Three-day tour of Armenia

armeniangeographic

2 years ago

The three-day tour of Armenia will transport us back to the 4th century when Armenia became the world’s first Christian state. Uncover the grandeur of history, relish the beauty of landscapes, and immerse yourself in local culture and traditions. Together, we will embark on an unforgettable journey to unravel all the secrets and charms of Armenia.

Day 1: Khor Virap, Birds’ Cave, Noravank, Jermuk

In the morning we will head to the south of Armenia. The first stop will be in the renowned monastery of Khor Virap built over a deep pit where Gregory the Enlightener was imprisoned for about 13 years in the 3rd century. We will go down into the pit trying to understand what Gregory felt during the years of imprisonment. The monastery is also well-known as a place offering the best views of Mount Ararat, indeed, if the weather is clear.

Khor Virap

From the region of Ararat we will drive to Vayots Dzor, where the scenery is completely different: instead of green fields common in Ararat Region, here we will see picturesque gorges, reddish rocks and caves. We will stop at the Birds’ Cave, which dates from the Early Bronze Age marked with the beginning of farming activities. Here archaeologists have unearthed unique agricultural tools as well as the oldest leather shoe in the world. The visit to this cave will move you to the remote past and you will get an idea about the lifestyle of humans several thousand years ago.

Noravank Monastery

Our next destination is Noravank, one of the pearls of Armenian architecture located in the bosom of the colourful rocks of the Gnishik Gorge. We will have a fascinating journey through time which will enable us to feel the spirit of the Middle Ages, admiring the magnificence of the religious buildings. Many of the princes Orbelian are buried in the gavit (entrance hall) of the main monastic church which is dedicated to St. Stephen the Proto-Deacon. The entrance to the gavit is decorated with a rare relief representing God the Father.

Next, we will drive to the city of Jermuk, one of the most popular resorts in the region. Here we can completely relax, enjoying the healing mineral water and the beautiful scenery. We will visit the local Mineral Water Gallery to try mineral water of different temperatures and feel its healing power. One of the main places in our programme is the famous waterfall called Mermaid’s Hair which is located in the picturesque gorge of the river Arpa.

Details of the Tour:

Location: Ararat and Vayots Dzor regions
Distance from Yerevan: 195 km
Overnight stay: Jermuk city

Day 2: Shaki Waterfall, Tatev Monastery, Khndzoresk

Our first stop will be at the waterfall of Shaki, which is beautifully located in one of the most picturesque parts of Syunik Region. The amazing view and sounds of this unique natural monument always arouse admiration.

Shaki Waterfall

Next, we will take the longest cable car in the world! In just 10 minutes, the modern and safe Wings of Tatev will carry you from the picturesque village of Halidzor to Tatev Monastery.

Wings of Tatev

Tatev Monastery is named after St. Eustathius (in Armenian: Yevstatevos-Statevos-Tatev), a disciple of the Apostle Thaddeus who preached Christianity in Armenia and was tortured to death for the sake of the new religion. In the 4th century, a small church was built here, and pilgrims started visiting it from the 5th century onward.

Tatev monastery

Afterwards we will visit one of the most mysterious and unique places in Syunik, the village of Old Khndzoresk, which is famous for its cave houses, amazing landscapes and a majestic swinging bridge that is more than 160 metres long. At the beginning of the 20th century, more than 8,000 people inhabited this village. However, in the 1950s, the authorities decided to move them to a more comfortable place, a new village of the same name. Today the abandoned village of Old Khndzoresk is a fascinating tourist destination that arouses everybody’s admiration.

Khndzoresk

Details of the Tour:

Location: Syunik region
Distance from Yerevan: 191 km
Overnight stay: Goris city

Day 3: Zorats Karer, Orbelian’s Caravanserai, Noratus Cemetery, lake Sevan, Hayravank Monastery

In the morning, we depart from Goris and head to one of the most mysterious places – Zorats Karer. The megalithic complex of Zorats Karer, also known as Karhunj, is located on a mountain plateau near the town of Sisian. According to some scholars, it is one of the oldest observatories in the world. The complex, dating back to the Bronze Age, includes unique, massive megalithic structures, more specifically, tombs.

Zorats Karer (Carahunge)

By some estimates, Zorats Karer is believed to be around 7500 years old. At the same time, its resemblance to similar complexes in Iceland, Ireland, England, Scotland, and France is an undeniable fact. The most well-known complex in this series is the English Stonehenge.

Next, we will head to Vardenyats Pass, also known as Selim Pass, a region renowned for its ancient caravanserai. According to historical records, this building was constructed in the year 1332 and served as a refuge for caravans traveling from Europe to the East. This impressive structure was designed to provide a convenient place for overnight stays and protection from inclement weather.

Orbelian’s Caravanserai

Next, we will head to the Gegharkunik region. The art of cross-stones is one of the most typical manifestations of medieval Armenian culture, the cemetery of Noratus being a true museum of cross-stones in the open air. Hundreds of cross-stones are preserved here, the works of the 12^th to 14^th centuries being particularly noteworthy. In this cemetery which shows the chronological development of the cross-stone art you will feel an atmosphere of the past. The art of Armenian cross-stones has been inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Noratus Cemetery

Have you ever tasted homemade Armenian cheese? The region of Gegharkunik is well-known for its rich cuisine, and Mikayelyan Family Farm is noted for its natural, incredibly delicious and aromatic cheeses.

Here only fresh dairy products are used, and the production features wine- and cognac-cheese, “horats” cheese (cheese kept in a jar) as well as some European sorts.

Hayravank Monastery

Our last stop will be at Hayravank Monastery located on a picturesque hill on the shore of Lake Sevan. It offers a fascinating view of the lake and its surroundings․