In the morning meet other group participants and tour leader, brief pre-tour orientation meeting. The day starts with a visit to History Museum housed by Yerevan City Hall. Providing an excellent introduction to the history of the city, the museum is an ideal place to start your exploration of Yerevan, new and old. A walking tour of Yerevan exploring various layers of its history - medieval shrines hidden behind imposing Soviet-style façades, narrow streets of the old center with sunlight playing on its pink walls, Closed Market and Blue Mosque on Mashtots Avenue, Republic Square, Cascade and Mother Armenia, Opera House and Northern Avenue. A cultural showcase not to be missed is Matenadaran, one of the world's oldest repositories of ancient manuscripts, visit to Genocide Memorial, a solemn reminder of the first genocide of the 20th c. We continue our exploration with a visit to the Vatican city of Armenia, Holy Echmiadzin. Experience a fascinating journey through time, descend to the ruins of the pagan sanctuary beneath the altar and pay tribute to the Treasury of Mother Cathedral with striking collection of relics of Christianity. On to Zvartnots, a temple consecrated in the presence of Emperor Constantine of Byzantium, it stands out as one of the most prominent creations of medieval architecture.

Breakfast at hotel. Drive east to the magnificent Temple of the Sun at Garni, the only surviving sample of Hellenistic architecture in the Caucasus and the legendary Monastery of Spear at 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 Lake Sevan, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world - the tranquil majesty of its ever-changing waters, stunning mountains silhouetted against the blue sky, all this inspired its name The Pearl of Armenia. Enjoy the scenery, take a 20-minute walk to the top of Akhtamar Trail for the best photographic views of the Lake, explore romantic Sevanavank Monastery. If we are lucky with the weather, we will take a boat trip to Seagull Island (groups of 6 persons and more). Back to Yerevan. In the evening we offer you to enjoy the cultural life of Yerevan with an exquisite performance at National Opera or a concert at Classical Music Chamber offering you the best of what is available at the time of your stay (optional).

Early start today with a trip to the highest peak of Transcaucasia, Mount Aragats (4,090m), an extinct volcano. The first stop of our trip is Saghmosavank (Monastery of Psalms) perched on the edge of picturesque Kasakh gorge. Acclimatizing gradually as we ascend the beautiful countryside, we reach Amberd Fortress on the southern slope of Aragats. Breathtaking views of the fortress and citadel, snow covered peaks of Aragats, sun scorched grasslands dressed in wildflowers combine to provide an unforgettable experience this morning. If we come here during summer months we can visit high-mountain camps of friendly Yezidi tribes who tend their sheep under the towering peaks of Aragats. We will discover the traditional way of life of these people of the mountains, visiting their tents, trying fresh cheese and yogurt. Continue to our comfortable hotel in Byurakan - clear mountain air, powerful panoramas, fresh dishes and star observations at 1,460 m above sea level!

We start to explore some of the less traveled routes of Lori, the largest of Armenia's 11 provinces. Start our day with a drive to Kurtan with a small 5th century basilica church, the start of a dramatically beautiful gorge, one of the deepest and longest in Armenia. On to 7th century Hnevank, a splendid monastery decorated with fine stone carvings. Drive to Stepanavan, a charming town nestled in the mountains. Visit to the ruins of feudal Armenia's main fortresses, Lori Berd situated on a naturally fortified plateau between two river gorges. Explore the site and take in the beauty of dramatic mountain scenery. Inside the fortress is a bathhouse, with remains of a complex plumbing system. Continue on foot to a vaulted medieval bridge at the bottom of the gorge crossing Urut River, leading to several cross carvings in the rock face. Here we have a great view over the so-called Communist Caves once serving a secret meeting place for "red" revolutionaries. Optional dinner at one of many roadside restaurants before heading to your hotel in Stepanavan.

After breakfast we are off to beautiful Kobayr monastery situated on the edge of a narrow ravine. Superb frescoes and a unique atmosphere make Kobayr a jewel in the crown of Northern Armenia. We continue our trip to sleepy Alaverdi, once an industrial town and rise to our next destinations - Haghpat and Sanahin. Severe and majestic design and marvelous bas-reliefs justly rank these sites among the celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Marvel at the intricate reliefs showing biblical scenes and characters, before wandering the atmospheric graveyards. Many tombs are carved with khachkars - Armenian cross stones, perhaps looking remarkably Celtic to some of you. Continue to Dilijan, a town nestled in a deep wooded gorge. Check in at hotel, rest. In the evening take a stroll in the old town where strangers are greeted with smiling curiosity.

Day six starts slowly, with time for leisurely breakfast before a visit to newly-opened Old Dilijan Complex on historic Shamambertan street. Here we experience the town as it was in the 19th century and observe the weaving of carpets by local women at Carpet Showroom. Continue your journey through Dilijan National Park, a protected area renowned for its serene lakes, picturesque hill trails and peaceful villages, visit to Haghartsin or Goshavank, fairy-tale monasteries set amidst flower-filled meadows. Away from the main road and following a high mountain pass less traveled, we drive to Lake Sevan. Our passing encounters with friendly locals in small villages en route may leave us with some of our strongest memories and best photos of rural Armenia. Continue to your chalet-style hotel right on the beach, check-in, rest.

Our first stop today is Stone Garden at Noraduz with unique collection of exquisite khachkars, cross-stones. Proceed to a heart-pumping southward trip through the rugged Selim Pass. Climbing steep paths and enjoying the views of Lake Sevan below, we reach the amazingly intact Selim Caravanserai, an important trading post on the Great Silk Road where little has changed since the fourteenth century. Our next stop will be at Shatin observation point to see Bezoar Goats on the opposite side of the gorge (seasonal). The afternoon offers a real off-the-beaten-path experience as we walk to discover Fortress of King Smbat, one of the best-preserved medieval citadels in Armenia, Zorats Cathedral and the Church of St. Catherine with romantic stories attached to its history.

A day dedicated to exploration of Southern Armenia combining the magic of Armenia's finest mediaeval architecture with stunning landscapes. The first visit is to Karahunj, Armenia's Stonehenge, an ancient observatory that has caused sensation in astronomical circles. Our next visit is Tatev Monastery, an architectural masterpiece dating from the 10th century. Drive through a narrow ravine so deep that the sun hardly reaches the bottom, later ascend to a high-mountain plateau with striking views of jagged mountains and gorges. On the way back soar above the gorges in the world's longest aerial tramway, a must-see attraction opened in 2010. The whole journey to Tatev takes 4 hours and is a totally absorbing and unique experience. Transfer to Goris crossing and off to Khndzoresk cave town. Walk down the gorge to explore the mysterious caverns cut in the face of the rocks by people seeking refuge from persecution in the natural protection of high cliffs. Drive to Goris, a quaint town surrounded by mountains. Take a stroll in the narrow tree-lined streets and charming old town. Dinner is at your leisure, before you sink into a good night's rest at your hotel.

Those taking Karabagh and North-Western Iran extension start their tour next morning after breakfast (see Karabagh and North-Western Iran extensions below).

After a hearty breakfast consisting of so many fresh and home-made products we leave Goris. Driving back to Yerevan we have the last chance to experience the untamed beauty of Southern Armenia - surreal red rocks providing an eerie echo, honey-coloured villages sandwiched between them. We are in the agricultural heart of Armenia and do not miss the chance to sample some of the fantastic produce: private wine touring in maran (cellars) of a small winery in Aghavnadzor followed by a lunch in the farmhouse. On to Noravank, the masterpiece of medieval architect Momik situated above an awesome gorge. The next stop of our trip is Khor Virap, the site of royal prison where St. Gregory the Illuminator was held for thirteen years before converting Armenia into the first Christian nation in 301. Guided by the remote majesty of biblical mount Ararat, we explore the site, its underground chambers, elegant chapels and are captivated by the ascetic atmosphere of the site. Back to Yerevan.

Free day on your own for a last chance to enjoy Yerevan. Visit Vernisage, the huge arts & crafts market, the best place in Caucasus to buy souvenirs. Open only on weekends it is a lot of fun to wonder in. Explore the treasures of the cultural life of Yerevan, ramble in the oldest part of the city or just relax in shady parks or busy outdoor cafes, enjoying the young and lively atmosphere of this ancient city, the contemporary of Babylon and Rome.

The ancient lands of Iran are steeped with history and culture. A unique aspect of this culture is Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran in the north-west of the country. St Thaddeus, St Stepanos and the Chapel of Dzordzor are examples of outstanding universal value of Armenian architectural tradition and testimony to important interchanges with other cultures, in particular the Byzantine, Orthodox and Persian. Tabriz, home to unrivaled masterpieces of architecture such as the Blue Mosque and Kondovan, Iran's Cappadocia are exciting landmarks not to be missed. (For more information on the program, 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 program, prices and inclusions, see detailed itinerary, PDF)