The 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 Shuka, market on Mashtots Avenue. Wonder among the stalls piled with fresh, dried and marinated fruits and vegetables, say hello to the spices and herbs you will use during the days to come. No visit to Yerevan will be complete without the 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; the visit concludes with tasting of brandy.

Breakfast at hotel. Leave the frantic pace of Yerevan and drive east to the magnificent Temple of the Sun in Garni and the legendary Monastery of Spear in Geghard. 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. On to Khosrove Nature Park, a true wilderness with a rich variety of plant and animal life, one of Armenia's best kept secrets. This is a prime hiking area where we enjoy a relaxing afternoon on foot actively experiencing nature and feasting our eyes on abundant birdlife in beautiful undisturbed forests. At the Park Lodge we are greeted by our host, Sergei and have our first cooking class starting with the basics - lavash, Armenian flat bread and tonri khorovats, Armenian traditional barbeque in wood burning oven in the ground. Learn about the techniques used in making the bread, roll up your sleeves and proceed to your first task of making your own bread; then marinate meat for the barbeque. Time for leisurely nature walks (guided by park team) or short trip to beehives for honey tasting. Return around 17.00 to start barbeque-making. Meat, fresh tomatoes, shiny eggplants and peppers take turns to become crusty, mouth-watering components of the finest barbeque you will ever have. Enjoy the dinner in the balmy and relaxed evening atmosphere of the reserve.

Breakfast with fresh honey, butter, cheese and matsun yogurt - secrets behind Armenian longevity. Visit the royal prison of Khor Virap at the border with Turkey, proceed to explore Noravank Monastery in majestic Gorge of Bamboos. An essential stop in Areni village famous for its wines, visit to traditional marans (cellars), taste award-winning wines from local grape varieties. Continue to meet Shirak, the owner of your hotel in the agricultural heart of Armenia. At the hotel we start our hand-on cooking session focusing on traditional Southern Armenia cuisine characterized by extensive use of wild herbs and nuts in savory dishes. Begin preparing the evening meal, karshim, vegetarian soup made up form lentil and wild endemic herbs along with some freshly prepared salads where the prominent ingredient is goat cheese. Dinner in the garden of the hotel will consist of the dishes you have prepared accompanied by excellent local wine.

After breakfast set off for Lake Sevan through rugged Selim Pass. Climbing steep paths, enjoying the After 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. 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 (boat trip, weather permitting). Enjoy the beaches, enjoy the scenery! Experience the unspoiled relaxation, which is Armenia!

In the morning you will be expected at the farm of a cheese maker in the midst of beautiful rolling hills of Tavush. You will tour the farm and see the making of string cheese typical to the region, thereafter tasting of cheeses at various stages of maturation will be offered. A short drive to Aker village well away from regular tourist trails. Welcome drinks on the terrace of the farmhouse and half day dedicated to home style cooking. Today we prepare tolma, stuffed vegetable dish, the most famous of traditional Armenian dishes. In addition to grape leaves (winter tolma), we also stuff cabbage leaves, eggplants, tomatoes and peppers (summer tolma). Armine, the village headman's wife, demonstrates techniques passed down through generations. Later traditional feast keff at the open terrace of the farm with the view of dramatic Debed gorge, the head of the family will be your tamada (toastmaster) governing the event with age-old rules of Caucasian hospitality. Overnight at the farmhouse.

Start today with a transfer to the North-East of Armenia. Welcome to Gyumri, a vivid town with a distinct urban fabric and friendly locals, famous for their indelible sense of humor. Walk at Kumayri historic district and feel the atmosphere of the 19th century Gyumri, the outpost of the Russian Empire in the Southern Caucasus. Visit the ethnography museum with its remarkable collection and proceed to a hill nearby with a well preserved fortress, Black Guard on it. Late afternoon we drive to the house of Arthush, our host today, to enjoy our diner in a warm family circle. Are you ready to cook? Trout in clay pot, Gyumri style, is on the menu today. Help your hostess marinade the fish and gradually uncover the secrets of the preparation of this fascinating dish. Even in the oven, it smells fantastic! Enjoy your dinner with white wine, prepare to laugh a lot as Artush shares with you anecdotes about his town and its inhabitants, favorite characters of Armenian jokes. Some refreshing coffee after dinner and on to your hotel for rest and overnight.

After breakfast transfer to Yerevan and check in at hotel. Today to have free day to immerse in routine of city, visit to Sunday Vernisage market, the largest souvenir market in the Caucasus is a recommended option. Back to hotel to unwind. Your gala cooking class with a focus on contemporary Armenian cuisine begins at 17.00 following by a farewell dinner at trendy Ararat Hall Restaurant. Your guide will be Sedrak Mamulyan, a well-known chéf, leader of Armenian Cuisine Revival Association. He has won a number of awards, wrote cookery books and featured on television programs, all of which has added to his fame and that of the restaurant. Dinner with matching wines will follow.

Those taking Georgia Wine and Karabagh extensions start their tours the next morning after breakfast (see Georgia Wine Tour and Karabagh Tour below)

Looking to pack the greatest collection of Caucasus treats and travel thrills into your vacation? You have found what you are looking for! Georgia, once considered the haute cuisine of the Soviet Union is home to many passionate wine producers. Come discover the last secrets for enthusiasts exploring the flavors of the world! (For more information on the itinerary, prices and inclusions, see detailed itinerary, PDF)

Travel by 4WD cars into the most unusual region of historic Armenia, Karabagh. Remote and little known, the region is quickly forging its future whilst retaining and preserving a rich cultural heritage. We will pass serene lakes, forested valleys dotted by historical villages, we will explore evocative medieval strongholds and above all, we will meet proudly independent people of Karabagh - we aim to have a taste of it all in this short, active break! (For more information on the itinerary, prices and inclusions, see detailed itinerary, PDF)