nestled in brick-red cliffs, just above a deep gorge. Built in the 13th century, the monastery is a fine example of the ornate architecture of the time. Overnight at hotel in Yerevan

• Day
  4

  Yerevan

  Visit the Garni village, famous for its 1st century Pagan Hellenistic temple. It is the only pagan temple that survived after the Christianization of Armenia. The place is particularly famous for its beautiful landscapes and its extraordinary view of the surrounding gorges and mountains. Lavash baking: Take advantage of the lavash baking process (local bread). Lavash (traditional thin bread) is an integral part of Armenian cuisine (UNESCO intangible cultural heritage). Descend the gorges of the Azat river in a 4x4 where the "Symphony of Stones" or "Basalt organ" is located. These basalt columns were formed due to the slowly moving lava. This natural monument is the highest point in the region and a privileged picnic spot for locals. Visit the Geghard monastery (4th century AD and a UNESCO World Heritage site with enhanced protection). It contains a number of churches and tombs, most carved into the rock, illustrating the pinnacle of medieval Armenian architecture. The complex of medieval buildings is part of a landscape of great natural beauty, surrounded by immense cliffs at the entrance to the Azat valley. The place is most famous among the locals for baptism and wedding ceremonies, so you will very often be a special participant in traditional events when you visit the site. Overnight at hotel in Yerevan

• Day
  5

  Yerevan - End of the trip

  Departure transfer to Zvartnots International Airport