9-day wine tour Armenia – Discover one of the oldest wine countries in the world
Most important features
- 9 DAYS – 8 NIGHTS
- Visited countries: Armenia
Short introduction
During this 9-day wine tour to Armenia you will discover one of the oldest wine countries in the world with a wine history of more than 6000 years. You will visit beautiful wineries, participate in wine tastings, see beautiful cultural sights such as ancient monasteries and natural landscapes at Lake Sevan. The majestic Ararat mountain dominates the background at many of these sights, providing an even greater spectacle. As a true wine lover, you will enjoy the special wines and culture that Armenia will offer you.
Highlights
- Glass of wine as a welcome drink at a rooftop bar
- 9 wine tastings
- 1 night in a wine hotel
- See the beautiful capital Yerevan and other small towns
- Beautiful sights such as the Khor Virap Monastery
- Admire beautiful landscapes such as at Lake Sevan or at the different monasteries you will visit with the Ararat mountain in the background
Program
DAY 1 – DEPARTURE TO ARMENIA
At the end of this afternoon or evening you will leave for Armenia where you will arrive in the early morning.
DAY 2 – ARRIVAL YEREVAN – ARMENIA (D)
Today you will arrive at the largest city in Armenia, Yerevan. After arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel. After an early check-in at your hotel, you will have some time to rest. Later, towards the end of the afternoon, you are expected in one of the most beautiful rooftop bars in the city overlooking the centre before going for dinner at a great wine restaurant.
Overnight.
DAY 3 – SIGHTSEEING TOUR YEREVAN AND WINE HOUSES VISIT AROUND THE CAPITAL (B)
After breakfast, start with a sightseeing tour in the attractive and colourful capital of Armenia, Yerevan. First you will visit the Armenian Historical Museum where you will have a guided tour. On this tour you will have the opportunity to learn about the history of Armenia, from prehistoric times to the early twentieth century, and winemaking in Armenia. Then you will go to a brandy distillery where you will be given a tour of the site with a tasting. Then you will go to a winery where you will try delicious local wine and explore the vineyard. In the evening you will be invited to a wine bar in the capital, an ideal place for lovers of good wine. In a warm atmosphere you can taste unique wines from the bar. Return to your hotel.
Overnight.
DAY 4 – YEREVAN – KHOR VIRAP – ARENI CAVE – YEGHEGNADZOR (B, L)
After breakfast, explore the province of Vayots Dzor, the beating heart of wine growing in Armenia. First, you will stop at the Khor Virap Monastery, located on a hilltop, which rises above the plain of Ararat. This is the best viewing platform to admire the beautiful Mount Ararat on a clear day. The next destination is the Areni Cave, also known as the Cave of the Bird, located in the village of Areni in the province of Vayots Dzor. After the excavations, the oldest shoe in the world and the first vineyard were discovered there. Then you drive to the wine region where it all happens in Armenia, Areni. After a traditional Armenian lunch, enjoy local wines during a delicious wine tasting at a local winery, also bed and breakfast, where you will also sleep tonight.
Overnight.
DAY 5 – YEGHEGNADZOR – SELIM – NORATUS – SEVAN – DILIJAN (B)
After breakfast continue your journey today to the caravanserai of Selim, located in the picturesque valley of the same name and which served as a shelter for travelers and their animals. Then you go to the old Noratus cemetery where the whole area is covered with numerous “khachkars” or traditional Armenian memorials and stones. The next point of interest is the Sevan Peninsula and Sevanavank Monastery. Thanks to its beautiful location you have a fantastic view over the “Blue Pearl” and the surrounding areas. In the evening you leave for Dilijan.
Overnight.
DAY 6 – DILIJAN – IJEVAN – YEREVAN (B)
Early in the morning, after breakfast, head to BuduArt where you will show your creative potential by making jewellery or scarves using traditional techniques around a good glass of wine. Then you will go to Ijevan where you will visit a wine and cognac house. During the tour you will learn the history of the factory and the whole process of wine and cognac production. You will visit the wine cellars and cognac aging workshops. At the end of the visit, a tasting of wines and cognacs is offered. After the tour you will return to Yerevan. In the evening you are expected in a wine bar with a nice atmosphere for a good glass of wine. Also, possibility for snacks (not included).
Overnight.
DAY 7 – YEREVAN : POTTERY MASTERCLASS – ASHTARAK – ASHTARAKATS – YEREVAN (B, D)
After breakfast, go to the “Terracotta Ceramics Studio” for an optional master class in pottery. By means of a master class pottery you will be able to prepare small works of art and other souvenirs. After this, you will visit a winery where you will discover the secrets of Armenian wine production. Here you will be offered a wine tasting of Armenian wines with, in good weather, a spectacular view of the Ararat mountain. Afterward, head to a restaurant known for its wide variety of exquisite Armenian dishes. Return to Yerevan late at night.
Overnight.
DAY 8 – YEREVAN – MUSALER – ZVARTNOTS – EJMIATSIN – YEREVAN (B)
After breakfast, travel just outside the capital to a winery where you will participate in a wine tasting with fine wines. You will continue your sightseeing tour with a visit to the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral and the Church of St. Hripsime with its unique architectural style and the spectacular view of Mount Ararat in the background. Then you will go to the holy city of Etchmiadzin which is considered the spiritual center of all Armenians. You will visit the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the oldest Christian church in the world that still functions today, with many religious murals. After this you will visit a small village where you can see the traditional baking process of the ‘lavash’, a traditional bread that resembles the Naan from India. This bread goes well with a glass of wine. At the end of the day, you will return to Yerevan.
Overnight.
DAY 9 – RETURN
Depending on your flight times, you will get a transfer to the airport for your flight back home… or an extension of your trip to Georgia. Ask us about the possibilities for a non-binding customized quote.
Included / Excluded
What’s included / not included in this wine tour ?
Included
- 9 wine tastings
- International flights
- Transfer airport – hotel – airport
- 7 nights in a standard double room in good quality hotels
- Meals where indicated (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
- Transport as described in the program
- Experienced English-speaking guide unless otherwise stated, other languages on request
- Entrance fees to the listed sights
Excluded
- Specialized wine guide
- Single room surcharge
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks unless explicitly stated
- Meals other than mentioned in the program (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
- Tips
- Cancellation and travel insurance (we can arrange this for you if desired)
- Taxes to be paid locally, such as the tourist tax
- Everything that is not reported under the heading including
Request a quote for this wine tour and we can work with you to determine what will and will not be included. The choice is yours.
All flights (international and domestic), hotels and rental car are always subject to availability until the time of final booking with signing the sales file. The booking is made and recorded after receipt of the deposit on our bank account.
Prices are always subject to change and are signed up to the sales file without prior notice and / or evidence. The reasons, which are not exhaustive, can be seasonality and availability.
