Private tour:Six wonderful regions of Armenia in 3 days
Admin's choice
Haghpat Monastery, Sanahin Monastery, Akhtala Fortress, Dilijan
1. Haghpat Monastery
50-60 min
Situated not far from Sanahin, Haghpat monastery has its significant place in the historical and cultural life of Armenia. It was built during the reign of king Ashot Bagratuni. Numerous valuable manuscripts and miniature paintings have been produced in the scriptorium of Haghpat for many centuries. In the 18th century the famous Armenian bard Sayat-Nova u sed to live and create in this monastery. The belfry with its unique architectural composition is of stunning interest. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
2. Sanahin Monastery
40-50 min
The monastery of Sanahin is on the right bank of Debed river. This architectural complex consists of several churches, seminary, book depository. The building of the seminary, which connects St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) and Allsaviour churches, was from the outset built to make the edifices more earthquake-resistant. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
3. Akhtala Fortress
40-50 min
The Akhtala fortress is situated in Lori district. It is constructed on a plateau resembling a peninsula, surrounded with deep gorges from three sides. In the 10th century the masons could exactly derive benefit from the nature in order to make the fortress more fortified. The fortress is strengthened with huge ramparts and there are two pyramid-shaped watchtowers, rising above from both sides of the main entrance. The monastery of Akhtala, comprised of three churches, is in the territory of the fortress.
4. Dilijan
20-30 min
Dilijan entices people with its unforgettable beauty and mild climate. The city stretches on the banks of Aghstev river, surrounded with mountains and forests. Dilijan has the fame of a health resort. The warm sun, fresh air and natural spas have great healing influence on people. Dilijan is also rich in interesting architectural monuments.
Overnight stay
Haghartsin Monastery, Goshavank Monastery, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery, Jermuk
1. Haghartsin Monastery
60-70 min
Haghartsin monastery, situated in the woodlands of Tavush region, represents an indescribable example of blend of nature with architecture. It was founded in the 10-11th centuries, though new buildings were added in the 12-13th centuries. Now it consists of St. Grigor, St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), St. Stepanos churches and some other buildings.The refectory, due to its skillful architectural composition, is of great interest. Near Haghartsin there used to grow a huge oak tree, almost at the age of the monastery, completing the whole scene. Unfortunately, only a small part of the hollow has remained till the present day, however, it is still of much interest among the visitors, and preserves the tradition, according to which, when one makes a wish and at the same time manages to pass through the tree (hollow), it is expected to come true in the nearest future.
2. Goshavank Monastery
40-50 min
Goshavank was founded by the famous medieval scientist, fabulist Mkhitar Gosh. The complex consists of several religious and secular buildings. The unrivalled khachkar, put in front of the one-naved basilica, was created by the skillful master Poghos in 1291. Goshavank used to be one of the most famous religious and cultural centers in medieval Armenia.
3. Lake Sevan
The fascination and the "pearl" of mountainous Armenia is Lake Sevan, which is one of the world's greatest high altitude fresh-water lakes. It is about 1900 m above sea level. The lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded with mountains of 3000 m and higher. The beautiful landscape and the crystal water serve nice preconditions for excellent rest.The lake is also famous for its peninsula and medieval church complex, built in 874.
4. Sevanavank Monastery
50-60 min
A marvelous scene opens in the north-western part of Lake Sevan, where the peninsula towers over the transparent surface of the lake. Sevanavank monastery was built on the peninsula in 874 by the order of king Ashot Bagratuni's daughter – princess Mariam. The silhouette of the churches against the background of the turquoise lake and blue sky casts unexplainable impression on the visitors.
5. Jermuk
The famous health resort Jermuk is in the north-eastern part of Vayots Dzor. The mineral waters of Jermuk have been famous for their medicinal properties since early medieval. A special drinking gallery, along which pump rooms with mineral water are lined up, has been constructed for visitors. The water temperature varies from 30 to 50 degrees C.
Overnight stay
Jermuk, Jermuk Waterfall, "Wings of Tatev" Ropeway, Tatev Monastery, Noravank Monastery, Yerevan
1. Jermuk
50-60 min
The famous health resort Jermuk is in the north-eastern part of Vayots Dzor. The mineral waters of Jermuk have been famous for their medicinal properties since early medieval. A special drinking gallery, along which pump rooms with mineral water are lined up, has been constructed for visitors. The water temperature varies from 30 to 50 degrees C.
2. Jermuk Waterfall
20-30 min
The 68 m high Jermuk waterfall is located in the resort town of Jermuk, Vayots Dzor province. There is rather interesting legend, connected with it, according to which, on the steep cliffs of the waterfall there used to live an Armenian nobleman, who had a daughter as pretty as a picture. Handsome man from all above the world kept asking her to marry them, however the girl's heart belonged to the son of a shepherd. Each day they met late at night, she threw a long rope down into the gorge so as the boy could climb to reach her house. There came a day when the nobleman found out their secret, and so he cursed his daughter, saying: "If ever you meet this boy again, then I want you to turn into a mermaid and never to be able to get out of the water". Right on the day of their next date, when the boy came to meet the nobleman's daughter, instead of using the rope, she threw her long hair towards him and the curse came to pass: the girl became a mermaid and her hair turned into a waterfall.
That is why Jermuk waterfall is sometimes referred to as "The mermaid's hair".
The most favorable season to visit waterfalls is from the end of March till June, as the water flow force is on its highest level during that period.
That is why Jermuk waterfall is sometimes referred to as "The mermaid's hair".
The most favorable season to visit waterfalls is from the end of March till June, as the water flow force is on its highest level during that period.
3. Wings of Tatev Ropeway
10-15 min
Church bells were ringing loud in Tatev on October 16 of 2010, heralding the launch of a program to revive a medieval monastic complex and the opening of "Wings of Tatev Ropeway". The 5.7 km ropeway, built within 11 months, passes through a deep gorge of the River Vorotan and over hills, covered with lush forests. The tramway is supported by three towers between its two terminals. One terminal is on a hill, overlooking the village of Halidzor and the other is near Tatev Monastery, on the road to Tatev village. Two cabins operate at once, traveling in opposite directions. There are 6 cables altogether (3 for each cabin), each uniquely foreseen for the specifications of this project. Within about 11 minutes a tramway cabin takes passengers, 30 at a time, from the village of Halidzor to the magnificent complex of Tatev.
4. Tatev Monastery
50-60 min
Among the architectural pillars of Zangezour, the monastery of Tatev does not have its "rivals". It used to be the wealthiest medieval monastery in Armenia. Besides being a religious center, Tatev was also the important strategical center of Syunik kingdom. Being situated on a naturally defended place, Tatev monastery has always been an impregnable fortress for alien. In non-stable political conditions several secret ways in the territory of the fortress led to the canyon and served as a link between the monastery and the external world.
5. Noravank Monastery
50-60 min
Passing a narrow road, surrounded by rocks of hundred caves, one discovers a scene of harmony of architecture with nature. The monastery, enshrined with fine architectural solutions and luxurious embellishments, is one of the brightest examples of Armenian architecture of the 13th century. Noravank consists of St. Karapet, St. Gregory The Illuminator churches and St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) two-storey church, which is notable for its ideal constructive and sculptural work.
Inclusions
- Professional drivers
- Air-conditioned vehicles
- Bottled water
- Free pick-up & drop-off within Yerevan
- Vehicle & passengers insurance
- Extra stops on the route upon request
- Driver/Guide accommodation & meals
Exclusions
- Hotel accommodation
- Significant deviations from the route
- Alcoholic beverages if lunch option selected
- Audio guides
- Wi-Fi in the vehicles
What to expect
- Explore incredible UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites
- Admire the forests of the "Armenian Switzerland"
- Visit one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia
- Enjoy the fresh and clean vibes of the waterfall
- Experience the flight on the longest reversible cableway in the World, recorded in the Guinness Book of Records
*200 steps to climb to Sevanavank
*600 m to walk up to the hill to Haghartsin
*This tour is NOT recommended for people with high blood pressure
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
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