Armenia Highlights

 

Yerevan

Ani Plaza Hotel

6 nights

Click on the name of the hotel for details.

7 days from £769

excluding international flights

ARMENIA FACTFILE

DAY 1 - Arrive in Yerevan.

On arrival in Yerevan you will be met by a representative of World Discovery outside immigration and customs. You will then be taken by private car direct to your hotel. Recommended flight from London: bmi from London Heathrow (see below). If you are travelling from a country other than the UK we would be happy to give you guidance on your flight options.

DAY 2 - Yerevan.  Echmiadzin.  Zvartnots. 

Your Armenia holiday begins after breakfast when you will be collected from your hotel for a tour of Armenia's capital city, including the moving Armenian Genocide Museum, a memorial to the tragic events of the early 20th century.  In the afternoon drive some 20 kilometres outside the city to Echmiadzin, the spiritual capital of Armenia.  Visit the superb church of St Hripsime, completed in the year 618 AD on the site of an earlier 4th century mausoleum, and renowned for its fine Armenian architecture of the classical period.  Echmiadzin Cathedral, centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church, is one of the world's oldest Christian churches, first built by Gregory the Illuminator in 301 to 303 A.D.  Continue to the ruins of the 7th century Zvartnots Cathedral, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before returning to Yerevan.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAY 3 - Ashtarak.  Amberd Fortress.

 

This morning's first visit is to Ashtarak, one of the most ancient cities of Armenia, to visit the tiny Karmravor Church (left), which still retains traces of early frescoes, and the medieval Saghmosavank Monastery.  In the afternoon continue to the 9th century Amberd Fortress, dramatically situated half way up Mount Aragats at a height of 2,300m (7,355ft). The fortress stands on a rocky cape and contains vestiges of a fortified three-storied palace, a church built in 1026, a palace bathhouse with two domes, a central heating system, water tanks and a water-supply system.  Return to Yerevan.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAY 4 - Khor Virap.  Areni.  Noravank.

About 45 kilometres from Yerevan lies Khor Virap Monastery (left), situated close to the border with Turkey beneath the biblical Mount Ararat.  Dating from the 4th century, it is one of the most venerated churches in the country.  After a brief stop at Areni Winery to taste the highly-regarded local wine, continue to the isolated Noravank Monastery, a great religious and cultural centre of the 12th century which is dramatically located in a narrow gorge surrounded by red cliffs.  Drive back to Yerevan.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

 

DAY 5 - Lake Sevan.  Dilijan.  Haghpat.  Dzoraget.

After breakfast drive to Lake Sevan (left), the largest lake in the Caucasus as well as the second highest freshwater lake in the world.  Visit the well-known 9th century Sevanavank Monastery, located on a pensinsula (previously an island) at the eastern edge of the lake.   Continue in the early afternoon through spectacular forested mountains to Dilijan, where you will visit a ceramics workshop and woodcarvers’ studio. Visit a village inhabited by the Molokan peoples, a religious minority who refused to obey the Russian Orthodox Church.  Your final visit today is to the UNESCO World Heritage architectural complex of Haghpat (976 A.D.), before returning to Yerevan.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAY 6 - Garni Temple.  Geghard Monastery.

Armenia's most famous attraction is the wonderful Hellenistic citadel and temple at Garni (left), an hour's journey from Yerevan.  Built in the first century A.D. by the Armenian King Tiridates, it is dedicated to a heathen god, probably to Mithra, the god of the sun, whose figure stood in the depth of the sanctuary.  In the afternoon visit the magnificent Geghard Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, partly carved out of the living rock.  Return to Yereven.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

 

 

DAY 7 - Depart for home.

Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

 

 

The Amazing Tatev Monastery

In the remote south of Armenia lies the magical Tatev Monastery (9th century).  Inaccessible for many years, it can now be visited via the world's longest aerial tramway.  Why not extend your stay in Armenia to include a visit to this unique destination?  

International Flights.

We recommend the direct non-stop services of bmi from London Heathrow:
Heathrow/Yerevan. Depart at 13.25; arrive Yerevan at 23.10
Yerevan/Heathrow. Depart at 05.50; arrive Heathrow at 07.25

Armenia Holidays: Armenia Highlights (Tour Reference: WDAR002)
2012 Departures
Price per person based on a minimum of two persons travelling together:

Departures on Fridays	Price
20 Apr, 11 May, 15 Jun, 6, 20 Jul, 3, 10, 17 Aug, 12, 19 Oct	£769

Single Room Supplement on request.

The price includes:

• Hotel accommodation as listed above in twin-bedded or double rooms with private facilities.
• 6 full breakfasts as shown in the itinerary.
  
• Private transportation throughout.
• All sightseeing as shown, including entrance fees.
• The services of a private English-speaking guide for all included sightseeing.

Not included in the price:

• International flights (see our recommendation above). We are happy to discuss the flights with you and give you further guidance
• International airport taxes
• Tipping.
• Armenian Visa.  This is best obtained on arrival in Yerevan (we will send you a form to complete in advance).  The price is currently AMD 3,000 (approximately £6).
  

A deposit of £250 per person is required at the time of booking. The balance of the price for your Armenia holiday must be paid at least 8 weeks before your departure date.