Chic and Charm in Armenia

Welcome to Armenia! We greet you at the airport to take you to Yerevan. You settle into your hotel, a historic 19th-century building combining Armenian tradition with modern comfort. Take the time to rest after your flight, enjoying the hotel's warm service. If you still have some energy, you can begin soaking up the atmosphere of the city, which lives at the rhythm of its cafés and all kinds of traders. Night at your boutique hotel.

This morning you begin your tour of Yerevan, the country's capital, visiting the History Museum of Armenia. Its archaeological, ethnographic, numismatic and documentary collections total around 400,000 items. After lunch, you head to Tsitsernakaberd, a memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian genocide perpetrated between 1915 and 1916. You visit the museum, which traces the history and ongoing legacy of this tragedy. Night at your boutique hotel.

This morning, take the time to enjoy your hotel's setting before heading to Etchmiadzin. This city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a major centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church and is considered the Vatican of Armenia. You then head to the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, once a masterpiece of Armenian architecture. It too is UNESCO World Heritage-listed. Return to Yerevan to wander the aisles of the Vernissage, a large market of Armenian crafts. Night at the hotel.

Today, head to Goris. Along the way, stop at the site of Khor Virap, which offers a striking view of Mount Ararat. Continue to Noravank Monastery. It is located at the bottom of a picturesque canyon and surrounded by tall cliffs, giving an impressive sense of height. Visit the prehistoric cave of Noravank, where the world's oldest leather shoe was found! Then head to your hotel in Goris. You are instantly won over by this charming exposed-stone and wood building, with its rustic atmosphere and antique decor.

This morning, you walk through the old cave-dwelling village of Khndzoresk. The site was at its peak during the 14th and 15th centuries and remained inhabited until the early 20th century. Then take a road that winds through the heart of a dizzying canyon, admiring the surrounding landscapes. You arrive at one of Armenia's most beautiful and important historic sites, Tatev Monastery. After visiting the monastery, you return to your boutique hotel in Goris for the night.

Your day begins with the prehistoric site of Karahunj and continues with the Selim Caravanserai, a splendid remnant of the ancient Silk Road. Then cool off at Lake Sevan, Armenia's largest lake. Once refreshed, you admire the khachkars, ornately decorated stone crosses, of the Noratus cemetery. Then share a warm moment with an Armenian family who welcomes you with local cheeses, desserts and cognac. Drive to the spa town of Dilijan to help prepare the delicious tolma that will make up your dinner. Night at your boutique hotel.

You wake up in the superb setting of your boutique hotel, with its vaulted ceilings and handcrafted decor. Enjoy the view from your carved wooden balcony. Breathe in a deep lungful of fresh air on a morning hike through the forest, around Lake Parz. You then reach Goshavank Monastery and continue on to the fortress-monastery of Akhtala, a major element in the protection of medieval Armenia. Last visit of the day: Haghpat Monastery, remarkably well preserved and UNESCO World Heritage-listed. You reach Dzoraget and discover your boutique hotel, whose impressive architecture evokes a medieval Armenian castle.

Before a small honey and herbal tea tasting at a beekeeper's, you visit the Basilica of Odzun. You then head to Amberd to discover a magnificent fortress, nestled at 2,300 metres altitude. On the road to Yerevan you stop at the impressive Armenian Alphabet Monument. You then pass through villages populated by Yazidis. This people forms a religious minority in Armenia. Don't hesitate to walk through one of the villages to meet them. Return to your boutique hotel in Yerevan.

First, stop at Geghard Monastery, a major site of art and spirituality in Armenia. Then head to the promontory overlooking the Azat River, on which stands the Hellenistic temple of Garni. You take part in preparing lavash, traditional Armenian bread, before tasting it. You return to Yerevan and visit the Ararat Armenian cognac factory, said to be the favourite of Sir Winston Churchill! Night at the hotel.

Depending on your flight time, you can wander the city's streets and enjoy local dishes one last time. If you have a little room left in your suitcase, now's the time to buy a few souvenirs. We accompany you to the airport for your international flight. We wish you a wonderful journey home!