The day starts with a quick pre-tour orientation meeting with your tour leader followed by an introductory cultural tour of Yerevan, new & old. We start our exploration with the Republic Square with it magnificent buildings enhanced by singing fountains, continue to Erebouni Fortress, the birthplace of Yerevan. Explore the impressive ruins and drive to the Railway Station to see the beautiful monument of David of Sasun, national hero. On to Mashtots Avenue, past Blue Mosque and huge fruit market to reach Cascade. Later we drive to the south, catch our last views of Mount Ararat and descend to the sleepy town of Vayk. After the drive, here is a chance to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of our hotel.

We offer a unique option this afternoon, hiking at Hermits’ Trail. Transfer by jeep to Jafar hill station to start the day’s hike. After an hour’s walk you can see Noravank Monastery in the distance - a sudden and dramatic sight amid surreal red rocks. Continue walking and come to a pleasant picnic area under rosehip trees, where there is time to relax, enjoy your lunch and share your thoughts. After rest continue to reach an abandoned military point, walk down the gorge, cross the river and hike your last hour to reach Noravank. This is around 6 hours' hike through exciting terrain, ranging from steep rocky paths down to tree-studded ravines, then to open, grassy hilltops. Take a guided tour of the monastery, examine exquisite carvings, precious cross-stones and cliffs that have long been a mecca for climbers. In the evening dinner with local wine at farmhouse, the head of the family will act as your toastmaster governing the event according to age-old rules of Armenian hospitality. For those feeling energetic there is an opportunity to explore caverns of Mosrov decorated with stalactites and stalagmites of amazing color and diversity (caving gear provided). Transfer for overnight to your secluded fixed mountain camp in magic Gnishik gorge (fresh water supply, shower/toilets, comfotable sleeping tents and dining area).

Wake up to the aroma of hot coffee. We start early to beat the heat of the day. Today’s ride follows the spectacular route of Her-Her trail. You'll be amazed by what a four-wheel-drive vehicle can do: traversing mud, holes and hillsides so steep you'll have to fight to stay in your seat! It starts with gravel tracks across high altitude plains and remote villages, is followed by hard climbs but the thrill of visiting this land of rugged beauty is ample reward. This is a hard but rewarding trip, with extended periods at high altitudes, a real extreme day. Traverse Selim Pass with amazingly intact Selim Caravanserai to arrive at the shores of Lake Sevan.

There has to be an easy day on your holiday and this is it! Enjoy on your own at the beach or relax in a coffee shop catching up on your postcards. For nature lovers there is the option of bird watching at Gulls' Island. If you choose this option, your bird watching guide will pick you from the hotel and drive to the area. Another attractive option is a boat ride to Noratus to explore unique Stone Garden. Your leader can also arrange a hiking trip to Artanish Peninsula guided by a local guide for splendid views of Greater and Lesser Sevan.

Transfer to Lake Apri National Park, a high mountain plateau of volcanic origin with mountain steppes, sub-alpine grasslands and crystal-clear rivers (2,000-3,196m above sea level). The area harbors unique ecosystems with many unusual species and is covered with a carpet of alpine flowers of rare beauty. You can select your preferred activities here - walking, biking, horse back or canoeing - perfect ways to discover hidden corners and feel at one with nature. We have local outfitters, Ana and Arthur, so the group can be split according to preferences. We will use 4WD to travel to the start and end of walks/rides, affording us flexibility to follow the trails based on the ability of the group. We will spend our days hiking or biking at beautiful trails to discover Paleolithic sites perched on the edge of rocks, dramatic gorges and passages cut into steep cliff face and graceful waterfalls hidden between rocks. Those preferring canoeing will spend a fun day out canoeing in open boats at river Akhuryan. Starting at the source, they will go through beautiful meadows and end the trip in dramatic Khorank Gorge. Horse riders will be transferred to the small village of Darik for guided riding at green hills above the village. We will all visit local farms, chat with friendly locals, have lunch and refresh at beautiful springs. We spend 2 nights at a local guesthouse (shared facilities).

Departure from Lake Arpi for a free afternoon in Yerevan at your own pace - last minute shopping and a final evening out in the city. You may wish to wander in the labyrinth of Vernisage arts and crafts market, 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 Factory to explore the secrets of making the delicious, internationally acclaimed beverage, the favourite of Sir Winston Churchill.