Arrival in Yerevan. After hotel check-ins we will immediately start our acquaintance with Yerevan. A panoramic tour and visit to the Victory park, Cascade monument, Republic Square and Northern Avenue. A visit to Matendaran – a museum of ancient manuscripts, where together with religious and scientific books we can find handwritten samples of old Armenian recipes. Afterwards, a study of the cognac making technology and degustation of Armenian cognac in Ararat cognac factory. An Armenian traditional reception in the Tavern Yerevan with a folk show program. Here we will enjoy khashlama (beef stew) for dinner. A walking tour in the evening Yerevan. Return to the hotel.

We will go to the mountains. The monastery Hovhannavank on at the steep of the Kasakh Gorge is one of the most ancient buildings of Christian Armenia, dating back to the V century. A stop near the monument to the Armenian Alphabet. Then we climb up the scope of the highest mountain in Armenia Aragats to the Fortress of Amberd. The ancient Fortress of Amberd is one of the few preserved places that were typically built on the locations difficult for the enemy’s access. If the weather allows, we will continue climbing till Lake Kari, from where the summit is just a mile away. Today we have old Armenian dish khash in the Amberd Tavern for dinner – an original soup based on cow legs, which is eaten in a special ritual with consumption of vodka. The dish became so popular in the region, that many countries consider it theirs, but the facts that the name is Armenian and that it is the most delicious in Armenia are out of doubts. Return to Yerevan.

One of the most interesting days. On the way from Vayk region to Tavush region we have one more scheduled master class – selection and pumping of honey, production of chechil cheese or making pakhlava. Everything depends on the season. A visit to Noratus – a unique collection of medieval khachkars (crossstones), Hayravank and Sevanavank on the lake coast, from where an amazing view of the “blue pearl” of Armenia- lake Sevan is available. Degustation of dishes made from the goods from Sevan in a coastal restaurant Tsovatsots (siga fish and crayfish kebab). Supper and night stay in the Kasanova guest house in Dilijan. Here we will enjoy soup-puree harisa – old Armenian dish from overcooked wheat and poultry.

Checkout. Departure from the hotel. Some time for shopping for souvenirs and local popular products– wine, cognac, dried fruits, greens, sweets, gold accessories, ceramics, etc. We will visit Vernisazh – an open-air souvenir market and Tashir – a market for sweets and dried fruits of local production. Departure for a destination called “Armenian Vatican” – Saint Ejmiatsin – the religious center of Armenia and the Residence of the Catholicos of all Armenians- the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The town is located in 20 kms from Yerevan. Here we will visit the Cathedral which dates back to the IV century, the museum-treasury of Ejmiatsin, where numerous saint relics are preserved – among them the Holy Lance. A dinner in the apricot garden of the restaurant Van, where we will be served tolma with grape leaves (one can also opt for famous local kyufta or tzhvzhik). Visit of the Zvartnots ruins – the biggest temple of Armenia of the early middle ages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Transfer to the airport.