Day Trip to Haghpat, Sanahin, Odzun, master-class of Armenian Barebeque, lunch

During this tour, we will be travelling in the direction of north-east, to one of the greenest regions of Armenia – the region of Lori, where two of the three monasteries are in included the UNESCO list. The monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin are closely connected, and located within 20 minutes of drive from each other.

Legend says that both monasteries were built by father and son Masons, with Sanahin having been built earlier by the father. The name says it all: Sanahin literally means “this is older than the other”, whereas Haghpat means “great wall”.

The main churches in both complexes were built by Queen Khosrovanuysh, for the prosperity of her two sons, Princes Smbat and Kurike, whom you can observe on the east walls of the main churches. The major church in Haghpat Complex – St. Nshan or the Holy Cross – was built in 976, and the main church in the Sanahin Complex was built some 30 years earlier.

Odzun is one of the ancient settlements of the Tashir region. In its original conception, variety and majesty of surfaces and volumes, it is considered one of the finest Armenian cupola’d basilicas. According to medieval historical tradition the church was built by Catholicos Yohan of Odzun in V-VI centuries.
Also there will be a master-class of Barbeque preparation, where the guests will see how the Armenian barbeque must be prepared. The finishing touch of the tour is traditional Armenian lunch with local food.