Armenia-The Homeland Of Wine
Since ancient days Armenia was famous
for the wine makers where original traditions were kept until these days. It is
possible to learn about this even from works of such philosophers, as Herodot
and Strabon. In 401-400 B.C., when the Greek armies led by Ksenophon "were
passed" on the country Nairi (one of the most ancient names of Armenia),
in the Armenian houses they were treated with wine and beer which was kept in
deep dugouts in special "karases".
It's interesting, that in karases with beer have been inserted reeds which served for our ancestors as saltcellars. Carried out by academic Pyatrovski in the 19th-20th centuries archeological excavations have confirmed the fact, that as early as the ninth century B.C. Armenia was developed as wine-making state. Archeologists have found out in fortress Teyshebaini wine storehouse with 480 karases, in which could makespace for 37 thousand decilitres of wine. During excavation in Karmir Blur (one of the ancient settlements in Armenia where first signs of life are found) and Erebouni (city-fortress in the territory of present Yerevan, built 2800 years ago which became the capital of Armenia in 2700) had been found 10 wine storehouses in which were 200 karases. Still ancestors of Armenians - inhabitants of one of the most ancient states in the world - Urartu, were engaged in wine growing. In historian certificates, that is thus one of the most ancient states in the world the special attention was given development of wine growing and fruit growing were kept. Often in the historical data which have reached to us manufacturing techniques of wine and beer are mentioned.
In 2011 archaeologists in Armenia announced the discovery of the world's oldest-known wine production facility. Located in the Areni cave complex, it consisted of a shallow basin to press grapes, a vat for storage, and fermentation jars. They also found grape seeds, remains of pressed grapes, and dozens of dried vines. The seeds were from Vitis vinifera a grape still used to make wine. The cave remains date to about 6000 BC - 900 years before the earliest comparable wine remains, found in Egyptian tombs.
On October 8 the village of Areni will host a wine festival. The first Areni Wine festival was held in 2004 before the latest discoveries. The festival aims to promote and develop Areni Community and other communities tourism of Armenia in the international and domestic tourism market as favorable and attractive touristic location and as a winemaking cradle and one of the most important components of international wine market.
Taking into consideration this fact SacVoyage Travel presents 5 days tour round the most famous wine making places of Armenia. The homeland of wine is waiting for you.
Duration: 5 days/4nights
Type: event, folkloric, excursion
Accommodation: 4*
Meal plan: BB
Price: 410 €/pppt/(calculated for 8pax)
Kilometrage: 710km
Arrival to Yerevan,
Meeting at "Zvartnots" International airport,
Transfer to the hotel,
Check-In Support,
After having a rest, meet your tour guide and start a city tour round Yerevan. The contemporary capital of Armenia is 13th and one of the oldest cities in the world founded in 782 BC. During the tour you will visit Erebouni Museum of the History of the Foundation of Yerevan which stands at the foot of the Arin Berd hill, on the top of which the Urartian Fortress Erebouni has been constructed. The next visit is Yerevan History Museum which throws light on the history of the city beginning from ancient times up to our days. Visiting Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Return to Hotel. Overnight at the hotel (Yerevan).
Breakfast at the hotel. Visiting History Museum of Armenia, where you will get acquainted with a large collection of materials connected with the history of Armenia and ancient eastern countries in the Armenian Highland. Drive to Garni Temple(1stA.D.) is the only "witness" of the Hellenistic Epoch in the territory of CIS. The temple is dedicated to Mithra, the God of Sun. Then you will continue the tour to Gegard Monastery(12-13thcenturies). Geghard Monastery Complex was initially known as Ayrrivank (Cave Monastery). The name refers to the biblical lance with which a Roman soldier pierced Christ's body. Hundreds of Khachkars (cross-stones) and caves can be observed in the rocks surrounding the Monastery.The Monastery and the Upper Azat Valley are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Return to Yerevan with stop at the Charents's Arch. It is from here that one of the greatest Armenian poets of the 20th century admired the view of the double-peaked Ararat. Here you can enjoy the great Armenian poet's poems dedicated to Ararat: (Pass the whole world, there's no summit as white as that of Ararat, Like glory road, unreachable, I love as well my Mount Massis). Return to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel (Yerevan).
Breakfast at the hotel. Visiting Matenadaran-one of the unique institutes of ancient manuscripts in the world. Excursion to centuries-old monuments Echmiadzin and Zvartnots listed on UNESCO World Heritage list. Visiting the churches of three Holy Virgins: centre-domed cruciform Church of Saint Hripsimeh (618), domical basilica of Saint Gayaneh (630) and 'domed gallery' type Church of Shoghakat (1694). The Cathedral of Echmiadzin (303) is the official residence of the Armenian Catholicos. At the Museum of the Mother Cathedral you will see many reliquaries: the Holy Lance (called "geghart" in Armenian) which pierced the side of Christ, housed in a silver reliquary; the relics of Noah's Ark in a reliquary that was created in 1698; "Khotekerats Sourp Nishan" reliquary with the relic of Jesus Christ's wooden cross (914-929) on which it is supposed that Jesus Christ was crucified; the cross of King Ashot Yerkat with its chest, one of the oldest processional crosses in existence.Visiting Zvartnots(7th century)- a Temple of Vigil Forces. Return to Yerevan. Excurtion in Yerevan Ararat Brandy-Wine-Vodka factory. During the tour the guests will visit distillation department, cooperage department, the museum, wine-cellar, where they taste our old wines and we finish the tour with testing famous "Noah" brandies. Return to hotel. Overnight at the hotel(Yerevan).
Breakfast at the hotel. Trip to Khor Virap Monastery Complex (4-18th centuries) the importance of which is connected with Gregory the Illuminator, the fisrt Catholicos, who introduced Christianity in Armenia. On the way to Khor Virap Monastery you can enjoy the spectacular view of the sacred Ararat Mountain - an immortal symbol of Armenia. Then excursion to Noravank(13-14th centuries) Monastery, situated among amazing sheer rocks on the bank of a twisty gorge.
Drive to Areni village. Participation in Areni Wine Festival.
In the program:
1. Opening ceremony
2. Armenian Wine-makers' Fair; public and professional wine tasting
3. Contests
4. Presentation of the history and development of Armenian winery as well as the show of the excavated ancient place and winemaking findings.
5. Folk music, dances, games, theatrical performances
6. Visit to the church in the village
7. The closing ceremony.
Return to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel(Yerevan).
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out from the hotel. Trip to the "Armenian Pearl" - Lake Sevan which is the 2nd high-altitude lake in the world with its sweet and astonishingly blue water. Visiting Sevanavank Moanstery in Sevan peninsula. Continue the tour to the twon of Dilijan. and walking city-tour round Old Dilijan with visiting Dilijan Branch of National Museum of Folk Art after V. Sharambeyan. Trip to Haghartsin(10-13th centuries) Monastery which became a great cultural and religious center of the region in the 12th century. Return to Yerevan.
Transfer to the airport 3 hours before flight.
Support in airport check-in.
Weepy parting
.
Departure.
Tour package includes:
• All transfers by program
• Accommodation in 4* hotel in DBL room
• Breakfasts
• High-qualified guide-interpreter in your preferred language
• All entrance tickets
• Professional friendly driver
• Comfortable mini bus with climate-control system
• 24-hours tourist support
• Souvenirs as presents from SacVoyage
Tour package does not include:
• Air ticket
• Visa to Armenia
• Medical insurance(1.2$ per day)
• HB Supplement is 50 EUR
• FB Supplement is 100 EUR
It's interesting, that in karases with beer have been inserted reeds which served for our ancestors as saltcellars. Carried out by academic Pyatrovski in the 19th-20th centuries archeological excavations have confirmed the fact, that as early as the ninth century B.C. Armenia was developed as wine-making state. Archeologists have found out in fortress Teyshebaini wine storehouse with 480 karases, in which could makespace for 37 thousand decilitres of wine. During excavation in Karmir Blur (one of the ancient settlements in Armenia where first signs of life are found) and Erebouni (city-fortress in the territory of present Yerevan, built 2800 years ago which became the capital of Armenia in 2700) had been found 10 wine storehouses in which were 200 karases. Still ancestors of Armenians - inhabitants of one of the most ancient states in the world - Urartu, were engaged in wine growing. In historian certificates, that is thus one of the most ancient states in the world the special attention was given development of wine growing and fruit growing were kept. Often in the historical data which have reached to us manufacturing techniques of wine and beer are mentioned.
In 2011 archaeologists in Armenia announced the discovery of the world's oldest-known wine production facility. Located in the Areni cave complex, it consisted of a shallow basin to press grapes, a vat for storage, and fermentation jars. They also found grape seeds, remains of pressed grapes, and dozens of dried vines. The seeds were from Vitis vinifera a grape still used to make wine. The cave remains date to about 6000 BC - 900 years before the earliest comparable wine remains, found in Egyptian tombs.
On October 8 the village of Areni will host a wine festival. The first Areni Wine festival was held in 2004 before the latest discoveries. The festival aims to promote and develop Areni Community and other communities tourism of Armenia in the international and domestic tourism market as favorable and attractive touristic location and as a winemaking cradle and one of the most important components of international wine market.
Taking into consideration this fact SacVoyage Travel presents 5 days tour round the most famous wine making places of Armenia. The homeland of wine is waiting for you.
Duration: 5 days/4nights
Type: event, folkloric, excursion
Accommodation: 4*
Meal plan: BB
Price: 410 €/pppt/(calculated for 8pax)
Kilometrage: 710km
Day 1. 05.10.12/Arrival-Yerevan
City Tour (80km)
Arrival to Yerevan,
Meeting at "Zvartnots" International airport,
Transfer to the hotel,
Check-In Support,
After having a rest, meet your tour guide and start a city tour round Yerevan. The contemporary capital of Armenia is 13th and one of the oldest cities in the world founded in 782 BC. During the tour you will visit Erebouni Museum of the History of the Foundation of Yerevan which stands at the foot of the Arin Berd hill, on the top of which the Urartian Fortress Erebouni has been constructed. The next visit is Yerevan History Museum which throws light on the history of the city beginning from ancient times up to our days. Visiting Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Return to Hotel. Overnight at the hotel (Yerevan).
Day 2. 06.10.12/Garni-Gegard-Yerevan
(70km)
Breakfast at the hotel. Visiting History Museum of Armenia, where you will get acquainted with a large collection of materials connected with the history of Armenia and ancient eastern countries in the Armenian Highland. Drive to Garni Temple(1stA.D.) is the only "witness" of the Hellenistic Epoch in the territory of CIS. The temple is dedicated to Mithra, the God of Sun. Then you will continue the tour to Gegard Monastery(12-13thcenturies). Geghard Monastery Complex was initially known as Ayrrivank (Cave Monastery). The name refers to the biblical lance with which a Roman soldier pierced Christ's body. Hundreds of Khachkars (cross-stones) and caves can be observed in the rocks surrounding the Monastery.The Monastery and the Upper Azat Valley are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Return to Yerevan with stop at the Charents's Arch. It is from here that one of the greatest Armenian poets of the 20th century admired the view of the double-peaked Ararat. Here you can enjoy the great Armenian poet's poems dedicated to Ararat: (Pass the whole world, there's no summit as white as that of Ararat, Like glory road, unreachable, I love as well my Mount Massis). Return to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel (Yerevan).
Day 3. 07.10.12/Yerevan-Echmiadzin-Zvartnots-Yerevan(70km)
Breakfast at the hotel. Visiting Matenadaran-one of the unique institutes of ancient manuscripts in the world. Excursion to centuries-old monuments Echmiadzin and Zvartnots listed on UNESCO World Heritage list. Visiting the churches of three Holy Virgins: centre-domed cruciform Church of Saint Hripsimeh (618), domical basilica of Saint Gayaneh (630) and 'domed gallery' type Church of Shoghakat (1694). The Cathedral of Echmiadzin (303) is the official residence of the Armenian Catholicos. At the Museum of the Mother Cathedral you will see many reliquaries: the Holy Lance (called "geghart" in Armenian) which pierced the side of Christ, housed in a silver reliquary; the relics of Noah's Ark in a reliquary that was created in 1698; "Khotekerats Sourp Nishan" reliquary with the relic of Jesus Christ's wooden cross (914-929) on which it is supposed that Jesus Christ was crucified; the cross of King Ashot Yerkat with its chest, one of the oldest processional crosses in existence.Visiting Zvartnots(7th century)- a Temple of Vigil Forces. Return to Yerevan. Excurtion in Yerevan Ararat Brandy-Wine-Vodka factory. During the tour the guests will visit distillation department, cooperage department, the museum, wine-cellar, where they taste our old wines and we finish the tour with testing famous "Noah" brandies. Return to hotel. Overnight at the hotel(Yerevan).
Day 4. 08.10.12/Yerevan-Khor Virap- Noravank-Areni(Wine Festival)- (250km)
Breakfast at the hotel. Trip to Khor Virap Monastery Complex (4-18th centuries) the importance of which is connected with Gregory the Illuminator, the fisrt Catholicos, who introduced Christianity in Armenia. On the way to Khor Virap Monastery you can enjoy the spectacular view of the sacred Ararat Mountain - an immortal symbol of Armenia. Then excursion to Noravank(13-14th centuries) Monastery, situated among amazing sheer rocks on the bank of a twisty gorge.
Drive to Areni village. Participation in Areni Wine Festival.
In the program:
1. Opening ceremony
2. Armenian Wine-makers' Fair; public and professional wine tasting
3. Contests
4. Presentation of the history and development of Armenian winery as well as the show of the excavated ancient place and winemaking findings.
5. Folk music, dances, games, theatrical performances
6. Visit to the church in the village
7. The closing ceremony.
Return to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel(Yerevan).
Day
5. 09.10.12 / Yerevan-Lake
Sevan-Dilijan-Haghartsin-Yerevan (240km)
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out from the hotel. Trip to the "Armenian Pearl" - Lake Sevan which is the 2nd high-altitude lake in the world with its sweet and astonishingly blue water. Visiting Sevanavank Moanstery in Sevan peninsula. Continue the tour to the twon of Dilijan. and walking city-tour round Old Dilijan with visiting Dilijan Branch of National Museum of Folk Art after V. Sharambeyan. Trip to Haghartsin(10-13th centuries) Monastery which became a great cultural and religious center of the region in the 12th century. Return to Yerevan.
Transfer to the airport 3 hours before flight.
Support in airport check-in.
Weepy parting
.Departure.
Tour package includes:
• All transfers by program
• Accommodation in 4* hotel in DBL room
• Breakfasts
• High-qualified guide-interpreter in your preferred language
• All entrance tickets
• Professional friendly driver
• Comfortable mini bus with climate-control system
• 24-hours tourist support
• Souvenirs as presents from SacVoyage
Tour package does not include:
• Air ticket
• Visa to Armenia
• Medical insurance(1.2$ per day)
• HB Supplement is 50 EUR
• FB Supplement is 100 EUR
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