Akhtala
Akhtala is a town and municipal community in the Lori Province of Armenia, located along the Shamlugh river, on the slopes of Lalvar mountain. The modern name of Akhtala was first recorded in a royal decree of 1438. The etymology of the name Akhtala is believed to be of Turkicorigin, meaning white glade. The original Armenian name of the settlement where the monastery is built is Pghindzahank literally meaning copper mine.
SanahinSanahin is a village in the northern province of Lori in Armenia, now considered part of the city of Alaverdi. The village is notable for its Sanahin Monastery complex, founded in the 10th century in the Lori Province of Armenia. The name Sanahin literally translates from Armenian as "this one is older than that one", presumably representing a claim to having an older monastery than the neighbouring Haghpat Monastery. The two villages and their monasteries are similar in many ways, and lie in plain view of each other on a dissected plateau formation, separated by a deep "crack" formed by a small river flowing into the Debedriver. The complex belongs to the Armenian Apostolic Church with numerous khachkars and bishop gravesites scattered throughout it.
Mikoyan Brothers MuseumTwo remarkable Armenian brothers, Anastas and Artem Mikoyan, born in the small village of Sanahin changed not just the Soviet Union, but impacted on world history. Anastas was one of the longest serving members of the Soviet Politburo, from the early Stalin years through to Brezhnev. His life and career were extraordinary and never fail to surprise the visitors. Artem was the creative genius and co-designer of MIG fighter jets. One of the exhibits is a genuine MiG-21.
HaghpatHaghpat is a village in the Lori Province of Armenia, located near the city of Alaverdi and the state border with Georgia. It is notable for Haghpat Monastery, a religious complex founded in the 10th century and included in the UNESCO World Heritage Listalong with monasteries in nearby Sanahin. The monastery is a magnificent example of medieval Armenian architecture that has been attracting increasing numbers of tourists. Haghpat Monastery is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage List. The village lies on a dissected plateau, a large flat area dissected by deep "cracks" formed by rivers, including the river Debed. The villages of Sanahin and Akner, as well as a part of Alaverdi, lie in plain view on neighbouring sections of the plateau, however a steep and long descent to and ascent from the river is required to travel to them.
DilijanDilijan is a spa town in the Tavush Province of Armenia. Usually called Armenian Switzerland or Little Switzerland by the locals, it is one of the most important resorts of Armenia. The Sharambeyan street in the centre, has been preserved and maintained as an "old town", complete with craftsmans workshops, a gallery and a museum. Hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking are popular recreational activities. The forests of Dilijan has around 40 types of trees and 18 types of bushes, being mostly oaks, beeches, hornbeams, maples, elms, willows, etc.
Goshavank is a 12th- or 13th-century Armenian monastery located in the village of Gosh in the Tavush Province of Armenia. Today the monastery is not a functioning religious complex, although it remains a popular tourist destination and has recently undergone some light restoration. The name of this Armenian monastery Goshavank means "Monastery of Gosh". Previously this place was known as Nor Getik. This is an impressive monastery which has remained in relatively good condition also houses one of the worlds finest examples of a khachkar.
Lake Parz is one of Dilijans most attractive natural sites. It is situated in the northern part of the town at a height of 1,400 metres above sea level. It has an area of 2 hectaresand an average depth of 8 metres. The view of lake is stunning in winter, spring, summer and especially in autumn. Lake Parz is also a heaven for those who love to enjoy peace and silence.
Haghartsin is a 13th-century monastery located near the town of Dilijan in the Tavush Province of Armenia. It was built between the 10th and 13th centuries, much of it under the patronage of the Bagratuni Dynasty. Traditionally, an eagle was soaring over the dome of the main building at its dedication and thus it became commonly known as the monastery of the soaring eagle."Hagh" means a game while "Artsin" a form of "Artsiv" means eagle in Armenian.
Lake Sevan is the largest body of water in Armenia and the Caucasus region. Its is also one of the lagest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world. It is considered the "jewel" of Armenia and is "recognized as a national treasure" in the country. Sevan was recognized as being a major potential water resource in the 19th century. Set 1900m above sea level, Lake Sevan covers 940 sq km, and is 80km long by 30km at its widest. The lake supports a healthy fish population, including ishkan, crayfish, sig, ets.
The most famous cultural monument in Gegharkunik province is the Sevanavank monastery. Initially the monastery was built at the southern shore of a small island. After the artificial draining of Lake Sevan, which started in the era of Joseph Stalin, the water level fell about 20 metres, and the island transformed into a peninsula. According to an inscription in one of the churches, the monastery of Sevanavank was founded in 874 by Princess Mariam, the daughter of Ashot I (who became a king a decade later). At the time, Armenia was still struggling to free itself from Arab rule.
| Start | 08:00 |
|---|---|
| Destination | Lake Sevan, Sevanavank, Dilijan, Parz Lich, Goshavank, Sanahin, Mikoyan brothers museum, Haghpat, Akhtala, Hagartsin Yerevan |
| Duration | 1 night 2 days |
* The unused portions of the itinerary are not refundable.
