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Armenia, located in the South Caucasus, is somewhat an extraordinary place, frozen in time and totally living in its own rhythm. The history of first country in the world to adopt Christianity as the state religion, is shrouded in legends. It was in Ararat that Noah's Ark stopped, it was here that the miracle of Saint Gregory the Illuminator happened, who managed to survive in a cell under the monastery of Khor Wirap."Ararat" is first and foremost the name of the holy Armenian mountain on which, according to tradition, Noah's Ark settled. However, the story unfolded so that it is now located in the territory of Turkey. From Armenia, you can only admire its snow-covered peak from a distance, in good weather. Fortunately, there are many places worth visiting in Armenia. There are so many temples, monasteries and khachkars here that it is impossible to give their exact number. Nevertheless, each of these objects is gorgeous, beautiful and unique in its own way. Khachkars, literally "stone crosses", began to be forged in Armenia right after the adoption of Christianity. They were to replace pagan temples, later they also decorated crossroads, gardens and tombstones.
Established in 782 BC, Yerevan is older than Rome, considered the cradle of civilization, by 29 years! The capital of Armenia, despite its longevity, does not have a charming old town. It delights with something completely different - a mixture of modernity with places that perfectly remember nearly 70 years of communism.
Amazing Caucasus nature, hospitable inhabitants, world-class monuments and intriguing history is what awaits us on this short, spring weekend trip.
Lets go!
DAY 0 // July 22// Friday
Meeting at TERMINAL 2 at 19.30 for direct flight at 21.30.
DAY 1 // July 23 // Saturday
Arrival in Yerevan SAT 00:50 AM, Immigration procedure, overnight in hotel. Drive to the only remaining pagan temple in Armenia devoted to the God of Sun – Myrth. Trekking from the temple to Azat Gorge. It obtained the name "Symphony of Rocks" due to its spectacular views. The fantastic landscape of the canyon will shake our imagination.
Further on we'll head to serene Parz lake and trek to Gosh monastery for approx. 8 km.
Parz is located in Dilijan National Park (Tavush region), at an altitude of 1400 mts. You may find this place heaven if you enjoy calmness, silence, and greenery.
Our trek will start from the lake through the narrow trails that open up to mountains with rocky caps, singing of birds, and natural spring will complete our roaming in one of the gorgeous trails in Armenia. At the end of the hike, we will arrive in Gosh village where Goshavank Monastery is located. The monastery was erected in the place of an older one known as Nor Getik, which had been destroyed by an earthquake in 1188.
Overnight in guesthouse in Dilijan.
Day 2 // July 24 // Sunday
After breakfast, we start the drive to the Artanish peninsula and hike to Artanish mountain for views of the big and small Sevan lake (10 km).
Lake Sevan has an altitude of 2,000 m which makes it one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. It’s considered to be the blue pearl of Armenia surrounded by young volcanic mountain ranges.
Drive back to Yerevan to participate in Vardavar, an Armenian festival where people drench each other with water. Although now a Christian tradition, celebrating the transfiguration of Jesus Christ (the Feast of the Transfiguration), Vardavar's history dates back to pagan times. The ancient festival is traditionally associated with the goddess Astghik, who was the goddess of water, beauty, love, and fertility.
The festivities associated with this religious observance of Astghik were named “Vartavar” because Armenians offered her roses as a celebration.
During the day of Vardavar, people of a wide array of ages are allowed to douse strangers with water. It is common to see people pouring buckets of water from balconies on unsuspecting people walking below them.
Our trip would not be completed without traditional Armenian dinner and wine tasting!
We will hang around Yerevan city center until the airport transfer for the flight back home.
Transfer to Airport at 10 pm.
DAY 3 // July 25// Monday
Departure MON 01:50AM, back home 05:00AM.
Activities: trekking, sightseeing. Encounter of ancient Armenian culture.
Grade: Easy
Accomm. and meals: guesthouse and hotel, double sharing. Meals included.
Cost: 2950 AED all incl. flights.
Excl: visa and PCR if applicable, entry fees.
Visa: Most passports eligible for free visa.
Covid: Armenia lifted all Covid restrictions.
See yah in Armenia x
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / [email protected]
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