DAY ONE HISTORY MUSEUM - Matenadaran Tsitsernakaberd

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1 WINE BRANDY TOUR When aged Churchill was asked about the secret of his longevity, he answered without hesitation: "Never be late for dinner, smoke Hawaiian cigars and drink Armenian cognac!" Day 1. Arrival at Zvartnots international airport Transfer to hotel City tour Day 2. Khor Virap - Areni Wine Factory Noravank Yeghegnadzor Yerevan Day 3. Ararat Brandy Factory Echmiatsin Yerevan Day 4. Garni Geghard Yerevan Farewell Dinner Day 5. Transfer to hotel - Departure

2 DAY ONE. Arrival at Zvartnots International airport. Meeting at the Airport. Transfer to the (3+*, 4* by your choice). Check in. Yerevan City Tour - History Museum Matenadaran Tsitsernakaberd Republic Square, Opera House, Cascade HISTORY MUSEUM -was founded by the Parliament September 9, It was called Ethnographic-Anthropological Museum- Library and Yervand Lalayan was the first director. Yerevan History Museum with the number of its exhibits, the number of its publications and its preservation means corresponds to the demands of a modern museum. It has become one of the leading museums of our country. Matenadaran. Matenadaran (a book depository), one of the world's earliest libraries, is situated on the northern part of Mashtots avenue. Its collections contain ancient Armenian books and miniature paintings that have gained world-wide fame. Among its unique treasures are the works of ancient classical authors and rare manuscripts that have come to our days only in the Armenian translation. Tsitsernakaberd. The memorial-complex to the victims of the Armenian genocide towers over Tsitsernakaberd hill. At the center of the monument there is the Memorial Sepulcher with eternal flame and twelve, tall basalt slabs tilting over the flame. As a part of the Monument the arrow-shaped 44 meters high granite stele symbolizes the spiritual rebirth and bold spirit of the Armenian people. The Genocide Museum is a special constituent part of the complex. The exhibit contains a number of photos taken by the witnesses, archival documents, documentary films and the original documents issued by international organizations and parliaments of foreign countries condemning the Genocide.

3 DAY TWO. Khor Virap. Areni Wine Factory. Noravank. Lunch in Yeghegnadzor. Return to Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. As a state religion Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavors of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who before converting king Trdat the 3rd to Christianity, was imprisoned in the dungeon over which a church of Khor Virap monastery was built in the 17th century. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat. ARENI village is situated in the southwest of nowadays Armenia. It has an ancient history. Wine-making in Armenia arises from the ancient times. Its history started from the times of Noah. Since then people have been cultivating wine and bequeathing the secrets of viticulture from generation to generation. Owing to the unique dry climate the valuable grapes of Areni have been cultivated here, and nowhere else in Armenia has it shown itself as good as in the village of Areni. The long history of wine-making in Armenia is evidenced by the numerous wine barrels and clay vats excavated out of the thick layer of soil in various places. The

4 homeland of Areni grapes is Vayots Dzor region of Armenia, in particular, the area of Areni. Areni has a black amber color. Thanks to its pleasant sourish and specific taste, the best wines are made from Areni. Areni is an aborigine sort and in the course of centuries it has been adapted to the dry climate of Vayots Dzor. Nowadays Areni Wine Factory has become the cradle of winemaking in this region. A visit to the winery will give you the opportunity to taste 15 sorts of wine, watch a short-length film about the history of the factory, wine-making in Armenia and its historical background. Afterwards youare welcome to have a walk in the cellars of the factory. Noravank is a 13th century Armenian monastery, located 122km from Yerevan in a narrow gorge made by Amaghu river, near the city of Yeghegnadzor, Armenia. The gorge is known for its tall, sheer, brick-red cliffs, directly across from the monastery. The monastery is best known for its two-storey Surp Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) church, which grants access to the second floor by way of a narrow stone-made staircase jutting out from the face of building. The monastery is sometimes called Noravank at Amaghu, with Amaghu being the name of a small and nowadays abandoned village above the canyon, in order to distinguish it from Bgheno- Noravanq near Goris. In the 13th 14th centuries the monastery became a residence of Syunik s bishops and, consequently, a major religious and, later, cultural center of Armenia closely connected with many of the local seats of learning, especially with Gladzor's famed university and library. Afterwards you are invited to have lunch in the lovely restaurant Lchak in Yeghegnadzor. Return to Yerevan

5 DAY THREE Ararat Brandy Factory. Echmiatsin. Return to Yerevan Farewell Dinner at a restaurant. Erevan Ararat Brandy Factory - Ararat has preserved the traditions of the legendary brandy manufacturing since 1887 when a merchant named Nerses Tairyan built the first wine and brandy factory in Yerevan. Ararat is one of the most successful brands of Armenian brandy not only in Armenia but also worldwide. It is no wonder that this precious drink with its exceptional taste owes to the unique microclimate of the Ararat valley, the endemic grape varieties and the gentle sun of Armenia. Visit the museum of the factory, get acquainted with the legends of ARARAT brandies, learn the 120 years old history of Armenian brandy manufacture, know who has drunk Armenian brandy, and see the oldest Armenian barrels and the medals which decorate the ARARAT legend. Walk around the ageing cellar and see how the brandy spirits are preserved, know who has nominal barrels and enjoy the delicate aroma of the cellar. Spend a lovely and unforgettable time in the tasting hall enjoying the wonderful "THREE STARS", "NAIRI".

6 Echmiatsin is the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is where the Catholicos Of All Armenians lives, and the location of the Echmiatsin Cathedral. The cathedral, built in 480, is located in a walled compound with gardens and various structures. The word "Echmiatsin" means the Only Begotten descended, and the cathedral was built on the very spot Grigor Lusavorich (St. Gregory the Illuminator) dreamt Jesus Himself descended from heaven to show him where He wanted the church to be built. It is a scenic place to visit. The main church structure is pretty large, however the majority of the interior is used for purposes other than worship and the area you enter is much smaller than the size of the entire complex. It is a traditional Armenian design with a belfry and a number of rotundas. Most of the exterior is plain until you make it around to the entrance which is intricately carved and very beautiful. DAY FOUR Garni Geghard Yerevan Farewell Dinner Garni - Garni temple which towers over a three-cornered cape is the unique survived example of pagan culture in Armenia. It is a blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles. King Trdat the First began building of the temple in the first century A.D. and dedicated it to the God of Sun. After adopting Christianity in 301 the pagan temple lost its significance and the fortress of Garni became the summer residence of the kings. Nowadays the ruins of the royal palace and the bathroom with a stunning mosaic work can be found near the temple. Geghard - Geghard monastery is the unsurpassable masterwork of the 13th century Armenian architecture. Some of the churches of the complex are masterfully hewn in a huge rock. From the outset the complex was called Ayrivank (cave monastery), later it was renamed Geghard (lance), as the lance used by the roman soldier to sting Jesus Christ's side, was kept in this monastery for

7 many centuries. Due to its construction Geghardavank serves the best place for singing spiritual songs. The complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars (crossstones). Return to Yerevan Farewell Dinner. In the end of the tour you are invited to a farewell dinner at Ararat restaurant in Yerevan, during which you are not only served delicious traditional Armenian food, but also enjoy an amazing show with national dances and music. Within 3 hours almost the whole Armenian culture and history is presented to the visitors. This event is organized to make your trip to Armenia even more unforgettable. Departure from Yerevan. DAY FIVE. Early breakfast at the hotel. Check out. Transfer to the airport.

8 Note: Hotels in Yerevan are optional (3+* 4*) according to your wish The itinerary is subject to changes according to your wish and requirements Depending on the dates, you can also visit Vernissage open market in Yerevan, which functions only at weekends. CONTACTS