The Areni Wine Festival

Open Group

A Hidden Caucasus Gem

Natural splendour, ancient history, time-honoured traditions and delicious food all await in this beautiful hidden gem.

Price is per person sharing a double or twin room. Single supplement of £150 applies.

Itinerary/Excursions

Day 01

Travel to Zvartnotes Iternational Airport and transfer to your hotel.

Day 02

Start your day with a city tour of Yereven, the capital of Armenia, an ancient city dating back to 782 BC. Often called the 'Pink City' as most of the buildings are desgined with tuff, a pink volcanic stone. Visit the Republic Square, Opera House, Swan Lake and Northern Avenue before climbing the Cascade to admire the view of Mount Ararat. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before moving to Matenadaran with its thousands of ancient manuscripts.

Day 03

Today begins with a visit to Etchmiadzin, built in 303 AD. The monastery complex is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the church is the mother of the Armenian Apostilic Church. You will then enjoy lunch in the Machenents Tourism and Art Complex where you can find 9 galleries and museums. Taste traditional 'dolma' after taking a class to prepare the dish. Visit Zvartnots, another UNESCO listed monument constructed in the 7th century. On your way back to the hotel, make a stop at a brandy factory to sample some excellent Armenian brandy.

Day 04

Armenia's wine tasting traditions have a history of over 6000 years, evidently as you can find ancient wineries all over the country. Today, visit the Areni Wine Festival and Areni Winery, the oldest winery in the world dating back to 6100 BC. Thousands of people participate in this colourful event with dances, folk music, competitions and a vivid parade of the best winemakers in the country. Before visiting this wonderful festival, take a stop near Khor Vrop Monastery, the closest point to Mount Arat. Tonight, you will be staying in Goris.

Day 05

Begin your journey today with a trip to Tatev Monastery, arguably one of the most spectacular sights in Armenia as it is built on the edge of a cliff, surrounded by nature. Take the 'Wings of Tatev' over the Vorotan gorge and admire the impressive scenery. After enjoying lunch, take part in a vodka distilling class before continuing to the Armenian Stonehenge where you can find some of the most ancient observatories. Take a short stop at Selim Caravanserai which was built to aid crossings on the Silk Road as you head to Yeghegis.

Day 06

This morning you will journey to Noraduz Cemetery, the largest graveyard with khachkars in the world before stopping for lunch and continuing to Sevanavanck. Reaching the Sevan Peninsula, climb the stairs to the Sevanavanck Monastery for a view of the blue pearl of Amernia, one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world. Continue to Dilijan, with its lush nature and green forested areas. Here, you will visit Hagharstin Monastery with its beautiful harmony of architecture and nature.

Day 07

After breakfast, visit the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery before enjoying lunch with a lavash baking masterclass. This traditional Armenian bread is inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The next destination is the pagan temple of Garni, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Armenia. Drive back to Yerevan to visit Vernissage, an open-air market and an exhibition displaying Armenian artworks and handmade items - the perfect chance for a spot of souvenir shopping!

Day 08

Spend a day at leisure in Yerevan, perhaps visiting some of the museums and galleries.

Day 09

Take a transfer to the airport and fly back to the UK.

Your holiday includes

Return flights from London Heathrow - there may be a layover in Frankfurt but this will be confirmed when flights are released
8 nights accommodation
Breakfast and lunch on all days barring the free day (breakfast only)
Participation in the Areni Wine Festival
Wine tasting in Areni Winery
Tatev Ropeway
Brandy tasting
Dolma cookery class
Lavash cookery class
Vodka distilling class
Entrances as per itinerary
Bottle of water per person per day
English speaking tour escorts and guides
ATOL Protection