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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
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Day 1Dilijan Nature ParkThe tour starts with a meeting with tour leader and other tour participants. Off to Dilijan, a small town in Northern Armenia, an ideal start for our birding. The town is blessed with luxuriant deciduous forests and mild climate. The prolific foliage lining the deep wooded gorges accommodates countless bird species and our mode of transport enables us to enjoy fabulous close encounters with them. Check-in at guesthouse and spend the afternoon birding in the forests around the town. Here, Booted and Lesser Spotted Eagles, Black and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers, Red-breasted and Semi-collared Flycatchers and Green Warbler can be spotted. Dilijan has retained many of its traditional wooden houses and cobblestone streets and is a fascinating place to wander around in the evening. Overnight: Guesthouse in Dilijan Meal plan: Breakfast Day 2Hills & LakesEarly breakfast and travel by 4WD to the slopes of hills in Lori area. Forests and open meadows will be the focus of our half-day birding. Species we look out for on the numerous birding trails include Caucasian Black Grouse, Lammergeier, Water Pipit, Alpine and Radde's Accentors, Siberian Stonechat (armenica race), Bluethroat (magna race), White-throated Dipper, Twite and Mountain Chiffchaff. In the afternoon we proceed to Lake Sevan, one of the largest highland lakes in the world. We stop at the lake to watch Armenian and Caspian Gulls and continue to explore the western side, home to a myriad of birds including Black-necked Grebe, Ruddy Shelduck, Cetti's and Marsh Warblers. It will be almost impossible to resist having a quick dip in the lake after a day of birding. Overnight: Hotel at Lake Sevan Meal plan: Breakfast Day 3Selim PassAfter some final birding we drive across awesome Selim Pass in Vardenis Mountains to Yeghegnadzor for a two-nights' stay. Winding mountain roads with hairpin bends lead from one breathtaking view to another reaching highland plateau steppes with tall grassland and steep arid rocky slopes. En route we take out our birdwatching binoculars to watch out for colonies of rare inhabitants of this rocky country including Citrine Wagtail, Black-headed Wagtail and Barred Warbler. Overnight: Guesthouse in Yeghegnadsor Meal plan: Breakfast Day 4Wildflower FieldsEarly morning we start our exploration of Mount Gndasar by 4WD. This is the toughest and yet the most rewarding part of our birding trip. The road climbs to 2,600 m on a series of switchbacks, providing dramatic views of the vineyards and orchards below. This is an amazingly rich area with many exciting birding sites. As we climb up the steep paths we pass through mountain meadows with shrub and wildflower fields. Our target bird for this day is Caspian Snowcock as well as other birds supported by this high-mountain habitat including Wallcreeper, White-winged Snowfinch and Crimson-winged Finch. Back to Yeghegnadzor for rest and overnight. Overnight: Guesthouse in Yeghegnadsor Meal plan: Breakfast Day 5Ararat ValleyEarly breakfast and transfer to the renowned birding site of Armash fishponds situated in the valley of Araks River at the foot of Mount Ararat. The astounding variety of bird life supported by this fertile land is legendary among birdwatchers, but it is perhaps not so much the endangered or threatened birds that impress the visitor as their diversity and abundance. Enjoy the views of snow-capped Ararat and get the chance to see wetland bird species including Pygmy Cormorant, Little Bitter, Caspian and Great Reed Warblers, the colonising Paddyfield Warbler, Ferruginous Ducks, Glossy Ibis, White-tailed Lapwing and Kentish Plover. The ponds also attract migrant birds, such as Terek, Curlew Sandpipers, Eastern Olivaceous, Menetries's and Upcher's Warblers, European Rollers, European and Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters. Transfer to Yerevan for overnight. Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan Meal plan: Breakfast Day 6Vedi HillsEarly breakfast and transfer to Vedi Hills to start our birding supported by 4WD vehicles. This is an extremely arid land dominated by tamarisk, buckthorn and spurge, home to many rare bird species. Our main quest is to see Mongolian Finch as well as other rare species supported by this interesting habitat - Grey-necked Bunting, Short-toed Snake-eagle, Bimaculated Lark, Finsch's Wheatear and Trumpeter Finch. Back to Yerevan for overnight and looking through our birding checklist and birding pictures. Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan Meal plan: Breakfast Day 7Mount AragatsOur final day will be spent on the slopes of scenic Mount Aragats, an extinct volcano with picturesque Kari Lake in the crater. We will explore the slopes of the Mount covered with alpine flowers, dwarf junipers and Dog Rose bushes and have further chances to see many of the bird species seen earlier on the tour. In the afternoon we return to Yerevan for some further birding in one of city parks where we will be rewarded with watching two highly sought-after breeding species: Levant Sparrowhawk and Syrian Woodpecker. We can also have an optional visit to Nature History Museum in Yerevan. 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. Birding conditionsOur birding locations are mostly remote and we come across dirt tracks in valleys, narrow routes in thick forests and muddy trails to ponds where most birds can be watched. Normally we bird between 6 to 10 hours per day. Grading A (moderate). 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.
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 food is included throughout. We will generally have a packed lunch in the field and a hot meal in the evening. Meals will mostly feature local cuisine. Vegetarians should have no problems on this tour. 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. 14. 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. 15. Responsible tourismTourism can be a real help to local communities providing income, positive cultural exchanges and the 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. 16. 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.
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