Below is a short description of the sights of our travel program. Yan Travel has knowledge of exclusive activities and attractions in Armenia that are not mentioned below to protect exclusivity. If you decide to travel with Yan Travel, you will receive all information, if desired, in detail.
Return flight
Airport transfer in Armenia
Hotels, including breakfast
Lunch for every day
Extensive Armenian dinners
Round-trip by private bus
Dutch / English / Armenian speaking guide and guidance
Entrance fees for each museum
Sight seeing
Surprises
Whole organization of the trip (including introductory meeting)
The costs per trip are
from € 1450,-
ALL INCLUSIVE
Excluding peak season surcharge of € 120,-
This offer is covered by the STO Garant guarantee. You can find the conditions for this guarantee scheme on STO Garant’s website (www.sto-garant.nl/en/downloads).
18 juli – 25 juli
10 juli – 17 juli
Day 1/2
Yerevan is the capital of Armenia and also the largest city in the country. The city is located in the Ararat Plain and lies on the river Hrazdan. The city has about 1.2 million inhabitants and is the administrative, cultural and industrial center of the country. Yerevan is known for its hospitable population, it is an atmospheric city with cozy cafes, delicious restaurants and a vibrant nightlife for young people.
Genocide monument
The name of the national genocide monument of Armenia is Tsitsernakaberd. The memorial is dedicated to the 1.5 million Armenians who were murdered during the first genocide of the 20th century. It is a black page in Armenian history that has signed Armenia. In the middle of the monument there is an eternal fire and it is a busy place of remembrance for the Armenians. Near the monument there is a modern genocide museum, in which the whole story is described and depicted.
Day 3
Garni
A Christian temple (66-75 BC) near the picture Garni. A particularly beautiful location on a gorge, through a nice path you arrive at the temple, which is already visible from afar. Next to the temple is also a bathhouse, with a preserved mosaic floor. Noteworthy is the Greek text: ΜΗΔΕΝ ΛΑΒΟΝΤΕΣ ΗΡΓΑΣΑΜΕΘΑ. We worked without receiving. Is it built by slaves or faithful volunteers? A lot of mystery about the Garni-temple!
Geghard
A monastery complex from the 4th century and since 2000 on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. According to writings, the church was built by Gregory the Illuminator on a sacred source. This source, the water is still flowing from the rock into the church. It is impressive that part of the monastery has been carved out of rocks. The name Geghard means ‘The monastery of the spear’ and refers to the Holy Lance.
Sevan
One of the highest lakes in the world (1900m). The lake is 99 m deep, or 1400 km2 and is part of the Sevan National Park. The lake is fed by 28 rivers and has only one drain via the river Hrazdan. This leads to the Caspian Sea. On top of the peninsula of Sevan is the monastery complex Sevanavank from 874 on display. A special feature of this complex is that they were one of the first almshouses since the Arab domination.
Day 4
Dilijan
The place Dilijan is home to many artists, composers and filmmakers. Nature is much greener and the mountains are wooded. Tourists call it little Switzerland. Wild animals live in the forests, think of bears and foxes. The government also tries to make Dilijan an important center, so you can see the big bank and also the UWC Dilijan college.
Akhtala
The monastery of Akhtala probably from the 10th century is an exceptional church in Armenia because of the well-preserved frescoes. The church has a rich iconography and themes of colors. The monastery is frequented not only by Armenians, but also by Greeks and Georgians.
Day 5
Haghpat en Sanahin
Sanahin, literally: it is older than the other (refers to Haghpat Monastery). Both monasteries were built in the 10th century. Both are very beautiful monasteries with many Khachkars and surrounded by bishop’s sites. Sanahin is known for his school for Calligraphy.
Saghmosavank
Saghmosavank is a monastery from the 13th century in the province of Aragatsotn, near the highest mountain in Armenia; the Aragats. It has a beautiful environment from where the mountain Ararat is visible. Saghmosavank is built on the edge of a ravine, where the Kasagh River flows. Besides the small Armenian churches, it is extra special with its size.
Letter monuments
In 2005 was the 1600-year anniversary of the Armenian alphabet. This was celebrated by opening a monument consisting of the 39 Armenian letters. These represent the Armenian alphabet that is rich in letters and made in a similar way to the Khachkars.
Day 6
Etsjmiatsin
The religious center of Armenia, where we visit the oldest church. The Cathedral of Etchmiatsin was built in 301 after Armenia became the first state in the world to accept Christianity as a religion.
Zvartnots
Zvartnots is not only the name of the airport where we land, but also the name of a cathedral that was once the largest in Armenia. A special cathedral from the 7th century, which was built after the first Arab invasion and collapsed in 930 as a result of an earthquake. The cathedral would be the new main church.
Day 7/8
Vernissage and day off
A large open-air market in Yerevan, where you do not get bored of the best souvenirs, the most beautiful paintings and the special antiques. It is within walking distance to the center of the city, where you can relax and grab a terrace. You can fill your free time in the city with nice terraces, shopping centers or, for example, visit a specific museum.
Travel Advice Armenia
Armenia is a safe country to travel to. Yan Travel takes into account current situations in Armenia and informs you about possible developments regarding the journeys. Since we have close contacts with the Armenian authorities, we always know what happens in the country. We can imagine that you still have questions about your safety in Armenia. Contact us and we will inform you in detail.