Hamshen Tour

Yerevan City Tour  (4-5 hours including walking tour). Yerevan city tour by car in the center of Yerevan, passing through the main and historical streets of the city. You will also visit the statue of Mother Armenia and  enjoy the panoramic view of the city center. Then (if preferred also could be done by walking down the stairs of Cascade) you will see Cascade ( Cafesjian Center for the Arts), Opera Theater with the Liberty Square, Abovyan street, one of the oldest streets in Yerevan with the mix of old and modern buildings, and the Republic Square. 

(Upon request The Genocide Museum with Tsitsernakaberd monument and Matenadaran- museum of ancient manuscripts could be included - with additional fees).

Free evening in Yerevan

Zvartnots Cathedral: Zvartnots Cathedral was a masterpiece of Armenian architecture of the early Christian period. The cathedral was constructed in the 7th century. It remained steady for 320 years and was destroyed by a powerful earthquake in the 10th century. Even though the Cathedral is now in ruins, it is still  an awe-inspiring site to visit. 

Etchmiadzin Cathedral and Churches of Etchmiadzin: Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the holy center of all Armenians.The cathedral complex is a major pilgrimage site for Armenians worldwide, as well as the seat of the Catholicos. The original church was built in the early fourth century.

Saint Hripsime Church is a seventh century church. The church is dedicated to the martyred Saint Hripsime, whose tomb is under the altar of the church. The current structure was completed in 618. It is known for its fine Armenian-style architecture of the classical period, which has influenced many other Armenian churches since.

Saint Gayane Church is a three-nave domed basilica  church built by Catholicos Ezra I in the year 630. In 2000 UNESCO added Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the churches of St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, Shoghakat and the ruined Zvartnots Cathedral to the list of World Heritage Sites.

Yereruyk Basilica is one of the earliest surviving Christian monuments in Armenia, and  was listed on  the UNESCO World HeritageTentative List on August 25, 1995. The Basilica is a magnificent representation of Armenian architecture of  Paleo-Christian epoch (4th–6th century). 

Black Fortress of Gyumri: The Black Fortress (Sev Berd) is a Russian imperial fortress in Gyumri built between 1834 and 1847.It was erected in response to the Russo-Turkish War of 1828–1829. Currently, it is a national cultural heritage monument of Armenia, used as an art and cultural centre.The monumental statue of Mother Armenia erected in 1975 is standing near the fortress.

City tour in Gyumri: Gyumri is the second largest city in Armenia and the capital of the Shirak Province.   The city has a very old history and is home to some prominent museums, lovely parks and the impressive Kumayri historic district. Every corner of Gyumri is rich with history and culture. The city admires visitors with its 18-19th century unique and urban architecture. Throughout centuries, Kumayri-Gyumri was labelled as the "city of crafts and arts".It  is also considered to be the "laughter and humor capital" of Armenia. 

Garni Temple - is the only standing Greco-Roman style  temple in Armenia. It dates to the 1st century and was devoted to the god of the Sun, Mihr (Mithra). The temple was reconstructed in the mid-20th century and became one of the main tourist sites of Armenia.

Geghard Monastery also known as Geghardavank (Monastery of the Spear) or “Aiyrivank” (“Monastery of Caves”) dates back to the 13th century. Part of the monastery is carved from a single rock. This man-made structure has survived the test of time and still amazes its visitors and pilgrims from around the world.

Khor Virap Monastery The current monastery is traced to the 7th century, when the Catholicos Nerses III (the Builder) had a small chapel built over the pit where Grigory the Illuminator had been imprisoned for 13 years. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Armenia. The location of Khor Virap is one of the best to also have an breathtaking panorama view of the biblical Mount Ararat. 

Areni (Birds’) Cave Areni-1 or also known as Birds’ Cave is one of the rarest and best-preserved late Chalcolithic (Copper Age) monuments in the South Caucasus located above the Arpa River. The total area of the cave is about 500 square meters.Excavations at the Areni-1 site began in 2007  and  a 6100-year-old winery was discovered. 

In 2008 archeologists discovered the earliest known shoe which is a 5,500-year-old leather shoe. The Areni-1 shoe is on display at the History Museum of Armenia, Yerevan.

Tatev Monastery: Tatev Monastery is undeniably one of the pearls of Armenian medieval monastery construction. The monastery dates back to the 9th century and is located on a large basalt plateau near the village of Tatev in the Syunik Province. The monastery hosted one of the most important Armenian medieval universities, the University of Tatev, in the 14th and 15th centuries. Since 2010 Wings of Tatev aerial tramway has operated in the area, giving the visitors an unforgettable experience. The aerial tramway was included in the Guinness World Records as the world's "longest non-stop double track cable car. "Tatev Monastery is one of the must-visits of Armenia, which is better to visit once than to read about it a million times. 

Noravank Monastery  is a 13th-century Armenian monastery, located 122 km from Yerevan.The monastery is best known for its two-storey Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) church. Noravank was the residence of the Orbelian princes. The architect Siranes and the miniature painter and sculptor Momik worked here in the latter part of the thirteenth and early fourteenth century. 

Areni Wineries: Armenian wine has a history of around 6000 years, and as known, one of the world's oldest wineries was discovered at Noravank's Birds Cave in 2010 (near the village Areni). Name “areni” an indigenous Armenian grape variety that has been growing in that region since ancient times. Nowadays, in Areni village one can find many wine factories and as well as individuals, families, making wine and growing their own vineyards.

Lake Sevan and Sevanavank Monastery: Lake Sevan is not only the biggest lake of the Republic of Armenia but also is one of the few high-mountain freshwater lakes in the world. It is about 1900 m above sea level and is often referred to as the “Blue Pearl” of Armenia. Sevanavank is a 10-century monastery complex located on the peninsula of the lake from where a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake and surrounding mountains opens up. 

Old Dilijan (Tufenkian complex): In 2004, Tufenkian began restoring the historical district of modern-day Dilijan, preserving the 19th century architecture which you can experience today. 

Haghartsin Monastery complex is another marvel of Armenian medieval church architecture. The monastery complex is located near the Dilijan city in Tavush Province as well and is dating from 10 to 13 centuries. 

Lake Parz: Located in the Dilijan National Park Lake Parz is a small yet beautiful lake, which in recent years has attracted many tourists and locals. There are many attractions like zip-line, paddle-boats, etc., that can make your day more fun or you can just chill and enjoy  nature.