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Imagine yourself walking through a forest of beech trees, their leaves kissed the colour of autumn, glistening red, yellow, and gold under the afternoon sun. This autumn weekend takes you to the Areni Wine Festival in Armenia, and promises fewer tourists, perfect autumn weather and simply stunning landscapes.Located in the South Caucasus, Armenia is an extraordinary place, somewhat frozen in time as it moves to its own rhythm. Also, the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion, Armenia’s history is rich and shrouded in legends. It was on holy Mount Ararat, now located in Turkish territory, that Noah's Ark is believed to have stopped. While the miracle of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who managed to survive in a cell under the Khor Wirap monastery, also took place in Armenia.
Although you may only be able to admire Mount Ararat’s snowcapped peaks from a distance, there are fortunately many more places in Armenia worth visiting. There are so many beautifully unique temples, monasteries and khachkars (stone crosses) scattered all over the country that it’s nearly impossible to count them. Khachkars began to pop up in Armenia right after the adoption of Christianity to replace pagan temples and later decorate crossroads, gardens and tombstones.
Yerevan, established in 782 BC, is 29 years older than Rome! Which was founded in 753 BC. And despite its history, and the fact that it’s Armenia’s capital, it doesn’t have a charming old town. This ancient city delights with something completely different – a mixture of modernity and ancient history, sprinkled with flavours of a bygone communist era.
Our weekend away in Armenia is dedicated to celebrating autumn in all its glory – from the beautiful colours it has to offer, to the perfectly crisp, yet warm, fresh weather. And we will experience it all in raw nature, as we traverse Armenia’s forests and meadows.
Let’s go!
DAY 1 // OCT 04 // Friday
Meeting at SHJ Int. at 06:00am for a direct flight to Yerevan at 08:05am.
Arrival and immigration clearance followed by a transfer to Lake Sevan hotel where we will rest before starting our hike of Mount Artanish, after a drive to the Vayots Dzor region. Here we will cross the Orbelian mountain pass and visit a 14th Century Orbelian Caranvasary before spending the night in the Armenian Alps at a village called Yeghegis.
DAY 2 // OCT 05 // Saturday
Today we start early, with a hike of the Smbataberd fortress and the Tsakhats Kar Monastery – completing a total of 12kms.
Further on we will drive to the village of Areni, before hitting a famous Wine Festival, we will visit Areni Cave - a late Chalcolithic/Early Bronze Age ritual site and settlement, home of what is believed to be the world’s oldest wine press. Back to Yerevan for overnight.
DAY 3 // OCT 06 // Sunday
Today we will start with walking tour of Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, before heading to the airport to catch our flight home.
Grade: Easy
Accommodation and meals: Guesthouse and hotel, double sharing. Dinners excluded.
Cost: 3,350 AED incl. flights until SEP 23rd. After deadline cost will change.
Excluding: Dinners, any fees related to visas or entry fees, if any.
Visa: Most passports are eligible for a free visa or visa on arrival. Details here.
See yah in Armenia x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / [email protected]
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Sharjah International Airport, صالة درجة رجال الأعمال في الشارقة, المدينة الجامعية الشارقة, الإمارات العربية المتحدة,Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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