Tours to Armenia & Karabagh
Since 1985, Sidon Travel & Tourism has had the privilege to organize tours to visit the countries of Armenia, Russia & Karabagh for our clients. Our Group Tours provide an opportunity to take a professionally-organized, worry-free, entertaining and informative trip, while meeting fellow Armenians from across the U.S. Create memories and friendships to last a lifetime.Image
 
What’s Included:
  • Airfare
  • Quality Hotels
  • 22 Meals
  • Guided Daily Excursions
  • Transfers
  • Medical Insurance

     

    During the Soviet Era, Armenia had a flourishing tourism industry with more than 600,000 visitors a year,

    but the collapse of the Soviet Union coupled with the devastating 1988 earthquake and ensuing blockade

    provided tours to Armenia with unique, and extremely severe, economic problems. Over the past decade the economy

    has begun slowly to revive, and the development of tourism has contributed to its recovery. In the year 2000

    Armenia received 84,000 visitors -- in 2001 that figure increased spectacularly to 123,000, most likely due to

    the events associated with the 1700th anniversary of Christianity in Armenia celebrations.

    Despite the events of September 11, 2001 and their negative effect on tourism worldwide, including the

    South Caucasus, tourism in Armenia seems to be little affected as the number of visitors continue to grow.

    Growth is steady, but the recovery is still slow.

    Armenia can be compared to countries like Israel, Ireland, and Scotland, in that it has a very significant

    Diaspora market, primarily from the United States. The US is the single most important national market in

    Armenia accounting for 20% of visitors, followed by Russia and France. In total, the E.U. countries account for

    approximately 30% of visitors and CIS countries 22 percent.

    For a returning visitor to Armenia, particularly in Yerevan, the changes associated with tourism over the last

    five years are evident. New and renovated hotels and restaurants abound. Visa procedures have improved,

    including the issuance of single entry tourist visa upon arrival at the airport and land borders and on-line.

    Armenia is only the second country in the world to process e-visas. An extensive museum renovation program

    along with infrastructural improvements in Yerevan are under way, such as the replacement of sidewalks,

    repavement of roads, and updating street and traffic signs. These efforts are commissioned by the Government

    of Armenia


 

Daily Tour Itinerary

15 DAY TOUR ITINERARY- ARMENIA & KARABAGH - 2010

DAY 1

DEPART USA

Overnight transatlantic flight.

DAY 2

ARRIVE TO YEREVAN

Connect to your flight (from Europe) for an evening arrival into Yerevan. Check-in to your hotel.

DAY 3

YEREVAN CITY TOUR

Your city tour includes a visit to the Erebouni Museum, the statue David of Sassoun, Matenadaran, St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, and the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Monument and Museum.

DAY 4

TSAGHKADZOR, SEVAN & DILIJAN

Visit the resort town of Tsaghkadzor, a winter paradise and tourist destination year round. Continue your journey to Lake Sevan. Climb up Sevan peninsula and see ‘Sevanavank’ atop the mountain. Lunch. The excursion follows into Dilijan, where you will visit Haghartsin Monastery.

DAY 5

GARNI & GEGHART

Excursion to Garni, the only pagan temple in Armenia, and the incredible Christian Monastery of Geghart, partly carved out of solid rock between 11th-13th centuries. Experience traditional lavash making ceremony in Garni village.

DAY 6

HAGHBAT & SANAHIN

Excursion to the province of Lori. Visit Haghbat, one of the largest medieval monasteries of Armenia. Lunch in Alaverdi. Next visit the Sanahin Monastery. The Haghbat and Sanahin Monasteries are considered to be jewels of medieval Armenian architecture, preserved by UNESCO and included in the World Heritage List.

DAY 7

YERABLUR, VICTORY PARK & SHOPPING

Visit Yerablur, Three-Hills Memorial devoted to the heroes of the Karabagh war, and Victory Park. See the statue of Mother Armenia and Cascade. Enjoy shopping at Vernisage. Visit Armen Carpet rug factory, Grand Candy and the Tashir Mall.

DAY 8

ETCHMIADZIN & SARTARABAD

Visit the church of the Holy Virgin St. Hripsime. Pilgrimage to Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the first official Christian church in the world, built in 301 A.D. Depart Etchmiadzin to Sartarabad, symbol of Armenian pride and survival. Visit the Monument and Ethnographic Museum.

DAY 9

KHOR VIRAP & KARAHUNJ (Overnight in Karabagh)

Depart Yerevan to Karabagh. Along the way visit the historic Khor Virap Monastery, site where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned. Lunch in Vayk. Continue on to Karahunj - the oldest Stonehenge and astronomical observatory. On route, catch a glimpse of a wonderful view of the picturesque town Goris, the southern cultural center for the sciences and arts. Arrive to Stepanakert and check-in to the Armenia hotel. Dinner at your hotel.

DAY 10

STEPANAKERT & GANDZASAR (Overnight in Karabagh)

Stepanakert city tour, including the Artsakh State Museum, Revival Square and the Memorial Monument to the soldiers of Artsakh. Lunch. Excursion to the great Gandzasar Monastery (13th century) and Tatik-Papik statue. Dinner in the city.

DAY 11

SHUSHI CITY TOUR & JERMUK (Overnight in Jermuk)

Depart Karabagh to Jermuk. Along the way stop at the monument of the Liberation of Shushi - “Tank”. Enter the town of Shushi and see the beautiful Surb Amenaprkitch Ghazanchetsots Church (19th century). Arrive Jermuk for lunch and then check-in to the Armenia Resort Complex. Take the afternoon to enjoy the resort grounds, taxi to the Jermuk waterfalls or to the cable car/chair lifts. Dinner at your hotel.

DAY 12

JERMUK TO YEREVAN

Depart Jermuk to Yerevan. Along the way, visit the marvelous Noravank Monastery. Lunch at a nearby restaurant. Enjoy Armenian wine at the Areni village winery on your way back to Yerevan. Arrive Yerevan and check-in to your hotel.

DAY 13

AMBERD & OSHAGAN

Excursion to Amberd Fortress located on the picturesque slope of Mt. Aragats, the highest peak in Armenia. Also see Artashavan and the village of Oshagan, burial site of Mesrob Mashtots near Ashtarak.

DAY 14

FREE DAY

An opportunity to relax, shop, or revisit your favorite sites. Farewell dinner & entertainment at a trendy restaurant.

DAY 15

DEPART YEREVAN

Board your homebound flight, which will arrive to the U.S. the same day.

 

Dates & Prices

Departure - Return

Airline

Hotels

Tour Price*

May 25 - June 8Air FranceAni Plaza $ 1,990 + tax
May 25- June 8 Air FranceMarriot $ 2,290 + tax
June 29 - July 13Air FranceAni Plaza$ 2,490 + tax
June 29 - July 13Air FranceMarriot $ 2,790 + tax
July 18 - August 1Air FranceAni Plaza $ 2,490 + tax
July 18 - August 1Air FranceMarriot $ 2,790 + tax
August 10 - August 24
Air FranceAni Plaza $ 2,490 + tax
August 10 - August 24Air FranceMarriot $ 2,790 + tax
August 31 - September 14Air FranceAni Plaza $ 2,190 + tax
August 31 - September 14Air FranceMarriot $ 2,590 + tax
September 14- September 28
Air FranceAni Plaza $ 2,190 + tax
September 14- September 28Air FranceMarriot $ 2,590 + tax
September 28- October 12
Air FranceAni Plaza $ 1,990 + tax
September 28- October 12Air FranceMarriot $ 2,290 + tax

 

* Tour prices shown are based on Los Angeles departure and do not include applicable taxes.
Departures from all U.S. cities are available.
Please call (800) 826-7960 for details and pricing.

 


Terms & Conditions

RESERVATION: Reservations are made upon receipt of $1,000 per person, by check or money order only. Balance is due 60 days before each departure date. Trip Cancellation Insurance of $109/$149 per person is due separately. Sidon Travel reserves the right to treat the booking as cancelled if the balance due is not paid on time.

FARES AND RATES: All rates used in this document are those in effect at the time of printing and are subject to increase without notice due to increases in air tariffs, ground services, hotels and government taxes and currency fluctuations. Airfares are for information only and are to be confirmed at the time of ticket issuance.

PASSPORTS & VISAS: When traveling outside the U.S., a passport is required and valid for at least six months after your return. You are responsible for all visas, permits, necessary health requirements, and any other documents as required by law, regulation and/or order of the countries visited.

NOT INCLUDED: Not included are passport, visa, insurance, laundry, tips to drivers and guides, Yerevan airport exit tax, excess luggage, services of personal nature, alcoholic beverages, meals or services other than those mentioned specifically.

BAGGAGE PER PASSENGER: International baggage allowance policies are changing rapidly. Travel to/from the U.S. normally allows two pieces of luggage and a carry-on, whereas travel within Russia and Armenia only permits one piece of luggage per person. More details will be provided during the group orientation meeting, and will be provided in detail along with your documents. At time of print, airlines allow for two pieces of checked baggage, which together have a maximum dimension of 106 inches. The dimensions of either bag may not exceed 62 inches and 50 pounds, plus one carry-on with limits per airline specifications. (On flights within Armenia & Russia, the baggage allowance is only one piece of checked luggage up to 44 pounds.)

HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS: In addition to hotels listed in the brochure, any first class twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower in categories listed as classified by respective governments may be used. A limited number of single rooms are available at higher rates upon request. Triple/Quad rooms are available upon request at varying prices.

INSURANCE: A LIMITED amount of medical and trip insurance is included in the cost of your tour. Sidon Travel & Tourism, Inc. strongly recommends the purchase of additional insurance for your tour to cover trip cancellation, and any additional coverage you choose.

CANCELLATION CHARGES: If you cancel your tour for any reason (including illness or hospitalization), we will refund your payment, but will be obliged to deduct the following penalties (provided all requests for refund are made in writing):

Prior to 90 days before departure $200 Operational fees
From 89 to 60 days before departure 20% of total tour price
From 59 to 30 days before departure 40% of total tour price
From 29 to day of departure $1,500 for all Armenia & Karabagh tour participants
$2,500 for all Armenia & Russia tour participants

CANCELLATIONS DURING THE TOUR:Due to pre-arranged services and pre-paid hotel rooms, any days of tourism you miss or choose to skip will not be refundable. In case of any illness that may cause you to cut your trip short, or not stay with the group’s itinerary, it is wise to keep your hospital receipts, as travel insurance companies will require them to make a claim. Sidon Travel will not be responsible for hotel rooms and tours not used, and cannot provide a refund for them, once the tour has begun.
SPECIAL REQUESTS (Seats, Meals, Airline Miles): Seats assignments and special meals can be requested at time of booking. Sidon Travel cannot guarantee confirmation of preferences, as airline group policies dictate availability. Frequent flyer miles can be accrued on most major carriers (up to 50% for Air France), but upgrades using mileage is not permitted. For more information, call the airlines directly once you reserve your tour.PARTICIPATING CARRIERS: In addition to Lufthansa, Air France and Aeroflot, the services of any IATA or ARC airline may be used.
SAFETY: Please be aware that during your participation on tours operated by Sidon Travel, certain risks and dangers may arise beyond our control including, but limited to the hazards of traveling in undeveloped areas; travel by automobile, bus, aircraft or other means of transportation; the forces of nature, political unrest, acts of terrorism and accident or illness in remote regions without means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities. Sidon Travel will not have liability regarding provisions of medical care or the adequacy of any care that may be rendered.
RESPONSIBILTY: Sidon Travel & Tourism, Inc., its affiliated entities, its and their employees, shareholders, directors, and officers (collectively, Sidon), except for a ground handling office in Armenia does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for my trip and any other travel services which Sidon may book for me, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, local ground operators, including, without limitation, various entities which may utilize the Sidon name, guides, entertainment, food or drink providers, equipment suppliers, etc. As a result, Sidon is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity. In addition, Sidon is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any person or entity it does not own or control, nor for any act or inaction of any other third party not under its control.

Sidon Travel is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity of any kind which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation any willful or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contract or violation of local law or regulation of any third party such as an airline, train, hotel, bus, taxi, van, guide or local ground handler whether or not it has a corporate affiliation with Sidon, financial default or insolvency of any supplier which is, to, or does supply any goods or services for this trip. Similarly, Sidon is not responsible for any loss, injury, death or inconvenience due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking or downgrading of accommodation, default of any third party, attacks by animals, sickness, the lack of appropriate medical care, evacuation to same, if necessary, insurance coverage or payments relevant to same, weather, strikes, acts of force majeure or government, acts of terrorism or the threat thereof, war, epidemics or the threat thereof, quarantine, criminal activity, or any other cause beyond its control.

Sidon reserves the right to decline or accept or retain any person or to change or cancel the tour, if necessary, for any reason

ARBITRATION AGREEMENT: Iagree that any controversy or claim arising out of or relating in any way to these Terms & Conditions, to the brochure, website or other literature or any information relating in any way to the trip or to the trip itself or to any other travel services arranged by Sidon shall be settled exclusively by binding arbitration in Los Angeles County, California, USA, in accordance with the then existent commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive California law (but not procedural law) excluding any application or consideration of the California Arbitration Act.

 

Register Now

  • Please complete form and send with your deposit of $1,000 (per person) written to Sidon Travel
  • Also send a photocopy of your passport, to include your name, passport number and passport validity

Mailing Address:
SIDON TRAVEL & TOURISM, INC:
428 S. Central Avenue,
Glendale, CA 91204

Registration Form

 

Travel Insurance

Why should I purchase Trip Cancellation Insurance?

You are planning an annual vacation, and non-refundable payments are expected of you.
We know that there are circumstances out of your control which may be reason to cancel
or interrupt your trip plans.
Protect your investment with the purchase of Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance:

 

For Only $119* pp (Armenia & Karabagh Tours) or $159* pp (Armenia & Russia Tours):

 

-Trip Cancellation Protection**:Provides reimbursement for non-refundable trip payments
and deposits if you must cancel your trip before you get started.
-Trip Interruption Protection**: Provides reimbursement for non-refundable trip payments
and out of pocket expenses if your trip is interrupted after you have left.

 

* Price valid if purchased within 14 days of initial trip deposit. Payment due by check only and is non-refundable.
**For an explanation of covered reasons and exclusions, benefits and limits to coverage,
please contact: ACCESS AMERICA at 800 826-4919 and refer to: Group Travel Assurance Comprehensive Plan

 

The following travel insurance benefits are included in our tours at No Cost to you**

  • $30,000: Emergency Medical and Dental Benefit
  • $100,000: Emergency Medical Transportation
  • $25,000: Travel Accident Coverage
  • $1,000: Baggage Coverage
  • $200: Baggage Delay Coverage
  • $750: Travel/Trip Delay Coverage
  • $750: Missed Connection Coverage
ARMENIA INTERACTIVE MAP


Armenia Dram exchange Rates

ARMENIA WEATHER