Rural Tour to Armenia : 6 Nights/7 Days

After your arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in Yerevan and checked in. Your journey will start with the city tour around Yerevan. Some decades ago, Alexander Tamanyan, the general architect of Yerevan, created the contemporary masterplan of the city which we can see today. From the observation area in the Victory Park, you will be able to enjoy an amazing view to Yerevan and Mount Ararat. The excursion will continue to the Cascade – the favorite place of Yerevan residents. The Cascade is a huge staircase that connects the city center with the residential area. Downstairs, you will see the unique sculptures, belonging to the world-famous foreign sculptors. Next, you will pass through the main street of the city, and see the building of the Opera and Ballet Theatre, several central streets of Yerevan, and the Republic Square – the “heart” of the capital. Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan Drive: 20km / 30 minutes

The second day will begin with a trip through the Ararat valley to the monastery of Khor Virap, the history of which is related to the adoption of Christianity in Armenia. It offers the most spectacular view of Mount Ararat as Khor Virap is located in close proximity to the mountain. The way will continue to the monastery of Noravank (XIII cent.), located among the red rocks of the gorge of indescribable beauty. After the excursion, you will go to the village of Chiva, where the locals will treat you with a delicious meal, prepared from natural products. Together with the hospitable hosts, you will be able to take part in the preparation of Armenian national sweet – gata. The day will end with a trip to Yeghegnadzor, where you will have a visit to the wine house producing the best sorts of Armenian wines. Here you will enjoy wine tasting. Overnight will be in a guesthouse in Yeghegnadzor. Overnight: Guesthouse in Yeghegnadzor Drive: 160 km / 3 hrs

In the morning, you will go along a segment of the Silk Road to the Vardenyats pass (2410 m). Here is located the caravanserai of Orbelian Princes, which has been preserved almost in its original form (XIV-th century). The trip will continue through the Selim Pass to Lake Sevan – the blue gem of Armenia, which is one of the largest freshwater mountain lakes in the world. It is located at an altitude of 1900 meters above sea level. Here you will visit the medieval cemetery of khachkars (cross-stones) – Noratus. Khachkars are unique works of art, they can be found only in Armenian culture. In the stone patterns of khachkar the master embodied his soul and faith. A delicious lunch will be held at one of the houses of the local farmers. You will also visit Hayravank Monastery and learn the interesting legend connected with it. After the tour, you will go to the village of Chkalovka. Overnight: Guesthouse in Chkalovka Drive: 165 km / 3 hrs

The tour will continue along the coast of Lake Sevan to the peninsula. After climbing the peninsula, you will see the monastery of Sevanavank (IX cent.). An amazing view to the lake and surrounding beauties opens from the hill. The tour will continue to the village of Martuni (Chambarak). Here you will have the opportunity to taste several varieties of honey. An experienced beekeeper will tell about the interesting process of honey producing. The way will continue to the village of Getik, where in a small farm-guesthouse you will have the opportunity to make traditional Armenian cheese with the assistance of hosts and feed hens. In the evening, you will drive to Dilijan – small resort town famous for its beautiful nature, tasty water and healing air. Overnight: Guesthouse in Dilijan Drive: 120 km /2 to 3hrs

The day will start with a visit to painter’s house in Dilijan. Here you will take part in batik-making master-class. The tour will continue to Russian Molokan village Fioletovo. At home of hospitable local hosts, you will have a delicious lunch and have a chance to taste tea from a samovar and try pancakes with jam. The way will continue through the town of Aparan to yezidi mountain village, situated at the foot of Mount Aragats. Here you will get acquainted with hospitable locals who will treat you with fresh matsun – national fermented milk product. You will have the overnight in a hospitable guesthouse in Proshyan village. Overnight: Guesthouse in Proshyan Drive: 140 km / 87 mi / 2 hrs

<p>On this day, you will visit the home of one of Ashtarak families, whose history goes back to the
century before last. Here, together with the hostess, you will be able to participate in the
preparation of the Armenian sweet sujukh and see how they bake Armenian national bread lavash in
tonir. The taste of freshly baked bread with homemade cheese can not be compared with anything
else. Return to Yerevan
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Drive: 30 km / 19 mi / 40 min</p>

Transfer to the airport, departure. Meals: Breakfast