FDA2. Long week-end in Armenia

Yerevan bacame a capital of Armenia in 782 B.C. when Urartu's king Argistis founded the fortress and the town of Yerebuni. Now Yerebuni is historical centre of Yerevan. Not with standing dramatic history Yerevan city is still rich in historical monuments. Today Yerevan is a major economic and cultural centre of Armenia, a modern city with a blend of contemporary and ancient architecture. The tour offered takes you opportunity of acquaintance not only with great culture of Armenia but also with majestic nature of this country.

Type: Discovery
Tour duration: 4 days
Months of Operation: round the year
Recommended Group Size: 2-9 pax
Mode of Travel: car (2 pax), minibus (3-9 pax)

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival in Yerevan in the afternoon by flight from Moscow (flight SU-193 11:05-15:10 is recommended). Yerevan city tour: Republic Square, Yerebuni (ruins of ancient Old Town famous for its palaces and temples) with visiting of Yrebuni Museum, Matenadaran – treasure of ancient manuscripts and books, Memorial and Museum of Genocide 1915 built in 1965. Transfer to the Golden Tulip ***** hotel. We kindly pay your attention that our prices for this 5-star hotel are charged on the level of 3-star hotels. Accommodation.

Day 2. Breakfast.Fullday sightseeing tour: Garni (1st century temple, outstanding monument of Hellenistic culture), Geghard (catacomb monastery of the 12-13th centuries located in 7 km from Yerevan). Excursion to Echmiadzin (22 km from Yerevan) – one of the world's oldest Christian churches (the 4th century), Churches of St.Gayane and St.Hripsime (the both -7th century), ruins of Zvartnots monastery (7th century).

Day 3. Breakfast. Free time. Optional tours recommended:

• Sevan Lake, Dilijan, Haghartsin (115 km). You have a chance to visit Dilijan area - one of the most picturesque parts of Armenia with beautiful mountain landscapes, Sevan Lake- one of the worlds largest high-altitude lakes (2000 meters above the sea level) and majestic ancient buildings including monastery of the 10-13th century – Haghartsin.
• Sisian, Tatev Monastery, Karahun (250 km). Tour to the Southern part of Armenia – Sisian area. You will visit the most magnificent monastery in all Armenia, Tatev Monastery (9-13cc), a former center for the sciences and art, where many famous Armenians lived and worked centuries ago. The Tatev complex consists of three churches, a refectory, a library, a vault, and several residence. Magnificent canyons surround the monastery. Explore Karahun, an ancient observatory quite similar to Stonehenge in England. The columns sit like soldiers on a hill. The 204 stones near Sisian have been ascribed with mystical, fertility and cosmic powers, but rarely have ancient monuments caused such a sensation in astronomical circles.
• Martiros Saryan House Museum. Pictures of the great painter of the 20th century Martiros Saryan (1880-1972) are exhibited at Tretyakov Art Gallery and other museums of Russia but only unique collection of Martiros Saryan House Museum in Yerevan (about 30 painting and 20 graphic works) gives you a chance to see all stages of Martiros Saryan creative work from his first student works till works of the last years of his life. Museum is opened since 11:00 till 16:00, day-off – Thursday.

Day 4. Breakfast. Transfer to the airport.

 Costs for individual tourists 2010:

Included:

• accommodation at twin rooms
• 3 breakfasts
• excursions
• transport service during all the programme
• English-speaking guide (other languages on request)

Not included:

• air and train tickets
• visa (can be arranged upon arrival for EUR 6 per person)
• insurance
• early check-in and late check-out at the hotel
• optional excursions
• lunch, dinner

Supplements, EUR per person:

• lunch in city restaurant + 9 per lunch
• SGL accommodation +102
  
• ticket to Opera and Ballet Theatre -on request
• dinner with folklore programme +13

All the costs are valid at the date of publication and are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking