Day 1; Tbilisi – Haghartsin – Red deer breeding center – Dilijan 

Start your journey from Tbilisi to Yerevan, Armenia. Travel by the road that takes you to Dilijan, known as the Armenian Switzerland. Dilijan is one of the most important resort towns in Armenia. We will visit the Haghartsin Monastery, built between the 10th and 13th centuries with limestone and bright white color that creates a beautiful contrast with the background of dark green forests. Due to numerous enemy raids, as well as earthquakes, monastic structures and churches were repeatedly destroyed and restored.

In 2011, Haghartsin Monastery underwent a major renovation by Armenia Fund with a donation from HH Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah. You’ll take a short city tour in the Old Town of Dilijan, including Sharambeyan Street in the city center with its craft shops, galleries and museums. Also visit the Red Deer Breeding Center in DIlijan National Park, which was opened in 2017 with the help of WWF and CNF with the aim of restoring the population of these giant animals in Armenia. Arrive in Yerevan and spend the night there.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: None
Duration: 8-10 hours
KM: 246 km

Day 2; Khor Virap – Noravank – Areni 1 Cave

On the 3rd day the road will take you to Khor Virap, located in Armenia, which is a monastery with a very close concern with the adoption of christianity in Armenia in 301 CE. We will learn the history, the legend  about the place and the christianity in Armenia. This is one of the primary visiting sites in Armenia with the panorama view of the Ararat Mountain. The legend of this monastery is associated with St. Gregory the Illuminator, who was imprisoned here for 13 years.

For lunch you will stop in one of the best places in Areni village. After driving to the Noravank Monastery, known for its brick-red cliffs, located in a narrow gorge of Amaghu River. This monastery is an example of the ornate architecture of the 13th century. The sculptor of the biggest portion of Noravank is Momik, who also carved a number of religious Armenian monuments known as “khachkars”. On the way back to Yerevan, you’ll stop in Areni 1 cave, also known as a “Birds’ cave”, where the oldest human shoe dating back to 3,900 BC and oldest winery were excavated.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 7-8 hours
KM: 260 km

Day 3; Sevan – Sevanavank – Tsakhkadzor – Kecharis Monastery

After breakfast in the hotel, take the road to the Blue Pearl of Armenia – Sevan, is the largest lake of the Caucasus and Armenia at an altitude of 1900 m above sea level. At the shore of a small island is located the Monastery complex of Sevanavank. After admiring the looks of Sevan we keep our way to Tsakhkadzor – a cozy town in the mountains, which is the center of skiing sports in Armenia. There we have the Kecharis Monastery to visit. The monastery heavily suffered from the earthquake in 1927 and conserved during the USSR times in Armenia. Nowadays the monastery is rebuilt and stands still again

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 7-8 hours
KM: 270 km

Day 4; Free Day

Take a break and walk around the city, visit a museum or shopping mall, have dinner or a drink in one of the best local bars and restaurants. Ask your tour guide for recommendations.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5; Sanahin – Alaverdi – Mikoyan Museum – Aramyants Castle – Tbilisi

Today after check out in Yerevan we will have a tour in Lori province before we drive to Tbilisi. We will visit Sanahin Monastery first, which is sure to be the headliner of the tour in the area. It is a medieval architectural marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in a picturesque setting amid lush greenery and scenic landscapes, the monastery complex boasts a rich history and cultural significance. Founded in the 10th century, Sanahin Monastery has endured centuries, serving as a center for religious and scholarly activities. The name “Sanahin” is believed to be derived from the Armenian phrase meaning “this one is older than that one,” possibly referring to its proximity to the neighboring Haghpat Monastery.

One of the distinctive features of Sanahin is its scriptorium, a repository for manuscripts and a hub of scholarly activities. The monastery played a vital role in the transcription and preservation of religious and cultural texts, contributing to the intellectual legacy of medieval Armenia. The location of Sanahin Monastery provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Debed river gorge and the nearby mountains. The natural beauty complements the spiritual ambiance of the site, making it a destination for both religious pilgrims and cultural enthusiasts. We will be in Alaverdi town, which is famous with its cuprum mines up in the rocky mountain, where a cable car goes.

We will have a part of modern history there too. Visiting Mikoyan brothers’ house museum there. The Mikoyan Brothers, Anastas and Artem Mikoyan, were prominent figures in Soviet and Armenian history, known for their significant contributions to aviation and politics. The Mikoyan Brothers House Museum in Alaverdi, the hometown of the Mikoyan family, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing their achievements. The museum provides visitors with a comprehensive overview of the lives of Anastas and Artem, featuring personal artifacts, photographs, documents, and memorabilia. The house itself is a traditional Armenian dwelling, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Mikoyan family. Visitors can explore the various rooms, including those dedicated to the brothers’ political and aviation careers.

The museum also highlights the historical context of the periods during which Anastas and Artem lived and worked. Last site for our adventure will be the Aramyants castle. Mikael Aramyants was an oil producer, who was from Akhtala. He lived and ran his business in Baku and Tbilisi. He built his mansion in Swiss style from 1903 to 1906 years and planted cypress trees in front of the castle. Many famous and remarkable persons stayed there, such as Catholicos of All Armenians from 1893 to 1907 Mkrtich Khrimyan or more known as Khrimyan Hayrik (Khrimyan father) or writer Hovhannes Tumanyan.

Both of these persons played a huge role in saving the orphans and refugees of Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Empire. The castle had a very tangled and dramatic history after and was in danger of collapse as was in an emergency situation. Currently it is under restoration, so we will be able to look at it only from the outside. Drive back to Tbilisi.

Overnight: None
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 9-11 hours
KM: 300 km