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AUD 1544 / pp
Armenia
Dates:
May - October 2020/2021
Duration:
6 days
Group:
10-20 ppl
Armenia, one of the cradles of world civilization, is known for its fascinating ancient cities, architecture and archaeological sites. The capital Yerevan is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and Armenia is the oldest Christian country in the world. Mix it all up up with delicious local food, great wines and cognacs. Top it with a unique and rich heritage of ancient cultures and great mountainous sceneries and you will perceive a journey to the astonishing Armenia.
Day 1: Arrival at Yerean
Arrival at Yerevan. Private transfer to your hotel and check-in (after 14:00). Rest of the day at leisure to explore the capital of Armenia.
Day 2: Yerevan
One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world, pink city Yerevan which was founded in 782 BC. It is an incredibly beautiful city built of rose tuff, which calls visitors with its humble yet splendid landscapes. Breakfast with an Ararat mountain view, how does that appeal? Take off for a guided city tour visiting the Cascade Monument, the main symbol of the cities 2780th anniversary with the equivalent number of stairs. The mega-scale staircase is 500 meters high and 50 meters wide. A panoramic view from the monument opens up breathtaking city view with Opera House, Mount Ararat, Swan Lake, Republic Square, and Abovyan Avenue, which you will also walk by during the tour. Continue to the Armenian Genocide memorial complex on the hill of Tsitsernakaberd. In the evening enjoy tasting the famous Armenian cognacs at Armenian Brandy Factory. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Yerevan - Garni - Geghard - Etchmiadzin -Yerevan
Depart Yerevan and drive to Garni, one of the major villages in Armenia famous for its fortress. The fortress is the only pagan sacred place from the 1st century that survived the aggressive introduction of Christianity in the 4th century. Next stop is at the Geghard monastery “a spear” in Armenian), the UNESCO World Heritage Site Medieval buildings are set into a stunning landscape of Azat Valley with its towering cliffs. The Geghard complex is an exceptionally complete medieval monastery in such a remote area of great natural beauty. And what is the most remarkable, there has been no changes here since the entire monastery was completed many centuries ago. Continue to the Holy See of Armenia, Etchmiadzin. Visit Etchmiadzin Cathedral which is believed to be the oldest cathedral in the world, and Zvartnots, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Echmiatsin is also the residence of the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Catholicos of All Armenians. We return to Yerevan in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Yerevan - Khor Virap - Goris
After breakfast, head to Khor Virap Monastery. Here you will find the best views of Mount Ararat, the main symbol of Armenia and a sacred mountain for Armenians. Continue to Areni, a city known for producing famous Armenian wine from pomegranate and apricot. Here we will taste various fruits and berry wines and oghi, Armenian traditional spirit. Reach Goris for overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Tatev - Noravank - Yerevan
In the morning, drive to Tatev Monastery (built in 9-13th centuries). Reach the jewel of medieval Armenian architecture by cableway called "Wings of Tatev". It is the longest reversible aerial tramway built in only one section and holds the record for Longest non-stop double track cable car. Enjoy the stunning views before returning to Yerevan. On the way back to the city, we shall visit the famous Noravank Monastery (12th century), beautifully set on the edge of a deep winding gorge of the Arpa River. Drop off at your hotel in Yerevan. In the evening we have a farewell dinner in one of the best restaurants in the city.
Day 6: Departure from Yerevan, Armenia
Breakfast, hotel check-out. Transfer to the airport.
Armenia
No visa to Armenia needed for the citizens of Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA and all European countries. Citizens of Canada must pay a visa fee at the border (US$ 6).
Accommodation
Centrally located hand-picked hotels 3* or 4* (twin sharing)
On day 4 only 3* hotel is available
Meals
Breakfasts daily at the hotels (except the day of arrival)
Dinner on day 5
Lunches on days 3, 4
Cognac tasting at Armenian Brandy Factory
Pomegranate wine tasting
Guided tours
Yerevan city tour
All sightseeing as per program with English-speaking guides and all entrance fees included
Transportation
Transfers from/to the airport by a comfort class private car
Group transportation by comfortable comfort class coach
"Wings of Tatev" cable car return tickets
Support
Group tour is fully escorted by an English-speaking tour leader
24/7 phone/WhatsApp support line
English-speaking guides
Meet & greet at the airport
Entrance tickets
All attractions visited during sightseeing tours as per program
"Wings of Tatev" cable car
Georgian polyphonic singing and traditional dance show
Not Included
International flights
Meals not mentioned
Optional tours and activities
Personal expenses
Adore historical monuments older than Istanbul and Rome
Taste unique & opulent cuisine & enjoy cognac tasting
Ride "Wings of Tatev" - the longest reversible aerial tramway built in only one section
Rami Selim
Egypt / Australia
Thanks you Abby and Varvara and all the other staff members of World of Discoveries for making our stay in Russia over 2 and a half weeks easy, comfortable and memorable. Thanks for the great organisation with transfers and accommodation. Thanks also for organising a phone sim card for each one in our group. It made our life much easier to stay in touch with each other and with our family and friends back home. We loved our stay in Russia and will certainly come back soon.
Rick, Emily and John Stewart
Australia
Impeccable service, incredible Trans Siberian! In fact, the great services provided by your team started from my first correspondence with Julie. She has been very professional with providing details of the itinerary and assuring and re-assuring that the trip will be well-planned, It was because of her assurance that gave us the confidence to take the next step and book our Trans Sibetian holiday. And everything ran like clockwork from Moscow to Vladivostok. The Russian people were extremely friendly throughout. The Trans Siberian was a great experience and fulfilled our dreams. The scenery and ever changing vistas were spectacular. The train facilities were adequate but perhaps a shower facility in 1st Class would have been nice. I will recommend your services in the future!
Mark Dawson
Australia
This has been an incredible trip. The service has been exceptional and the guides provided were knowledgeable about their cities and gave us an experience we will never forget. If I do this trip again I would take even longer to see this amazing country.
Lyn Lennard
Australia
We have finished our trip in Mongolia and I busted to say thank you very much for all your assistance while we were on the ground in Russia. By far the best guide we had was Yuri in Moscow - he was excellent. We had a very good visit to Novgorod where Natalia was an excellent guide too, and we learnt much about Russian history: It was very good to have the car to take us around the Golden Circle and Victor was a good driver. and the guide in Peterhof and Faberge museum was very nice, approachable, taxis were always waiting for us when we got off the boat etc. We both had a very good holiday and learnt a lot about Russian history and culture: thanks again.
Michael Morcos
Australia
The team at World of Discoveries were awesome. Didn’t put a foot wrong at all, the tours great, the people even better. Alex who followed us around everywhere was fantastic and the organisation by Varya was exceptional. Everything was made easy and extremely helpful 24/7, I don’t think they slept the whole time. Thank you, my dad and myself loved it
Stacey Filrose
Australia
Me and my family just returned from an Easter break to Moscow. I found the tour very good value for money and the company's assistance with the visa application was also helpful. Reservations, payment, visa letter, and pre-departure correspondence prior to trip (via email) was prompt and well explained with no problems. Final arrangements information were detailed. We knew exactly what to expect, who will be waiting for us, time and venue to meet even with any guides with us. Transport transfers and driver were punctual.
TIDS: 96013886
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ABN: 39616347150
TIDS: 96013886
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