Two day overnight group tour to Artsakh
During this 2-day tour, you will be given the opportunity to get acquainted with the South of Armenia as well as with Artsakh.
Day 1: Whilst staying in Armenia, you simply cannot miss the opportunity to visit one of the country’s most renowned landmarks – the beautiful Lake Sevan. Merely an hour’s drive from the capital city of Yerevan, Sevan is situated at a height of 1900m above sea level and surrounded by a vast chain of mountains.
Dadivank (or Khutavank 'monastery on the hill') is another historical site included in this tour. It is an ancient monastery complex in the Karvachar region of Artsakh Republic. The monastery complex is situated in the picturesque valley between the Artsakh and Mrav mountain-chains, and may just be one of the most charming and beautiful places in the world. The monastery was founded in the 1st century AD by St. Dadi, a disciple of Thaddeus the Apostle, who spread Christianity in Eastern Armenia during the first century AD. In June 2007, the grave of St. Dadivanq was discovered under the holy altar of the main church.
The next stop is Gandzasar monastery. It is located in the Mardakert district of Artsakh Republic and dates back to the 10th century. Translated from Armenian as “Treasure Mountain,” the Gandzasar is indeed the treasure of the Armenian Mediaeval Architecture, being one of the most beautifully designed Armenian churches, endowed with elegant ornaments. It is also home to relics believed to belong to St. John the Baptist and his father St Zachariah. Downhill from the church, near the Khachen River, you can also see a cave turned into a lion head – a highly popular landmark.
The overnight will be arranged in the capital of Artsakh-Stepanakert. Stepanakert has an antiquated history. In the Middle Ages, at the place of present-day Stepanakert was a settlement called Vararakn. The modern blooming city of Stepanakert is encompassed by the mountains.
Day 2: The next day will give you an opportunity to get acquainted with Shushi which is situated at an altitude of 1,400–1,800 meters in the picturesque mountainscape of Artsakh and is one of the main cities of the Artsakh Republic. During the 19th century, Shushi was one of the main cultural and educational cities in the Caucasus, housing numerous schools, printing houses and theatres. It was especially famous for its musical schools.
The symbol and the landmark of Shushi is the Church of Surb Amenaprkich Ghazanchetsots, or All Holy Savior. Dating back to the 19th century, with its majestic domed basilica shape, the Ghazanchetsots church is also one of the largest Armenian Churches.
Khndzoresk is another spot included in this day trip. Right up until the 20th century, this network of manmade caves was the biggest village in Eastern Armenia. You are welcome to explore the cave system as well as a 5th century church and the spring of the 9 orphans in the old Khndzoresk. But to do all of this, we will go through a 160-meter long suspension bridge that was built in 2012, connecting
Old Khndzoresk and New Khndzoresk, literally bridging Armenia’s history with the present day.
We will arrive at the longest airway tramway in the world (approx. 6 km), which was registered in the Guinness book of records in 2010. The Wings of Tatev will take us straight to the 9th century Tatev Monastery, which once was the educational and spiritual center of Armenia. It’s built on a high plateau in the Vorotan river gorge, and is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and dense forests. During your ride, you will enjoy a spectacular view over one of the most beautiful spots in Armenia (if not in the world). Here you will see the Harsnadzor Watchtower and Devil’s Bridge, which is a natural viaduct formed on the river.
Armenia is known for its spectacular history in winemaking. Areni is a town bearing the name of one of the oldest grape varieties in the world. So if you are a wine connoisseur, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit a local winery in Areni.
