Textiles and Traditions of Armenia

Today we start our exploration of Armenia’s vibrant capital, Yerevan. This ancient city is home to great traditions mixed with modern trends. Our guided tour begins in the Republic Square, the masterpiece of the architect Alexander Tamanian, and then continues to Cascade Complex, an open-air museum of modern art. Take the stairs to Victory Park, where the monument to Mother Armenia stands tall and provides views over downtown Yerevan.

During the tour we will also capture the Opera House and Freedom Square before visiting the Folk Art Museum, a unique cultural hub which exhibits examples of applied, decorative and fine arts. Here, you will find a rich collection of early and contemporary folk art, including Armenian embroidery.

On the May departure date only, we will then visit the local flea market Vernissage. Enjoy browsing the handmade souvenirs, jewellery, ancient rugs and hand-woven carpets.

Please note: this is included on the May departure date only as the market is only open at weekends.

This evening we will enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.

This morning, join your expert for a full-day workshop at the hotel.

We leave Yerevan today and travel to Goris, one of the most important historical and cultural sites in Armenia. Our first stop on route is to Megeryan Carpets Factory, a company which preserves the traditions of ancient Armenian rug weaving, folk ornaments and styles. During our visit, we will have a guided tour and learn about the rich carpet weaving traditions and cotton and silk production.

The day continues to Ararat Valley, where we will enjoy sightseeing at our second stop of the day, Khor-Virap monastery, with amazing views of Mount Ararat.

Today’s full-day excursion takes us to Tatev Monastery, a 9th-century Armenian Apostolic monastery standing on the edge of a deep gorge of the Vorotan River, accessed by the world’s longest cable car.

We continue to Verishen, a rural community famous for its sheep breeding and preparing traditional Armenian carpets from sheep wool. The Goris Women’s Resource Centre has created sustainable income opportunities for women and vulnerable groups. During our lunch, we will have the opportunity to meet these women, have a tour of the centre, see their work and speak with them.

On our return to the hotel we’ll enjoy a short workshop with our expert on the balcony of the hotel.

Leaving Goris, we first travel to Yeghegnador, home to Mosh Studio where we’ll enjoy a traditional doll-making master class. We then cross the Selim Pass to visit the medieval Selim Caravanserai, an important trading post on the Great Silk Road before continuing to the small village of Noratus. This village is famous for its centuries old Khachkar’s, fascinating symbols of Armenia’s culture and religious heritage in a form of a decorative cross-stone. Arrive in Dilijan, often referred to as the ‘Little Switzerland of Armenia, surrounded by the forests of Dilijan National Park.

We will start our day exploring the heart of the Dilijan’s old town, Sharambeyan Street, which has been preserved and maintained. Here you will find traditional old houses, craftsmen’s workshops, galleries, cafés and more. We will stop at Dila Villa, a local artist's home studio, where we will have the opportunity to create batik in a traditional Armenian style.

After, we start our journey back to Yerevan, visiting the Armenian Crafts Centre and Garni Temple on route. In Garni, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local house and a demonstration in the making of Armenian national bread, Lavash, in the underground stove.

Enjoy your last workshop with your expert this morning at the hotel before having an afternoon of free time, either spent at the hotel or venture into Yerevan.