Depart Beirut at 09:20 via Armenia Air Company (direct flight, 2 hours duration). rnArrive to Yerevan at 12:20 (local time), after meet and greet, transfer to Hotel for Check-In. rnWe embark our Tour by visiting Tsisternagapert – The Armenian Genocide Institute Museum. rnLunch is served in Yerevan city. rnWe continue Yerevan city Tour, by visiting Megeryan Carpet Factory where we have the chance to see unique Armenian carpets/rugs, Victory Park with its fascinating view of Yerevan city, statue of Mayr Hayastan (Mother Armenia) which symbolizes peace through strength, Cascade Art Complex which is Armenia’s largest depository of modern arts.

Breakfast served at Hotel. rnWe start our day by visiting Tsaghkadzor area, which is a spa town and health resort, famous with skiing hospitality. rnWe will take ropaeway tour at Tsaghkadzor, witnessing the surrounding beautiful nature. rnSkiing is optional and ski equipment rentals available on site (ski 10$, snowboard 15$). rnWe also visit Kecharis Monastery, a medieval Armenian monastic complex dating back to 11th century, which was a place for major religious center and higher education. Today the Monastery has been fully restored and is clearly visible from the ski slopes. rnAfterwards we continue driving to Lake Sevan where Lunch is served. rnLake Sevan “the emerald of Armenia” set at 1900m above sea level, situated high in the mountains and famed for its glorious an ever changing hues. We will stop by the lakeside churches on the top of peninsula and have a chance to admire a spectacularly picturesque view overlooking the lake and distant mountains. rnThere is a story which tells us that a famous archimandrite had a vision, in which the 12 apostles gave their blessing to this land and instructed the building of churches on this island.rnIndeed the vision became true. The churches were built and one of them was after the apostles – Church of the Holy Apostles.

Breakfast served at Hotel. rnWe start our day by driving through the fertile plains of Ararat valley reaching to Khor Virap Monastery – the beginning of Christianity history in Armenia, which is magnificently set against the towering slopes of the Biblical Mountain Ararat.rnYou will have some quite spectacular photo shooting opportunities before a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty. rnThe Monastery is the site where St. Gregory the Illuminator was incarcerated and it is a pilgrimage destination for every believer. It is especially a time for reflection upon the work of our Church’s patron Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who spread the light of Christianity in Armenia and inspired King Trdat to proclaim Christianity as a state religion in 301AD, becoming the 1st Christian country in the world. This had a determinate impact on the Armenian people and their history .rnLater on, we will visit the 12th century Geghard cave Monastery architectural complex (list by UNESCO heritage), carved out of one monolithic rock. Due to the extraordinary acoustics, when the local singer begins to sign in the chamber it is hard to believe that a large choir is not singing. A visit to Geghard Monastery is truly a spiritual and unique experience… rnWe will take part in the traditional Armenian Lavash bread baking and have Lunch in Geghard. rnAfterwards, we visit Garni Temple, the location of the only pre-Christian pagan temple still maintained in Armenia. rn(*) Gala Dinner to be paid by travellers, based on preferred option. Restaurant options/program/prices to be announced in mid-November.

On 1st day of 2018 at afternoon, we drive towards the land of ancient treasures of Christian history – Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the “Religious Capital” and the seat of the Supreme Patriarch-Catholicos of all Armenians.rnThe story holds that the place where Noah made the fire after the flood is the site upon which the main Cathedral, one of the earliest Christian churches, was built. It is located in the lower chamber, underneath the main Altar of the Cathedral. rnThen we admire the 7th century churches of St. Hripsime & St. Gayane. These churches are dedicated and named after the faithful virgins, who were martyred as Christian followers during 3rd century.rnReturning to Yerevan, we have Dinner at the Hotel.

Check-out from Hotel at 04:30 early morning, transfer to Airport and Departure Yerevan.rnArrive to Beirut at 08:20 morning.