- Historical excursions in Armenia
- Classic tour
- High, high in the mountains …
- In the footsteps of the heroes "Mimino"
Any tourist who is going to visit one of the Caucasian republics is happy to think about the trip, because he knows about the hospitality of local residents, bright, lush nature, ancient history. Excursions in Armenia help to get to know this country better, see the main monuments and important sights that remain in our hearts for a long time.
The first acquaintance takes place in the capital, the handsome Yerevan warmly welcomes each guest. This city boasts ancient history, architectural masterpieces and beautiful panoramic views. A walk through the historical heart of the city, ancient Erebuni, will last at least four hours. And if you include visits to local wineries, then even longer. There are many excellent excursion routes outside the capital.
Historical excursions in Armenia
Acquaintance with the very ancient Armenian history should, of course, begin in the capital and its ancient part of Erebuni. Fifty kilometers from Yerevan is the small town of Echmiadzin, its pearl is the Church of St. Hripsime, founded in 618.
Another popular excursion starts from Yerevan and covers two important Armenian sights at once - Garni and Geghard (sometimes spelled as Geghard). The cost of the excursion is quite affordable from $ 35 per person for 4 hours. The first tourist site was named after the small settlement of Garni, it is a unique temple that belonged to pagans and was built by them in the 1st century AD. It was destroyed by the earthquake of 1679 and rebuilt almost three hundred years later (during the years of Soviet power).
Geghard is a unique monastic complex, some of the temples of which are carved into the rocks; it is interesting that both religious buildings and rocks are under the protection of UNESCO. The main relic of the monastery was considered the so-called spear of Longinus, which pierced the body of Jesus Christ crucified on the cross. It is believed that the Apostle Thaddeus brought it to Armenia as a relic; now it is exhibited in a museum located in another Armenian monastery.
Classic tour
Many travel companies offer to get to know Armenia in five to seven days, the cost of tours varies depending on the number of days on the way and the number of visited historical and cultural sites. The most reasonable prices are in the region of $ 300-350 per person, a company of up to 6 people.
The first acquaintance - with the capital, in Yerevan they conduct a walking tour of the central part of the city. In a programme:
- the most beautiful architectural and cultural complex "Cascade";
- Republic Square;
- walk along Northern Avenue;
- a wonderful highlight - Singing fountains.
It is also proposed to spend the next day in Yerevan, acquainting in more detail with the history of the city and the country through visiting museum expositions. Further, the route passes through the village of Garni with its amazing pagan temple, the Geghard monastery complex, moving to Lake Sevan.
One day is specially allotted to visit Echmiadzin, which is the spiritual center of Armenians, a monastery complex and a museum where the famous Longinus spear is kept. The program of such an excursion tour could not do without natural attractions, so they included a trip to Khor Virap, which is also a monastery. There are also observation platforms, which offer magnificent views of Ararat, the most famous mountain in Armenia, and Aragvi, its locals affectionately call it “Mother River”.
High, high in the mountains …
Lake Sevan is one of the main natural attractions of Armenia, located high in the mountains, it is considered the highest mountain reservoir in the world, and the largest fresh water storage in the republic. That is why the Armenians treat it so carefully, trying to preserve its purity for posterity. The excursion route includes a visit to the lake, the National Park, which bears the same name as the reservoir - Sevan.
The second important point of the route is Sevanavank, another Armenian monastery complex, built in the 9th century. It is believed that it was here that the famous king, Ashot Yerkat, found shelter from the Arab invaders.
In the footsteps of the heroes "Mimino"
The cult Soviet film, which has not lost its relevance even now, was filmed in the vicinity of the Armenian city of Dilijan. That is why excursions here have been popular at all times. Although, in addition to the natural scenery for the film, there are many other attractions, architectural masterpieces and historical monuments.
The list includes acquaintance with Haghpat, another complex of monasteries, and the Sanahin church, a trip to the fortress and monastery of Akhtala, which are located in the gorge, the Depet river flows along its bottom. Of interest to the visitor is the complex consisting of the main temple and four churches-chapels located around it.
