Two-Day Tour in Syunik

armeniangeographic

2 years ago

During this two-day tour to Syunik, we are going to explore the south of Armenia revealing the amazing architecture of the Middle Ages and enjoying breathtaking scenery. It will be a journey through time in an atmosphere of bygone days and splendour that is present in medieval Armenian churches and monasteries. One of the most magnificent specimens of medieval Armenian architecture is Noravank Monastery, which arouses admiration thanks to its beauty and forms.

During the trip, you will constantly enjoy the unique natural beauty of Armenia that the country kindly reveals to visitors. So, do not miss your chance to have this exciting journey and get acquainted with the amazing culture and nature of Armenia.

Day 1: Khor Virap, Jermuk, Khndzoresk

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

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.

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.

Khndzoresk

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.

Details of the day:

Location – Ararat, Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions
Distance from Yerevan – 300 km
Overnight stay – Goris city

Day 2: Flight on the Wings of Tatev, Tatev Monastery, Shaki Waterfall, Noravank Monastery

In the morning 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. Breathtaking views of the Vorotan River Gorge await you: you will certainly be fascinated, as if finding yourselves in another world!

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 / Photographer Hrach Hovhannisyan

Our next 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

So, galloping through the centuries, we will get to the Late Middle Ages and will visit the monastery of Noravank. Locals also call it Red Monastery as it is surrounded by the steep red rocks of the gorge. During the Soviet years, a rockclimbing championship was held here. Noravank is also famous for its unique bas-relief depicting God the Father.

Noravank Monastery

We will end our exciting tour in the village of Areni, which is famous for its centuries-old winemaking traditions. Enjoying an atmosphere of old cultural heritage, we will taste the best wines in the region and will reveal a lot of interesting facts about viniculture and winemaking in Armenia.