Day 1: The journey begins at the renowned mountain-ski resort, Tsaghkadzor. In the north-western part of Tsaghkadzor lies the 11th-century Kecharis Monastic Complex. The next stop is Lake Sevan, featuring the Sevanavank Monastery, founded in 874 AD by Princess Mariam. Just 13 km northeast of Dilijan, nestled in a picturesque setting, is the Haghartsin Monastery Complex, built between the 10th and 13th centuries. Highlights include stunning khachkars, a sundial on the wall of St. Gregory, a ruined gavit, and a refectory with a magnificent arched ceiling. The tour also includes a visit to the Goshavank Monastery, a prominent religious and scholarly center in medieval Armenia, constructed between 1188 and the late 13th century. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Dilijan.

Day 2: After breakfast, the tour continues to the monasteries of Haghpat, Sanahin, Akhtala, and Kobayr, dating from the 10th to 13th centuries. Founded by Queen Khosrovanush in AD 976, the Haghpat Monastery features a narthex, two corridor-sepulchers, a refectory, a scriptorium, the Chapel of Hamazasp, a belfry, several chapel-tombs, and cross-stones (khachkars). Sanahin served as the administrative center and family burial site of the Kyurikyan Bagratids (10th and 11th centuries) and was the Episcopal residence for the diocese until the 11th century. The Sanahin Monastery includes three churches, a narthex, a scriptorium, a belfry, and an academy. Both Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Akhtala, a 10th-century Armenian Apostolic Church monastery, is renowned for its breathtaking frescoes. Kobayr, another remarkable medieval architectural complex, was built in the 12th century and features three chapels, one with a scenic balcony. The day ends with an overnight stay in Gyumri.

Day 3: Gyumri, the second-largest city in Armenia, offers a delightful city tour, showcasing its walkable and charming historic town center. The tour then proceeds to Harichavank and Dashtadem Fortress. Harichavank, a gem of medieval architecture, was built between the 7th and 13th centuries and has been a significant center of Armenian spiritual, cultural, and scientific life for centuries. Dashtadem Fortress, whose name means “in front of the field,” is believed to have been constructed between the 7th and 10th centuries, though its exact founding date is unknown. The final destination is the Aruch Monastery, built in the late 660s by Armenian nobleman Grigor Mamikonyan. This domed hall single-nave basilica has suffered extensive earthquake damage, leaving the sky visible through the missing dome.

Points of Interest

• Land of Noah

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transport by air-conditioned vehicle according to the number of participants

• Food and drinks
• Lunch
• Hotel accomodiation
• Gyumri museum entrance ticket