Imagine yourself walking through a forest of beech trees, their leaves kissed the colour of autumn, glistening red, yellow, and gold under the afternoon sun.
This autumn weekend takes you to the Areni Wine Festival in Armenia, and promises fewer tourists, perfect autumn weather and simply stunning landscapes.
Located in the South Caucasus, Armenia is an extraordinary place, somewhat frozen in time as it moves to its own rhythm. Also, the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion, Armenia’s history is rich and shrouded in legends. It was on holy Mount Ararat, now located in Turkish territory, that Noah's Ark is believed to have stopped. While the miracle of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who managed to survive in a cell under the Khor Wirap monastery, also took place in Armenia.
Although you may only be able to admire Mount Ararat’s snowcapped peaks from a distance, there are fortunately many more places in Armenia worth visiting. There are so many beautifully unique temples, monasteries and khachkars (stone crosses) scattered all over the country that it’s nearly impossible to count them. Khachkars began to pop up in Armenia right after the adoption of Christianity to replace pagan temples and later decorate crossroads, gardens and tombstones.
Yerevan, established in 782 BC, is 29 years older than Rome! Which was founded in 753 BC. And despite its history, and the fact that it’s Armenia’s capital, it doesn’t have a charming old town. This ancient city delights with something completely different – a mixture of modernity and ancient history, sprinkled with flavours of a bygone communist era.
Our weekend away in Armenia is dedicated to celebrating autumn in all its glory – from the beautiful colours it has to offer, to the perfectly crisp, yet warm, fresh weather. And we will experience it all in raw nature, as we traverse Armenia’s forests and meadows.
Let’s go!
DAY 1 // OCT 03 // Friday
Meeting at SHJ Int. at 06:00am for a direct flight to Yerevan at 08:05am.
Today we start to Tavush Marz, passing by the legendary subject of Armenian proud - Sevan lake. We will start our hike near Lake Parz at an altitude of 1220m all the way to 1600m, continuing to 1570m where we will find the picturesque Gosh village. It's a lovely place with unique charm. Today's trek is 5.6 kilometers, around 2.5 hours.
Drive to Yerevan. Check in and free time.
DAY 2 // OCT 05 // Saturday
After breakfast we head out towards Vayots Dzor province; the road trip offers stunning views of the landscape along the way, making it a visually memorable experience.
First stop will be Khor Virap Monastery with the best view on Ararat Mountain.
Then we will visit an impressive Areni Birds Cave. The oldest leather shoe of the world was found right there.
Next stop will be Noravank monastery, where a short trekking will be organized. The monastery in surrounded by red rocks what gives that place special energy and beauty.
After that we will drive to Areni village to participate in Areni Wine Fest.
The festival consists of several zones:
· Homemade Wine Zone, designed for the residents of the local and neighboring villages to present their homemade wines and dishes,
· Production Area and Food Zone, Armenian winemakers will present their 100 types of wines and their best pairings with food from traditional Armenian restaurants.
· Music Zone, guests are granted the chance to enjoy high-quality music.
Free time at a festival. Return to Yerevan.
DAY 3 // OCT 06 // Sunday
Check out. Drive to the only remaining pagan temple in Armenia devoted to the God of Sun – Myrth.
From here we take a short walk to Azat Gorge. It obtained the name "Symphony of Rocks" due to spectacular views. The fantastic landscape of the canyon will shake our imagination. Family hosted lunch in village house with watching of “Lavash” (Armenian traditional flat bread baked in stonemake oven) making process, testing authentic Armenian food, get acquainted with local village life. Further on we head back to capitol with a stop at viewpoint of Azat Lake.
Transfer to the airport. Bye, bye Armenia! Back home shortly after 8pm.
Grade: Easy
Accommodation and meals: City center 3 star hotel - double sharing. Dinners excluded.
Cost: 2,970 AED incl. flights until AUG 29. After deadline cost will change.
Specifically excluded: dinners, lunch on day 2 (during festival), visas, insurance.
Visa: Most passports are eligible for a free visa or visa on arrival. UAE residents get visa on arrival. Details here.
See yah in Armenia x
Trekkup Crew
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