South of Armenia 2 days

Day 1 Yerevan - Khor Virab - Noravank - Karahunj old abservatory - Vorotnavank - Goris

1. 1

   Khor Virap

   45 min

   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.

2. 2

   Noravank Monastery

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

3. 3

   Karahundj (Armenia's Stonehenge)

   40 min

   The scientific expeditions proved Karahunj to be one of the oldest observatories in the world. It is said to be about 7500 years old. Some of the precisingly arranged huge stones have holes bored into them, which were used for astrological observations. The petroglyphs found nearby Karahunj reveal that the early inhabitants in Armenia were well aware of astrology.

4. 4

   Vorotnavank Monastery

   30 min

   Vorotnavank was founded in 1000 AC by queen Shahandukht. It is located in Syunik region, at the edge of Vorotan river gorge. The earlier constructed church St. Grigor (now ruined) was founded by Gregory the Illuminator. The church was an educational center and a pilgrimage place with a miraculous healing power of snakebites. Hovhannes Vorotnetsi, a great Armenian medieval philosopher and the founder of Tatev Vardapetaran (University) worked in Vorotnavank.

Day 2 Goris - Khndzoresk (caves and swinging bridge), Tatev (wayback on Ropeway), Shaki waterfall, “Hin Areni” wine factory

1. 1

   Khndzoresk Swinging Bridge

   1 hour 30 min

   Khndzoresk is located at a distance of 8 km from Goris. The village is famous for its natural stone carpets. Old Khndzoresk is situated on the two slopes of the mountainous valley. There were no flat areas on those slopes for building settlements and for this reason people used caves.
   During the national liberation movement of Syunik (1722 - 1730) due to its inaccessible geographical position Khndzoresk served as a stronghold for Syunik. Armenian commander Mkhitar Sparapet is buried in Khndzoresk and next to him rest his son Aharon and the Lady of Syunik Gohar.
   Recently a unique structure - a "swinging bridge" has been opened in Khndzoresk the length of which is 160 metres, the height from the deepest point in the gorge is 63 metres and the width is 1,5 metres. 700 people simultaneously can go across this bridge weighing 14 tons. The bridge from where opens a magnificent view connects the two banks of old Khndzoresk.

2. 2

   Satanayi Kamurj (Satan's Bridge)

   20 min

   On the way to Tatev stop at Devil's bridge and admire unforgettable views

3. 3

   Tatev Monastery

   1 hour 10 min

   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. In non-stable political conditions the several secret ways in the territory of the fortress led the way to the canyon and served as a link between the monastery and external world.

4. 4

   Wings of Tatev

   15 min Admission ticket included

   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. 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 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.

5. 5

   Shaki Waterfall

   30 min

   Shaki waterfall is in the southern part of Armenia, close to Sisian. The fall, being located in one of the cosiest and nicest corners of Syunik, gloriously opens its striking beauty to all admirers. The air here is full of inspiring melody of water and scent of mountains loading all their wafts.

6. 6

   Hin Areni Winery

   30 min Admission ticket included

   The village of Areni is in Vayots Dzor region. This sunny village is famous for its best wine assortments. Due to its specific flavor and delicate taste "Areni" wine has its respectful place among the best Armenian wines. The visit to the wine factory of the village will serve a good testimony to the above mentioned. The St. Astvatsatsin church built by skillful architect and sculpture Momik is in Areni village, too.