Since 11 th century Armenia lost its independence and for centuries remained under the rule of other states. In 1918 Armenia declared its independence by forming the first Republic on May 28. For 70 years, beginning from 1920, Armenia had been one of the Soviet Republics. In 1991 Armenia regained independence, becoming a Presidential Republic. The present Constitution of Armenia was adopted on July 5, 1995 . Armenia joined the CIS in March 1992 and CIS Defense Treaty in May 1992.

Armenia is a unitary, multiparty, democratic nation-state and one of the oldest and most historic civilizations in the world with a rich cultural heritage, as well as the first nation to adopt Christianity as its official religion. Although Armenia is constitutionally a secular state, the Christian faith plays a major role in both its history and the identification of the Armenian people. Armenians are among oldest and most distinct ethnic groups, having inhabited the area east and south of the Black Sea since the seventh century BC. Both the Armenian alphabet and the Armenian church date back to the fourth century and remain substantially unchanged today.

YEREVAN is the capital of Armenia . The city inherited its name from the Erebouni Fortress built by King Argishti in the 8 th century BC. In 1998 Armenia celebrated the 2780 anniversary of Yerevan . Yerevan is the center of Armenian culture and science, home to the Matenadaran , which contains thousands of ancient manuscripts. Several institutes of higher education as well as museums and concert halls can also be found in the capital.

Today a walk through Yerevan will reveal the splendor of the city's architecture in its multicolored tufa stone buildings and beautiful gurgling fountains, which are a special feature of the city. The large cascade of fountains in the city's center at Republic Square is known as the Singing Fountains and are lit in different colors and accompanied by music to which the water dances and plays. Republic Square is in the center of the city and is dominated by government buildings. Yerevan is a city of parks, wide streets and spacious squares.

As of 2008 data, the population of Armenia is 2.9 mln, with 1.2 mln living in Yerevan . Armenia 's geographical location is very convenient for connections with all the countries of Europe , Middle East , Asia , and CIS countries.

The national currency of Armenia is Dram.
Current exchange rate could be obtained from Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia homepage .

SIGHTSEEING

ELITAR Travel Company offers the participants of the event to take sightseeing tour, Yerevan City Tour-Garni-Geghard
The Masterpieces of Armenian Architecture

Duration: 5 hours

Short sightseeing of Yerevan City . Along with all major sights of the capital you will also see "Cat statue" by famous sculptor Fernando Botero, will climb up the Cascade to enjoy the panoramic view of Yerevan as well as will see Opera house, Victory Park with Mother Armenia statue, Kievyan Bridge, Baghramyan Avenue, the Presidential Palace, Academy of Sciences, National Parliament and Writers Union and Fruit market.

Garni. Garni temple which towers over a triangular cape, is the unique survived example of heathen culture in Armenia . It is a blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles. King Trdat the First ordered building the temple in the first century A.D. and dedicated it to the God of Sun. After adopting Christianity in 301 the pagan temple lost its significance and the fortress of Garni became the summer residence of the kings. Nowadays the ruins of the royal palace and the bathroom with a stunning mosaic work can be found near the temple .

Lunch at a local house in Garni where you will have opportunity to watch Armenian national bread "lavash" baking and barbeque making process in the underground stove called "tonir".

Gueghard. Geghard monastery is the unsurpassable masterpiece of the 13th century Armenian architecture. Some of the churches of the complex are masterfully hewn in a huge rock. From the outset the complex was called Ayrivank (cave monastery), later it was renamed Geghard (lance or pear), as the lance used by the roman soldier to sting Jesus Christ's side, was kept in this monastery for many centuries. Due to its construction Geghardavank serves the best place for singing spiritual songs. The complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars (cross-stones).

Sites to visit

• The Arch of Yegishe Charents on the way to Garni in Kotayk region. This arch is devoted to one of the Armenian poets of the XX century. From here one can have the best view of the biblical Mt Ararat.
• Pagan Temple of Garni with the ancient mosaic bath
• Gueghard Monastry carved in a solid rock.

Prices per person 35 Euro

The price includes:

• Transportation service
• Guide service ( English speaking)
• Meals and beverages
• Entrance fees