Things to do in Armavir Province

Discover the world’s first Christian cathedral and the holy land of Armenians accompanied by an expert local guide. Learn how to cook traditional dolma in a cooking master class. Meet your guide in Yerevan and hop on your comfortable tour vehicle to head to Echmiadzin. Begin your tour by visiting the 7th-century Zvartnots Cathedral, the first of many UNESCO heritage sites on the tour. Explore St. Hripsime church, constructed in 618 A.D. on the sepulcher of a Christian nun who fled from the Roman Empire. Take part in a master cooking class and learn to make dolma. Enjoy a full traditional Armenian meal. Head to the Echmiadzin Cathedral, and visit the museum of Christian relics, including pieces of the Holy Cross and Noahs' Ark, as well as the spear which wounded Jesus.

After departing from Yerevan, you will make your way to one of the country’s most renowned landmarks: the beautiful Lake Sevan. Merely an hour’s drive from the capital city of Yerevan, Sevan is situated at the height of 1,900 meters above sea level and surrounded by a vast chain of mountains. The tour begins by climbing a flight of stairs to the Sevan Peninsula, a pleasant morning workout that will compensate itself with an unforgettable panoramic view of the lake from above. You will also visit the monastery of Sevanavank, which was built by the princess Mariam to honor the life of her deceased husband in the 9th century. Sevanavank is also home to one of the most beautiful Amenaprkich (all savior) Khachkars of Armenia. Next, you will travel to the North of Armenia, where you will be surrounded by beautiful nature. Passing through the city of Dilijan, you will make a stop at the monastery of Gosh-Goshavank. The last destination during this trip will be the monastery of Haghartsin, which dates back to the 10th-14th centuries. The name is translated as “the play of the eagle”. The scenery is somewhat similar to a stunning work of art, with both the monastery and the nature surrounding it providing a breathtaking view.

The winery is located 70 kilometers west of Yerevan. It will bring you to the age-old wine estates of the Armavir region where history, tradition, and culture come together. Once there you will be able to enjoy the beautiful vineyards, complete with unique biblical Ararat and Sis mountain views. According to legend, following the great flood, Noah and his descendants had planted the first vine of grapes on the foot of Mount Ararat. At 12:30PM you will meet your guide in front of the main door of your accommodation, you will then depart to the Karas Winery. Your tour includes a cellar tour and a wine tasting paired with cheese, chocolate, and dried fruits or nuts. The wine-making process will be also explained in detail during this visit. The tour begins with an overview of the vineyard and an explanation about Karas Project, its history, the technology used, and all the information regarding the vineyards. You will then enjoy a tour around the reservoirs and greenhouses (not available in winter). Afterwards, you will be redirected towards the winery where you will be informed in detail about the production of wines including the technology, equipment, and products.

Day 1: You will be greeted at the airport before being transferred to your hotel. Following some rest you will receive a city tour, visiting Republic Square, Northern Avenue, Opera Square, Cascade, the Genocide Memorial, and the Konyak Factory. Outside of enjoying the legends of Armenian Konyak and wine making, you'll also receive a tour inside the building where a part of the Old Yerevan fortress was found. Day 2: Following breakfast, you'll enjoy a day trip to the Lake Sevan Peninsula and Sevanavank Monastery. Following that, your tour will continue to the Garni Pagan Temple, which is the only pagan temple remaining in Armenia. Your last stop is to the Geghard Monastery, after which you will return to Yerevan. Day 3: On the morning of your final day, you will be transferred to Yerevan Airport.

At the beginning of the day, your guide will pick you up from your hotel from where you will head to the religious center of Armenia, Etchmiadzin. Due to its rich history and symbolic importance, it is a sacred spot for all Armenian Christians. Together with a few ancient churches situated nearby, its cathedral was included as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. After getting acquainted with the history of the oldest church in the world, you will head in the direction of the “Khachkar Master School” in the village of Arshaluys. There, you will observe the tradition of Armenian stone carving up close, and will potentially spark some inspiration for your own project. Learning under the master Ruben's guidance and supervision, you'll soon be able to carve traditional Armenian patterns on a small piece of volcanic stone. It is worth to mention that because of its unique craftsmanship, the symbolism of khachkars (cross-stones) has been added into the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. As you finish your workshop, you will be invited to taste delicious traditional specialties around a hospitable Armenian table. The locals will also demonstrate how to bake traditional Armenian flat-bread lavash, you will also have the opportunity to take part in the process yourself. As your activity comes to a close, it will be time to return to Yerevan with your driver transferring you smoothly back to your hotel.

Discover the best of the Aragatsotn Province on this half-day trip. After getting picked up from the lobby of your hotel, travel to your first destination, Byurakan Observatory, which is considered the scientific pearl of Armenia. Enjoy a guided tour of the observatory and discover what was once the largest telescope in the USSR. Next, head to the 10th-century Amberd Fortress and get an overview of traditional Armenian fortress construction. Later, continue to the village of Oshakan, where you can see the resting place of the inventor of the Armenian alphabet, Mesrop Mashtots. After his death, a small chapel was built over his tomb, which you can visit. Finally, experience Armenian hospitality at a local family home. Sample traditional specialties around the dinner table, washed down with homemade wine. You can also enjoy a demonstration of how to make traditional lavash. After your meal, get dropped off back at your hotel in Yerevan.