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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 1Yerevan new & oldThe tour starts with a meeting with your tour escort and group participants before heading to introductory tour of Yerevan, reputedly one of the oldest cities in the world to have been continuously inhabited. We start our exploration with the Republic Square with it magnificent buildings enhanced by singing fountains, continue to Erebouni Fortress, the birthplace of Yerevan. Take a guided tour of the fortress and explore the impressive ruins. Drive back to city center, stopping at the Railway Station to see the beautiful monument of David of Sasun, national hero. Time to kick off your culinary adventures with a visit to Pak Shuka, Market on Mashtots Avenue. Wonder among the stalls with a variety of fresh, dried and marinated fruits and vegetables, say hello to the spices and plants you will use during the days to come, learn about the evolution of Armenian cuisine from your expert guide. No visit to Yerevan will be complete without Brandy Factory. Wander in the cellars and among the oak barrels, see every step of the process from fresh grapes to the delicious, internationally acclaimed beverage and finally taste the finished product. Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan Meal plan: Breakfast Day 2Culture & rural cookingBreakfast at hotel. Leave the frantic pace of Yerevan and drive east to the magnificent Temple of the Sun and the legendary Monastery of Spear. Explore the mosaic ancient baths and ruins of the royal palace, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this mythical place and examine remarkable cross stones carved into sheer rock. Visit to traditional village home in Garni for hands-on cookery demonstration. Guided by Sergei, your host, learn about the spices and utensils used in traditional barbeque, marinate fresh meat with herbs and garlic, later start barbeque-making in the wood burning oven in the ground. Meat, fresh tomatoes, eggplants and peppers take turns to become crusty, mouth-watering components of the finest barbeque you will ever have. Enjoy your creation with local berry vodka in the cozy garden of the house or the traditionally-furnished dining hall in winter time. Evening back to Yerevan, rest. Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan Meal plan: Breakfast, dinner Day 3Trout & wineBreakfast and departure from Yerevan to explore the culinary delights of Southern Armenia. Visit the royal prison of Khor Virap at the border with Turkey, proceed to explore Noravank Monastery in majestic Gorge of Bamboos. Private wine touring in the cellars of Areni wineries with a leading expert from Union of Wine Producers, taste award-winning wines made from local Areni grapes. Transfer to Jermuk spa town for a cooking class with Vova, the chef of famous Ararat Restaurant in Yerevan, the favorite place of former communist leaders. Today you will focus on the specialty of the region, trout in wine made with Vova's unique recipe. Your host will introduce you to the techniques and spices that go into this fascinating dish. Dinner at the tavern in dramatic Jermuk gorge, prepare to laugh a lot as Vova shares with you anecdotes about his famous clients. When it comes to dessert, an appetite for honey, nuts and dried fruits gives rise to a number of traditional pastries and sweets. Proceed to Armen Guesthouse for overnight, tea and refreshments are awaiting you in the lovely garden of the house. Overnight: Guesthouse in Yeghegnadzor Meal plan: Breakfast, dinner Day 4Goat cheese routeEarly breakfast with fresh eggs, milk, butter and cheese, matsun yogurt, jams and sweets followed by delicious fresh cherry juice and a cup of strong Armenian coffee. A short but absolutely fantastic drive in the mountains to a small goat cheese farm well away from tourist trail. A full day dedicated to rural cooking in an authentic home setting where time at table is sacred and food is celebrated. Hands-on cooking demonstration with the hostess, Maro, village headman's wife, who teaches us traditional Armenian family recipes demonstrating cooking techniques passed down through generations. The prominent ingredient of all dishes today is goat cheese ripened with traditional flavors as well as a great variety of mountain herbs, mushrooms and spices. Time free to follow the granny to take photos of her garden full of apple trees and her tonir, wood burning oven in the ground where lavash, traditional bread is made. Fascinating legends and wisdom of 'these people of mountains' are lovingly preserved and passed through generations. Traditional feast keff in the picturesque gorge of Gnishik river, the head of the family will be your tamada (toastmaster) governing the event with age-old rules of Caucasian hospitality. Back to your guesthouse for overnight. Overnight: Guesthouse in Yeghegnadzor Meal plan: Breakfast, dinner Day 5Lake SevanAfter breakfast set off for Lake Sevan through rugged Selim Pass. Climbing steep paths, enjoying the wild Caucasian landscapes and ever-changing views of Lake Sevan below, reach the amazingly intact Selim Caravanserai, an important trading post on historic Silk Road. Check-in at your chalet-style hotel at the beach perfect for rest and relaxation. A choice of activities is available here. With water-skiing, swimming and boat trips on offer, you may find it hard to just lie on these paradise beaches. Historical and architectural gems are never far away - the ancient monastery on the peninsula, the Stone Garden with unique carved cross-stones and much more. A well-deserved dinner on board a yacht with Sevan Sig will round off this pleasurable day. Enjoy the beaches, enjoy the food and enjoy the scenery! Taste and see the unspoiled relaxation, which is Armenia! Overnight: Hotel at Lake Sevan Meal plan: Breakfast, dinner Day 6Lunch with nomadsAfter breakfast transfer to the lush village of Byurakan, Thousand Springs, the summer residence of the Catholicos of all Armenians, an area famous for its beautiful orchards and superb fruit. Continue to reach high breezy pastures where we will witness the age-old pastoral tradition of sheep breeding. This area is home to friendly Yezidi ethnic group living in high mountains in summer, grazing sheep and goats under the towering peaks of Aragats. Discover their traditional way of life, visit their homes and sacred sites. Al fresco lunch with Yezidi high up in the mountains! Where else can you feel this cordiality? And food consisting of so many fresh and home made products, the undeniable luxury of freshness itself! Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch Day 7Free day in YerevanDay at leisure to relax and enjoy Yerevan at your own pace. A farewell dinner at trendy Bacchus, Restaurant and Art Gallery, waiters dressed in national taraz costumes, duduk music in modern interpretation, delicious dishes created by the chef, it is a unique and exotic atmosphere that will stay with you long after you leave! Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan Meal plan: Breakfast, dinner 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 travellers 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.
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 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 tour leader 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. 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 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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