Feel the Road from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh 14 days / 13 nights March – October, 2016
18 Sayat-Nova, Yerevan 0001, Republic of Armenia booking@toursarmenia.com
Tel: (+374 10) 566 022, (+ 374 98) 56 66 56 Fax: (+374 10) 56 66 79
Day 1/Arrival Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Meet and greet at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Check in formalities at the hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Yerevan.
Day 2/Yerevan City Tour (Matenadaran, Erebuni Museum, Brandy Factory) After breakfast at the hotel, the pink and ancient and at the same time cheerful city of Yerevan will welcome us in all its modesty and luxury. This ancient city is 29 years older than Rome. The city has witnessed four settlement phases from the end of the 4th millennium BC to the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC. Lying on the main trade routes between East and West, Yerevan was constantly fought back and forth during the course of the time. We will enjoy our time in the fascinating weather of the sunny Yerevan while walking around Opera House, Swan Lake, Republic Square, the richest Northern Avenue, and finally, the Cascade Monument. It has 2780 stairs designating the 2780 anniversary of the capital city. If we walk up the “huge staircase” of 500 meters height and 50 meters width, we can enjoy the wonderful panorama of the city with the spectacular Opera House, Mount Ararat as well as the view to the whole city.
We will then pay a visit
to Matenadaran. The institution is a major center for study and preservation of Armenian works of ancient literature. Matenadaran now protects about 16477 surviving materials and around 300,000 archive documents, among them about 2500 fragments collected in the depository. Later we will drive to the Fortress Museum Erebuni. Erebuni fortress was built on top of a hill as a strategic military center and a royal residence in 782 BC. That hill, Arin Berd, overlooks the Araks River Valley. The Erebuni fortress was explored only after the first half of the 20 th century. Only in 1950 during the Arin Berd excavations, an inscription of Argishti the First was found. Expeditions proved it to be a part of the Erebuni Fortress. After it we will taste the legendary Armenian cognac in Yerevan Brandy Factory. Welcome dinner, accompanied by a traditional folk show, at a local tavern or restaurant. Overnight at a hotel in Yerevan.
18 Sayat-Nova, Yerevan 0001, Republic of Armenia booking@toursarmenia.com
Tel: (+374 10) 566 022, (+ 374 98) 56 66 56 Fax: (+374 10) 56 66 79
Day 3/Yerevan – Khor Virap – Noravank – Smbataberd – Tsakhat Kar – Hermon Village After breakfast at the hotel, drive to enjoy the best view to Mount Ararat at the very origins of Christianity – Khor Virap Monastery. This is the very place where Christianity was adopted as a state religion in Armenia in 301 AD. It is the very place where the first Armenian Catholicos Gregory the Illuminator was jailed for long 13 years for disseminating Christianity in Armenia. Proceed
to
the
gorgeous
and
unique Monastery
of
th
Noravank (13 century), a monastery of picturesque panorama, ancient history and great significance. Continue driving to Smbataberd Monastery, passing along one of the most difficult roads. Later pay a visit visit to Tsakhats Kar Monastery, again overcoming difficult obstacles. Dinner and overnight in Hermon village, at a hotel of a traditional village life style, equipped to please modern people.
Day 4/Hermon – Gndevank - Jermuk – Shaki waterfall - Karahunj – Goris After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Gndevank Monastery in Vayots Dzor region, and then pay a visit to the spa town of Armenia – Jermuk, to taste its mineral waters, and drive up to “warm waters”. Proceed to the region of Syunik, a region that offers too many sites for foreigners to explore, among them Shaki waterfall, whose territory offers a unique architectural depository. Scientists joke that it is right the place where the development of humankind has run with incredibly quick steps. Many ancient grottos have been explored in this region and even the international scientific community intends to make it a reserve area. We will later explore the oldest astronomical observatory in the world, which is no longer in Britain Zorats Karer or the Stonehenge. This archaeological site, which dates back to the second millennium BC, is spread on a rocky promontory near the city of Sisian in the province of Syunik 1770 meters high above the sea level. Thus, we can boast of having the oldest astronomical observatory ever found in the history even older than the British Stonehenge and even the pyramids in Egypt. This is another evidence of primeval civilization in Armenia existing from times immemorial, when neither Mesopotamia, nor Egypt, nor any other civilization on earth existed. Drive to Goris town. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Goris.
Day 5/Goris – Khndzoresk – Vahanavank - Shoushi 18 Sayat-Nova, Yerevan 0001, Republic of Armenia booking@toursarmenia.com
Tel: (+374 10) 566 022, (+ 374 98) 56 66 56 Fax: (+374 10) 56 66 79
After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Nagorno – Karabakh Republic, a hidden treasure, with a stop at Khndzoresk Cave dwellings, where people lived some 5060 years ago notwithstanding the development of science and life in general. We will then ride our jeeps for around two hours to reach a 10th century Monastery of Vahanavank. Being situated not far from the city of Kapan, in the lush forests of the Armenian snazzy nature, Vahanavank can be outlined against the bright blue sky on the rocky hills. From above we can enjoy the splendid panorama all around, including the Vahanadzor canyon. The building was originally built from pumice stone and had a rectangle-square scheme. The cornices are decorated with ornamental motives of vegetable and animal, typical to many Armenian monuments. Before the earthquake, three strong arches in the shape of a horse-shoe held the roof of the vestibule without any connecting material. Drive to Shoushi. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Shoushi.
Day 6/Shoushi city tour (Shoushi fortress, Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, Shoushi market) – Hunot Canyon – Skhtorashen – Amaras – Stepanakert Breakfast at the hotel. On our first day in Artsakh we will explore the fortress town of Shoushi – the town of speaking stones. Shoushi is majestically perched atop the towering mountains like an eagle nest. One of Shoushi’s principal attractions is the medieval fortress, founded in the early 15th century. It is almost entirely preserved. Later we will pay a visit to Shoushi’s architectural masterpiece, St. Ghazanchetsots Cathedral (1888). Shoushi’s market is one of its attractions. One of the areas of the medieval market was designated as a prayer room for Muslims. Now it has been restored and houses workshops, souvenir boutiques and all sorts of stores. Upon desire pay a visit to the Lore Museum in Shoushi to get acquainted with the culture and history, and the way of life of the ordinary people in ancient times. We will then start one of the most breathtaking and impressive tours - Hunot Gorge – one of the most beautiful sites in Karabakh. More than three kilometer long and 250 meters deep, it’s a unique natural and historic treasure, covered in dense forests. The stunning beauty of the Hunot Canyon State Natural – Historical Reserve leaves visitors in awe. We can view the sheer 250 meter canyon walls soaring above the Karkar
18 Sayat-Nova, Yerevan 0001, Republic of Armenia booking@toursarmenia.com
Tel: (+374 10) 566 022, (+ 374 98) 56 66 56 Fax: (+374 10) 56 66 79
River. Those hiking down into the canyon will be rewarded with the discovery of waterfalls, lush forests, caves inhabited since the stone ages, the ruins of Hunot village, old stone bridges, and all of this framed by massive canyon walls with a river rushing through. Later drive to see the first ever school, Amaras, founded by the first Armenian teacher and the inventor of the Armenian alphabet Mesrop Mashtots (405 - 406). On the way we will have a stop near the unusual plane tree. Together with the monument “We and our mountains”, it became the visiting card of the land of Artsakh. It even got a passport in 1900s and had a paid guard to protect the huge and everlasting tree. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Stepanakert.
Day 7/Stepanakert – city tour - Nikol Dumani Museum – Askeran – Tigranakert (Vankasar church) – Gandzasar – Vank After breakfast at the hotel, we will start the exploration of Stepanakert city. The high mountains and gorgeous forests surrounding the capital city make this spot a real paradise. Visit the central square with Presidential Palace, Government Houses and the Youth Palace. Visit the Alley of Lovers with a staircase decorated with lamps in the shape of a statue of a bride and a bridegroom. We will later drive to Nikol Duman House Museum and Ethnographic District, located in the picturesque village of Tsaghkashat. It has been largely restored to recreate the 19th century village life in the Askeran Region. Tsaghkashat is a quaint village of roughly 200 indigenous inhabitants who are mainly occupied with cattle breeding and wheat farming. The age-old tradition of winemaking is also being revived in the village. Drive to Askeran, a town in Karabakh to visit the Askeran fortress. The latter was built as a defensive construction for Shushi town. Tigranakert of Artsakh was founded in the early 1 st century BC by Armenian Emperor Tigran the Great. Excavations in 2006 in various parts of the site revealed a classical city layout, with a fortified area, a central area, vast outlying agricultural districts and cemeteries. The reserve covers 2 136 hectares in total. Drive to the village of Vank to admire Gandzasar church in light. Here we will discover the Karabakh village life. Vank village offers a nice balance of comfortable lodgings (including a modern hotel complete with a Chinese restaurant and other facilities) and a taste of the peaceful life. Over 360 families live in this quaint traditional Armenian village. They are famed for their hospitality and their sense of humor. Vank village also boasts horseback riding facilities, and the only zoo in the region. Every fall a traditional donkey race takes place at the heart of Vank village. People of all ages come from surrounding villages to take part in this unique race. The donkey race has become an anticipated annual event for the people of Karabakh and has earned the nickname “Folmula 2”. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Vank.
18 Sayat-Nova, Yerevan 0001, Republic of Armenia booking@toursarmenia.com
Tel: (+374 10) 566 022, (+ 374 98) 56 66 56 Fax: (+374 10) 56 66 79
Day 8/Vank – Sarsang Reservoir – Dadivank – Jermajur Hot Springs– Gandzasar – Vank village After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Dadivank Monastery, one of Artsakh’s pearls, with a stop at Sarsang Reservoir. Perched on a small hill on the western bank of the Tartar River, Dadivank Monastery was founded at the end of the first century, at the site where Dadi, one of the 70 disciples of Apostle Thaddeus, was martyred. In the fifth century, it became the Bishop’s Throne of its archdiocese. In the northeast corner of the church, there is a partially buried pillar dedicated to St. Dadi that dates back to the 4th or 5th centuries. The monastery was a favorite target for invaders and was plundered many times. Subsequently, it has undergone several restorations over the centuries. To this day, 30 buildings have been preserved in the Dadivank complex. In a 2008 archaeological excavation Dadivank’s crypt was uncovered, complete with holy relics and a wooden throne. Its contents are now on display at the Artsakh State Historical Museum. After a short while we will visit Jermajur. Located at an altitude of 2200-2400 meters, it is rich in natural hot springs. The mineral water springs of Jermajur are known for their healing properties. Magic natural warm waters effusing from the underground are situated on the bank of Tartar River. Water temperature is 60 °C independently from the seasons of the year. Jermajur water is similar to Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic) and Jermuk (Armenia) with its healing features. Drive back to the village of Vank. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Vank village.
Day 9/Vank village – Noratus – Sevan After breakfast at the hotel, we will take the off road path to reach the village of Noratus, famous for its cemetery of cross-stones, the largest one in the territory of Armenia. Many khachkhars in the cemetery of Noratus, date back to the 13-17 th centuries, and the oldest one was carved in the 10th century. The cemetery is spread over a seven hectare field containing almost a thousand khachkars each of them depicting unique ornamentation. The majority of the khachkars are covered by moss and lichen. Several tombstones in the cemetery depict carved scenes of weddings and farm life. We will then drive to the pearl of Armenia – Lake Sevan, one of the greatest freshwater high-mountain lakes of Eurasia. Here we will have an opportunity to taste the fish from the lake, prepared with a local recipe. Dinner and overnight at a hotel near the Lake Sevan.
18 Sayat-Nova, Yerevan 0001, Republic of Armenia booking@toursarmenia.com
Tel: (+374 10) 566 022, (+ 374 98) 56 66 56 Fax: (+374 10) 56 66 79
Day 10/Sevan – Dilijan National Park – Ijevan State Sanctuary – Alaverdi After breakfast at the hotel, we will say good bye to the azure waters of the beautiful lake and will drive to the “Switzerland of Armenia”. In the Dilijan National Park we will explore the upstream pool of Aghstev River, surrounded by the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. Here we will visit Lake Parz (Clear Lake), which is one of the most beautiful lakes in Armenia. It is situated in the heart of the dense forest at the altitude of 1400 meters above the sea level. We will perfectly explore an admirable breathtaking harmony of the lake and surrounding rich fauna and flora. After picnic at the Parz Lake, we will drive to
Acharkut village entering
onto
the Kirants
Gorge, which consists of hilly slopes covered with broad-leaf forests interspersed with open glades of various types and rock outcrops in the upper and wider parts of the gorge. Driving along the Gorge by the bank of Kirants River will give us an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the lake, and enjoy the surrounding natural sights. We will then drive towards Koghb village passing by Mshkavank Monastic Complex (13th century), located on a high plateau in the forest. Continue the jeep tour in Armenia driving by forest lands of adjacent Zikatar Sanctuary, which is represented by various types of relief, as well as rich plant diversity characteristic to the Caucasus broad-leave forests. Driving through forest route to the gorge of Koghb River with a visit to “TTU Water”. Coffee break in the forest. Drive to Alaverdi. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Alaverdi.
Day 11/Alaverdi – Stepanavan Dendropark – Yerevan After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Sanahin Village, passing through several north Armenian villages, where we will explore the hospitality of the local population, having coffee in one of houses, tasting Armenian dishes, introducing their traditions and also enjoying the surrounding nature rich of mountainous forest. Driving via village way and taking forest route, we will visit one of the most beautiful places in northern Armenia called Sanahin Monastery (10th century) included in the list of UNESCO Heritage Sites. Standing on a high plateau, amidst low structures, it rises sharp against the background of steep forest-grown slopes of Bazum ridge. Here we will find out interesting stories about this religious, educational and cultural center, which is also rich in marvelous Armenian Cross Stones (Khachkars). We will continue the tour driving along Debed River canyon and then up to the mountains surrounded by beautiful natural and historical sites. After a small picnic with sweets and coffee break we will continue our way to Stepanavan Dendropark. Walking in the Dendropark area, one of the most remarkable natural zones in Armenia. The park is a wonderful place which makes us feel like in a fairy tale with its fabulous nature, fresh air, and birds’ songs. One could walk there all the time and never get bored. The area of the botanic garden is about 35 hectares. It consists of a natural forest (17,5 ha) and trees of different sorts (15 ha). Mostly the plants were brought from Yerevan botanic garden, but there are also species from different countries all over the world: Georgia, Ukraine Russia, Germany, France, Portugal, China, USA and so on. Now in 18 Sayat-Nova, Yerevan 0001, Republic of Armenia booking@toursarmenia.com
Tel: (+374 10) 566 022, (+ 374 98) 56 66 56 Fax: (+374 10) 56 66 79
Dendropark there are about 500 species of plants. Drive to Yerevan. Dinner at a local tavern or restaurant. Overnight at a hotel in Yerevan.
Day 12/Yerevan - Aragats – Amberd – Byurakan - Yerevan After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive towards the highest peak of Armenia, Mount Aragats (4090 meters). Here we will enjoy the traditional way of Armenian breakfast, so in case of desire we can enjoy the traditional Khash on the slopes of Aragats, near the Lake Kari. Continue the tour driving to Amberd Fortress (7th century), located 2,300 meters above the sea level, on the slopes of Mount Aragats at the confluence of the Arkashen and Amberd rivers. The name translates to “fortress in the clouds” in Armenian. It is also the name incorrectly attributed to Vahramashen Church, the 11 th century Armenian church near the castle. Some sources say that Amberd used to be a summer residence for kings. We will drive back to Yerevan passing through Byurakan village. Dinner at a local tavern or restaurant. Overnight at a hotel in Yerevan.
18 Sayat-Nova, Yerevan 0001, Republic of Armenia booking@toursarmenia.com
Tel: (+374 10) 566 022, (+ 374 98) 56 66 56 Fax: (+374 10) 56 66 79
Day 13/Yerevan – Miracle Cave - Garni – Geghard – Havuts Tar – Yerevan After breakfast at the hotel start the tour visiting the region of Kotayk. The first stop will be at the Miracle Cave subterranean cave of 21 meters depth. After descending 80 stairs we find ourselves in a round hall, in a pavilion decorated with candles. Each person should enter here individually and making a wish they should light a candle. As the master used to say, a candle lit here by all means serves its purpose and the wish comes true. It took more than two decades to the Master to build this cave-shrine. This cave is often compared with the Noah’s Ark and considered to be the second ark which is to save the humanity not from flood but from fire. Proceed to Garni Temple – a pagan temple built in the 1st century BC. It is the only survival of the Hellenic epoch in the whole territory of the Caucasus. We will then enjoy the hiking experience in the most beautiful and unique Garni gorge. Lunch tasting traditional Armenian dishes, watching the process of “lavash” baking in the traditional underground oven “tonir”. Our next stop, the Monastery of Geghard (UNESCO), was first recorded in a document of 1250. The monastery is famous due to the relics, among which the most important one is the spear which had wounded Christ on the Cross presumably brought there by the Apostle Thaddeus. Farewell dinner with a big folk show at a local tavern or restaurant. Overnight at a hotel in Yerevan.
Day 14/Departure Transfer to the airport. Departure. 18 Sayat-Nova, Yerevan 0001, Republic of Armenia booking@toursarmenia.com
Tel: (+374 10) 566 022, (+ 374 98) 56 66 56 Fax: (+374 10) 56 66 79