Highlights of Armenia - 5 days (AM-01)

Today you’ll arrive in the Armenian capital Yerevan. Transfer to your hotel is included. Overnight in Yerevan. (Dinner)

This morning you’ll enjoy a city tour of Yerevan. Begin in Republic Square, where you’ll admire the imposing architecture and watching the Singing Fountains. From there, take a stroll along the Vernissage, the largest open air market in the city and a great place to shop for antiques and collectibles. Next, we’ll take you to the Matenadaran, a repository of ancient manuscripts. Later, we’ll take the escalator to the top of the Yerevan Cascade. From the top enjoy panoramic views across the city and to Mount Ararat in the distance. This afternoon, we’ll take an excursion out of the city to Echmiadzin to visit Armenia’s oldest cathedral and to Zvartnots, where you’ll find ruins of a 7th century, UNESCO-listed cathedral. Return to Yerevan for dinner. Overnight in Yerevan. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 55 km / 34 ml.

Today our sightseeing programme combines two incredible historical sights. The Temple of Garni is unusual for Armenia in that it is an Ionic pagan temple with Greco-Roman colonnades. It was built in the 1st century AD; though it collapsed during a 17th century earthquake, it was painstakingly restored in the early 1970s. Nearby, you’ll find the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery. Gregory the Illuminator founded it in the 4th century, where there was a sacred spring in a cave. The present structure dates from 1315 and you can pay a visit to the spring to this day. Return to Yerevan after your tour and the rest of the day is free to enjoy at leisure. Overnight in Yerevan. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 75 km / 47 ml.

We’ll begin today’s itinerary at the monastery of Khor Virap. Morning’s the best time to be able to catch a glimpse of distant Mount Ararat over the border. The views from this spectacular monastery are first rate but head inside and descend the steps to see its well too. Next up is Noravank. Hidden away up a canyon, this monastery occupies a setting even more dramatic. Climb to the second floor of the church for incredible views back along the valley. Finally, we’ll take you to Areni. There, we’ll enjoy a wine-tasting at one of Armenia’s premier wineries where there’ll be a chance to pick up a bottle or two to take home with you. Overnight in Yerevan. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 245 km / 153 ml.

Today is departure day. We hope you’ve enjoyed this brief introduction to Armenia and its capital and have made many happy memories. (Breakfast)