Itinerary

Day 1

Yerevan – Khor-Virap – Noravank – Sisian – Shake Waterfall
Tour to Khor-Virap monastery 17th c., the place of
pilgrimage of Armenians, with best view of the twin
peaks of Mount Ararat. Then continue tour to Noravank
monastery - a great religious and cultural centre 12th c.
Noravank ("New monastery") was founded by Bishop
Hovhannes, who moved there in 1205. Arriving in Sisian
town. You will be greeted by the friendly staff of the
«LALANER» Hotel who will care about your reservation and accommodation.
In the evening it is possible to arrange excursion to the Shaki Waterfall. This
attraction of nature is the biggest waterfall (18m) of Small Caucasus Mountains
located in the Vorotan's gorge, 5 km far from Sisian.
Overnight at the hotel in Sisian.

Day 2

Sisian – «Devil» bridge - Tatev Monastery – Sisian
Breakfast at the hotel. Some free time. In the afternoon
drive to visit Tatev monastery of 9th c., founded in place
of a tabernacle well-known in ancient times, situated 35
km to the south of Sisian, nearby to the village Tatev.
On the way to Tatev, in Vorotan river basin, at 500 m
depth is situated nature miracle bridge “Satana”
(“Devil”). It originated during the centuries from the
lime salts accumulations that Tatev mineral springs
contain. Hot water collects in bath that dug in stones.
In the evening optional visiting Vorotnavank Monastery situated in the west-north
part of town Sisian, on a hill and known also as St. Grigor Lusavorich, St.
Hovhannes, and Sisavan. Overnight at the hotel in Sisian.

Day 3

Sisian – Karahunge – Aghitu Monument - Sisian
Breakfast at the hotel. Some free time. Start tour to
Karahunge, ancient and unique observatory 5 mil B.C.,
famous also as “Armenian Stone Hedge”, Qarahunj and
with other names and situated 3 km north to the Sisian.
Having a unique structure in its kind, it has not fully
studied yet. Return to Sisian and in the evening optional
visiting Aghitu Monument Aghitu is considered as one
of the first religious, military and influential settlements of the Syunik region.
Aghitu is famous for its prominent graveside bust-monument built in 6th or 7th
centuries. The monument is a three-stored structure with two roaring columns and
the central 8-sided pillar is completed with a circled stone image.
Overnight at the hotel in Sisian.

Day 4

Sisian – Selim Caravanseray – Noradouz – Tsaghkadzor
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out of the hotel. Drive
through Selim Pass visiting the caravanserai 14th c.
Visit to Noraduz - the cemetery of middle ages, this is
the biggest cemetery of khachkars in Armenia, dating
back to 7-10 c. Then continue tour to Lake Sevan, the
Gem of Armenia, a huge mountain lake which takes
up to 5% of Armenia’s surface area. Arriving in
Tsghkadzor – mountain resort of Armenia. Check-in
at the hotel «Kecharis» in Tsaghkadzor and overnight. You will be greeted by the
friendly staff of the Hotel who will care about your reservation and
accommodation.

Day 5

Tsaghkadzor – Kecharis Monastery
Breakfast at the hotel. Founded in 5th century,
Tsakkhadzor has several historical sights, among them
– Kecharis monastery (built in 12th century). The town
is a “second home” for many famous scientists, writers
and artists because of the excellent nature and climate.
We encourage you to visit house-museum of the world
famous Orbeli brothers (one of the three brothers – Hovsep Orbeli, was director of
the State Ermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia during years of World
War2).Overnight in hotel «Kecharis» in Tsaghkadzor.

Day 6

Tsaghkadzor – Rope way
Breakfast at the hotel. In the afternoon it is possible to
arrange trip to the modern ropeway to reach the top of
the Mount Teghenis and admire the view from the
highest point of the area.
Some free time to admire the nature.
Overnight in Tsaghkadzor.

Day 7

Tsaghkadzor – Aghveran
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out of the hotel and drive to
the next famous resort of Armenia – Aghveran. You will
be greeted by the friendly staff of the «Arthurs Resort»
who will care about your reservation and
accommodation.

Day 8

Aghveran – In the hugs of nature
Breakfast at the hotel. Some free time. In the afternoon it
is possible to arrange excursion to the small lake, located
not far from the hotel complex. It is also possible to
arrange a barbeque picnic along the lake.
Overnight at the hotel in Aghveran.

Day 9

Aghveran – St. Astvatsatsin church
Breakfast at the hotel. In the afternoon visiting St.
Astvatsatsin church of 12-13 c.
Upon Your request it is possible to arrange lunch picnic
in the nature.
Overight in Aghveran.

Day 10

Aghveran - Yerevan
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out of the hotel and drive
back to Yerevan. Departure.
End of the trip.

General Information

Duration:

10 Days

Location Start:

hotel

Location Finish:

hotel

Payment Types:

Paypal, Travellers Cheque, Payment Transfer

We Speak:

Russian, English

Extra Information

Extras -

Transportation
For airport transfers and inland transportations a car, minibus or bus will be provided (size of bus depends on the number of persons in the group).
Staff
Excursion Guides: Portfolio Enterprise Ltd employs experienced staff that has worked for the leading western tour operators in Armenia. We can provide multilingual and qualified guides.
Catering
B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, PL - Picnic Lunch, D - Dinner Breakfast is always served at the hotel / guesthouse. Lunch – 3-course meals, 1 bottle of mineral water, coffee or tea. Lunch menu has to be agreed additionally and adjusted to the customers’ specific needs. Picnic Lunch – In single cases Picnic Lunches can be provided: PL contains cold vegetables, cold meat, cake, juice, fruits and is prepared in advance. A special barbeque picnic can be organized on request. Lunch is always set up at nice nature spots, so all people really enjoy it. Dinner – is served either at hotel restaurant or at one of the restaurants in Yerevan and Tbilisi. Dinners will include variety of Armenian and Georgian national dishes, as well as European. As usually there will be wide choice of starters including vegetarian meals, followed by 2-3 main courses.
Prices include:
• Two-way airport transfer;
• Transportation as per program by a comfortable car with A/C;
• Accommodation:
3 x overnights at the hotel in Sisian;
3 x overnights at the hotel in Tsaghkadzor;
3 x overnights at the hotel in Aghveran;
• F/B catering /Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner/
• Qualified English/Russian speaking driver and a tour guide in one person;
• All entrance fees as per program
• 1 bottle of mineral water /all days/
Prices do not include:
• Air ticket;
• Visa;
• Insurance;
• Departure tax at the airport / EUR 22/;
• Alcohol beverages.

P.S.: It is possible to arrange lunch or dinner at the local village in traditional Armenian family with possibility to see and participate at the lavash baking, milk butter making and barbeque making process. Also lunch and dinner can be organized at the national restaurants with tasting Armenian dishes and enjoying live Armenian music. The given itineraries are subject to some minor changes depending on arrival and departure details, also some changes in the excursion program is available upon request.
*The package prices are calculated taking into account EUR exchange rate dated 17.01.08. Final package price should be confirmed based on the EUR exchange rate on the day of reservation.