What better way to discover a country than celebrating its festivals with locals? Check out great Special Offers - WATER FESTIVAL, GRAPE BLESSING and colorful TBILISOBA!
In a mood for a bit of change this New Year? Join our Armenia New Year Special tour to spice up your experience! Check out SPECIALS
NEW! 15% OFF trips departing soon. Check out Dates & Rates now!
Be in the know with the latest in Armenia travel - sign up for AdvenTour eNEWS
|
HOLIDAY IDEAS
Best of Armenia
Grand Caucasus
Hiking
Trekking
Cycling
Biking
Rally Tour
Multi Activity
Archaeology
Bird Watching
Photography
Food & Wine
XC Skiing & Snowshoe
Ski Mountaineering
|
Please fill in the following details
and download your tour information (  PDF)
Day 1Classical ArmeniaIn the morning meet your group participants and tour leader, trip briefing. We start our trip with the fascinating Museum of Armenian History, which gives a superb oversight of ancient cultures of Armenian Highland. From here our route continues to southwest, to the site of ancient Garni, the only standing monument of Hellenistic architecture in Caucasus. Built on a naturally fortified plateau and maintaining a commanding view of deep gorges, the elegant temple is a potent symbol of the power of Mitra, God of Sun. The next stop of our trip is the magnificent Monastery of Geghard cut in solid rocks with exquisite cross-stones hewn out of the cliff face, a splendid and challenging architectural construction to say the least. Time free to explore this vast complex on your own, back to Yerevan. Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan Meal plan: Breakfast Day 2Stone Age SettlementsBreakfast at hotel. We first visit the Royal City of Metsamor, a vast archaeological site, now a museum with a spectacular collection of over 22,000 artefacts, jewellery and weapons dating from Neolithic times. There is ample time to explore the museum and have a walk at the site with the remains of burial sites, and a fire temple built 28 centuries ago. Detailed on-site discussions and explanations of the archaeology finds and archaeology studies offered by the archaeologist/guide of the museum. Travel to the Vatican city of Armenia, Holy Echmiadzin. Experience a fascinating journey through time, descend to the ruins of the pagan sanctuary beneath the altar and pay tribute to the Treasury of Mother Cathedral with striking collection of biblical archaeological relics of Christianity. It is difficult not to get caught up in the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred site. Proceed to explore the impressive ruins of Zvartnots Temple, a magnificent cathedral dating back to the VII c. Consider the distinctive construction techniques and stunning bas relief carvings of this great structure. Back to Yerevan, evening free. Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan Meal plan: Breakfast Day 3-7Prehistoric Armenia with ExpertsFive days spent in regions of Armenia. Through our cooperation with a pioneering archaeology project you can take part in excavations as a volunteer archaeology assistant in various sites in Armenia. Working with Dr. Boris Gasparyan (Institute of Archaeology, Yerevan) and his team as an archaeology assistant you will help find further evidence about functions of various sites and important aspects of fascinating ancient cultures that thrived here. You will spend mornings excavating and afternoons washing, sorting, and classifying archaeological finds, all under the supervision of Dr. Yengibaryan and his assistants. You will be living with the archaeological team at village homes or guesthouses near sites. For many a highlight of the trip, this not-for-profit project helps contribute to research leading to informed decisions on conservation of archaeological sites and creation of new national parks, reserves and protected areas. Information on specific sites is currently being updated and will be provided shortly. Overnight: Village homes/guesthouses Meal plan: Breakfast Day 8Ancient CapitalsThe day is dedicated to the exploration of ancient capitals of Armenia. Visit one of the seven villages forming the territory of ancient Dvin. Occupied from early prehistory until Median times, Dvin boasts an early Mesopotamian trading colony from about 3000 B.C. Excavations last revealed nine major levels of occupation and rich temple offerings were found by the excavators. Explore what was once a forum, a market and an elaborately decorated royal palace. Visit field archaeological museum. Proceed to Khor Virap Monastery occupying a beautiful location with biblical Mount Ararat dominating the skyline. Proceed to the site of ancient Artashat, a city founded by ambitious King Artashes in the 2nd c AD. Financed by taxes on the caravans, which passed this way between the Mediterranean and Mesopotamia, Artashat was once a flourishing city. Back to Yerevan. Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan Meal plan: Breakfast Day 9Kingdom of UrartuWe continue the exploration of ancient civilizations of the Armenian Highland. Today we visit two sites related to the mighty Kingdom of Urartu, the contemporary of Babylon and Persia. We explore the ruins of Teyshebaini Fortress of VII c. BC and Erebuni, the birthplace of modern Yerevan. Here the history truly comes to life as you walk amidst the ruins of temples evoking onetime military and economic might and examine the amazingly well-preserved cuneiform inscriptions recording the achievements of kings of Urartu - Argishti and his son Rusa and the extent of their empires. Later a visit to the Museum of Archeology with a wealth of rare archeologial finds providing a fascinating glimpse into the world of lost civilizations. Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan Meal plan: Breakfast Day 10YerevanFree day to explore Yerevan at your own pace. You may wish to wander in the labyrinth of Vernisage arts & crafts market, the paradise for souvenir hunter, climb up to Mayr Hayastan monument to get a bird's eye view of the city or climax your day with a visit to Yerevan Brandy Company to explore the secrets of making the delicious, internationally acclaimed beverage, the favourite of Winston Churchill. Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan Meal plan: Breakfast Dates & Rates
Booking formTour notes1. Special notesThe information in these Special Notes covers the average range of conditions likely to be found on this trip. In remote destinations unexpected conditions can prevail at any time, and all adventurous holidays can therefore be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. 2. Travel health and insurance
No vaccination is required for travelling in Armenia. The country’s climate is very pleasant, with no health risks. Water in Armenia is very clean and safe. However, travellers usually prefer bottled spring and mineral water, which can be found in shops and supermarkets.
3. Physical preparationThere will be no extreme fitness requirements and rough traveling. Some of the natural and historical sites we visit will require fair amount of walking with options for more keen travelers and nature explorers. A normal level of fitness will be expected and will certainly help enhance the opportunities to enjoy the trip. 4. MoneyYou will need to allow enough money for meals as well as optional activities. An average meal in a restaurant should cost between EUR8-10. Tipping is customized and not compulsory. You should be aware that Armenia is still a cash-only economy and credit cards are not accepted in the majority of shops and restaurants. There are several ATM machines in Yerevan and other cities where you can obtain cash. 10 000 Armenian Drams (approximately EUR 26) is charged as a departure tax on exiting Armenia by air. Please note: we do not charge sightseeing fees in advance allowing you to choose whether or not you visit sites, depending upon your interests. 5. Communication during the tour
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road. Email cafes are common and are the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch.
6. Accommodation
We choose facilities that combine high level of comfort and service with unique design and appreciation of the natural beauty of a region. The emphasis is on location, practicality and reasonable degree of comfort. Furthermore, our close relationship with leading hotels allows us to offer you special rates and upgrades.
Hotel/Guesthouse – Accommodation is generally in same sex twin rooms. If you are sharing with another single no supplement is necessary. Our costs are generally based on 3 or 4 star properties. If you want higher-class accommodation you can request an upgrade at the time of booking.
Single Supplement – Should you want more privacy during your trip, you can upgrade by the requesting your own room, often at a little extra cost, where available.
Pre / Post-Tour AccommodationIf you require additional accommodation either before or after the trip, we can book this for you provided you notify us at the time of booking. Please contact AdvenTour for current prices. Payment for this must be made to AdvenTour. Please note that AMD 5,000 booking fee is added to the cost. 7. Transport and private transfers
The mode of transport we use is chosen to suit the environmental aspects and local infrastructure. During tours we use comfortable, air-conditioned cars, minibuses and buses as well as some local transport that is well-maintained and supplied with a first-aid kit. In fact, we often use more than one type of transport per trip. And just in case you are wondering - we also travel by foot.
8. Staff and supportWhile on AdvenTour trips, you will be accompanied by a tour leader/driver. The tour leader is in charge of general organization of your trip making sure that you have a most enjoyable time. He/she has broad general knowledge of the places visited, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. The tour leader is able to provide suggestions on what to do and see and can recommend great local eating venues. Local guides are an important part of AdvenTour team, they are trained by us and support our groups in sites and locations where their special knowledge of the trails, particular activities or communities will add to the enjoyment of the tour. 9. MealsThe tour cost includes bed and breakfast in hotels and guesthouses. Meals, when included, will feature local cuisine. Tour leaders will advise you on the most favourite restaurants and eateries. The options for vegetarians are not limited during the trip. For the detailed meal plan, please refer to the itinerary of the tour you have chosen. 10. LaundryFacilities are offered by all hotels for a charge. 11. VisasTo obtain a tourist visa for traveling to Armenia, you should apply to the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in your country or online at http://www.armeniaforeignministry.com/eVisa/. Another option is to obtain your visa upon arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Visa regulations can and do change without notice. Please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. 12. What to takePack small and light. From early May to late October the weather is generally warm and pleasant with some hot days in July - August. Sometimes it can get cool in the mountains so we recommend taking a couple of warm sweaters. You should also have a day pack to carry your personal accessories during the day. 13. SafetyArmenia is a very safe country. Anyway we always recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. All the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which can be used to store your valuables. 14. Responsible tourismTourism can be a real help to local communities providing income, positive cultural exchanges and financial incentive to protect the natural environment. Our trips are designed to use family-based guesthouses in the regions, buy local food, hire local guides, drivers and rent trucks to ensure that as much money as possible is retained within the local economies. 15. FeedbackAfter your travel, we would like to hear from you. Within two weeks after your departure we will send you a feedback form to complete. Information in this document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change and does not form part of the contract between the client and AdvenTour.
AdvenTour Travel |
PDF