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
To the northeast of Sanahin, cradled by the lofty peaks of Lori, stretches the monastery of Haghpat – a masterpiece of Armenian medieval art, where stone speaks the language of centuries. Founded in the 10th century under King Ashot III of the Bagratuni dynasty, it rose at a time when Armenia blossomed in culture and spirit. The weathered walls of Haghpat still carry the resonance of that golden age, bearing silent witness to the passage of time.
Within its sacred grounds stand the Church of the Holy Mother of God, erected in 1025, the Church of Surb Nshan, the library and many other edifices that together shape the monastery into a miniature city of faith. In the late 18th century, the great troubadour Sayat-Nova lived and created here, weaving verses and songs that captured the soul of the Caucasus. Even now, one feels his echo within these walls, as if the strings of his instrument still tremble in the air.
But Haghpat was never just a monastery. It was a haven of thought and learning: manuscripts were penned, books safeguarded and ideas exchanged that nourished both faith and intellect. Today, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Haghpat continues to remind the world of Armenia's golden spiritual era.
Standing at the foot of its ancient walls, one senses how time folds upon itself – the silence of the monastery filled with an eternal chant, where prayer and song weave into a single, timeless harmony.
Within its sacred grounds stand the Church of the Holy Mother of God, erected in 1025, the Church of Surb Nshan, the library and many other edifices that together shape the monastery into a miniature city of faith. In the late 18th century, the great troubadour Sayat-Nova lived and created here, weaving verses and songs that captured the soul of the Caucasus. Even now, one feels his echo within these walls, as if the strings of his instrument still tremble in the air.
But Haghpat was never just a monastery. It was a haven of thought and learning: manuscripts were penned, books safeguarded and ideas exchanged that nourished both faith and intellect. Today, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Haghpat continues to remind the world of Armenia's golden spiritual era.
Standing at the foot of its ancient walls, one senses how time folds upon itself – the silence of the monastery filled with an eternal chant, where prayer and song weave into a single, timeless harmony.
2. Sanahin Monastery
40-50 min
Not far from Haghpat, in the heart of the Lori region, rises Sanahin Monastery – a true marvel of Armenia's medieval architecture. Its construction began in the second half of the 10th century, during the reign of King Ashot III and from the very beginning the complex was conceived as both a spiritual and educational center.
The first structures built here were the Church of the Holy Mother of God and the Church of Amenaprkich (All-Savior), around which other chapels and utility buildings gradually appeared. Between the two churches, architects originally left a narrow passage, but soon realized the risk: in the event of an earthquake, both might collapse. The solution turned out to be not only practical but ingeniously creative – the passage was filled with a new building, the Academy, which not only strengthened the seismic stability of the complex but also transformed Sanahin into a flourishing hub of science and enlightenment.
Here, prominent scholars worked, manuscripts were copied and created and traditions of Armenian intellectual thought were shaped. The stone vaults and austere architectural lines still impress with their harmony and grandeur, preserving the breath of centuries.
Today, included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Sanahin stands not only as a monument of architecture but also as a living symbol of the power of knowledge, faith and art that defined medieval Armenia.
The first structures built here were the Church of the Holy Mother of God and the Church of Amenaprkich (All-Savior), around which other chapels and utility buildings gradually appeared. Between the two churches, architects originally left a narrow passage, but soon realized the risk: in the event of an earthquake, both might collapse. The solution turned out to be not only practical but ingeniously creative – the passage was filled with a new building, the Academy, which not only strengthened the seismic stability of the complex but also transformed Sanahin into a flourishing hub of science and enlightenment.
Here, prominent scholars worked, manuscripts were copied and created and traditions of Armenian intellectual thought were shaped. The stone vaults and austere architectural lines still impress with their harmony and grandeur, preserving the breath of centuries.
Today, included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Sanahin stands not only as a monument of architecture but also as a living symbol of the power of knowledge, faith and art that defined medieval Armenia.
3. Akhtala Fortress
40-50 min
Akhthala Fortress, like a timeless stone sentinel, rises proudly on a high plateau in the picturesque Lori region, resembling a peninsula embraced on three sides by deep gorges. As early as the 10th century, builders fused nature's raw power with human craft: sheer cliffs were reinforced with tall defensive walls and the entrances were guarded by imposing three-tiered towers. For centuries, these walls withstood invasions and preserved within their silence the breath of history.
Inside the fortress lies the Akhtala Monastery complex, which includes three churches, each echoing the spiritual and cultural life of the Middle Ages. The main church stuns with its interior: its walls are adorned with magnificent frescoes that have retained their brilliance and intensity through the centuries. These murals form a true encyclopedia of biblical stories, where every brushstroke carries the mystery of medieval artistry.
Akhtala is more than a fortress or a monastery – it is a living legend, where stone and faith weave a single tale of resilience and inspiration. Today it welcomes travelers with the solemn quiet of its ancient walls and breathtaking views of the gorges, inviting all to touch Armenia's grand heritage.
Inside the fortress lies the Akhtala Monastery complex, which includes three churches, each echoing the spiritual and cultural life of the Middle Ages. The main church stuns with its interior: its walls are adorned with magnificent frescoes that have retained their brilliance and intensity through the centuries. These murals form a true encyclopedia of biblical stories, where every brushstroke carries the mystery of medieval artistry.
Akhtala is more than a fortress or a monastery – it is a living legend, where stone and faith weave a single tale of resilience and inspiration. Today it welcomes travelers with the solemn quiet of its ancient walls and breathtaking views of the gorges, inviting all to touch Armenia's grand heritage.
4. Dilijan
20-30 min
Dilijan is a corner of Armenia where nature and silence weave a harmony that captivates every traveler. Nestled among emerald forests and gentle hills, the town stretches along the scenic valley of the Aghstev River, where the air carries the scent of pine and the freshness of mountain streams. The national park's unique pearls are two beautiful sights hidden in the forests: Lakes Parz and Gosh, the shrubs and trees around which have witnessed numerous folk tales in the form of wild animals.
Its old streets and wooden balconies echo the traditions of local craftsmen, while the unhurried rhythm of life feels like a gentle step back in time. For centuries, Dilijan has been known as a healing retreat, where the mild climate and crystal‑clear air serve as nature's own remedy.
The region also holds spiritual treasures: the medieval monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank, where stone arches have heard the whisper of prayers for hundreds of years. Modest vestries, ancient khachkars and fragments of age‑old structures turn a simple walk into a journey through the centuries.
In summer, Dilijan is wrapped in lush greenery and birdsong; in autumn, it transforms into a vivid palette of gold and crimson. It calls to those who seek not noisy entertainment, but tranquility, beauty and the quiet inspiration that only living nature and the breath of history can offer.
Its old streets and wooden balconies echo the traditions of local craftsmen, while the unhurried rhythm of life feels like a gentle step back in time. For centuries, Dilijan has been known as a healing retreat, where the mild climate and crystal‑clear air serve as nature's own remedy.
The region also holds spiritual treasures: the medieval monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank, where stone arches have heard the whisper of prayers for hundreds of years. Modest vestries, ancient khachkars and fragments of age‑old structures turn a simple walk into a journey through the centuries.
In summer, Dilijan is wrapped in lush greenery and birdsong; in autumn, it transforms into a vivid palette of gold and crimson. It calls to those who seek not noisy entertainment, but tranquility, beauty and the quiet inspiration that only living nature and the breath of history can offer.
Overnight stay
Haghartsin Monastery, Goshavank Monastery, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery, Jermuk
1. Haghartsin Monastery
60-70 min
Hidden deep within the leafy forests of Tavush, Haghartsin Monastery seems as though it has stepped straight out of an ancient manuscript, where stone walls and nature blend into a single, harmonious whole. Founded between the 10th and 13th centuries, it stood for centuries as both a spiritual refuge and a cultural beacon, drawing monks, pilgrims and master craftsmen. The complex includes the churches of St. Gregory, St. Mary and St. Stephen, along with monastic cells and service buildings carefully woven into the mountainous landscape.
Once, a colossal oak – born in the same era as the monastery – stood nearby, its wide branches bearing witness to the chime of bells and the whisper of prayers. Today, only part of its hollow remains, yet it has become a kind of sacred spot for those who believe in wonders. An old legend promises that if you pass through the narrow opening of the trunk while making a wish, it will surely come true. The tradition still lives, with visitors performing this symbolic act as if maintaining an invisible link between past and present.
Wandering through the quiet courtyards of Haghartsin, surrounded by the scents of the forest and the shadows of the mountains, one feels history and nature intertwine, creating an atmosphere of deep serenity. Here, time seems to flow more slowly, allowing each guest to touch the mystery and beauty of ancient Armenia.
Once, a colossal oak – born in the same era as the monastery – stood nearby, its wide branches bearing witness to the chime of bells and the whisper of prayers. Today, only part of its hollow remains, yet it has become a kind of sacred spot for those who believe in wonders. An old legend promises that if you pass through the narrow opening of the trunk while making a wish, it will surely come true. The tradition still lives, with visitors performing this symbolic act as if maintaining an invisible link between past and present.
Wandering through the quiet courtyards of Haghartsin, surrounded by the scents of the forest and the shadows of the mountains, one feels history and nature intertwine, creating an atmosphere of deep serenity. Here, time seems to flow more slowly, allowing each guest to touch the mystery and beauty of ancient Armenia.
2. Goshavank Monastery
40-50 min
Amid the gentle green hills of Tavush, where only the whisper of the wind and the song of birds disturb the stillness, stands Goshavank Monastery a sanctuary where spiritual devotion and the cultural grandeur of medieval Armenia intertwine. Its origins are inseparably linked to Mkhitar Gosh, the renowned statesman, scholar and author of Armenia's first codified law, as well as timeless fables and parables whose wisdom still resonates today.
The complex is home to several churches, the Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator being the centerpiece, alongside a library and various auxiliary buildings. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a masterpiece of Armenian stone carving the 1291 khachkar crafted by master Poghos, regarded as one of the finest in the country. Its delicate patterns and profound symbolism seem to hold the prayers and hopes of its creator, preserved in stone for centuries.
Near the library once stood a thriving school, now reduced to ruins, where invaluable manuscripts were created and meticulously copied. In its golden age, Goshavank was more than a monastic retreat it was a beacon of learning, where faith and knowledge worked hand in hand.
Today, the sight of its enduring walls invites visitors to step into an atmosphere where Armenian thought, art and spirituality flourished for centuries.
The complex is home to several churches, the Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator being the centerpiece, alongside a library and various auxiliary buildings. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a masterpiece of Armenian stone carving the 1291 khachkar crafted by master Poghos, regarded as one of the finest in the country. Its delicate patterns and profound symbolism seem to hold the prayers and hopes of its creator, preserved in stone for centuries.
Near the library once stood a thriving school, now reduced to ruins, where invaluable manuscripts were created and meticulously copied. In its golden age, Goshavank was more than a monastic retreat it was a beacon of learning, where faith and knowledge worked hand in hand.
Today, the sight of its enduring walls invites visitors to step into an atmosphere where Armenian thought, art and spirituality flourished for centuries.
3. Lake Sevan
High in the embrace of Armenia's mountains lies Lake Sevan – the blue heart of the land, beating in harmony with the winds and the sun. Legend tells that once a green valley stretched here, until the heavens shed their tears, filling it with shimmering water as a priceless gift to humankind.
Today, this vast expanse, covering 1400 square kilometers, keeps the silence of centuries in its depths. Twenty-eight rivers bring their waters to Sevan, yet only one – the Hrazdan – carries them away, as if guarding the lake's precious wealth. Mountains rising to three thousand meters form its silent frame, while the crystal-clear water shifts from sky-blue to deep sapphire, mirroring the moods of the heavens. At dawn, the lake is brushed with gold; at sunset, it wears shades of crimson and violet, becoming a living mirror of the sky.
Since ancient times, Sevan has been revered as sacred – prayers were lifted on its shores, rituals were performed and blessings sought from its spirit. In its clear depths seems to dwell the very soul of Armenia – proud, pure and eternal. And if one listens closely to the gentle lapping of the waves, they may hear an ancient voice telling stories of a land where water and sky are bound forever by love.
Today, this vast expanse, covering 1400 square kilometers, keeps the silence of centuries in its depths. Twenty-eight rivers bring their waters to Sevan, yet only one – the Hrazdan – carries them away, as if guarding the lake's precious wealth. Mountains rising to three thousand meters form its silent frame, while the crystal-clear water shifts from sky-blue to deep sapphire, mirroring the moods of the heavens. At dawn, the lake is brushed with gold; at sunset, it wears shades of crimson and violet, becoming a living mirror of the sky.
Since ancient times, Sevan has been revered as sacred – prayers were lifted on its shores, rituals were performed and blessings sought from its spirit. In its clear depths seems to dwell the very soul of Armenia – proud, pure and eternal. And if one listens closely to the gentle lapping of the waves, they may hear an ancient voice telling stories of a land where water and sky are bound forever by love.
4. Sevanavank Monastery
50-60 min
From the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan, a breathtaking panorama unfolds: a peninsula rises from the shimmering surface, crowned with ancient temples. Here, in 874, at the command of Queen Mariam, daughter of King Ashot Bagratuni, the Sevanavank Monastery was built – the spiritual guardian of Armenia's blue jewel.
Against the boundless blue of the sky and the turquoise waters of Sevan, the churches of the Holy Apostles and the Holy Mother of God seem to float between earth and heaven. The stones of their walls have absorbed the whispers of monastic prayers, the murmur of winds and the chime of bells drifting over the water. For centuries, the monastery was not only a place of devotion but also a fortress shielding the peninsula from enemy raids. Legends tell of precious manuscripts and relics hidden within its walls, saved from times of peril.
Today, standing atop the peninsula, one can watch the light dance upon the waves while distant mountains embrace the majestic landscape. Sevanavank remains one of Armenia's most iconic symbols – a place where the beauty of nature and the grandeur of spiritual heritage merge into one.
Against the boundless blue of the sky and the turquoise waters of Sevan, the churches of the Holy Apostles and the Holy Mother of God seem to float between earth and heaven. The stones of their walls have absorbed the whispers of monastic prayers, the murmur of winds and the chime of bells drifting over the water. For centuries, the monastery was not only a place of devotion but also a fortress shielding the peninsula from enemy raids. Legends tell of precious manuscripts and relics hidden within its walls, saved from times of peril.
Today, standing atop the peninsula, one can watch the light dance upon the waves while distant mountains embrace the majestic landscape. Sevanavank remains one of Armenia's most iconic symbols – a place where the beauty of nature and the grandeur of spiritual heritage merge into one.
5. Jermuk
In the northeastern part of Vayots Dzor, cradled by mountain ridges and thick forests, lies Jermuk, a resort town whose name has long been synonymous with well-being and serenity. Here, in the hush of the highlands, springs emerge–each with its own taste and character, ranging from crystal-clear fresh water to mineral-rich flows that for centuries have been used to heal and restore strength.
Jermuk greets visitors with a gentle climate: summers are cool and bright, with crisp, clear days, while winters are snowy yet calm, wrapped in a windless stillness. The mountain air, infused with the scent of pines and wildflowers, feels like a natural elixir. The town's sanatoriums, surrounded by scenic landscapes, offer more than just rest–they invite complete renewal, where body and spirit find perfect harmony.
Legend says that Jermuk's healing springs were first discovered by shepherds who noticed how the waters mended the wounds of their animals. Since then, both common folk and nobles have sought these waters for strength and inspiration.
Today, Jermuk is not only a renowned health retreat but also a place where mountains, water and people exist in rare harmony, offering every guest a deep sense of renewal.
Jermuk greets visitors with a gentle climate: summers are cool and bright, with crisp, clear days, while winters are snowy yet calm, wrapped in a windless stillness. The mountain air, infused with the scent of pines and wildflowers, feels like a natural elixir. The town's sanatoriums, surrounded by scenic landscapes, offer more than just rest–they invite complete renewal, where body and spirit find perfect harmony.
Legend says that Jermuk's healing springs were first discovered by shepherds who noticed how the waters mended the wounds of their animals. Since then, both common folk and nobles have sought these waters for strength and inspiration.
Today, Jermuk is not only a renowned health retreat but also a place where mountains, water and people exist in rare harmony, offering every guest a deep sense of renewal.
Overnight stay
Jermuk, Jermuk Waterfall, "Wings of Tatev" Ropeway, Tatev Monastery, Noravank Monastery, Yerevan
1. Jermuk
50-60 min
In the northeastern part of Vayots Dzor, cradled by mountain ridges and thick forests, lies Jermuk, a resort town whose name has long been synonymous with well-being and serenity. Here, in the hush of the highlands, springs emerge–each with its own taste and character, ranging from crystal-clear fresh water to mineral-rich flows that for centuries have been used to heal and restore strength.
Jermuk greets visitors with a gentle climate: summers are cool and bright, with crisp, clear days, while winters are snowy yet calm, wrapped in a windless stillness. The mountain air, infused with the scent of pines and wildflowers, feels like a natural elixir. The town's sanatoriums, surrounded by scenic landscapes, offer more than just rest–they invite complete renewal, where body and spirit find perfect harmony.
Legend says that Jermuk's healing springs were first discovered by shepherds who noticed how the waters mended the wounds of their animals. Since then, both common folk and nobles have sought these waters for strength and inspiration.
Today, Jermuk is not only a renowned health retreat but also a place where mountains, water and people exist in rare harmony, offering every guest a deep sense of renewal.
Jermuk greets visitors with a gentle climate: summers are cool and bright, with crisp, clear days, while winters are snowy yet calm, wrapped in a windless stillness. The mountain air, infused with the scent of pines and wildflowers, feels like a natural elixir. The town's sanatoriums, surrounded by scenic landscapes, offer more than just rest–they invite complete renewal, where body and spirit find perfect harmony.
Legend says that Jermuk's healing springs were first discovered by shepherds who noticed how the waters mended the wounds of their animals. Since then, both common folk and nobles have sought these waters for strength and inspiration.
Today, Jermuk is not only a renowned health retreat but also a place where mountains, water and people exist in rare harmony, offering every guest a deep sense of renewal.
2. Jermuk Waterfall
20-30 min
In the spa town of Jermuk, nestled in the picturesque valley of Vayots Dzor, one of Armenia's most enchanting waterfalls plunges into the gorge with sparkling streams. From a height of 68 meters it cascades in foamy whiteness, filling the air with mist and thunder, turning the landscape into a living symphony of water, rock and light.
Yet the true spirit of this place lies in an ancient legend. Long ago, a noble prince lived here whose daughter was famed for her beauty. Many suitors sought her hand, but her heart belonged to the humble son of a shepherd. Under the cover of night, she would lower a rope into the canyon so her beloved could climb up to her. When her father discovered the secret, his wrath was merciless: if she met him again, she would be transformed into a mermaid and forever chained to the waters of the gorge. On the fateful night, instead of a rope, the young woman let down her long braids – and the curse came true. Her hair became silver streams that still tumble down the cliffs. Since then, the waterfall has been known as "Mermaid's Hair", a symbol of love that triumphs over barriers and destiny.
Jermuk waterfall is not only a natural wonder, but also a timeless story woven into the breath of the mountains.
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.
Yet the true spirit of this place lies in an ancient legend. Long ago, a noble prince lived here whose daughter was famed for her beauty. Many suitors sought her hand, but her heart belonged to the humble son of a shepherd. Under the cover of night, she would lower a rope into the canyon so her beloved could climb up to her. When her father discovered the secret, his wrath was merciless: if she met him again, she would be transformed into a mermaid and forever chained to the waters of the gorge. On the fateful night, instead of a rope, the young woman let down her long braids – and the curse came true. Her hair became silver streams that still tumble down the cliffs. Since then, the waterfall has been known as "Mermaid's Hair", a symbol of love that triumphs over barriers and destiny.
Jermuk waterfall is not only a natural wonder, but also a timeless story woven into the breath of the mountains.
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
On October 16, 2010, the solemn toll of bells echoed across the Tatev Valley, announcing not only the revival of the medieval monastery complex but also the inauguration of an extraordinary feat of engineering – the "Wings of Tatev" cableway. Stretching 5.7 km, this aerial link connects the village of Halidzor with the ancient monastery and holds the Guinness World Record as the longest reversible cableway on the planet.
Built in just 11 months, it astonished even the most seasoned travelers: cabins glide effortlessly over the deep Vorotan River Gorge, above hills and forests fading into infinity. Three towering pylons, like stone sentinels, support the cables along which cabins travel simultaneously in opposite directions.
In an 11-minute flight, soaring more than 300 meters above the ground, passengers not only reach the Tatev Monastery but also witness breathtaking panoramas. Each cabin accommodates up to 30 people, while six specially engineered cables ensure a smooth and safe journey.
The "Wings of Tatev" is not merely transportation – it is a gateway to the past, where approaching the monastery feels like time and space weaving into a single tapestry. Here, the flight itself becomes part of the legend leading to the heart of Syunik.
Built in just 11 months, it astonished even the most seasoned travelers: cabins glide effortlessly over the deep Vorotan River Gorge, above hills and forests fading into infinity. Three towering pylons, like stone sentinels, support the cables along which cabins travel simultaneously in opposite directions.
In an 11-minute flight, soaring more than 300 meters above the ground, passengers not only reach the Tatev Monastery but also witness breathtaking panoramas. Each cabin accommodates up to 30 people, while six specially engineered cables ensure a smooth and safe journey.
The "Wings of Tatev" is not merely transportation – it is a gateway to the past, where approaching the monastery feels like time and space weaving into a single tapestry. Here, the flight itself becomes part of the legend leading to the heart of Syunik.
4. Tatev Monastery
50-60 min
Amid the rugged ridges of Zangezur, high above deep gorges and winding mountain roads, rises the Tatev Monastery – an unrivaled masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture. Founded in the 9th century on the site of an ancient pagan sanctuary, it became both the spiritual and political heart of the Syunik principality. Perched on the very edge of a cliff, its stone walls merge seamlessly with the mountain massif, while its strategic position made it nearly unreachable for enemies.
In troubled times, the monastery transformed into a fortress, shielded by powerful defenses that guarded not only the lives of the monks but also the treasures of the land. Hidden chambers and underground passages linked the monastery to the outside world, allowing it to withstand sieges. Legends say these secret routes safeguarded relics and manuscripts whenever danger loomed.
Tatev was a place where the undying light of faith intertwined with wisdom and political influence, where its walls echoed both prayers and decisions that shaped the destiny of Syunik.
Outside the monastery complex, but within the rocky gorge of the Vorotan river, there are other monasteries and churches that were destroyed during the 1931 Zangezur earthquake. All of this is given a special charm by the Devil's miraculous bridge and the Grand Hermitage of Syunik, located deep in the canyon, at the very bottom of the gorge. The latter was connected to the Tatev Monastery by a more than half-kilometer-long underground railway, which was also damaged by the earthquake and fulfilled with stones.
In troubled times, the monastery transformed into a fortress, shielded by powerful defenses that guarded not only the lives of the monks but also the treasures of the land. Hidden chambers and underground passages linked the monastery to the outside world, allowing it to withstand sieges. Legends say these secret routes safeguarded relics and manuscripts whenever danger loomed.
Tatev was a place where the undying light of faith intertwined with wisdom and political influence, where its walls echoed both prayers and decisions that shaped the destiny of Syunik.
Outside the monastery complex, but within the rocky gorge of the Vorotan river, there are other monasteries and churches that were destroyed during the 1931 Zangezur earthquake. All of this is given a special charm by the Devil's miraculous bridge and the Grand Hermitage of Syunik, located deep in the canyon, at the very bottom of the gorge. The latter was connected to the Tatev Monastery by a more than half-kilometer-long underground railway, which was also damaged by the earthquake and fulfilled with stones.
5. Noravank Monastery
50-60 min
In the very heart of Vayots Dzor, embraced by crimson cliffs that rise like nature's own fortress walls, lies Noravank an ancient monastery that for centuries stood as a beacon of Armenia's spiritual and cultural life. Its walls overlook the picturesque gorge of the Arpa River, where the silence is broken only by the echo of pilgrims' footsteps and the cry of soaring eagles. The latter is known as the Amaghu River Valley, which is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Armenia as a natural monument.
The monastery took shape in the 13th century, with the Church of Saint Karapet (1216-1221) at its core, its stones breathing the centuries. To the north stands the Church of Saint Gregory (1275), while the masterpiece of the complex is the Church of the Holy Mother of God (1339), famed for its striking western façade. A narrow, pyramid-shaped stone staircase leading to the second floor has become Noravank's most iconic feature, admired by architects around the world. These steps, seemingly suspended in air, link earth to sky, turning each ascent into a journey of spiritual elevation.
Through the centuries, the monastery endured wars, earthquakes and abandonment, yet, like a phoenix, it always rose again. Today, Noravank is not only an architectural marvel but also a place of power, where the raw beauty of nature and the grandeur of design merge into a timeless harmony.
The monastery took shape in the 13th century, with the Church of Saint Karapet (1216-1221) at its core, its stones breathing the centuries. To the north stands the Church of Saint Gregory (1275), while the masterpiece of the complex is the Church of the Holy Mother of God (1339), famed for its striking western façade. A narrow, pyramid-shaped stone staircase leading to the second floor has become Noravank's most iconic feature, admired by architects around the world. These steps, seemingly suspended in air, link earth to sky, turning each ascent into a journey of spiritual elevation.
Through the centuries, the monastery endured wars, earthquakes and abandonment, yet, like a phoenix, it always rose again. Today, Noravank is not only an architectural marvel but also a place of power, where the raw beauty of nature and the grandeur of design merge into a timeless harmony.
Inclusions
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Professional drivers
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Air-conditioned vehicles
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Bottled water
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Free pick-up & drop-off within Yerevan
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Vehicle & passengers insurance
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Extra stops on the route upon request
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Driver/Guide accommodation & meals
Exclusions
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Hotel accommodation
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Significant deviations from the route
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Alcoholic beverages if lunch option selected
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Audio guides
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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
Meet our Guides
Arpine Khalatyan
RU
HY
EN
My name is Arpi. With experience in guiding since 2015, fluency in English and Russian, and a wealth of knowledge in history and culture, I offer engaging and informative tours during which you'll explore Armenia and feel the greatest vibes ever.
Davit Hasratyan
RU
HY
I'm Davit, a history teacher, amateur actor, and since 2010, a guide at "Hyur Service"! I love my country and strive to make every tour I conduct leave an unforgettable impression on our guests, making them want to come back again and again!
Karen Khachatryan
RU
HY
EN
Dear friends, my name is Karen, and I am your guide through the amazing Armenia. My many years of experience allow me to conduct fascinating tours to the most popular and interesting places in the country. I bring history to life, sing psalms in ancient churches, and tell captivating legends, making your journey unforgettable. With me, you can expect a safe, informative, and vibrant trip!
Khachatur Mirzoyan
HY
EN
My name is Khachatur, which is the Armenian variation of Chris (Christopher), and I'm comfortable with that as well. I have been working as a tour guide since 2012. I'm a sociable person, love interacting with people, and always do my best to make sure the tour lives up to our guests' expectations.
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