Lake Sevan, Hayravank Monastery, Noratus Crosstones, Orbelian's (Selim) Caravanserai, Arpi wine factory, Jermuk, Jermuk Waterfall
Lake Sevan, Hayravank Monastery, Noratus Crosstones, Orbelian's (Selim) Caravanserai, Arpi wine factory, Jermuk, Jermuk Waterfall
1. Lake Sevan
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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.
2. Hayravank Monastery
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The church of Hayravank is built on a high rock on the shore of Lake Sevan. There is no written testimony concerning the date of its foundation, however, according to the constructional solutions, it has gained its place among the 9th century architectural pillars. This cozy church is built of roughly hewn stone and looks rather modest.
3. Noratus Crosstones
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The art of khachkar (cross-stone) is the most original manifestation of Armenian medieval culture. Noratus, truly considered to be a forest of khachkars and an open-air museum, displays hundreds of khachkars, the most stunning of which are the so-called "embroidered" ones, typical to the 13th-14th centuries. This is a unique place, where one can reveal the development of khachkarial art in its historical process. Armenian cross-stones art is included in UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
4. Orbelian's (Selim) Caravanserai
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The Selim pass, connecting Vayots Dzor and Gegharkunik regions, has been an important trade route from times immemorial. The long caravans with loaded camels were passing this way. Perceiving the necessity of having a place to stop after long and tiring journeys, the Armenian duke Chesar Orbelian in 1332 ordered building a caravansary on this long serpentine road of Selim pass. This is a three-nave building, lightened only through the windows on the ceiling as, out of security concern, they foresaw no windows on the walls and even nowadays the mysterious darkness seems to keep some rumors from those far away days...
5. Arpi wine factory
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"Arpi" wine factory was founded in 1998, and since 2022 it has been operating as a tourist attraction. It is located in the village of Arpi in the Vayots dzor region. The plant presents various types of wine and, of course, there is a tasting room and a distillery. Master-class of lavash baking is also organized here.
Admission price includes tour of the factory and distillery, tasting of 3 types of the wine, fruit vodka tasting, meat and cheese platter.
Admission price includes tour of the factory and distillery, tasting of 3 types of the wine, fruit vodka tasting, meat and cheese platter.
6. Jermuk
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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.
7. Jermuk Waterfall
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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.
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
Exclusions
- Significant deviations from the route
- Alcoholic beverages if lunch option selected
- Audio guides
- WiFi in the vehicles
What to expect
- Marvel at one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia
- Reveal the secrets of cross-stone art
- Discover the unique taste of Armenian wine
- Enjoy the fresh and clean vibes of the waterfall
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
