Monastery Sevanavank

Whilst staying in Armenia, you simply cannot miss the opportunity of visiting 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 the height of 1900m above sea level and surrounded by a vast chain of mountains.The tour begins by climbing a flight of stairs to the Sevan peninsula – a pleasant morning work-out that will compensate itself with an unforgettable panoramic view of the lake from the top. We will also visit the monastery of Sevanavank, built by the princess Mariam to honor the life of her deceased husband in the 9th century. Sevanavank is also home to one of the most beautiful Amenaprkich (all savior) Khachkars of Armenia. This is one of the 13 rarest crosstones depicting Jesus.

Goshavank Monastery

The tour will then take you to the North of Armenia, where you will be surrounded by beautiful nature. Through the city of Dilijan, we will make a stop at the monastery of Gosh-Goshavank. This historical church is located in the heart of nature and beautiful village which has the same name. Mkhitar Gosh was one of the great intellectual powers of his day, “a humble man of wisdom”, authoring numerous works, including the first code of civil and Canon law that was used in both Greater Armenia and Cilicia. He is buried near the church which he himself built in 1188. Here you will also see Pavghos’s (Poghos) Khachkar, considered to be the most beautiful “embroidered” Khachkar (stone cross) in Armenia.

Haghartsin Monastery

The last destination during this trip will be the monastery of Haghartsin, dating back to the 10th -14th centuries. The name is translated as “the play of the eagle”. The scenery is somewhat similar to a stunning work of art, with both the monastery and the nature surrounding it providing a breathtaking view. It is one of those spots in Armenia that feels like a breathtaking unreal movie set. The refectory of Haghartsin is considered the biggest amongst Armenian Church architecture; it was an absolute innovation of its time! If you are curious as to why, there will be nothing better than seeing it for yourself!

Haghpat Monastery

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”.

Sanahin

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.

Akhtala Monastery

The last spot in this daily tour is the Monastery of Akhtala, which dates back to the 10th century. The fortress of Akhtala is one of the most well preserved of all the fortresses in Armenia. Famous for its magnificent medieval frescoes, it is said that he the cross which was used by John the Baptist to baptize Jesus Christ was once kept here.