We have operated to Armenia for many years and have a wealth of experience in arranging holidays to this former soviet state. We know our featured properties and are happy to answer any questions that you might have in order to help you design a holiday itinerary which suits you and your interests perfectly.
Road signage is poor in Armenia and for this reason all of our holidays include English speaking drivers (where only transfers are provided) and guides.
Examples of the tailor-made holidays that can be arranged >
Tours:
Each September, Sunvil Discovery runs a 10-night, small group, escorted tour to Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. We are able to offer this tour, on an individual basis (inclusive of a private air-conditioned car and English speaking guide) for clients wishing to travel at other times of the year.
Alternatively we are able to pre-book a wide range of guided excursions to the hundreds of churches, monasteries and ancient fortresses which are scattered throughout the country.
Possible excursions:
Yerevan: One of the world’s most ancient cities Yerevan can be explored on foot or by car. A full day city tour can include visits to the genocide memorial, Erebuni fortress, the historical museum and the national gallery.
Echmiadzin: Echmiadzin, the former capital of Armenia, is located 15km west of Yerevan. It is the spiritual centre for the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church and the most religious site in the country. The monastery site of Echmiadzin is home to a number of churches including the main cathedral, founded by St Gregory the Illuminator in 303AD (rebuilt between the 5th and 7th centuries). This cathedral is considered to be one of the world’s earliest Christian churches and is declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Garni: The extensive archaeological site of Garni, surrounded by unspoilt countryside, is the site of Armenia’s only Greco-roman style building. Many believe the building to be a 1st century pagan temple.
Geghard: Declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site, Geghard is the location of a beautiful monastery-complex. Carved deep into the rock, the Geghard complex consists of a cathedral and two chapels dating from the 4th-13th centuries. It is said that the holy lance that pierced the body of Christ was kept here before being moved to the museum in Echmiadzin Cathedral.
Amberd: A spectacular fortress located 2300 metres above sea level in the mountainous Ashtarak region.
Lake Sevan: The shimmering blue-green water of Lake Sevan, at 1900 metres above sea level, is one of the world’s highest lakes. The area is rich in historic monuments, the most important being the Sevan Monastery complex built in 874AD.
Haghartsin: This well preserved 11-century monastery, situated in the woodlands of Tavush, is one of Armenia’s most visited monasteries.
Khor Virap: This monastery complex is known as much for its fortress and underground prison, as it is for the spectacular views it affords across a vast plain to Turkey and the twin peaks of Mount Ararat. St Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned here for 13 years in the late 3rd century, and his prison cell can be visited today.
Noravank: Situated high on a hill, surrounded by rosy coloured cliffs, is the 12th century monastery complex of Noravank. The area around Noravank is also famed for its natural beauty and rare fauna.
