Armenia: Discovering the cradle of Christianity
From 1.565 €

Armenia: Discovering the cradle of Christianity

holiday package
Created: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Ref ID: 27152756
prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
1.565 €
Based on 2 adults
Created: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Themes
Itinerary
Tours
More pictures (7)

Day 1: Yerevan

I tell you that in this Great Armenia is the Ark of Noah, on a great mountain, at the southern border towards the east, near a kingdom called Mosul, inhabited by Christians...." These words of Marco Polo introduce this country located in the mountainous region of the Caucasus, straddling Asia and Europe.
Armenia is a small country but with a very important history. Its capital, Yerevan, is older than Rome and is the country where Christianity became the state religion, even a century before the Holy Roman Empire. Surrounded by Islamic countries, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Iran, it has always defended its cultural roots. Many churches and ancient monasteries are UNESCO-protected archaeological sites.
In the saddle, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and nature through the Armenian mountains, galloping through forests and pastures rich in biodiversity. Trails that follow canyons, valleys, and countryside with beautiful panoramic views will lead us to important historical sites.
Among the most important points of interest are:
• Capital Yerevan
• Ancient Dsegh road
• Tsover Lake
• Dilijan and the Haghartsin Monastery

ITALY/YEREVAN (-/L/D)
Arrive at the International Airport of Yerevan (EVN) in the morning. Meet with the guide and transfer to your hotel in the city. Check-in and lunch. After lunch, a guided city tour of Yerevan: visit the main landmarks and monuments of the city, such as Republic Square, Opera Square, Northern Avenue, the Cascade Monument, Yerevan State University, Victory Park with the "Mother Armenia" statue, Tsitsernakaberd Memorial, and more. Dinner at a typical restaurant and overnight at the hotel.


Day 2: Yerevan

YEREVAN / DZORAGIUGH (B/L/D)
After breakfast, depart for the Lori province in northern Armenia. Arrive at the equestrian center and enjoy a welcome aperitif with local food and drinks. Horses will be assigned, and we will begin the ride through cultivated fields, then continue through the Dzoraget Canyon. We will pass through orchards along the river, rocky formations, and medieval forts on the hilltops along the way. On the opposite side of the river, we will also visit the medieval Hnevank monastery. After a break for lunch, we will continue riding along the old Stepanavan road to the southern edge of the canyon. Dinner and overnight in a tented camp in the village of Dzoragiugh, located on the edge of pine forests.


Day 3: Yerevan

DZORAGIUGH / DEBET (B/L/D)
Today's route takes us along the Debed Gorge. We will pass through Vahagni, cross the river on a bridge, and reach the picturesque village of Yeghegnut. Then, we will follow the ancient Dsegh road, which the locals have used for over 200 years. Dinner and overnight at the Concept Hotel by COAF.


Day 4: Yerevan

DEBET / TSOVER (B/L/D)
On the fourth day, we continue riding towards Tsover. We will start with a scenic path along winding, forested trails leading to Dsegh. In the village center, we will visit the Hovhannes Tumanyan house-museum. Our next stop is the glorious Mamikonyan princely cemetery, where we will explore numerous medieval khachkars and four-sided obelisks. Leaving Dsegh, we will increase our pace to reach the beautiful Tsover Lake, surrounded by lush forests. Dinner and overnight in a tented camp.


Day 5: Yerevan

TSOVER / QARINJ (B/L/D)
Morning is free to enjoy the beauty of the lake landscape and experience other outdoor activities. After lunch, we will follow a descending trail through the forested Marts River Gorge. We will cross a waterfall stream and re-enter the forest, bypassing the village of Marts. At sunset, we will reach the hilltop village of Qarinj, offering panoramic views of the forested landscapes of the gorge. Dinner and overnight in a tented camp.


Day 6: Dilijan

QARINJ / DILIJAN (B/L/D)
Today's final destination is the medieval monastery of Qobayr. Continuing on hilly roads, we will enjoy the peace and landscape of the Debed Valley. Finally, the trail will lead us through the river and towards the 12th-century Qobayr monastic complex, known as a cultural and writing center, and of great strategic importance. After the tour, transfer to Dilijan for an overnight stay in a guest house.


Day 7: Yerevan

DILIJAN / YEREVAN (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we will visit the town of Dilijan with its Sharabeyan Street, home to the city's artisans. The Dilijan area is known for its ozone-rich air and healing mineral springs. Among the monasteries of various styles that stand out, built between the 10th and 13th centuries, we will visit the Haghartsin Monastery, nestled in a beautiful valley surrounded by forests. Afterward, we will head to Lake Sevan. A stop will be made at Lake Sevan, "a piece of heaven fallen on the mountains," located 1900 meters above sea level, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. We will also visit the 9th-century Sevan Monastery, which stands atop the peninsula offering a stunning view of the lake. Lunch will be at a restaurant on the shores of Lake Sevan, featuring local fish tasting, followed by a boat trip on the lake’s shimmering waters. Before returning to Yerevan, we will visit the Tsaghkadzor ski resort and take a cable car up Mount Teghenis for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire region. Farewell dinner at a traditional Armenian restaurant with music. Overnight at the hotel.


Day 8:

YEREVAN / ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast and transfer to Yerevan International Airport in time for your flight to Italy.

Note: The above itinerary is indicative. It may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control.
Notes:
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty Level: From ° to °°°°°

DURATION: 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°° (EASY/INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: Hotels and tented camps
EQUIPMENT: ENGLISH SADDLE
HORSES: LOCALLY BRED HORSES. Hardy and small in stature, they have a good temperament and can have all types of coat
RIDE DURATION: Approximately 4 hours a day in the saddle. Easy terrain with adjustable paces according to participants’ levels. Riders should be able to control the horse at all three gaits.
WHAT TO BRING: Layered equestrian clothing depending on the season. Waterproof clothing, helmet, fanny pack, water bottle. For tented camp nights, bring a headlamp, towel, soap, and power bank.
MAX WEIGHT: 85 kg
TYPE: Itinerary with overnight stays in tents and hotels

ACCOMMODATION:
Night 1: Hotel in Yerevan - Ani Central Inn 4* (or similar)
Night 2: Tented camp (mattresses, pillows, and sleeping bags provided – facilities available, including showers and charging stations)
Night 3: Concept Hotel by COAF (or similar)
Nights 4 & 5: Tented camp (mattresses, pillows, and sleeping bags provided – facilities available, including showers and charging stations)
Night 6: Armenia Guest House (or similar)
Night 7: Hotel in Yerevan - Ani Central Inn 4* (or similar)

Armenian cuisine is a fusion of Eastern and Western flavors, blending vegetables, meats, fish, and dairy products with mountain herbs to create a special cuisine. Fresh ingredients are the basis of Armenian specialties like dolma (stuffed grape leaves with rice and meat), khorovats (succulent chunks of beef, lamb, pork, fish, or chicken grilled over a wood fire with vegetables like eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers), khashlama (boiled lamb), and the prized trout of Lake Sevan, called "ishkhan" (prince). The most famous Armenian bread is lavash, a thin flatbread baked in a special clay oven dug into the ground, called a tonir.
On request, any intolerances or allergies can be communicated.

Departure dates on request from April to November, with a minimum of 2 people departing from Italy.
PARTICIPANTS: MIN 4 MAX 10

Additional Information:
2 riders only departure supplement 300€

prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
1.565 €
Based on 2 adults
Customize it!
Book directly without changes
This idea includes
Destinations 2
Accommodations 4
Tours 1
Tour summary
Guide languages
English
Italiano
Русский
Included
Transfer to/from Yerevan
All meals as per the program
7 overnight stays
5 days on horseback (4 hours per day)
Horses and equipment provided
Expert local guide fluent in English, Russian, and Italian (upon request)
Gadgets, luggage tags, and various illustrative documentation
Basic insurance covering medical assistance, medical repatriation, and luggage damage
Excluded
Flights to/from Yerevan
Meals not mentioned, airport taxes, drinks, tips, and personal expenses
Alcoholic beverages
Anything not specified under "The price includes"
Supplemental or cancellation insurance
Accommodation
- Hotel - Ani Central Inn 4*
- Campo tendato
- Concept Hotel by COAF
- Armenia Guest House