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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 1Ararat ValleyThe tour starts in Yerevan with pre-tour briefing with organiser and other tour participants. From the set up on Ararat Highway, begin a 30 km ride to Khor Virap Royal Prison. Climb to the top of the hill behind the monastery, presumably the site of Artashat, ancient Armenian capital. Fantastic photographic moments, the ascetic silhouette of the monastery with Mount Ararat in the background - perhaps the most famous photo of Armenia. Short transfer to Zangakatun, the highest point of Tukh Manuk pass (1,795 m). Get on the bikes and start downhill ride to reach Yeghegnadsor, the largest city of Vayots Dzor province. Transfer to guesthouse, a great place to hang around, swim in the pool or relax with a glass of cold beer under plum trees (ride app. 55 km). Welcome dinner at a small restaurant featuring local delicacies of the agricultural heart of Armenia, Vayots Dzor. Overnight: Guesthouse in Yeghegnadzor Meal plan: Breakfast, dinner Day 2Sightseeing on Two WheelsAfter an early wholesome breakfast we get the bikes out and go sightseeing on two wheels. A gentle morning warm-up ride takes us downtown, we continue through surreal gorge of Noravank exquisitely dressed in wild flowers and red rocks of strange forms. The gorge is dominated by magnificent Noravank Monastery, the masterpiece of Momik, Armenia's famous medieval architect. Afternoon visit to Areni Wine Market, an ideal place to enjoy exceptional local wine, honey and fruits. Back to Yeghegnadsor for overnight (ride app. 55 km). Overnight: Guesthouse in Yeghegnadzor Meal plan: Breakfast Day 3Gates of SyunikThe route today is quite long so is broken into a couple of riding stretches with transfers. Following an undulating country road through the foothills we are now heading to Syunik, the southern edge of Armenia. Short transfer from Saravan to Gates of Syunik and it's time to pedal your bike again! Enjoy the delight of 50 km ride, descending through landscape that contrasts so dramatically with what you saw yesterday. Do not miss your chance of buying fresh fruits or simply chatting with locals at Tsghuk farm. And in case you are tired remember the vehicle backup is there, otherwise ride straight to your hotel in Sisian. You can relax at hotel bar before spending the evening sharing a meal with your group. If you can drag yourself away from the restaurant, you can cycle to the local church to watch rare microscopic paintings on rice and hair! Optional cycle to graceful Shaki waterfall. (ride app.50 km). Overnight: Hotel in Sisian Meal plan: Breakfast Day 4Legendary TatevEarly breakfast and a 15 km ride leads us down the valley through restful pastoral scenery to ancient observatory of Karahunj. Back to tarmac and on to Tatev, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cycle 25 km and back to off-road again, pass Shinuhayr with its surprisingly huge shoe factory, continue through a narrow ravine so deep that the sun hardly reaches its bottom. Stop at Devil's bridge to fill your bottles with healing mineral water and swim in the steaming pool. Reach Tatev - as you see the Monastery you will appreciate what has drawn people to this sacred place for hundreds of years. It can be a hard day but the vehicle support will be on hand if required for a four-wheeled break. Back to Sisian for overnight (ride app.60 km). Overnight: Hotel in Sisian Meal plan: Breakfast Day 5Great Silk RouteEarly morning cycling takes us away from the mountains of Syunik into an arid region as we traverse Selim pass (2,410 m). Stop and get packed lunch at a village market, continue the road gradually climbing up to 2,410m in elevation following the historic Silk Route past Selim Caravanseray. This is one of the best places to see what fabled Silk Route looked like centuries ago. As we cycle down, we pass high country sheep stations and get into unsurpassed views of Lake Sevan. By vehicle and cycle we reach Lake Sevan and enjoy a superb final lakeside track taking us to our hotel (ride app. 70 km). Overnight: Hotel at Lake Sevan Meal plan: Breakfast Day 6Little Known ArmeniaGet on your bikes and head north from Shorzha, famous fishers' village. Today we get completely off the main tourist tracks and explore the eastern edge of Armenia, picturesque Tavush. By cycle and vehicle we gradually climb the picturesque pass (2,176 m) to get to Getik Valley for the last ride uphill to Chambarak (around 20 km). Have rest and lunch and continue to reach Berd - unparalleled views as your bike tours through thick forests with dramatic gray cliffs soaring above you. A final 30 km of downhill rush with long sweeping corners will bring you to Ijevan, a small town of quaint appeal with its quiet, cypress-lined streets. Your vehicle will meet and deliver you to your accommodation (ride app. 65 km). Overnight: Guesthouse in Ijevan Meal plan: Breakfast Day 7Ancient ShrinesOut from Ijevan on our bikes, we head to the highway and off to romantic Lori. The landscape here is an attractive patchwork of verdant pastures and woodlands. On beautiful sealed roads with lush forest lining the roadside we ride to Noyemberyan. Cycle another hour to reach sleepy Alaverdi hidden in scenic Lori Gorge. The lattice of quiet lanes and tracks follows Debed river and climbs into the hills to explore the enchanting countryside and ancient shrines. Our accommodation for the evening is in Alaverdi, once a mining town (ride app. 70 km). Overnight: Guesthouse in Alaverdi Meal plan: Breakfast Day 8Local Villages & HospitalityTransfer to the highway leading to Vanadsor. Today's route stays away from the main road and follows less direct but quieter series of back roads to allow us to experience the rural life of Armenia. Our passing encounters with friendly locals in small villages of Akori, Aygehat and Vardablur may leave us with some of our strongest memories. At the east end of the last village, the road leads us to half-ruined 6th century church. Finally you are in Kurtan and from here the paved road gradually descends east along the side of the gorge. Cycle straight to your hotel or use the support vehicle for this final leg (ride app.70 km). Overnight: Hotel in Vanadzor Meal plan: Breakfast Day 9In the Shadow of Mount AragatsOur day starts with cycling at 1,350 m between Pambak mountain range to the south and Bazum range to the north. Both ranges exceed 3,000 m above sea level. We will cycle to the west of Vanadsor, reach the main road to follow Debed river and pass by the town of Spitak, the epicenter of 1988 earthquake. As we head deep into the mountains, today's route is dominated by Mount Aragats, the highest peak of Lesser Caucasus (4,090 m). This is an area of stunning natural beauty. In the afternoon we reach Ashtarak, an area famous for its superb fruits. From here strong riders can cycle straight to the hotel in Yerevan and support vehicle can pick those who want an easier option to reach the city (ride app.70 km). Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan Meal plan: Breakfast Day 10YerevanToday is a rest day for a chance to explore Yerevan. There are many options available on this day, wandering in the red rose streets of old center, sampling a light snack at the busy outdoor terraces at the Opera Square, visiting Vernisage, the best place in Caucasus for souvenir shopping, taking a tour in the cellars of Yerevan Brandy Factory and many more. 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. Cycling conditions
The roads used for this tour are country roads between villages and little towns, quite peaceful, sometimes without cars, often used by carts and herds. Quiet tarmac roads are used where necessary. Cycling is not difficult though some tracks are rough in parts. If weather conditions are poor we may use alternative sections to avoid muddy routes. And remember, all roads are either up or down, there are simply no flat roads in Armenia. You ride with fellow travellers, carrying only what you need for the day. The support vehicle will carry all your bags.
Grade 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 these tours we use comfortable 4WD vehicles as well as some local transport that is well-maintained and supplied with a first-aid kit. The vehicle carries all your bags from hotel to hotel, so you can cycle unencumbered. It is loaded in the morning and follows the bikers - occasionally it may be necessary for the vehicle to make a detour around some of the tracks. The only things you need to carry on your bike are cameras, waterproofs and sun cream.
8. Staff and supportThis is a fully supported cycling trip which means that the support vehicle follows the group all the way through the trip. As well as enabling you to ride with only your usual day-ride kit, this also means that you can hitch a ride if you find the going too tough. There will be a tour leader/ driver to assist, advise and coordinate all aspects of your trip. He is in charge of general organization of your trip making sure that you have a most enjoyable time. He has general knowledge of the places visited. GPS rentalGPS rental with detailed route maps of all trails is optional. You can choose to bring your own device if you want. In this case we will send you detailed route maps of your trip prior to arrival. Cycling guideNo cycling guide is provided for this tour. However, you can request one at the time of booking. Luggage handlingAll your gear is carried for you on this tour; you carry only a daypack. 9. MealsThe tour cost includes bed and breakfast in the hotels and guesthouses. Meals, when included, will feature local cuisine. For other meals, you are left to choose what and where to eat, though your driver will be on hand to suggest venues and arrange where necessary. This can be one of the great joys of this trip as the food in Armenia is superb. 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. Essential equipment and clothing
Pack small and light. From early May to late October 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.
Local Bike HireBikes are available for hire in Armenia and should be requested at the time of booking. Bringing your own bikeMany people choose to bring their own bikes. If you wish to bring your own bike, please note that we cannot guarantee against small scratches and paintwork damage involved in the loading and unloading from support vehicles. 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 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. 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.
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