Vue d'ensemble

The tour starts at  08:30
The tour lasts 3 days
Itinerary: March 15 - November 15 

DAY 1 

We will start our tour from Yerevan city and will head to Khor Virap Moastery. Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. As a state religion Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavors of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who before converting king Trdat the 3rd to Christianity, was imprisoned in the dungeon over which a church of Khor Virap monastery was built in the 17th century. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat. 

Then we go to Noravank Moastery.  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. Grigory the Illuminator churches and St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) two-storey church, which is notable for its ideal constructive and sculptural work.

The next stop of our trip is supposed to be in Tatev.  Among the architectural pillars of Zangezour the monastery of Tatev doesn't have its rivals. This used to be 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. 

Right here we will take an unforgettable trip by the longest ropeway of the world.  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 an aerial tramway called Wings of Tatev. The 5.7-kilometer ropeway was built within 11 months, passes through a deep gorge of the River Vorotan and over hills covered with lush forests. Two cabins operate at once, traveling in opposite directions. There are six cables altogether (3 for each cabin), each uniquely foreseen for the specifications of this project. Within about 11 minutes a tramway cabin takes passengers, 25 at a time, from the village of Halidzor to the magnificent complex of Tatev.

Later we reach to Stepanakert city where we will have our first overnight. Stepanakert is the capital city of Artsakh. It bears the name of great revolutioner Stepan Shaumyan. Stepanakert is constructed by the project of Alexander Tamanyan. The clean, cozy city has many nice buildings and parks. Here one can see the famous sculptural work "We and our mountains", known in the nation as "Grandma and Grandpa".

Overnight in the hotel. 

DAY 2 

We start our second day of the trip with a city tour in Stepanakert.  After visiting History museum and Local Market we are going to visit Amaras Monastery. 
According to the testimonies of Armenian historians Amaras has been a famous religious and cultural center since the 4th century, when Gregory the Illuminator founded a church here. In the 5th century Mesrop Mashtots opened one of the first Armenian schools here. The church surrounded with formidable rampart is built of white well-hewn limestone. The church has been destroyed by invaders for several times, but it has always been restored.

The next stop will be in Shoushi.  Shoushi, the former capital city of Artsakh, is ten km far from Stepanakert. Shoushi is considered one of the oldest cultural and religious centers of Caucasus. The city is famous for its impregnable fortress and different historical sites. There is also a mosque of 18th century and St. Ghazanchetsots church restored in 1991-1994.

Before returing to Stepanakert where we will have our second overnight we will visit St. Ghazanchetsots church and Jdrduz.  The magnificent church is built of white limestone. The whole church is decorated with sculptural works, which highlight the majestic look of the church. According to an ancient manuscript, having been found in the church, it was built in 1868-1888.

Jdrduz cliff is located beyond Hounot canyon, a natural-historic preserve in Artsakh. it is described as more than 400m high Katarot steep cliff, down Karkar river bank, called Hounot canyon, where the picturesque Mamrot Kar ("Mossy Stone") waterfall is. The princes of Artsakh built a fortification in an impregnable area, which that was reconstructed as "fortress of Shushi" in the 18th century. The territory of Katarot turned out to be defensive pillar for the city of Shushi. On the dawn of May 9, 1992 the Armenian volunteers climbed up the cliff rocks and liberated Shushi, inhabited by Azeris at that time, and for a long time fatal bullets were thrown from here to the capital city of Artsakh - Stepanakert. 

Overnight in the hotel 

DAY 3 

The last of our tour will start with a visit to Tigranakert.  Tigranakert  is the fifth capital city of historical Armenia which was founded by king Tigran the Great, in Western Armenia, in historical Armenia and beyond its borders several other settlements bearing the name Tigranakert were established by Tigran the Great. Such settlement was also Tigranakert city in the north of Artsakh which is located on the right bank of Khachenaget and was founded in the 1st century B.C. 

Then we stop to see Askeran Fortress.  The fortress of Askeran is in the village of the same name, 4 km far from Stepanakert. It has been an important strategical fort since the 18th century. The formidable ramparts and watchtowers once made the fortress almost inaccessible.

Later famous Gandzasar will be presented to you. Among the monuments of Artsakh Gandzasar monastery has its significant and special place. It is considered one of the pearls of Armenian medieval architecture. It consists of a church, monk cells and other buildings of economic significance. The dome of the cupola of the main church is of great artistic value due to its delicate bas-reliefs. The monastery is built on the peak of Gandzasar Mountain (mountain of treasures).

Next stop is Dadivank.  According to a legend Dadivank was founded in the 1st century over the tomb of St. Thadeu's disciple Dadi. The survived edifices now belong to the 12-13th centuries. Constructed on a hollow place, Dadivank is surrounded with dense forests. The wall inscriptions of Dadivank contain lots of valuable information about Armenian history. Dadivank is also famous for its two khachkars (cross-stones), which have gained the fame of being masterpieces.

The last stop is Lake Sevan. The fascination and the pearl of mountainous Armenia is Sevan Lake, which is one of the world's greatest high altitude fresh-water lakes. The lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded with mountains of 3000 m and higer. The beautiful landscape and the crystal water serve nice preconditions for excellent rest.

Here we finish our tour and all toghether return to Yerevan.