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Trndez, also known as Tyarndarach or Candlemas Day, is a traditional Armenian festival celebrated on the 14th of February. This ancient celebration has both pagan and Christian roots, making it a unique and culturally significant event in Armenia. The festival brings communities together in a celebration of light, renewal, and shared cultural identity. The rituals, symbolisms, and festive atmosphere make Trndez a unique and cherished part of Armenia's rich cultural tapestry. A 5-day tour to experience Trndez in Armenia would provide a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique cultural and religious celebrations of this festival.
Welcome to Yerevan! On your first day, after meeting your guide at Zvartnots International Airport, you'll settle into your hotel and then explore Yerevan's highlights like Republic Square, the Opera, and Northern Avenue, glowing under winter lights. Don't miss the Cascade, an outdoor museum with sculptures by the famous Botero, and Yeraz Park, which turns into a magical ice rink.
Day two is packed with adventure. Start with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO site carved into rock, showing off Armenia's stonecraft. This place is special for housing the spear that wounded Jesus. Then, see the Garni Temple, a rare pre-Christian pagan site, and join in the Tyarndarach Celebrating, jumping over bonfires for purification and bringing home the flame for blessings.
On day three, after breakfast, visit Echmiadzin, the heart of Armenian religion, and its treasury museum with 5,000 exhibits. See Zvartnots Cathedral, a masterpiece of early medieval Armenian architecture, now in ruins but still impressive. After lunch, explore the Ararat Brandy Factory, dating back to 1887, and taste various brandies.
Your final day in Yerevan includes breakfast at the hotel, a visit to Vernissage for authentic Armenian crafts, and GUM market for local sweets and food, capturing the taste of Armenia. Then, it's off to the airport for your departure, taking memories and tastes of Armenia with you.
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Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Yerevan | Yerevan City tour
Duration 3-4 h.
Meeting the guide at “Zvartnots International Airport”. Transfer and accommodation at centrally located hotel. Free time at a leisure.
A sightseeing tour of the city will take you through a series of unique landmarks (Republic Square, Opera, Northern Avenue) that enchant with their beauty, and the winter illuminations give the city a special charm. A walk through the Cascade will be remembered for its works of contemporary art. It is an open-air park-museum featuring two works by the famous sculptor Botero.
A vitist to Yeraz Park. Here, you will find various winter entertainments for both children and adults, and the entire area around the lake transforms into an ice rink for ice skating.
Day 2
Yerevan – Geghard – Garni Temple – Tyarndarach Celebrating
Duration 7-8 h.
Breakfast at the hotel. Trip to Geghard Monastery (UNESCO Heritage). Geghard Monastery is renowned for its intricate medieval Armenian architecture. Carved directly into the rock, the monastery complex is a stunning example of Armenian stonecutting craftsmanship. The monastery holds immense religious importance for Armenians. The name "Geghard" means "spear" in Armenian, and the monastery houses the spear that, according to tradition, wounded Jesus during the Crucifixion.
Next we will visit Temple Garni. It is one of the rare surviving pagan temples in Armenia. It dates back to the 1st century AD and is a testament to the country's pre-Christian history.
Combining these two sites in a single trip provides a comprehensive exploration of both pagan and Christian influences in Armenian history. Lunch and Lavash Baking master-class.
Participate in local Trndez Eve celebrations. Witness the lighting of bonfires and join in the festivities. A key tradition during the festival involves individuals, often in pairs, leaping over the flames of the bonfire. This act is believed to bring purification, good health, and the renewal of life. Sharing of Flame: After jumping over the flames, participants may light candles from the bonfire and take the flame home. This is seen as bringing the blessings of Trndez to their households. Free time in evening. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 3
Yerevan – Echmiadzin – Zvartnots – Ararat Brandy Factory
Duration 6-7 h.
Breakfast at the hotel. The day will start with visiting Echmiadzin. Echmiadzin is a significant religious and cultural center in Armenia, known for the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, which is the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Visit Echmiadzin Treasury Museum. The museum collection of Holy Echmiadzin consists of around 5,000 exhibits.
Zvartnots Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its historical significance. The cathedral was built in the 7th century during the early medieval period and served as an important religious center. The cathedral is renowned for its unique and innovative architectural design. The central dome, which is now in ruins, was supported by columns in a circular pattern, and the entire structure was adorned with intricate carvings and decorative elements. Despite being in ruins, the site still showcases the grandeur of its original design. Lunch and transfer to Yerevan.
Return to Yerevan. Visit Ararat Brandy Factory. The Ararat Brandy Factory has a history dating back to 1887, making it one of the oldest brandy producers in the region. Visiting the factory allows you to explore the rich heritage and traditions associated with Armenian brandy production. You will have the chance to participate in brandy tasting sessions, where you can sample different varieties of Ararat brandy. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 4
Yerevan – Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. Visiting GUM and Vernissage. Visiting Vernissage offers a delightful combination of cultural immersion, shopping for authentic Armenian crafts, and enjoying the lively atmosphere of an open-air market. We will have stop at Gum market, where you can buy Armenian sweets and food to take Armenian taste with you to your country.
Transfer to the airport. Departure.
Accommodation at Ani Central inn 4* or similar hotel
Breakfast
Professional guide service
Transfers according to program
2 x lunches ; 1 x Garni | 1 x Echmiadzin
Entrance tickets
Ararat Brandy Tasting
Lavash Baking Master class
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