Arrival in Yerevan; city tour in the capital of Armenia to explore the important sightseeing places of 2794 years old Yerevan city, including Food Market where you can taste and buy home-made dried fruit and fresh vegetables. Then transfer to visit Hovhannavank Monastery, which is situated on the top of a steep gorge of the Kasagh river. The monastery was dedicated to John the Baptist, whom Armenians venerate as their patron-saint. Then continue to Mughni, which is the home to the 14th-century Saint Gevorg Monastery, which was formerly a popular pilgrimage site and the seat of an archbishop. The dome of the church was rebuilt in the 1660s. Dinner and overnight stay in Maralik City
Day 2: Maralik – Gyumri – Marmashen (Cycling distance 65-70 km)
Breakfast at hotel in Maralik, then start biking to Gyumri, which is the second largest city in Armenia and the capital of the Province. Throughout centuries Gyumri was labeled as the "city of trades and arts", famous for its schools, theaters and gusans. Then continue cycling through a paved road to visit the Marmashen Monastery, which was built between 986 and 1029. After the visit we return back cycling to Gyumri for the dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Gyumri – Vanadzor – Haghpat – Sanahin (Cycling distance 65-70 km)
Breakfast and transfer by bus to Vanadzor. Then cycle north to visit the famous monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin. Sanahin was founded in the first half of the 10th century and considered as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites; it’s a unique and magnificent example of medieval Armenian architecture. Situated not far from Sanahin, the monastery of Haghpat has its significant place in the historical and cultural life of Armenia. It was built during the reign of King Ashot Bagratuni. Numerous valuable manuscripts and miniature paintings have been produced in the scriptorium of Haghpat for many centuries. Return back to Vanadzor for the dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Vanadzor – Makaravank – Haghartsin – Goshavank – Dilijan (Cycling distance 45-50 km)
Transfer to Makaravank by bus, and start cycling from Makaravank to Haghartsin monastery which is nestled in a temperate rainforest on a mountainside; there you will feel a combination of natural and architectural beauty. Afterwards we continue cycling to Goshavank to visit the 12th or 13th century Armenian monastery with its unique Armeninan "khatchkarer" (cross stones). Continue cycling to Dilijan, which is called the "Armenian Switzerland"; dinner and overnight stay in Dilijan
Day 5: Dilijan- Sevanavank– Hayravank– Noradus– Selim Pass– Yeghegnadzor (Cycling distance 75-80 km)
Drive by vehicle to Sevan and start the day by visiting Sevanavank 9th c. (Sevan monastery) located on Sevan peninsula, which used to be an island before. Then drive to Hayravank monastery complex (9-12th cc.) surrounded by numerous “khachkars” and gravestones that are part of a small cemetery located on the shore of the Lake Sevan. Start cycling around Lake Sevan and visit Noradus Cemetery- a medieval cemetery with a large number of early “khachkarer” (cross-stones) dating back to the 10th century. Cycle through the Selim Pass (2410m) and visit the Caravanserai built in 1332, by Prince Chesar Orbelian. It used to be an important trade point on the famous Silk Road in order to accommodate weary travelers and their animals as they crossed from, or into the Selim Mountains. The cycle to Yeghegnadzor
Day 6: Yeghegnadzor – Noravank – Areni – Khor Virap – Yerevan (Cycling distance 65-70 km)
After breakfast we start cycling from Yeghegnadzor to visit Noravank, passing through a narrow road surrounded by rocks of hundred caves where one discovers a scene of harmony of architecture with nature. After exploring the area, we transfer by bus to the Ararat valley with a visit to the monastery of Khor Virap, which was built in the 17th century- a famous place of pilgrimage, where St. Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholicos was imprisoned for 13 years. After the visit we cycle direct to Yerevan.
Day 7: Yerevan– Matenadaran – Echmiadzin – Zvartnots – Yerevan (Cycling distance 75-80 km)
Visit the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts- Matenadaran, state repository that holds one of the world’s richest Departureositories of medieval manuscripts and books. Departureart for the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the worldwide Armenian Church. Visit the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin (302-303 AD) the oldest state-built church in the world and the seat of the Catholicos. Return to Yerevan and stopover for Zvartnots temple (meaning “celestial angels”) 7th century wonderful architectural masterpiece. The remnants of Zvartnots, even in ruins, are a majestic sight. These sights are listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to the Airport. Wishing you a safe flight home!
