Travel to the Routes of Civilization
Travel to the Routes of Civilization
2 days|
Itinerary
09:00 – Starting the tour
The morning starts by heading to the Southern part of Armenia. From Yerevan we move towards Khor Virap Monastery (in Armenian stands for “deep dungeon”). Khor Virap's notability as a monastery and pilgrimage site is attributed to the fact that Gregory the Illuminator was initially imprisoned here for about 14 years by King Tiridates III of Armenia. Saint Gregory subsequently became the king's religious mentor, and they led the proselytizing activity in the country. In the year 301 Armenia was the first country in the world to be declared a Christian nation.
The walled religious complex also stands before the snowcapped flanks of Mount Ararat, offering a spectacular view of the mountain and cutting a striking silhouette in and of itself.
Our next highlight is Areni 1 cave complex - multicomponent site, and late Chalcolithic / Early Bronze Age ritual settlement, located near the Areni village. In 2010, archeologists discovered the earliest known shoe (5500 years old) at the site. In January 2011 the earliest known winery (about 6100 years old) in the world was uncovered in the cave. Later, in 2011 the discovery of a straw skirt dating to 3,900 years BC was reported. In 2009, the oldest humanoid brain was discovered in the cave.
Then we will continue our tour to Armenian architectural masterpiece Noravank Monastic Complex. Noravank means “New Monastery” in Armenian. However, today this name does not fit, as the monastery is already more than seven centuries old. The beautiful Noravank Monastery was built in the 13th century.
The monastery complex is located on a steep mountain ledge, near the cliff. The territory is “framed” by unusual cliffs of bright red color, which create a very picturesque background for the buildings. Noravank monastery is one of the most visited attractions in Armenia.
Lunch will be at Old Bridge Winery accompanied by tasting of delicious Armenian wines.
To finalize this beautiful day, we visit Tatev Monastery - a 9th century historical monument. It is one of the oldest and most famous monastery complexes in Armenia. During medieval times Tatev Monastery was a vital scholastic, enlightenment and spiritual center and played a singular role in the country’s history. You will reach the Tatev Monastery by the shortest, most picturesque and impressive route, by “Wings of Tatev” - the longest reversible cableway in the world (5752 m), recorded in the Guinness Book of Records: twelve minutes of unforgettable flight above the gorge of the fierce Vorotan River, through a celestial highway at the altitude of 320m.
Accommodation
- Overnight in Syunik region on BB/DBL basis. Single room supplement is available at extra cost. Request in advance.
Included Activities
- Khor Virap Monastery
- Areni 1 Cave
- Noravank Monastery
- Old Bridge Winery
- Tatev Monastery
- “Wings of Tatev” Longest Reversible Cableway
Meals Included
- Lunch in Old Bridge Winery
- Dinner at the hotel
08:00 - Breakfast in the hotel
09:00 - Starting the tour
Early in the morning, our hiking starts to Devil’s bridge, one of the true natural wonders of Armenia. Over the millennia, wind and water have created this marvel, polishing and piercing the petrified lava. The width of this natural bridge, along which runs the asphalt road to Tatev Monastery, is 60m, the length 30m. You may meet many locals swimming near the bridge in the warm, salubrious springs, ringed by stalactites of marvelous colors. The most intrepid explorer can try Canyoning as an optional activity. Descend by ropes to see the mysterious caves below the springs, jump from small cliffs, waterfalls and water slides. That’s worth a try!
For those who are not into Canyoning can have a hike to Tatev’s Desert or just relax in the marvelous warm springs.
We will continue our tour with a small hiking to the beautiful Shaki Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Armenia. On the left side of the river Vorotan's gorge, basalt lava flows have solidified to form a 18 meters high ledge from which the waterfall cascades down. Get closer to the refreshing splashes and enjoy the calming sound of the water. One could stay hours in this magnificent location.
After your refreshing morning hike it's time to visit the mysterious prehistoric complex of Karahunj (Zorats Karer) (walking/hiking). This famous megalithic structure consists of hundreds of vertically arranged stones that are stretched from the south to the north. In the middle, there are about 40 stones that are formed into an ellipse. The size of the stones ranges from 0.5 to 3 meters and can weigh up to 10 tons. It is also called "Armenian Stonehenge". According to researchers, Karahunj could be among the world's oldest astronomical observatories, and is at least 3,500 years older than British Stonehenge.
Back to Yerevan.
Included Activities
- Shaki waterfall
- Karahunj (Armenian Stonehenge)
- Devil’s bridge
Optional Activity at extra cost
- Canyoning
Includes all the necessary equipment apart from shoes and clothes. For those who would like to do canyoning as an optional activity, please make sure to have extra dry clothes with you to get changed, and a small towel to dry. It is recommended to have rubber water shoes or similar closed shoes and proper outfit for the activity.
Meals Included
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Lunch
Important Notes
Today we will be having a small hiking and walking in Devil’s bridge, Shaki Waterfall and Karahunj. No special physical readiness is required, being moderately fit is enough. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothes and have sun protection (caps, sunglasses, sun cream).
Included
Not Included
Tour Essentials
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