The path from your desires to reality
ARMENIA
Wine and Food in Armenia
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Price: from 1380€ (meals + entry tickets to activities included in the price) - this price does not include the plane ticket in addition to the service.
Best season to go there: April – October
Description: Explore the “Taste of Armenia” and some of the regions finest and most knowledgeable wine producers. This gastronomic discovery tour can also, on request, be extended for a longer duration for a visit to neighboring Georgia. It is possible to offer a complementary tour on: Tbilisi – Yerevan – Tbilisi, all by transfer / Private-bus.
Day 1.
Arrival :
Arrival at “Zvartnots” International airport. Meet the guide at the Airport arrival terminal. Transport provided from the airport to the hotel. Check in Hotel.
Breakfast provided upon your arrival at the airport.
Arrival – Yerevan city Tour – Museum of the History of Armenia - Visit of the Brandy “Ararat” factory – Visit of a carpet factory
Armenian History Museum / National Gallery
The Armenian National Gallery was founded in 1921. This collection built in connection with the stock of works offered by the Lazarev Institute. The Armenian National Gallery, contains numbers of treasures of the world of art. The collection includes ancient works from previous centuries, up to a more contemporary era, works from the 21st century such as J. Tintoretto, Donatello, PP Rubens, B. Strozzi, G. Courbet, V. Kandinsky, M. Chagall , M. Sarian, H. Aivazovsky, V. Sureniants and many more…
The Museum of Armenian History was founded in 1919 during the time of the 1st Republic of Armenia. The objects presented cover a period from the pre-historic era to the 20th century.
In this museum you will be able to appreciate works articulating from ancient Egypt to Persia-Syria as well as the Roman Empire or the Byzantine era. This historical collection is regularly enriched with new finds and rare pieces from excavations on Armenian territory.
“Megerian carpet” Museum - history of the Armenian carpet
Armenia is one of the oldest nations in the history of the Armenian world. The production and manufacture of carpets bears witness to this for almost 2 centuries.
For 4 generations now, the Megerians family has been involved in the production and restoration of antique rugs. In Armenia, the Megeryans family used the natural coloring method. They obtain this coloring from the high plateaus of the Armenian mountains, composed of flowers, roots and plants, each more colorful than the other, while respecting the traditional way of doing things of the elders.
The Megeryans family has been able to adapt its production and the patterns offered through the ages, to arrive today at carpet models with a contemporary design In this factory, come and appreciate and learn their ancestral production method!
“Arrarat” Brandy / Spirits Manufacture
ARARAT is the quintessential symbol and emblem of Armenia.
Few know it, but Armenia has a wine tradition, deeply rooted in the national culture. The land here is fertile and the climate quite conducive to growing vines, thanks in particular to the presence of clay soil and plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Today, ARRARAT spirits are considered the national pride, producing brandies of excellent quality, awarded at major international wine fairs.
The ARRARAT Museum is an integral part of the house's production site located on the banks of the Hrazdan River.
From 8 am until 9 pm, a welcoming guide is there to inform you and introduce you to the house in Armenian / Russian / French / English / German, so that you can immerse yourself in a rich history of several decades!
You will have the opportunity on site to taste a wide variety of Brandy, from the most matured vintage to the youngest vintage.
Dolma: Dolma is arguably one of the most popular dishes in Armenian culture. The Dolma is prepared from thin slices of grilled beef or lamb, mixed with fragrant rice, fresh herbs rolled in vine leaves. The Armenians use herbs, such as coriander, mint, basil or tarragon to affirm the taste.
The Dolma, can be varied according to the regions and be prepared in a slightly different way depending on where you are.
Day 2.
Yerevan- the Arche de Charent – the Temple of Garni – Noyan Garden cultural center – the Geghard monastery
Duration: 6-7 hours.
Distance: 100 km from the capital
Garni Temple!
Built in the 1st Century by King Trdat III. It is the only pagan temple preserved in Armenia, after the adoption of Christianity by the country. It is believed that this temple was dedicated to Mithras, the Sun Goddess in Armenian culture. Adjoining this temple, you will be able to appreciate the vestiges of the palace in particular the space of the thermal baths of the time
We will then head to one of the most extraordinary places in Armenia, the Monastery of Geghard!
The Monastery of Geghard is one of the great architectural marvels of Armenia, in particular by the fact that it is dug into the rock, which characterizes this monastery in the form of a cave!
This monastery was founded in the 4th century AD, it is now listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Noyan Garden Cultural Center
We will then visit the "Garden of Noah", which is located a few distances from the temple of Garni
The "Garden of Noah" represents Armenia in all its variety. For thousands of years, Armenia has been built on its various achievements whether it is cooking, the art of making wine & spirits or its global intellectual influence!
At the “Noyan Garden Cultural Center”, you can enjoy the live production of the Armenian national bread, the “lavash” as well as you can taste the “Brduch”, the Armenian snack par excellence!
Finally, you can also take part in the masterclass on the production and distillation of fruity vodka and of course, you will also have the opportunity to taste it!
The "Garden of Noah" will introduce you to Armenian culture in all its quintessence, you will be completely immersed in it thanks to this visit!
Masterclasses and Tastings during the visit:
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“Lavash” production of Armenian national bread
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Sweet “Sudjukh” (or “Churchkhela”)
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Distillation of Armenian Fruity Vodka
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Potteries / Ceramics
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Carpet Making Workshop
Lunch at the house / typical restaurant: "My Garden"
Khorovats: Armenians prepare barbecue, according to their national recipe, “khorovats”.
The Armenian “khorovats” is a local delicacy and a family ritual and meetings between friends for the Armenians, we will make you discover these wonders!
Day 3.
Yerevan – Lake Sevan – Sevanavank – Dilijan – Haghartsin Monastery – Yerevan.
Duration 9 hours.
Distance: 220km
Discover for this 3rd day with us, the underside of the Armenian countryside and the suburbs of Yerevan.
We will explore one of the largest pure water high lakes – Lake Sevan as well as the Sevanavank Monastery, built by Princess Mariam in 874.
Thereafter we will cross the enchanting and deep forest of Dilidjian to arrive at the monastery of Goshavank.
This monastery is located in the middle of the green village of Goshavank.
Finally, we will finish our exploration by the monastery of Hagharstin, you will be blown away by its beauty and its imposing architectural structure.
This monastery composed of 4 independent chapels was built in place of a pagan temple in the old days
Lake Sevan: The high altitude lake, Lake Sevan is considered by many to be “the pearl of Armenia”
Located at an altitude of 1.900m above sea level in the center of the land, approx. 65km separation from the capital Yerevan, and also recognized as the largest lake in the entire Caucasian region.
From all sides, Sevan is surrounded by mountain ranges, offering a remarkable view of the high lake. This lake of Sevan is recognized for the purity of its water and for the beneficial effects of its high nature for health!
Sevanavank: The monastery of Savanavank is located on the peninsula of Sevan. This monastery was built in the year 305 by one of the founding fathers of the Armenian nation, Gregory the Illuminator. In the 9th century Princess Syunik made it one of the central places of Armenia.
The Haghartsin Monastery: The Haghartsin Monastery is a spiritual place and a medieval cultural center of Armenia, located about 12km from the site of Dilijan, surrounded by a thick forest and fantastic landscapes. This place is considered a rare example of perfect harmony between human architecture and nature. The Haghartsin Monastery is located on a plateau surrounded by wooded mountains, it is a rich monument of high architectural value where many religious inscriptions are carved into the stone. This building has allowed historians to rest on a solid foundation of the heritage of medieval Armenia.
Together with Goshavank, Haghpat and Varagavanq, Haghartsin Monastery is known to have played a major role in promoting local education and transmitting the apostolic Christian religion of Armenia.
During its predominance in the region at the time The Haghartsin Monastery, it is known that a religious school renowned throughout the country was built in this period of the 12th century.
Goshavank: Goshavank is one of the most prominent monasteries in the Aghstev river valley.
The Getik monastery was built in the 12th century and then completely destroyed following an earthquake. The formation of the Goshavank complex was built in the 12th and 13th century.
This monastic complex is composed of St. Astvatsatsin Church with its simplistic architecture, St. Gregory Church composed of smaller volumes but featuring an architecture similar to that of St. Astvatsatsin, then finally the chapel of “Gregory the Illuminator » composed of exterior ornamental frescoes.
Goshavank is rich in decorations and illuminations engraved on the rock itself as well as magnificent khachkars (Armenian crosses engraved on steles that can go up to 1m20 in height). The monastic complex of Goshavank was in the 13th century one of the major places for teaching catechism, literature, philosophy and theology.
This multiple learning center later served as the basis for founding monastic schools across the region. Goshavank Monastery is one of the jewels of Armenia's medieval architectural period and a national pride for the Armenian people.
Day 4.
Yerevan - Christian cathedral of Echmiadzin – Churches of St. Hripsime & St. Gayane – temple of Zvartnots - Yerevan
Duration: 6 hrs.
Distance: 80km
Echmiadzin
The 1st Christian cathedral of Echmiadzin, was founded in the year IV BC. pearls and fine gold, as well as objects used for the rituals of the time made of gold, silver and ivory.
A room is also dedicated to the memory of the Armenian genocide with in particular “Amenaprakich” (crosses engraved on stone steles dedicated to this memory.)
Church of Saint-Hripsime.
The Temple of St Hripsime was founded in the 7th century by the Catholic Komitas I. Since the year 2000 the temple of Saint Hripsime has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Register. Two major Catholic figures are buried in this holy temple, Astvatsatur (1715-1725) and the Catholic Garaped II Oolnetzi (1725-1729).
Church of St. Gayane.
The temple of St. Gayane was built in honor of St. Gayane in the 7th century. The relics of Saint Gayane are kept under the south wall of the temple next to the central transept.
Above the Ouet entrance to the church, the 17th century wall decorations on the theme of the birth of J.Christ have been preserved.
Next to the Temple of Saint Gayane, is located a particular room, where animals were sacrificed and stabbed and given as an offering to God, in the time of Saint Gregory the Illuminator.
This rite, called "Matah" was performed at the time on various occasions, in particular to celebrate marriages and births.
Zvartnots Temple.
The extraordinary Temple of Zvartnos, which literally means "Temple of Vigil", was built in the 7th century.
The construction time was 20 years! especially given its complexity. Unfortunately, the temple of Zvartnos was partly destroyed in the 20th century due to an earthquake. However, even the ruins of the temple can give a glimpse of the beauty and majesty of the place at the time.
Today, Zvartnos has an archaeological reserve in its own museum founded in 1937, where you can see models and projections of the Temple in its entirety. The ruins of Zvartnos are registered as World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Day 5.
Yerevan – Khor Virap – Areni Vineyard & Winery – Noravank Monastery – Shaki Falls – Goris
Duration: 12 hrs.
Distance: 300km
Khor Virap
Khor Virap – is an Armenian monastery built in 642 AD, literally transcribed from Armenian “ deep hole”.
Khor Virap represents the pinnacle of the Apostolic Church of Armenia, and a place of pilgrimage at the same time. The ironic anecdote of this monastery is that it was built on the site of a former royal prison, where Gregory the Illuminator was a prisoner in the past – as a reminder, Gregory the Illuminator was the Patron Saint of Apostolic Christian Church of Armenia, under the reign of the King, for nearly 13 years.
Areni Vineyard
Areni is the cradle of winemaking in the region. In Armenia, grows a wide variety of vines and grapes, ranging from Cabernet-franc to Sauvignon.
This variety in the grape varieties is explained by the mild and sunny climate for a good part of the year, but also by the quality of the soil locally, rich in minerals & nutrients. Of course, a tasting of several vintages will be organized during our visit, and you will be able to taste all the complexity of the aromas and flavors that emerge from this Wine.
Noravank Monastery
The Monastery of Noravank rests among the surprising red rock quarry at the edge of vertiginous gorges. This monastery was founded in the 12th century. It is one of the most famous buildings of the Christian Apostolic era and is one of the most majestic monuments in the country.
Shaki Falls
The natural falls of Shaki are considered as one of the most pictorial and imposing places of Armenia. These waterfalls are located in the province of Syunik, also recognized for its historical qualities and natural monuments. These natural waterfalls form from the Shaki River, which itself flows into deep gorges from a height of 18m. Despite its modest height, Shaki Falls has a very strong flow per minute, and the roar of the water can be heard hundreds of meters away.round.
A legend tells that a beautiful girl, named Shake, threw herself from the top of this cliff, refusing to obey the injunctions of the invaders. During her fall, the voluminous dress of this young woman opened in the wind, the dress then turned into a waterfall. In his honor, the Shaki waterfalls were named like this.
Day 6.
Tatev monastery, Jermuk city & waterfalls
Duration: 12 hrs.
Distance: 310km
The Tatev Monastery is considered one of the pearls of Armenia due to its architecture dating from the Middle Ages.
This monastery is located in the South of Armenia in the center of the province of Syunik, 315km from the capital Yerevan, on the right bank of the Vorotan river. This monastery was built between the 9th and 13th centuries and consecrated in honor of Saint-Eustathius, one of the apostolic disciples of Thaddeus, who, like his master, preached throughout the Caucasus region to spread Christianity, and died a martyr.
Jermuk city & waterfalls
You will continue the journey to the town of Jermuk, positioned between the forest and the mountain, on a high plateau 2080m above the sea.
Jermuk is positioned "astride" between the two banks of the Arpa River, flush with the gorges.
Jermuk has been recognized for many years for the quality of its thermal water and the multiple spa & balneotherapy that the city has. The thermal waters of Jermuk contain therapeutic properties capable of treating (it seems) hypertension or certain skin diseases. The Jermuk waterfalls are perched 72m high and flow into the bed of the Arpa River.
The city of Jermuk and the expansion of its thermal baths only really took off from 1940, when the operators understood all the virtues they could benefit from these natural waters drinkable from the source!
Day 7 . Return to France
What is included in the service:
Transfers from / to the International Airport
Tickets & Entrances to all the tourist sites visited in the above program
Vehicles comfortable with Wi-Fi and AC
Pick-up and drop-off from hotel for the tours
Professional guide
Bottled water for every tour for every traveler
All Taxes
Secure payment
Info and reservation
06 62 19 94 21 or 06 30 55 01 71
E-MAIL
a.vignon@ansitravel.fr
s.sinanyan@ansitravel.fr
