ARMENIA GASTRO-WINE-BRANDY TOUR
Embark on a gastronomic journey with our exclusive Armenia gastro tour.
DAY 01, FLIGHT TO YEREVAN
Arrival in Yerevan. Transfer to hotel. Accommodation. Overnight in Yerevan.
DAY 02, CITY TOUR & YEREVAN BRANDY FACTORY
Breakfast at the hotel.
Yerevan is one of the most ancient cities in the world founded in 782 BC. Now Yerevan is a vibrant and modern European city with much to offer.
Matenadaran
In the morning you will visit the Matenadaran (UNESCO World’s Documentary Heritage) – Depository of Ancient Manuscripts and a serious Institute of Scientific Research on Ancient Manuscripts.
The collection of approximately 17,000 manuscripts includes almost every sphere of Armenian ancient and medieval science and culture – history, geography, philosophy, law, medicine, mathematics, cuisine, and drinks, as well as manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, Greek, Syrian, Latin, Ethiopian, Indian, Japanese, etc.
Cascade
Afterward, you can see the most beautiful panorama of Yerevan City and the biblical Mount Ararat from the top of the huge Cascade Monument.
Cascade is just a masterpiece in terms of architecture and is decorated in a very stunning way. Inside this monument, you find the Cafesdjian Art Center. There are a lot of original statues of modern art. Not far from Cascade, you see the Mother Armenia Statue, which symbolizes “peace through strength”. Having its location on a hill overlooking Yerevan City makes her “The Guardian “of the Armenian Capital.
During your City Tour, you pass through Northern Avenue which connects the two Yerevan Famous Squares – The Republic Square and the France Square (where the Opera House with the original statue of Rodin is located). The Republic Square in Armenia with the governmental buildings is considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in the world. At night, the square is especially beautiful because of the “Dancing Fountains” accompanied by classic music of world-known Armenian components.
Lunch at the restaurant of the “Megerian” factory. Master class on cooking “Tolma” during lunch.
Yerevan Brandy Factory
Later we will visit Yerevan Brandy Factory for a tour and degustation.
Armenian brandy production was started in 1887 in Yerevan by the merchant and philanthropist Nerses Tairyan, who was the first to introduce classic French alcohol production technology in his factory. In 1998, the Yerevan Brandy Company became part of the Pernod Ricard Group, the world’s leader in the Premium spirits industry. Cherishing the traditions of Armenian brandy-making Pernod Ricard elevated them to a whole new level and gave ARARAT brandies new opportunities to develop on the international market.
The evening is free for walking in the city. Overnight in Yerevan.
DAY 03, YEREVAN – ECHMIADZIN – ZVARTNOTS – ARMENIA WINE COMPANY – YEREVAN
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today you visit the religious center of Armenia – Echmiadzin (UNESCO World Heritage Site) which is also called the “Armenian Vatican” city of Armenia with the Holy See of the Armenian Apostolic Church where the Supreme Patriarch (Catholicos) of All Armenians resides. Armenia is the first Christian country in the world since 301 A.D. and the world’s oldest official Christian church is to be found in Echmiadzin – the Mother Cathedral of Echmiadzin. In the cathedral, you can attend live the liturgy. Continue to St. Hripsime church (7th century), a true masterpiece of early medieval Armenian architecture.
On the way back to Yerevan visit the Ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral – the place of “celestial angels”. The remnants of Zvartnots, even in ruins, are a majestic sight.
Armenia gastro tour includes lunch at “Cross Of Union” restaurant. Master class on cooking Gata.
Afterward, you will visit the “Armenia Wine” factory.
Equipped with the latest up-to-date equipment, we have the complete set of resources to ensure quality winemaking throughout the entire production process of still and sparkling wines: grape sorting tables – pneumatic pressing for juice extraction under controlled inert atmosphere – temperature-controlled fermentation tanks– wine storage and aging cellars – automated bottling lines – and, of course, estate vineyards.
Return to Yerevan. The evening is free. Overnight in Yerevan.
DAY 04, YEREVAN – KHOR VIRAP – NORAVANK – OLD BRIDGE – YEREVAN
Breakfast at the hotel.
Khor Virap Monastery
A fantastic tour dedicated to the exploration of Southern Armenia combining the magic of Armenia’s finest medieval architecture with stunning landscapes by driving through the agricultural heart of Armenia. Our first stop will be at the Khor Virap Monastery – the most important place of pilgrimage in Armenia. St. Gregory the Illuminator – the first Catholic of all Armenians, had been imprisoned in “Khor Virap” (deep dungeon) for 13 years. From here you get a unique view of the holy Armenian mountain Ararat (5165m.), on which (according to the Bible) Noah’s ark landed after the World flood.
Noravank
As soon as we pass the Ararat Plain we can experience the untamed beauty of Southern Armenia – surreal red rocks providing an eerie echo, and honey-colored villages sandwiched between them. Continue to the previous residence of Syunik’s bishops – Noravank monastery, nestled at the edge of the narrow gorge in the impressive mountainous landscape with peculiar red hanging rocks. The structure stands out thanks to its unique harmony of architectural forms and decorations.
During this gastro tour, we will prepare Armenian khorovats (barbecue) in a traditional way of preparing khorovats– starting with eggplants, pepper, and tomato, then pork and lamb, and ending with potato. Subsequently, the chef will share some small secrets of how to make tasty traditional khorovats.
Wineries
On the way back to Yerevan you will visit the “Old Bridge” winery for wine tasting made from the endemic grapes.
When we first visited the region of Yeghegnadzor, where we had decided to find our vineyards there was only a mountainous deserted area that had never been cultivated before. It was rather hard to imagine and believe that one can create a fruitful vineyard there. Now, looking back after nearly 20 years of hard work, it’s with enormous pride that we look at our well-cultivated vineyards which pass an inspection even from the demanding eye of our father.
We started as a family business in 1998, where everybody knows the importance of his or her role. We established our own vineyards, and took small steps forward, trying to act creatively paying attention to every detail, quality, and dedication. Wine production has taught us, both the young and the older generations, to work hard and work together to enjoy the pleasure of the outcome, to listen to each other, respect each other’s opinions, and generate immense gratitude and love towards our homeland.
Return to Yerevan. The evening is free. Overnight in Yerevan.
DAY 05, YEREVAN – DILIJAN – LAKE SEVAN – YEREVAN
Breakfast at the hotel.
The next stop of the Armenia gastro tour is Dilijan town in the Dilijan National Park, a protected area renowned for its serene lakes, picturesque hill trails, and peaceful villages. Many poets used to say, “If there are woods, mountains, streams, and mineral waters in paradise, it must be like Dilijan”. Due to its forested mountains and mild climate, Dilijan is named “Armenia’s Little Switzerland”.
On the most beautiful and oldest streets of the Old Dilijan – Sharambeyan you will find small art schools and souvenir shops. Continue to Haghartsin Monastery (10.-14. cc.), a fairy-tale monastery set amidst flower-filled.
Proceeding to Lake Sevan – the 2nd largest fresh-water high-altitude lake in the world after Titicaca (Los Andes, Bolivia) and the largest lake in Armenia and the Caucasus Region. Lake Sevan is the pearl of incomparable beauty with stunning turquoise waters which is also home to unique bird species.
On the picturesque peninsula, you visit the Sevanavank monastery (9c), which once used to serve as a place of exile for the Armenian nobility. Here you find unique cross-stones (khachqar). The Cross-Stone is a typical manifestation of Armenian culture. Other nations do not have this type of monument and they are already UNESCO World Heritage.
You will have a unique chance to taste the famous trout fish from Lake Sevan coming with Armenian famous wines.
Return to Yerevan. The evening is free to explore the wine bars and restaurants on Saryan Street. Overnight in Yerevan.
DAY 06, YEREVAN – GYUMRI – ARMAS WINERY – YEREVAN
Breakfast at the hotel. A visit to the city of Gyumri is an important destination within the Armenia gastro tour.
Gyumri is one of the oldest cities in the world. With its population, territory, economic and cultural significance, it is the second city of Armenia. Gyumri is situated in the northwest of Armenia 126 km from Yerevan. The length of Shirak Valley is about 35 km and the breadth is about 25 km. This valley borders Turkey and Iran. People lived here from time immemorial. Gyumri emerged during the Argishti dynasty in the 8th century BC.
A cuneiform inscription found in the village of Vahramaberd (Akhurian region) tells about the settlement called Kumayri. The Greek historian and military leader Xenophon also mentioned this settlement in his Anabasis. Leninakan has been the official name of the city since 1924. Gyumri is known as the center of traditional Armenian architecture, science, public health service, and tourism. The inhabitants of Gyumri have gained the reputation of hospitable hosts with a rich sense of humor. Gyumri has existed for more than 2,500 years. This fertile land gave birth to well-known scientists writers, poets, and musicians.
Armas Wine Factory
Tour and lunch at Armas Wine Factory. Golden Grape ArmAs was founded in 2007 by Armenak Aslanian, who repatriated to his motherland for the realization of goals that involve the intertwined aspects of family, heritage, culture, and progress, with personal values and responsibilities he maintains as a father, an entrepreneur, and as an Armenian. Alongside his daughters, he preserves an 80-year-old family tradition of wine. He named ArmAs in honor of his grandfather Armenak Aslanian Sr., the original winemaker in the family. He continues to develop ArmAs Estate with a vision to partake in upholding and revitalizing Armenia’s winemaking legacy, in the oldest known area for viticulture and enology.
Drive back to Yerevan. The evening is free to explore the city’s jazz bars and other local attractions. Overnight in Yerevan.
DAY 07, YEREVAN – GARNI – GEGHARD – YEREVAN
Breakfast at the hotel.
Just outside of Armenia’s capital, a quiet mountain road leads high above the city, offering a glimpse into Earth’s ancient history. Firstly we stop at Charent’s Arch – the breathtaking lookout point of the biblical Mount Ararat (known from the Bible as the landing place of Noah’s Ark).
Drive to the Geghard Monastery carved out of a huge monolithic rock. Geghard is an incredible ancient Armenian monastery, partly carved out of a mountain. The architectural forms and the decoration of Geghard’s rock premises show that Armenian builders could not only create superb works of architecture out of stone but also hew them in solid rock. It is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Continue to the Garni Pagan Temple, the only Hellenistic temple in the Caucasus. Gracing the hillside the temple was dedicated to the God of the Sun, Mithra. It comprises also royal palace ruins and Roman Baths with a well-preserved mosaic.
One can hardly imagine the Armenia gastro tour without a master class of traditional Armenian bread “lavash” being baked in tonir (ground oven). The preparation, meaning, and appearance of traditional bread as an expression of culture in Armenia has been on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Drive back to Yerevan. Evening free is free to enjoy the last hours in the charming city of Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.
DAY 08, DEPARTURE
Check-out. Transfer from the hotel to the airport.
PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION, RATES, AND TERMS
10 Sayat Nova Avenue, Yerevan 0001, Armenia
Tel. +374 10 52 52 10
Email: [email protected]
