|
Armenia–
GREAT OUTDOORS
| Quick
Fast |
| Duration |
10
Days / 10 Nights |
| Description |
A
multi-activity trip for those with a desire to explore Armenia off
the beaten track. Enjoy awesome day hikes in some of the country’s
wildest corners, ramble the Bears’ Cave and traverse the Devil’s
Bridge. Combine this with evocative ancient sites, superb food,
endless charm and hospitality and you will have what travel enthusiasts
consider an experience of a lifetime!. |
| Accommodation |
Hotels
in standard category |
| Meals
included |
10
breakfasts, 1 dinner |
| Mode
of travel |
Comfortable,
air-conditioned car, minibus, bus/on foot |
| Tour
staff & support |
Tour
leader fluent in English, driver |
| SouthTravels
Discounted Hotel Prices
Rates
after this period are available upon Request.
10
Days / 10 Nights
|
|
01
March 2006 - 01 January 2007 |
Minimum
No / Pax |
TOTAL
PACKAGE COST PER PERSON |
|
|
2- 4 Pax |
USD
1071.00 |
|
|
5-10 Pax |
USD
875.00 |
|
| 11
- 18 Pax |
USD
805.00 |
|
|
19 to 25 Pax |
USD
735.00 |
|
|
Optional single supplement |
USD 200.00
|
| PRICE
INCLUDE: |
GUEST
COMMENT : |
- Accommodation
: Hotels in standard or superior categories
-
Meals: 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
- Mode
of travel:Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles/on foot
- Tour
support :Tour leader, driver and local guides
- Included:
- Greet
and meet at the airport
- Accommodation
for 10 nights
- Meals
as specified in the itinerary
- Welcome
to Armenia information kit
- All
transfers in comfortable bus
- Guides
fluent in English
|
All
the countries in the world write ads which include all the words
known to man and woman describing trekking in glowing splendor.
Go to Armenia and have
the best trek – this is no ad, just my experience. Having
traveled a lot I very much consider Southtravels Tour to have
given the best value for money – highly recommended.
George
|
| DAYS |
Yerevan |
|
DAY
01
|
Arrival at Yerevan International Airport, greet and
meet, transfer to hotel, rest. A leisurely day
investigating the best of Yerevan – examine the
birthplace of the city, Erebuni Fortress, stroll
through the Small Center with remarkable urban
architecture exquisitely combining age-old national
traditions and imposing style of Soviet era. Visit
Mother Armenia Monument for fantastic views of
biblical Mount Ararat that dominates the skyline. In
the evening dinner at ethnic Old Erivan restaurant, a
delightful introduction to your Armenian adventure.
|
 |
| |
Trekking
at Mount Aragats |
|
DAY
02
|
Start our tour with a visit to enchanting Saghmosavank Monastery and
head further to Mount Aragats, an extinct volcano with a gorgeous
alpine lake near the top (3200 m). We have plenty of experience in
getting people to the Southern peak of the Mount, whatever your physical
fitness level and age. If you're still keen for more, we will scramble
up to the Northern peak for unbelievable views of endless crisp blue
sky and Mount Ararat in the distance. If you prefer a gentle hike
you can head for the medieval Amberd Fortress nearby. Overnight in
camp. |
|
| |
Local
traditions and ancient sites |
|
DAY
03
|
First have a short drive to the traditional village of Ria-Taza
to see their unique pagan traditions and sanctuaries. The village
is home to friendly Ezidi ethnic group living in high mountain yailas
in the summer, grazing sheep and goats on mountain pastures. Drive
further to the North and hike in
dramatic Debed gorge to reach half-ruined Kobayr Monastery filled
with frescoes that can only be
described as “miraculous”. Descending by forest trails
reach the sleepy but picturesque Alaverdi and rise again to your
destination, Monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat listed among UNESCO
World Heritage sites. Overnight at lovely Lori guesthouse.
|
|
| |
Wilderness
country |
|
|
DAY 04
|
First have a short drive through
the area and reach
Caves of Lastiver, a perfect wilderness country – no
roads, no shops, no TVs – just incredible views and
marvelous solitude. You will spend a relaxing
afternoon hiking in the area. In the afternoon cars drop
you to atmospheric Haghartsin Monastery – ascetic
interiors of ancient churches, exquisite cross-stones –
silent witnesses to turbulent history and rich culture.
Dinner and overnight in the cozy town of Dilijan that
captures the spirit of rural Armenia with an array of
traditional handicrafts and produce on display. Your
base is Ghazar’s Guesthouse, a lovely family-run
guesthouse in traditional style. |
|
| |
Forest
trails |
|
|
DAY 05
|
Drive to Crystal Lake, then hike
along a stunning forest
trail (3 hours), cross the wildly beautiful Areguni pass
and reach Goshavank monastery where the great
scholar of 13th century Mkhitar Gosh is buried.
Driving through the nature reserve you will experience
some of the lash forest and bird life that characterise
this area and reach Lake Sevan. For dinner this
evening, stop at a tiny seaside restaurant to pick up the
quintessential Armenian dinner – trout and wine.
Overnight in a camp settlement directly at the beach. |
|
| |
Treasures of the Silk Road |
|
DAY
06
|
After breakfast have a tour of Lake
Sevan to visit
Sevanavank Monastery and Stone Garden as well as
encounter the most populous Armenian gull sanctuary.
After suggested lunch start a spectacular drive to the
lofty mountain peaks that takes us to Selim
Caravanserai (2400 m), an important trading post at the
Great Silk Road. Hiking to discover the mighty
Fortress of King Smbat and half-ruined Tsakhats Kar
Monastery (3 hours). Overnight in tourist tents near the
village of Eghegis in a deep rocky canyon. |
|
|
Ancient
observatory |
|
DAY
07
|
Trekking in the mountains to reach
Shatin Monastery
perched on a narrow ridge below the towering masses
of surrounding mountains (4 hours). This is a steep
trek, with a big elevation gain, but it is absolutely
worth it. Later in the day begin your exploration of the
stark beauty of southern Armenia with a scenic drive to
Sisian. Visit the ancient astrological site of Karahunj (6
thousand years) consisting of huge stelae with strange
notations and drive to magnificent Tatev Monastery,
the largest, holiest and most impressive of Armenia’s
monasteries. Drive to Goris and descend into the cave
town of Khndzoresk. Free time to explore the town and
enjoy the surroundings. Back to Sisian, where your
base is a small hotel, a simple but wonderful place
to hang out at the end of such an southtravels tour day! |
|
| |
Adventure
caving |
|
DAY
08
|
Transfer to Eghegnadzor for the start
of day. Visit
Noravank Monastery, an architectural jewel lying
among sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet. A
unique option this afternoon – adventure caving in
Bears’ Cave. You will be fitted with lights and
special equipment and follow our instructors for the
most unforgettable caving you may ever do! After
that a well deserved lunch in Gnishik village with
home-made goat cheese, wine and other incredible
delicacies. Later visit to Khor Virap Monastery near
the border with Turkey. This is one of the most
remote and magnificent monastic sites in Europe,
which illustrates the Spartan existence of the first
Christians. Back to Yerevan. |
|
| |
Shrines
and waterfalls |
|
DAY
09
|
This morning head for the pagan temple
of Garni
(1st c.) and Monastery of Spear. Later take an
awesome hike through picturesque Khosrov Nature
Reserve to discover mysterious St. Stepanos shrine and
Maiden’s Waterfall. In terms of scenery this place is
just off the chart! Enjoy the striking views of this
protected area, home to a variety of animal and plant
life, take a stroll among the dramatic granite pillars that
dominate the landscape. Back to Yerevan, free time. |
 |
| |
Yerevan |
|
| DAY
10 |
Breakfast. Visit to Holy Echmiadzin,
center of
Armenian Apostolic church. Visit Mother Cathedral,
the oldest church in all Christendom (303 AD).
Accompanied by the disciples, tour the Treasury with
incredible collection of relics – from a fragment of the
Holy Cross to lavishly decorated manuscripts. En route
stop at the ruins of Zvartnots Temple, ruined by a
mighty earthquake in 939 AD.
Back to Yerevan for a last chance to enjoy this bustling
city. There is plenty to do! Practice your bartering
skills in lively Vernisage market for last-minute
souvenirs, join the locals for a glass of ice-cold beer
and a friendly chat or do nothing, if you prefer to just
soak up the atmosphere. End of trip and you return
home refreshed and invigorated from the great food,
exercise, rest and fun you had with us in Armenia! |
 |
SouthTravels.com
Copyright©2001-2004. All Rights Reserved.
|
