Adventure to Armenia 10 days / 9 nights

Transcription

1 Adventure to Armenia 10 days / 9 nights From HKD 26,399 per person Embark on an adventure to Armenia across 10 days and 9 nights, travel through Yerevan, Kotayk and Armavir among other places. Begin your journey in the capital, Yerevan, home to over a million people, peruse through a city that resembles Paris, Vienna and Saint Petersburg, and discover why she is known as the Pink City. Relax in peaceful spa towns starting with Jermuk, famous for having her own brand of mineral water bottled near the natural springs. Contrast this with Tsaghkadzor, another spa town and popular health resort whose name means Valley of Flowers, a great place to relax and enjoy the serene environment. Check out Stonehenge, the amazing archeological site, known as the oldest astronomical observatory ever discovered, older than the British Stonehenge and even the Pyramids of Egypt. See these places and more on your adventure across Armenia.

2 Day 1 Hong Kong Armenia Yerevan Enjoy your meet and greet at the airport prior to your hotel transfer, after you check-in enjoy your breakfast before you begin your city tour of Yerevan. Welcome to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, home to over a million people, here you will find the largest Armenian community in the world. On your tour you will discover neo-classical structures as you stroll through wide avenues, a city that resembles Paris, Vienna and Saint Petersburg. She is known as the Pink City, you will soon see why as you peruse the common colour of beautiful stone used for buildings. You shall first be escorted to Cafesjian Museum, also known as The Cafesjian Center for the Arts, which houses the best of contemporary art portraying the best of Armenian culture. Cafesjian Museum Cascade Monument is hard to miss; interestingly there are 2,780 stairs that were specifically designed to mark the 2780 th anniversary of the capital. Those willing to journey to the top will be rewarded with a wonderful panorama view of the city. Next up is Matenadaran, also known as The Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, a major center for the study and preservation of ancient Armenian works and literature. Here you will find over surviving materials from the past and an archive of over 300,000 documents. For those interested in art we recommend visiting the Opera House, officially opened on the 20 th of January 1933, an interesting structure that has stood the test of time. In the afternoon you will be escorted to Saryan Park, where you can enjoy the peaceful environment. See impressive monuments and enjoy an afternoon lunch tasting of traditional Armenian dishes. After your meal head on over to Erebuni Museum, the opening of which was timed to coincide with the 2750 th anniversary of Yerevan. Matenadaran The final point of interest today will be Republic Square, the large central town square. Construction began in 1926 and was fully completed in 1958, originally known as Lenin Square; interestingly the oval shaped square has a stone platform in the middle, which is meant to look like a traditional Armenian rug from above. Overnight in Yerevan.

3 Day 2 Armenia Kotayk After your breakfast in the comfort of your hotel you will be escorted to the region of Kotayk, the tour begins with the Brandy Factory. There is a long history of wine making in Armenia, accordingly to legend, Noah planted the first vine in the fertile Ararat valley and when people tasted wine, production began and spread throughout the country. Next, venture to Garni Temple, a pagan place of worship that was built in the 1 st century BC, the only surviving relic from the Hellenic epoch in the whole Garni Temple territory of the Caucasus. You shall be served traditional Armenian dishes for lunch, while at Garni you can also watch the process of lavish making in the traditional underground oven tonir. For your final point of interest, you will be escorted to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Monastery of Geghard. Famous for housing ancient relics, among which is a spear that supposedly wounded Christ on the cross presumably brought here by the apostle Thaddeus. Overnight in Yerevan. Day 3 Armenia Armavir Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel prior to your UNESCO tour of Armavir, starting with the St. Gayane; all sites today are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, standing tall since the 4 th century, one of the best examples of Armenian architecture. Be sure to spend some time at St. Hripsime, one of the oldest surviving churches in Armenia. The building was erected by Catholicos Komitas atop the original mausoleum built by Catholicos Sahak the Great in 395 AD. After your morning visits to the religious sites sit down and enjoy a traditional Armenian lunch. St. Hripsime Your final point of interest on the tour will be Zvartnots Cathedral, the name translates to celestial angels and is a 7 th century centrally planned aisled tetraconch type church that was built by order of Catholicos Nerses the Builder from Overnight in Yerevan.

4 Day 4 Northern Armenia Today shall be very relaxing, enjoy your morning meal prior to being driven to the northern part of Armenia where you shall visit monasteries, an interesting town and a beautiful winery. Your tour begins with Khor Virap Monastery; this is supposedly the very place where Christianity was originally spread in Armenia in 301 AD. Next you will be escorted to Areni Winery; this is the oldest proved winery facility in the world, estimated at 6100 years of age. After checking out another monastery you will be served a traditional Armenian meal in a cave café. After lunch you will be led to the Spa town of Jermuk, first mentioned in the 13 th century by the historian Stepanos Orbelian. The city if famous for her brand of mineral water bottled near the wonderful natural springs. End the day by heading to Smbatavank Monastery, a Khor Virap Monastery 13 th century monastic complex tucked away in the village of Saghmosayan. This structure is situated atop an amazing gorge that has been carved by the Kasah River. Spend the night in Jermuk. Overnight in Jermuk. Day 5 Armenia Syunik Today after your breakfast you will be taken to the Syunik Region to visit Shaki Waterfall. The territory around this area is of a unique architectural depository, many ancient grottos have been explored in this region. Next up is Stonehenge; this archeological site dates back to the second millennium BC, this is the oldest astronomical observatory ever found, older than the British Stonehenge and even the Pyramids of Egypt. Enjoy your lunch which will consist of traditional Armenian dishes. Stonehenge After lunch you will head to the incredible Devil s Bridge below which the Vorotan River roars and crashes. After crossing, you will be taken to Tatev Monastery, an advanced medieval university. Discover the 5.7 kilometer long cableway that connects visitors to the surrounding villages, experience breathtaking views of the river gorge below. Spend the night in the town of Goris. Overnight in Goris.

5 Day 6 Armenia We recommend a hearty meal as there will be much to do and see today, starting with Khndzoresk, a cave dwelling where people lived around 60 years ago, located nearby Stepnavan Highway on the steep slopes of Khor Dzor (Deep Gorge) which some say is where the town got her name. You will be escorted to Noratus, a village that contains the famous Noraduz Cemetery, many khachkars here date back to the th century, the oldest dates back to the 10 th century. Next you have the option of journeying to Hayravank Monastery or Sevanank Monastery, the former is a Khndzoresk beautiful 9 th -12 th Armenian structure tucked away on the southwest shores of Lake Sevan. Here you can explore the monastic complex that houses a church, chapel and gavit. Sevanank Monastery s name originates from the 8 th century when a few monks settled on the former island of Sevan and began building churches. Tsaghkadzor will be your final stop for the day, relax in this spa town, a popular health resort in Armenia. Her name translates to Valley of Flowers from Armenian, surrounded with alpine meadows; end your day by enjoying the serene environment. Overnight in Tsaghkadzor. Day 7 Armenia After your morning meal you will be driven to the Tavush, well known for immense mountains and rocky hillsides covered with a bright green carpet of Alpine meadows, referred to as a little Armenian Switzerland. Head to Goshavank Monastery, which has been standing tall since 1188, originally a medieval university with a depository of manuscripts. Mkhitar Gosh was the one who codified the first book of law and also wrote many fables. Next you shall be escorted to Haghartsin Monastery, originating from between the 10 th -13 th century. Here Haghartsin Monastery you can peruse St. Grigor, St. Astvatsatsin (The Mother of God) and St. Stepanos churches among other interesting buildings. Enjoy a traditional Armenian lunch. Once ready, journey to Yenokavan, for those feeling adventurous you may try out some horse riding (optional), enjoy dinner and spend the night in Lori. Overnight in Lori.

6 Day 8 Armenia Hovhannes Tumanyan House Museum After your morning meal you will be checking out two UNESCO sites, Sanahin and Haghpat Monastery, both from the 10 th century. Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites these two Byzantine monasteries were important centres for learning from the 10 th 13 th century. Enjoy your afternoon meal which shall consist of traditional Armenian dishes. Today you will learn about one of the greatest Armenian poets and writers that ever lived at Hovhannes Tumanyan House Museum. Born on February 19, 1869 his work was mostly written in tragic form, often focusing on the harsh lives of villagers in the Lori region, he died March Enjoy your dinner and overnight stay in Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan. Day 9 Armenia Today will be your final full day of the trip, after breakfast at the hotel you will be driven to the Aragatsotn Region for a special tour beginning with The Church of Amberd, built for Prince Vahram Pahlavuni. An inscription on the inside lintel of the north portal to the building originates back to the year 1026, located on the slopes of Mount Aragats. Your final lunch of the holiday will be had near the beautiful Lake Kari. Enjoy your farewell dinner in Yerevan prior to your final overnight stay. Lake Kari Overnight in Yerevan. Day 10 Armenia Hong Kong After your breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Hong Kong.

7 Hotel Envisage Day 1 3 Yerevan 3 nights Day 4 Jermuk 1 nights Day 5 Goris 1 nights Day 6 Tsaghkadzor 1 nights Day 7 Lori 1 nights Day 8-10 Yerevan 2 nights Package Information Category A (5-star) Marriott Category B (4-star) Imperial Palace Hotel Category C (3-star) Regineh Hotel Hotels of a similar grading will be provided for you in the area Marriott Imperial Palace Hotel Regineh Hotel Touring & sightseeing in Armenia Domestic Airfare (Estimated varies depending on dates, exclusive of taxes) International Airfare (Estimated varies depending on dates, exclusive of taxes) Moscow to Yerevan (approx. flight time 3hrs.) & Yerevan to Moscow (approx. flight time 3hrs.) Hong Kong to Moscow (approx. flight time 10hrs. 15mins.) & Moscow to Hong Kong (approx. flight time 9hrs. 10mins.) Total Cost Based on twin sharing Does not include airfare taxes Single supplement Prices are per person in HKD

8 Package Includes: - International airfare Hong Kong to Moscow and Moscow to Hong Kong - Domestic airfare Moscow to Yerevan and Yerevan to Moscow - 5 nights accommodation at a hotel in Yerevan on twin sharing basis - 1 nights accommodation at a hotel in Jermuk on twin sharing basis - 1 nights accommodation at a hotel in Goris on twin sharing basis - 1 nights accommodation at a hotel in Tsaghkadzor on twin sharing basis - 1 nights accommodation at a hotel in Lori on twin sharing basis - Transfer to / from the airport / hotel - Transfer during the tours in a comfortable air conditioned car - Guide and driver services - Meals (Full Board) - Company presents - Entrance tickets to all museums and attractions mentioned - A bottle of water per person per day Package Does Not Include: - Travel insurance, applicable taxes, Visas (Armenian visa fee ~ 3000 Dram ~ 7 USD) - Spending of a personal nature (e.g.: tips, food, drinks, meals not mentioned laundry, telephone bills etc.)

9 ITINERARIES, CHANGES BEYOND OUR CONTROL COMPANY agrees to provide all of the services listed in your travel itinerary, except for the optional services. Optional services will be billed separately. COMPANY has no responsibility for any changes in travel plans caused by airlines, train, ferry delay or rescheduling mandated by any of the aforesaid causes beyond our control, the passenger shall have the option of accepting in lieu of the original tour such rescheduled tour or other substituted tour(s) as may be offered. If you would like to modify any portion of your itinerary, you understand that COMPANY will not bear any of the costs arising from such changes. Refunds for non-used or cancelled services will be issued in accordance with our Terms and Conditions described. All new services will be billed in accordance with our Terms and Conditions. Due to the circumstances, including but not limited to, like closure or maintenance of monuments, weather, time, or traffic, etc., the planned visit or activity will be arranged on the next day if possible. No refund can be made if it s failed to do so. OTHER EXPENSESS DURING TOURS Tipping & gratuity guidelines, tour guide - as you depart from the tour, reward a good guide in each city by tipping USD10-15 per person per day, driver USD5-10 per person per day, based on the satisfaction you have received from them, bellman by tipping USD3-5 Per bag, however these are guidelines are optional. PERSONAL EXPENESE - Meals, laundry, telephone bills, beverage, extra local running for transport which is not included in your itinerary, (transport for sightseeing excursion will be provide between 0900hrs 2100hrsMax. ), Video &Camera fees charged at monuments directly, tips for guides, driver, travel Insurance for personal injury & loss of personal belongings. Notes The above quote is valid for 14 days only & No reservations has been made, To guarantee the above quote a written booking request or purchase order must be received by Nanda Travel within the validity period DEPOSITS, FINAL PAYMENT A non-refundable deposit of 30 % of the tour fee on a per person basis must be paid after all reservations are confirmed. We accept cash or cheque only. Bookings for this deposit not received are subject to cancellation without notice. If G.C Nanda is unable to confirm the requested arrangements the deposit will be fully refundable. Deposits vary for each tour operator, hotel, or provider of any service contained in the program and will be payable according to the General Terms and Conditions of each operator. Please note that firm reservations cannot be made for any pre-booked accommodation until the required deposit is received. The balance payment must be received not less than 30 days prior to departure. If the balance payment is not received by us on the due date, we reserve the right to treat the booking as cancelled and to apply the appropriate cancellation charges. AMENDMENT FEES For each amendment requested after confirmation additional charges will be levied by hotels, ground operators or airlines. An amendment constitutes a change to an existing booking and not a transfer to another tour, wherein cancellation fees may apply.

10 CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS Cancellations are subject to a fee as follows: 30 days, or more, prior to departure: forfeit of deposit days, or less, prior to departure: 100% of total cost Cancellations will also be subject to cancellation fees levied by each operator according to their respective Booking Terms and Conditions. Please note that it is your responsibility to request from us the details of Terms and Conditions, and to ensure that you have understood their contents. The payment of your deposit constitutes an acceptance of those terms and conditions and your acknowledgement that you will be bound by their cancellation fee charges. No refund is made on any pre-booked accommodation, coach tours, villas hotel, cruising or other travel not utilised. No refund is available for cancellation after the tour has commenced or in respect of any tours, accommodation, meals or any other services not utilised. INSURANCE It is strongly recommended that, at the time of booking, you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy of your choice. We suggest that the policy should include, but not be limited to the following features: Loss of deposit through cancellation, personal baggage, loss of money, medical expenses, additional expenses to cover hotel accommodation should the tour or holiday need to be extended or curtailed due to illness while overseas, or due to the need to return to Hong Kong because of unexpected death or illness of a close relative. Please consult us on the insurance policy most suitable for your needs. VISA, TRAVEL DOCUMENTS Passengers should familiarise themselves with any and all health or visa requirements that may be applicable in the areas they intend visiting. They shall be responsible for all exits, entry, health and other documents required by laws, regulations, orders, demands or requirements of the countries visited or transited. Each person shall carry a valid passport at all times. Kindly note that passport and visa requirements are not our responsibility and we are not liable for any loss or expense due to a passenger s failure to comply with the above or any statutory requirement made in any country whatsoever. PRICE All prices shown are subject to variation without notice.