23. February – 4. March 2018
Plane • Minibus
1. day: Friday, 23rd February 2018
Departure from Slovenia, arrival to Yerevan early next morning, transfer to hotel.
2. day: Saturday, 24th February 2018
In the morning we will get acquainted with the capital of Armenia with the major sights of interest, including the Republic Square, the Opera house, the Cascade with its Modern Arts Center, where you will see the unique collection of glass sculptures and statue of the world-famous sculptor Fernando Botero “The Black Cat” and have a panoramic view to Yerevan city. We will also pass via Baghramyan Avenue, where you will see the Parliament, the Palace of President, and the National Academy of Sciences. We will have a break at some point enjoying a cup of Armenian coffee (or tea) out on a terrace and feel the spirit of the city. The excursion also includes a stop at the Food Market with its variety of fresh and dried fruits and visit to the Genocide Memorial Complex and the Manuscript museum of Matenadaran which has an amazing collection of beautifully illuminated medieval Armenian manuscripts, including medieval Bibles.
3. day: Sunday, 25th February 2018
Transfer (25 km) to the village of Banavan (1300m above sea level). Beginning of the hike in a volcanic environment characteristic of Armenia. As we ascend the gorge of the Azad River, we can admire spectacular basaltic organs. 3 to 4 hours of walking, drop -90 / + 100m. After the hike, visit the pagan temple of Garni, the “temple of the sun” (77 AD), then the monastery of Gueghard, the “monastery of the spear”, which is said to have pierced the flank of Christ. The monastery is partly dug in the rock, and its exterior walls are in places adorned with “khatchkars” (crosses finely engraved). Return to Yerevan at the end of the day. Overnight at hotel in Yerevan.
4. day: Monday, 26th February 2018
Transfer (30 km) to the village of Kotayk (1500 m above sea level). Ascension of Mount Hatis (2500 m) with snowshoes, then descent towards the church of Saint Paul and Saint Pierre. 5 to 6 hours of walking, uneven + 1000 / -1000 m. After the hike, transfer (40 km) to the ski resort of Tsaghkadzor (1800 m). Overnight at the hotel Alpina.
5. day: Tuesday, 27th February 2018
Visit of the monastery of Kecharis, then climb in chairlift to the top of Mount Tsaghkunyats (2697 m). Descent on snowshoes to the village of Aghveran (1950 m). 5 to 6 hours of walking, difference in altitude + 200 / -1000 m. Overnight at the hotel Artur’s.
6. day: Wednesday, 28th February 2018
Transfer (10 km) to the village of Arzakan(1600m). Climb in snowshoes on slopes(2200m) of Mount Teghenis (2840m). From where we will have, superb panorama of the Ararat and Aragats mountains. On the way visiting monastery Neghuts Vank and the village of Bujakan (1850 m). 5 to 6 hours of walking, uneven + 600 / -450 m. In the afternoon, transfer to Stepanavan, a small town lost in the forest in the north of Armenia. Approximately 100 km of road. Overnight at the hotel. This hotel do not have page yet but it is the new small hotel 3* in the center of City.
7. day: Thursday, 1st March 2018
Hike to the village of Pushkino and then to the site of Dendropark, beautiful arboretum, containing 500 species of conifers, endemic or imported from other countries of the world, at 1500 m altitude. 4 to 5 hours of walking, uneven + 200 / -200 m. Road (80 km) to the city of Dilidjan (1200 m), in an area called “Armenian Switzerland”. Night at the guesthouse.
8. day: Friday, 2nd March 2018
Hiking to the monasteries of Jukhtak (1500 m) and Matossavank, 3 to 4 hours of walking, drop + 300 / -300 m. Lunch with the inhabitant, and discovery of the city of Dilidjan. Return to Yerevan by road via the great Sevan lake, “Pearl of Armenia”, which stretches in a mountain setting at almost 2000 m altitude. On the way, visit the monastery of Sevan, with its two old churches perched on its peninsula above the lake. (9th century). 80 km of road. Overnight at hotel in Yerevan.
9. day: Saturday, 3rd March 2018
Free day in Yerevan.
10. day: Sunday, 4th March 2018
Departure to the airport early in the morning, flight to Slovenia.
NOT FINISHED YET …