The most ancient civilization of the prehistoric state of Urartu left a lot of unique “evidence” of its existence. Having become an independent country, modern Armenia is actively developing the tourism industry. More and more Russian-speaking tourists flock here to see the extraordinary beauty of the mountainous country and its monuments. Therefore, group and individual excursions in Yerevan in Russian have become the main element of the tourist destination.

Lake Sevan, pagan Garni and Geghard cave monastery

Becoming a member of the “chamber” excursion around the outskirts of Yerevan, you will plunge into the world of interesting legends. Authentic ancient structures against the backdrop of landscapes of unearthly beauty will amaze your imagination. A Caucasian-friendly guide will treat everyone with fruits and national sweets. The world-famous high-altitude lake Sevan with fresh water – the priceless “pearl of Armenia” makes you freeze with delight with its incredible beauty.

The turquoise-blue expanse of water is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges covered with snow caps. The coastal landscape of a unique reservoir rich in fish is picturesque and diverse. Here you can breathe in plenty of clean air. Rare luck – in the 21st century. to see a pagan temple, such as Garni, which has become a symbol of Armenia. It was built in the Hellenic style in the 1st c. n. e. and was dedicated to the Sun God Mitra. The earthquake of 1679 destroyed the sanctuary, but the magnificent appearance of the architectural masterpiece of Hellenism was “resurrected” from the ruins. When looking at the majestic colonnade of Garni, pre-Christian history comes to life.

A truly unforgettable experience is left by the Geghard monastery complex. The scale of its premises, carved into the rocks of a gloomy canyon, is striking. It is hard to even imagine how much effort the monks put in, manually gouging the rocks! Everything here is amazing and amazing.

Bright colors of Yerevan

A 3-hour walk around Yerevan in the evening will allow you to get to know the sacred places of the city, to feel the spirit of its 3,000-year history. Narrow old streets will reveal the secrets of the past, introduce you to the unique oriental architecture. The connection of times will visibly appear before you in the form of buildings. In the story of the guide, the heroes of Armenian legends and true historical figures will come to life, whose names are forever inscribed in the monuments. From a height, a uniquely beautiful view of the city, shining with rainbow lights, will open.

Descending down the famous “Cascade”, enjoy the authenticity of the Old City. A visit to one of the churches here will be a spiritual and aesthetic shock (in a good way). Once on the square Republic, you will admire the play of light and water of the famous Singing Fountains. A pleasant note in the “accord” of the promenade will be the tasting of Armenian dishes in the restaurant of national cuisine.

Tasting and historical tour of Yerevan and surroundings

An 8-hour road trip with an experienced guide is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of iconic objects of antiquity, to be literally under the clouds and from there to survey the stunning panorama of Armenia. 40 km from Yerevan, near the border with Turkey, there is another symbol of ancient Armenia – the monastery-fortress Khor Virap. It was built on the site of a medieval prison, the prisoners of which were thrown into a pit to certain death. Gregory the Illuminator spent 15 years here. The powerful walls of the building personify the fortress and reliability, over which time has no power.

At an altitude of 30 m above sea level, there is a narrow crevice among the mighty rocks. This is the entrance to the Cave of Birds, discovered by an Armenian archaeologist in 2007. He discovered an impressive space with an abundance of bird nests (hence the name). Upon further research, it turned out that people lived here for 4 millennia BC. e. Evidence of this – fragments of pottery, shoes, skulls, the remains of a winery. Indelible impressions from penetration into eternity will remain for a long time.

In the hospitable country house of the guide Lada, everyone will have emotional communication over a delicious dinner with a tasting of homemade wines. You will prepare dishes for a feast together with the hostess. If desired, there is an opportunity to spend the night, and in the morning still admire the surrounding beauties on the way to Yerevan.

Journey to the monasteries of Khor Virap and Noravank

In the country, one of the first to adopt Christianity, many ancient sanctuaries have been preserved. For 6 hours of the trip you will visit 2 monasteries. In with. You will see the divine Ararat near Areni, hear a lot of interesting information. A truly breathtaking picture will open before you: against the backdrop of the majestic peaks of Ararat, the tower of the monastery-fortress Khor Virap (deep pit) rises.

You will find out which famous religious figure was kept in the church pit for 13 years. You will see authentic cells, guest houses, outbuildings of the 17th century. The road along the winding bank of the river. Arpa leads to the Noravank monastery. Against the backdrop of sheer red rocks, you will see a 2-storey old church. Noravank is an architectural masterpiece of the outstanding Armenian sculptor Momik, whose name is associated with the legend of the founding of the miraculous monastery.

Discover the beauty of nature in Armenia

Unique natural and man-made monuments, the majestic beauty of mountain peaks, gorges and canyons await everyone on an 8-hour trip around the outskirts of Yerevan. Tremulous excitement will seize you at the pass, where in June 1829 the brilliant classics of Russian literature met. Described by Pushkin in the documentary “Journey to Arzrum”, the pass will open up irresistible landscapes from its height. Once on the edge of the deep Dzoraget canyon, you will see a truly fantastic picture.

Among the steep cliffs covered with greenery of centuries-old moss and shrubs, the river of the same name flows like a winding gray ribbon. Numerous grottoes gape with mysterious depths. On the way to the Lori Gorge, you will have time to see enough of the color of Greek and Armenian villages, lost among the mountains and gorges. The surrounding landscapes are stunning with marvelous views. Feel like climbers going down the rocky path to the river. Debed, and rising up again.

High above the river Debed has 2 monasteries (10th century) – examples of Armenian architecture of the Middle Ages. You will get an idea of that era and feel the spirit of those times. When you see stone crosses, you will find out that these are “khachkars”, you will understand their purpose and types. The guide will tell you about one of them in detail. Lunch at a typical Armenian establishment will surely please you.

Sightseeing tour of Yerevan

During a leisurely walk (4.5 hours), you will see iconic sights – symbols of a long-suffering and great country. Secrets of little-known corners, traditions and life of old-timers will be revealed. The old city will amaze the imagination with incredible scale and grandeur of buildings, unique museums. You will not remain indifferent at the sight of the Cascade, “Mother of Armenia”, Victory Park, the memorial Memorial of the Victims of the Genocide.

Touch the antiquity in the famous Matenadaran, admire the paintings of local artists. In the New City, conquer the scope of the Northern Avenue, the beauty of modern buildings made of multi-colored tufa. Get a complete picture of modern Armenian art in the museum complex after. Gafeshyan. Pleasant moments await in cozy cafes, where Caucasian hospitality is combined with amazing Armenian dishes.

Sevan and Dilijan: the wondrous nature of Armenia

A 5-hour excursion provides an opportunity to visit the beautiful Lake Sevan, the popular resort of Dilijan. You will fall under the spell of azure waters, virgin forest and ancient monasteries. The pearl of Armenia – Sevan – is the largest lake in the country with fresh water. More than 20 mountain rivers flow into it, filling it with melt water. Luxurious mountain landscapes surround the azure expanse, in the depths of which trout splashes. The ancient monastery built of black tuff makes a stunning impression.

Do you remember how the hero of F. Mkrtchyan from the movie “Mimino” praises his Dilijan? You will also fall in love with this wonderful resort town, surrounded by blue lake mirrors and green forests. Walking along the picturesque streets, you will see local architectural sights. Complete your experience with views of the medieval monasteries around the city.

Lake Sevan, ancient monasteries, ethnic workshops

A 10-hour auto tour of the foothills and highlands of Armenia is a vivid impression of everything you see. The enchanting beauty of Sevan, pine and deciduous forests, the amazing harmony of nature and ancient monasteries will not leave anyone indifferent.

Through the main Christian places in Armenia. Echmiadzin and Zvartnots

The Ararat Valley will open its arms to you, where you will “pass” the path of development of Christianity from its inception to its flourishing. Rare churches and temples will become visual objects, at the sight of which you will feel the breath of centuries. The former grandeur of the Temple of Vigilant Angels (Zvartnots) will be revealed to you by the partially restored ruins of an ancient sanctuary that suffered from a strong earthquake.

Even from them you can conclude how grandiose this religious building was. A visit to the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians, the religious center of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the city of Etchmiadzin – an acquaintance with the cradle of Christianity. You will get a lot of information in the local museum, admire the cathedral. You will enter the building of the former seminary, where the Art Gallery is now.

The best way to know Armenian cuisine

Become a member of such a 10-hour excursion, penetrate the secrets of the famous Armenian cuisine, famous throughout the world. Feel the flavor of the oriental bazaar, learn how to cook true Armenian dishes and taste the taste of divine wines. The picturesqueness of the Yerevan market is difficult to describe in words, it is better to see the whole colorful range of cheeses, vegetables, fruits and other products on plentiful counters. You will become familiar with new varieties of cheese, exotic pickles and how to prepare them.

After a walk through the market, you will go to a hospitable country house. On the way you will see a relic cave with prehistoric finds. A visit to one of the oldest wineries will be a pleasant “highlight” of the trip. Here you will taste high-class Armenian wine.

A real gastronomic holiday awaits you in a cozy house, where you will take part in the preparation of delicious national dishes. Dolma (the subject of the laudatory odes of the “professor” Khachikyan-Mkrtchyan), without a juicy shish kebab-khorovats will not do here. Kalyagosh, baskyrtat and other dishes with unusual names for you will become known to you.

Khor Virap, Noravank and Areni are the best in the south of Armenia

A trip through the Ararat Valley, rich in vineyards, will delight you with wonderful impressions. Red rocks, grottoes and caves, ancient Christian shrines, amazing landscapes are waiting for you. Khor Virap, located on the river bank of the Araks, at the foot of holy Ararat, will amaze you with its mighty monastery walls and great history. You know about the role of Gregory the Illuminator in the development of Christianity in Armenia.

The legendary Noravank, a work of art of monastic architecture, will delight with the beauty of lines and shapes. The story about its creator, the loving architect Momik, will also impress. In the cradle of Armenian wine traditions – the village of Areni, visit the winery, taste several varieties of wine. Then you will walk along the relic Cave of Birds, learn about amazing finds and feel yourself in another dimension.

Garni pagan temple and Geghard monastery

A journey to the iconic shrines of Armenia will introduce you to the main Christian symbols. You will see a priceless monument of Hellenic architecture. You will visit the monastery monastery, where, according to legend, the spear of Longinus, which pierced the body of Jesus, was kept.

Seeing the majestic colonnade of the Temple of Garni, you seem to find yourself on a piece of land of Ancient Hellas – the features of Hellenism are exactly observed in a pagan sanctuary. Hear the history of its construction, find out who initiated it and how the temple was restored after the earthquake.

After exploring Garni, go to the Goght River, where the Geghard Christian Monastery is located in a picturesque gorge. It is impossible not to freeze in amazement at the sight of the gray walls and domes of the monastery against the backdrop of mighty rocks. You will learn that this complex, founded by Gregory the Illuminator, suffered a lot of destruction not only from earthquakes, but also from human hands. It was in the temple of Garni (according to legend) that the spear of Longinus was located.

Culture and heritage of Yerevan

You will learn about the most interesting facts and events from the history of the city, domestic and cultural traditions during an 8-hour trip around Yerevan. Unique buildings, constructions and institutions will serve as visual aids.

A walk through Yerevan in the evening will introduce you to the most outstanding architectural structures, Republic Square and Singing Fountains.

The road to the temple: about Christianity and art

In the course of the educational excursion, which unites the themes of religion, history and art, the close connection between the past and the present of Yerevan can be traced. You will visit ancient Christian shrines and modern establishments. A sightseeing walk along the old and new streets, the Blue Mosque, the Cascade, monuments will give a vivid idea of the city, which embodies antiquity and youth.

By visiting the Cathedral, you will learn a lot of interesting things from the history of Christianity in Armenia from the distant past to the present. The chapel of the 13th century, the church of the Holy Mother of God Zoravor and the new church of St. Anna. Matenadaran – a repository of ancient manuscripts will impress with the number and linguistic diversity of rarities. If you choose the Museum of Modern Art, you will be captivated by the talented works of famous sculptors and artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Journey to the cave city and Tatev Monastery

The most vivid sensations and impressions await you on a trip through the mountains. Ascents to dizzying heights, descents into thousand-year-old caves, incredible views of mountain gorges. Khndzoresk – an ancient city located on the slopes of the mountains – the first stop on the way from Yerevan. Here you will see unusual caves resembling giant nests of swallows, “hanging” on the rocks in several tiers.

Take an extreme walk on a suspension bridge over a deep gorge. The cable car (the longest in the world) “Wings of Tatev” will take you after a short halt to the Tatev Monastery. Flying “on wings” literally under the clouds, you will see stunning views of the gorge of the river below. Vorotan. The feeling of “bird's flight” is unforgettable.

The Tatev Monastery (9th century), which is considered the center of spiritual power, will make an indelible impression. The unique architecture of the religious building, the beauty of the surrounding nature will enchant. The history of Tatev, which became the center of science and art in the 14th-16th centuries, will be an important discovery. The final “chord” of the trip is a visit to the healing springs with 3 types of healing water, acquaintance with the “Satan's bridge”.

Photo tour of the Pink City

A fascinating voyage (3.5 hours) in a relaxed, without official atmosphere, will allow you to more deeply reveal the traditions and mentality of Armenians, their way of life and culture. Your photo lenses will capture amazing atmospheric objects and spaces. Significant symbols of Yerevan will appear before you in all their glory. Vernissage will amaze with its unique exhibits. At Republic Square, admire its architecture and sights. The famous modern building – the Cascade will give the brightest “photo frames”, like the ancient church.

Yerevan flavor will be revealed throughout the promenade. You will understand why the city is called pink when you see the bright facades of the houses. You will have the opportunity to compare the arrangement of Yerevan courtyards of different eras. Visiting an elite entrance, an old carpet shop and an artist's workshop, you will once again see how diverse and colorful the life of the city is, where antiquity and modernity go side by side.

Wine Tour: Khor Virap – Areni – Noravank

On this excursion, you will discover the unique nature of Armenia, amazing Christian buildings, incredible Armenian hospitality and exquisite taste of local wines. The Ararat valley will meet you with amazing mountain landscapes. You will admire them on the way to the monastery of Khor Virap, especially revered by the Armenians.

Located on the banks of the river Araks, not far from the border with Turkey, Khor Virap resembles a mighty “guard” guarding the homeland. The stunning view of the majestic Ararat will enhance the impression of the security of the borders. At the next shrine, the architectural gem of Noravank, you will freeze in admiration at the sight of the monastery and feel the story of the romantic love of its creator.

The picturesque gorge Arpa will be an enchanting backdrop to the visit. In with. Areni, where guide Anna will invite all participants, get acquainted with the long-term wine traditions of her family. Learn interesting facts about family wine production technologies. At a hospitable table, you will taste several varieties of wines, with various “raisins”.

Master class on desserts of Armenian cuisine

In a country with such a rich history as Armenia, a special national cuisine could not but appear. A variety of Armenian desserts can satisfy the taste of the most demanding gourmets. There is hardly a person who would not like baklava, gata or science. During the master class, you will discover the secrets of preparing these amazingly tasty and healthy desserts.

All the subtleties of “creating” confectionery masterpieces, the dosage of ingredients and products will become known from an experienced guide in the role of a confectioner. Watching his actions and manipulations, you yourself will be able to prepare some kind of dessert. Upon returning home, you will please your family and friends with confectionery novelties.

In 3 hours of fun conversation, you will learn the history of the appearance of traditional Armenian desserts, which products are used most often. Get detailed answers to all your questions. In conclusion, treat yourself to fragrant coffee with prepared “snacks”.

Little Switzerland in Armenia

On an 8-hour trip, you will meet with truly unearthly beauties of the natural and architectural gems of Armenia. The heavenly corners of “Little Switzerland” will enchant with their bright tones and halftones, the divine harmony of forests, water, mountains and ancient monasteries.

On the way to the natural miracle – Lake Sevan, you will hear a lot of interesting things from the mouth of the guide, admire the surroundings from the windows of a comfortable mini-bus. The amazing blue of the water surface of Sevan, the necklace of snow-white peaks along its banks will captivate your imagination. Visiting the Senavank Monastery, you will understand how strong the spiritual connection between nature and Armenian culture is.

There will be no limit to your delight in the Dilijan Reserve. The richest beauty of these places, indeed, will seem like Switzerland. Slopes covered with dense forest, picturesque gorges, rocks stagger the imagination. The monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank will “discover” the secrets of their appearance, captured in official history and romantic legends.

Six types of Armenian temples and their secrets

The Armenian people, who were the first to adopt Christianity, created many religious symbols. A trip to the Christian shrines – 6 ancient monasteries – an exciting immersion in the fateful history of Christianity in Armenia. In the small mountain villages you meet along the way, you will get acquainted with the life and way of life of the locals and see the ruins of the prince's palace.

At the picturesque slopes of the extinct volcano Aragats you will visit ancient temples 7 in:

A wonderful tour will end with a pleasant visit to the “Paradise” – the garden of a local resident, where you can enjoy juicy fruits.