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Vardavar is a festival celebrated in Armenia in the middle of summer, usually in July. On this day, the streets are filled with music, dancing and fun, and people stage water battles and pour water on each other, symbolizing purification and rebirth. This ancient festival celebrates the arrival of summer and is an important part of the culture and traditions of the Armenian people.
The festival of Vardavar was so impressive that it is fun and joy was captured in the videos created by Disney. In these videos, you will see colorful scenes of Vardavar celebrations: the cartoon characters we know and love having fun in the streets, dancing to music and actively participating in water battles.
Upon arrival at Zvartnots International Airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you can unwind and enjoy some free time. Later in the evening, embark on a captivating sightseeing tour of Yerevan, exploring its charming streets and iconic landmarks like Abovyan, Saryan, and Sargsyan avenues, followed by a visit to the magnificent Cascade complex and Tsitsernakaberd memorial. Optionally, visit the renowned Ararat Brandy Factory for an enriching tour and tasting experience (additional fee applies). Overnight stay in Yerevan.
The next day, venture to Levon's Divine Underground and marvel at the awe-inspiring depths of this unique temple before heading to Geghard Monastery and the pagan temple of Garni. Experience the lively festivities of Vardavar, where locals celebrate by sprinkling water on each other, and enjoy an Armenian Lavash master-class. Return to Yerevan for the night.
On day three, journey to Amberd Fortress and Agarak Ancient Settlement, followed by a visit to the Armenian Alphabet Monument, before continuing to Vanadzor for the evening.
Explore Stepanavan Arboretum and the village of Odzun on day four, and visit the Oromayr Monastery and Zarni Parni cave and fortress complex, before transferring to Dilijan for the night.
Discover Dilijan's natural beauty and visit Haghartsin and Goshavank monasteries before heading to Lake Sevan, known as the Blue Pearl of Armenia, for a tour of the Sevan Monastery. Return to Yerevan for the night.
Conclude your memorable journey with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Zvartnots International Airport for your departure.
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Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVAL
Meeting at Zvartnots International Airport, transfer and check-in to the hotel. Free time.
An evening sightseeing tour of the city, during which our experienced guide will lead you through the breathtaking streets of Abovyan, Saryan, Sargsyan and other popular avenues, each with its own unique charm and stories waiting to be told. As the sun sets, admire the impressive Cascade complex, a monumental staircase adorned with unique sculptures and panoramic views of the city.
Your guide will then escort you to Tsitsernakaberd, a poignant memorial to the Armenian Genocide, where the evening atmosphere gives deep meaning to this significant historical site.
We will conclude our tour at Republic Square, admiring the singing fountains and the evening atmosphere of Yerevan.
OPTION: Visit to the legendary Ararat Brandy Factory. You will go on an excursion to the ARARAT Museum, where a rich history filled with the exquisite flavor of cognac awaits you. Finish your journey with a tasting of ARARAT "Three Stars" and "Ani" cognacs, complemented with sweets and water (pay on the spot - standard package 12 USD).
Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 2
YEREVAN - LEVON'S DIVINE UNDERGROUND – GEGHARD – GARNI – SYMPHONY OF STONES (VARDAVAR CELEBRATION) – YEREVAN
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the cave of Grandpa Levon. Obsessed with the ideas of building a "new Noah's Ark", Grandpa Levon hollowed out a temple 21 metres deep, without rising to the surface of the earth and distracted only by food and short sleep. Grandpa Levon's cave is the perfect motivator for action. Here is a place of amazing power, where your wishes will come true.
Excursion to Geghard (UNESCO heritage). The famous Geghard Monastery is located in the Kotayk neighborhood. The monastery complex was built in 12-13 centuries. At first it was called Ayrivank (Cave Monastery), but later it was renamed into Geghard (Spear), with which, according to legend, a Roman legionary pierced Christ.
Visit to the pagan temple of Garni (1st century BC). This temple is the only monument of its kind from the Hellenistic era preserved on the territory of Armenia. The temple of Garni was dedicated to the ancient Armenian god of the Sun. Not far from the temple is the "Symphony of Stones" gorge, which is the result of volcanic activity.
Next we are to participate in the celebration of Vardavar. The name of the holiday "Vardavar" (or "Vardaman") comes from the word "vard" (rose) and means "to shower with roses". The holiday starts from the very early morning; everyone sprinkles water on each other, regardless of age, gender and social status.
It is not allowed to be offended or displeased, because it is believed that water has healing powers on this day. Traditional songs, dances and games accompany the holiday. Lunch and participation in Armenian Lavash master-class.
Return to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3
YEREVAN – AMBERD - AGARAK ANCIENT SETTLEMENT - ARMENIAN ALPHABET MONUMENT – VANADZOR
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Amberd Fortress (7th century), which is a witness to centuries of history and a fascinating example of medieval architecture. Here you will be able to realize the greatness of the past and admire the wonderful views of the surrounding nature.
Next, we will visit the Agarak Historical and Cultural Reserve. One of the main features of the monument is that the whole territory of the settlement and its surroundings are covered with huge complexes of cave and rock-cut structures, most of which are related to the Early Bronze Age settlement. A large number of ceramics and statuettes made of burnt clay found during excavations allow us to attribute this period of settlement of the ancient settlement to the middle period of the Kura-Araxes archaeological culture. Lunch.
Then we will head to the Armenian Alphabet Monument, which is a truly impressive architectural and symbolic landmark. You will enjoy the fresh air and incredible natural landscapes, as well as learn the history of the birth and development of the Armenian alphabet, the most important symbol of the nation. Transfer to the city of Vanadzor. Overnight at the hotel in Vanadzor.
Day 4
VANADZOR - STEPANAVAN ARBORETUM - ODZUN - OROMAYR - ZARNI PARY – DILIJAN
Breakfast at the hotel. Next, we will have a walk around Stepanavan Arboretum, located in the northern part of Armenia, near Stepanavan. Under the caring gaze of annual trees and rare plants, Stepanavan Arboretum offers travelers an amazing combination of natural beauty and human creativity. Here you can enjoy majestic views of forests and valleys, see the diversity of flora and fauna, and breathe in the fresh air filled with the fragrance of flowering plants.
Next, drive to the village of Odzun. Here you will see the Dome Basilica of Odzun, which is of exceptional importance for church architecture in Armenia.
Then we will walk from Odzun village to Oromayr Monastery. Oromayr Monastery was built on the site of an ancient sanctuary from the pagan period. However, it was quite common in early Christian Armenia. On the territory of the monastery, you can see rooms and cells cut right into the rock. There used to be underground passages here, but all of them are now rubble.
Next, we will head to the Zarni Parni cave and fortress complex. The complex consists of the Zarni Er and Parni Er castles, as well as the Tsak Er cave. According to some historical records, the famous scientist and philosopher Hovhannes Imastaser once lived and worked in this cave. He is one of the greatest medieval Armenian scientists, a continuer of the traditions of Aristotelianism, an outstanding thinker of his time. Lunch.
Transfer to the city of Dilijan. Overnight at the hotel in Dilijan.
Day 5
DILIJAN - AGARTSIN - GOSHAVANK - SEVAN – YEREVAN
Breakfast at the hotel. Next we will have a sightseeing tour around the city. Dilijan is one of the most popular resorts in Armenia. It is famous for its charming nature. Thanks to the dense mountain forests surrounding the city, the air in Dilijan is crystal clear. No wonder that tourists sometimes call Dilijan "Armenian Switzerland". During our trip, we will visit the monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank. Hidden in a verdant valley 13 kilometers northeast of Dilijan, Haghartsin ("Dance of Eagles") was built between the 10th and 13th centuries.
A trip to Lake Sevan, which is considered the Blue Pearl of Armenia. It is the largest lake in the Caucasus and one of the largest mountain freshwater lakes in the world. Excursion and sightseeing of the 9th century Sevan Monastery on the peninsula. Lunch.
Return to the city of Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
Day 6
DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Zvartnots International Airport. Departure.
3 nights in Ani Central Inn 4* hotel in the city of Yerevan
1 night at Hotel Laguna in Vanadzor city
1 night at Tufenkian Old Dilijan complex in Dilijan city
Breakfasts
4 lunches
Entrance tickets according to the program
Lavash baking master class
Professional guide services
All transfers according to the program
1 bottle of water per person per day
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