24/12/2024
VINEYARD HASH BACK IN ARMENIA 🇦🇲
Delightful Armenia: 7 Days of Heritage, Nature, and Adventure
OCTOBER 2 - 10, 2025
Routes:
Day1: Arrival
Day2: City tour in Yerevan - Ararat Brandy - Echmiadzin - Zvartnots (B/L/D)
Day3: Khor Virap - Areni Wein Fest - Noravank - Goris (B/L/D)
Day4: Khndzoresk the swinging bridge - Tatev Monastery and Tatever Ropeway - Shaqi waterfall - Yerevan (B/L/D)
Day5: Lake Sevan - Dilijan - Parz Lake - Yerevan (B/L/D)
Day6: Geghard - Garni - Garni adventure park - Yerevan (B/L/D)
Day7: Departure
Day-wise Descriptions
Day1: Arrival
Arrival & Transfer to Hotel: Upon arrival at Zvartnots International Airport, you will be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel in Yerevan.
Day2: City tour in Yerevan - Ararat Brandy - Echmiadzin - Zvartnots (B/L/D)
City tour around Yerevan the history of which goes back to 8th c. The sightseeing tour includes visit to Republic Square- located in the very center of Yerevan and is considered one of the most amazing and famous attractions of the capital. This area is formed by five famous buildings: The National Art Gallery and History Museum of Armenia, which contains about 400,000 exhibits covering the entire history of the Armenian people from primitive society to modern times. The Government House of the Republic of Armenia, The Central post office, The “Mariott Armenia” hotel, The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. The famous singing fountains are also situated on the Republic Square right next to the History Museum and Art Gallery. This is the favorite place of locals and tourists. Then you will walk to modern part of city - Northern Avenue, Opera House with Swam Lake, Cascade Monument which is considered to be the center of art of the city as here you can find unique sculptures. In the evenings the place is becoming more charming with all its lights and people from all over the world.
Visit The Ararat Brandy Factory, which is one of Armenia's most famous and prestigious producers of brandy (known locally as "cognac") and a significant part of the country's rich cultural heritage. Located in the capital, Yerevan, the factory has a long history of producing high-quality brandy that has gained international acclaim. After guided tour you will taste different aged brandies.
After that you will visit Armenian religious center. Armenia was the first country in the world to announce Christianity as its state religion, in 301 CE. Since then, Echmiadzin has become the cultural, spiritual and civilization heart of the country. Today Echmiadzin is the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church, with the residence of the patriarch inside the city. In 2000, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin was included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List. There is also a museum that features relics of special interest like pieces of the cross where Jesus Christ was crucified and a fragment of Noah’s Ark. There are many items that were brought to Etchmiadzin following the genocide in 1915, so not much is known about their history and previous owners. The relics are generally kept in the museum, but they’re also brought out during special holidays and festivals for religious rites. Departure to Zvartnots, a complex of structures erected in the middle of the 7th century, is of extreme architectural value. Zvartnots is the oldest and largest aisled tetra conch church in historical Armenia. Zvartnots had stood for more than three hundred years and around 930 was destroyed by the earthquake. It was only in the early 20 th century that the famous Armenian architect Toros Toramaniantried to start the restoration works in Zvartnots. Today Zvartnots territory is the archaeological reserve and the museum which was opened in 1937 where it is possible to see the models – possible variants of the temple reconstruction, and numerous sculptural fragments impressive in their sizes. Huge stone slabs with the figures cut in them, the sundial, clusters of grapes and pomegranates have survived in good condition. UNESCO added the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral to its World Heritage List in 2000 CE.
Day3: Khor Virap - Areni Wein Fest - Noravank - Goris (B/L/D)
After breakfast drive to the historical treasures of Armenia - to Ararat Valley to visit Khor Virap Monastery. The monastery of Khor Virap (3rd – 17th cc.) is located in the place of an ancient capital of Armenia –Artashat. The significance of the church is relatively connected with Grigor Illuminator who was spreading Christianity in Armenia. There is also the most beautiful view of Mount Ararat and entire Ararat Valley from the monastery.
Continue our trip to one of the most important agricultural regions of Armenia – to Vayots Dzor region. In Areni you will take part to the Areni Wine Festival- is one of Armenia's most celebrated events, highlighting the country's ancient winemaking tradition and its rich, diverse wine culture. Held annually in the village of Areni, located in the Vayots Dzor region, the festival typically takes place in October. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the essence of Armenian wine, local traditions, and the beauty of the Armenian Highlands. / tickets are not yet available – it will be by extra charge/
Today’s cultural discovery will be Noravank Monastery - a spectacular monastic complex, surrounded with mountains, richly covered by red stones which give one the harmony of culture and nature. The beautiful Noravank Monastery was built in the 13th century on the ledge of narrow winding gorge above the Amaghu River, near the city of Yeghegnadzor. Drive to Goris. Overnight in Goris.
Day4: Khndzoresk the swinging bridge - Tatev Monastery and Tatever Ropeway - Shaqi waterfall - Yerevan (B/L/D)
In the morning will be hashing time for in the charming nature of Syunik region. After that drive to Khndzoresk. Khndzoresk is a fascinating village in Armenia, located in the Syunik region, known for its stunning natural beauty and historical sites. One of its most famous attractions is the Khndzoresk Swinging Bridge, which spans a deep gorge, offering visitors an exhilarating walk with breathtaking views. The area around the swinging bridge is part of the ancient Khndzoresk cave settlement. The village is built into the cliffs, and the caves here were used as dwellings for centuries, offering a unique glimpse into ancient Armenian life. These cave dwellings were inhabited until the mid-20th century and served as homes, storage spaces, and places of worship.
Drive to The Tatev Monastery - is one of Armenia's most important cultural and religious landmarks. Tatev Monastery is a 9th century historical monument. It is one of the oldest and most famous monastery complexes in Armenia. During medieval times Tatev Monastery was a vital scholastic, enlightenment and spiritual center and played a singular role in the country's history. You will reach to Tatev Monastery with ropeway. The Tatev Ropeway (also known as Wings of Tatev) is the longest aerial tramway in the world (5.7 km), offering a breathtaking journey from the village Halidzorto Tatev Monastery. The ropeway takes you on a 15-minute journey over the stunning Vorotan Gorge and offers fantastic views of the canyon.
Afterwards visit Shaqi waterfall. It’s a beautiful natural wonder. The hike to the waterfall is short and pleasant, with the route offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and forests. The path is not too steep, so it’s accessible to most people. Back to Yerevan.
Day5: Lake Sevan - Dilijan - Parz Lake - Yerevan (B/L/D)
The road will take you to Lake Sevan which is going to be one of the highlights of your trip. Climb the stairs up on the peninsula from where opens a fascinating view to the “blue-eyed” lake. Sightseeing tour on the peninsula. Lake Sevan is considered to be one of the largest sweet lakes in the world at an altitude of 1897 meters above sea level. You will have also boat trip across Lake Sevan.
Leave the Lake Sevan behind, pass through the tunnel and after a while, unfold the green valleys of the resort Dilijan. Dilijan, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Armenia”, is a charming town located in the Tavush region of northern Armenia. It's renowned for its lush forests, picturesque landscapes, and well-preserved medieval architecture. Known for its cool climate, Dilijan is a popular getaway for those looking to enjoy nature, history, and Armenia’s cultural heritage. The old town area, located near the town center, is full of wooden houses with unique architecture, reminiscent of the traditional homes of the region. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk, with coffee shops, small art galleries, and shops selling local crafts.
Drive to Lake Parz, which is formed by springs. The lake is surrounded by forests. Water in the lake is transparent, a little greenish. As the forests are very close to the shoreline, the massive trees, leaning to the lake, are reflected in the water. The name “Parz lich” literally means “clear lake”. This site is one of the most famous natural landmark of Dilijan. Back to Yerevan.
Day6: Geghard - Garni - Garni adventure park - Yerevan (B/L/D)
Continue our journey to Geghard Monastery (13th c.) – a monastery which is hewn out from a cave. The monastery had been originally named Ayrivankmeaning "the Monastery of the Cave". The name commonly used for the monastery today, Geghard, or more fully Geghardavank meaning "the Monastery of the Spear". The monastery is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Continue our journey to Garni Pagan Temple from 1st c. The temple was built by Armenia King Tiridates and was dedicated to the God of Sun Mithra. Garni is the only Hellenistic temple existing nowadays in Armenia. The stairs of the temple are made huge and high which means that every human being climbing up the stairs is condescending to God of Sun. Visit the Arch of Charents - a favorite place of tourists, from where opens a stunning view of Mount Ararat and Yerevan. The arch is named after the great Armenian poet Egishe Charents, who loved to come to this place and enjoy the beauty of Armenian land. You can also enjoy that beauty and take a photo for memory about your wonderful trip to Armenia.
Time for a Hash run before dinner.
Optional: visit Garni Adventure Park for some adventure activities / Drive quadbike, buggy etc/ - You will choose the activity and pay on spot.
Farewell Dinner
Day7: Departure
After check-out, you will be transferred to Zvartnots International Airportfor your departure flight.
More hashing / pubcrawls optional, when we have time and Hares.
PRICES:
1150€ (twin share)
350€ (single room supplement)
WHAT‘S INCLUDED:
B / L / D
All mentioned above in itinerary, plus all hash runs and drinks during hash.
Beer and Wine with meal (up to 5 glasses p.p.)
Entrance fees Wine festival
Goodie Bag
Individual extension possible or combination with Georgia we can arrange too.
Registration by Email:
AutomaticBalls (et) Bembeltown.de
Registration opens December 20th, 2024
We have approx. 30 beds
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Hash House Harriers
