Things to do in Saghmosavan

On this tour you will visit Amberd, a fortress on the southern slope of Mount Aragats, founded in the 7th century. Next up is Lake Kari at the height of 3250 m on the slopes of Mount Aragats, the highest point of Armenia (4090 m). Up next is the stop for Armenian Dry Fruit production and tasting. Visit Saghmosavank, 13th century Armenian monastic complex, unique due to its frescoes with biblical themes and the perfect harmony with environment – vertical cliffs of Kasakh gorge. There comes the Alley of Armenian Letters (Alphabet Alley), that was built on the slopes of Mount Aragats in honor to the 1600th anniversary of the creation of Armenian alphabet. This monument is unique not only in Armenia, but all around the World.

Join us as we discover the spiritual and architectural heritage of Armenia on a guided day tour from Yerevan to Saghmosavank, Talin Cathedral, and Dashtadem Fortress. We’ll start our journey at Saghmosavank Monastery, perched on the edge of the stunning Kasagh Gorge, where breathtaking views meet serene monastic architecture. Next, we’ll continue to Talin Cathedral, a hidden gem from the 7th century, known for its ancient stonework and captivating history. We’ll conclude our tour at Dashtadem Fortress, exploring its medieval walls and towers that reveal Armenia’s rich past. Along the way, our knowledgeable guide will share the fascinating stories behind these historic sites, all set against Armenia’s beautiful landscapes and culture.

Make unforgettable memories with this offer: Day 1: Yerevan - Khor Virap - Birds’ Cave - Noravank- Yerevan • Khor Virap Monastery, one of the most important sanctuaries of Armenians, located at the foot of the biblical Mount Ararat. • Areni-1, also known as Birds’ Cave which was inhabited in different epochs by ancient civilizations. One of the valuable findings was the oldest shoe in the world (5500 years). • Noravank Monastery, considered one of the jewels of Armenian architecture, located in an impressive canyon. Day 2: Yerevan -The Arch of Charents - Garni - Geghard - Sevan - Tsaghkadzor - Yerevan • The Arch of Charents. It’s a place where you can admire the most beautiful view of Mount Ararat. • Garni Temple is the only preserved pagan temple in the entire territory of the Caucasus. The construction dates back to the second half of the 1st century and was dedicated to the Sun God. • Geghard Monastery. According to tradition Geghard was founded by Saint Gregory in the 4th century on the site of a sacred spring. The current constructions of the monastery, which are partially excavated in the rock, date from the 13th century (UNESCO). • Sevanavank monastic complex on the peninsula and contemplate the beautiful landscape of Lake Sevan, which is the pearl of Armenia. • Tsaghkadzor, a ski resort of Armenia, where you will take the cable car and rise up to the top, from where the magnificent atmosphere and spectacular nature of Tsaghkadzor unfolds. Day 3: Yerevan - Saghmosavank - Alphabet Monument - Cascade Complex - Tsitsernakaberd - Mother Armenia Monument - Yerevan • Saghmosavank, 13th century monastery located on the right bank of the Kasakh River. Overall, its excellent location provides additional beauty and comeliness to the monastery. • Armenian Alphabet Monument. The complex includes sculptures of 39 letters of Armenian alphabet, as well as monuments to the great Armenian thinkers. • Cascade, a truly magnificent part of the city, where art, urban life & a huge architectural complex. • Genocide memorial “Tsitsernakaberd” to get closer to one of the saddest pages of the Armenian history. • Mother Armenia Monument, one of the tallest statues in Yerevan & the symbol of Armenia. Day 4: Yerevan - Echmiadzin - Zvartnots - Vernissage - Fruit Market - Yerevan • Echmiadzin Cathedral - the religious center for all the Armenian. Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 (UNESCO). • The ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral one of the medieval Armenian cathedrals built in the 7th century (UNESCO). • Vernissage, a large open-air exhibition-market in Yerevan, where you will find anything and everything. • Yerevan fruit market which is a colorful, fragrant and busy huge indoor market with hundreds of stalls of farmers, bakers etc that actually grow and prepare their own food.

You will leave the city and drive some 1 hour to get to Mount Aragats, where you can enjoy the nature and at this season snow. Then you will visit to Saghmosavank Monastery located near the Kasakh gorge. Saghmosavank is a 13th-century Armenian monastic complex located in the village of Saghmosavan in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. Here you can enjoy nature, culture and history. And after this you will go to the Alphabet Park where you will find all the Armenian letters and take photoes. It was built in 2005 when Armenian alphabet celebrated its 1600th birthday. At the end of tour you will come back to Yerevan.

Day 1: Yerevan - Khor Virap - Areni-1 - Noravank - Wine Degustation - Yerevan • Khor Virap Monastery, one of the most important sanctuaries of Armenians. Its history is closely linked to the religious & cultural history of Armenia. The monastery is located at the foot of the biblical Mount Ararat. • Areni-1, also known as Birds’ Cave. The cave represents a rocky room with niches & aisles, which was inhabited in different epochs by ancient civilizations. During the archaeological excavations in the cave was discovered the ancient leather shoe, considered the oldest shoe in the world. • Monastery of Noravank, located in an impressive canyon & considered one of the most attractive places in the country. • You are going to visit Areni Winery, one of Armenia’s main attractions for connoisseurs of vintage wines. Here you can enjoy tastes and aromas unique to this part of the world because Armenia is famous for its ancient traditions in wine production. Day 2: Yerevan - Arch of Charents - Garni - Lavash Baking - Geghard - Lake Sevan - Yerevan • The Arch of Charents. It’s a place where you can admire the most beautiful view of Mount Ararat. • Geghard which is a medieval monastery declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. According to tradition The Geghard Monastery was founded by Saint Gregory in the 4th century on the site of a sacred spring. The current constructions of the monastery, which are partially excavated in the rock, date from the 13th century. • Garni Temple is the only preserved pagan temple in the entire territory of the Caucasus. The construction dates back to the second half of the 1st century & was dedicated to the Sun God. • In Garni you will take part in "Lavash" baking masterclass. In 2014 "The preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread lavash as an expression of Armenian culture" was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. • Then you will make a stop to visit the Sevanavank monastic complex on the peninsula and contemplate the beautiful landscape of Lake Sevan, which is the pearl of Armenia. Day 3: Yerevan - Etchmiadzin - Zvartnots - Saghmosavank - Alphabet Monument - Yerevan • Etchmiadzin Cathedral - the religious center for all the Armenian. Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301. The cathedral was listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2000. • Zvartnots Cathedral, one of the medieval Armenian cathedrals built in the seventh century. The ruins of Zvartnots Temple are designated by Unesco as World Heritage Site. • Saghmosavank, 13th century monastery located on the right bank of the Kasakh River. Overall, its excellent location provides additional beauty & comeliness to the monastery. • Armenian Alphabet Monument. The complex includes sculptures of 39 letters of Armenian alphabet, as well as monuments to the great Armenian thinkers. All the letters and statues are made of Armenian tufa.

Get ready in order to explore: Day 1: Yerevan - Garni - Arch of Charents - Geghard - Lake Sevan - Tsaghkadzor - Yerevan • The Arch of Charents. It’s a place where you can admire the most beautiful view of Mount Ararat. • Garni Temple is the only preserved pagan temple in the entire territory of the Caucasus. The construction dates back to the second half of the 1st century and was dedicated to the Sun God. • Geghard which is a medieval monastery declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. According to tradition The Geghard Monastery was founded by Saint Gregory in the 4th century on the site of a sacred spring. The peculiar character of the construction is reflected in its austerity and the magnificent natural scenery of the canyon, surrounded by precipices and curved cliffs. • Then you will make a stop to visit the Sevanavank monastic complex on the peninsula and contemplate the beautiful landscape of Lake Sevan, which is the pearl of Armenia. • And the last visit is Tsaghkadzor, a ski resort of Armenia, where you will take the cable car and rise up to the top, from where the magnificent atmosphere and spectacular nature of Tsaghkadzor unfolds. Day 2: Yerevan - Khor Virap - Areni-1 (Birds’ Cave) - Noravank - Yerevan • Khor Virap Monastery, one of the most important sanctuaries of Armenians. Its history is closely linked to the religious and cultural history of Armenia. The monastery is located at the foot of the biblical Mount Ararat. • Areni-1, also known as Birds’ Cave. The cave represents a rocky room with niches and aisles, which was inhabited in different epochs by ancient civilizations. During the archaeological excavations in the cave was discovered the ancient leather shoe. It is considered the oldest shoe in the world, the age of which is supposed to be about 5,5 thousand years. • And the last visit is one of the wonderful monuments of medieval Armenia, the Monastery of Noravank, located in an impressive canyon. Noravank is considered one of the most attractive places in the country. Day 3: Yerevan - Saghmosavank - Alphabet Monument - Cascade Complex - Tsitsernakaberd - Vernissage - Yerevan • Saghmosavank, 13th century monastery located on the right bank of the Kasakh River. Overall, its excellent location provides additional beauty and comeliness to the monastery. • Armenian Alphabet Monument. The complex includes sculptures of 39 letters of Armenian alphabet, as well as monuments to the great Armenian thinkers. All the letters and statues are made of Armenian tufa. • Cascade Monument, one of the most famous landmarks of Yerevan, the Cafesjian Museum of Modern Arts. •Afterwards you will visit the Genocide memorial “Tsitsernakaberd” to get closer to one of the saddest pages of the Armenian history. •The last stop is Vernissage, a large open-air exhibition-market in Yerevan, where you will find anything and everything. Get an unforgettable experience.

Make unforgettable memories with this offer & get ready in order to explore: Day 1: Yerevan - Khor Virap - Birds’ Cave - Noravank- Yerevan • Khor Virap Monastery, one of the most important sanctuaries of Armenians, located at the foot of the biblical Mount Ararat. • Areni-1, also known as Birds’ Cave. The cave represents a rocky room with niches and aisles, which was inhabited in different epochs by ancient civilizations. During the archaeological excavations in the cave was discovered the ancient leather shoe. It is considered the oldest shoe in the world, the age of which is supposed to be about 5,5 thousand years. • And the last visit is one of the wonderful monuments of medieval Armenia, the Monastery of Noravank, located in an impressive canyon. Noravank is considered one of the most attractive places in the country. Day 2: Yerevan -The Arch of Charents - Garni - Geghard - Sevan - Tsaghkadzor - Yerevan • The Arch of Charents. It’s a place where you can admire the most beautiful view of Mount Ararat. • Garni Temple is the only preserved pagan temple in the entire territory of the Caucasus. The construction dates back to the second half of the 1st century and was dedicated to the Sun God. After the Christianization of Armenia, the temple was used as a royal residence. • Geghard which is a medieval monastery declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. According to tradition The Geghard Monastery was founded by Saint Gregory in the 4th century on the site of a sacred spring. The peculiar character of the construction is reflected in its austerity and the magnificent natural scenery of the canyon, surrounded by precipices and curved cliffs. • Then you will make a stop to visit the Sevanavank monastic complex on the peninsula and contemplate the beautiful landscape of Lake Sevan, which is the pearl of Armenia. • And the last visit is Tsaghkadzor, a ski resort of Armenia, where you will take the cable car and rise up to the top, from where the magnificent atmosphere and spectacular nature of Tsaghkadzor unfolds. Day 3: Yerevan - Saghmosavank - Alphabet Monument - Cascade Complex - Tsitsernakaberd - Mother Armenia Monument - Yerevan • Saghmosavank, 13th century monastery located on the right bank of the Kasakh River. Overall, its excellent location provides additional beauty and comeliness to the monastery. • Armenian Alphabet Monument. The complex includes sculptures of 39 letters of Armenian alphabet, as well as monuments to the great Armenian thinkers. All the letters and statues are made of Armenian tufa. •Next, we'll drive to the Cascade, a truly magnificent part of the city, where art, urban life & a huge architectural complex. • Afterwards you will visit the Genocide memorial “Tsitsernakaberd” to get closer to one of the saddest pages of the Armenian history. • The last stop is Mother Armenia Monument, one of the tallest statues in Yerevan & the symbol of Armenia. Enjoy your stay in Armenia!

The excursion starts at 11:00 at the location you specified 1 point One of the significant and famous Monasteries of ancient Armenia is the Hovhanavank Monastery. Located in the same name village, in the Aragatsotn region. For a long time in the medieval church, which dedicated to John the Baptist, were kept such significant relics as the Shroud, in which Jesus Christ was shrouded and the Nail which pierced His right hand (the relics now keeping in the Etchmiadzin Cathedral). 2 point The next attraction is the equally famous Saghmosavank Monastery, which is also located in the same name village and Aragatsotn region. The cross-domed Church in ancient centuries was famous for its library, where created thousands of manuscripts and were stored (currently manuscripts now stored in the Matenadaran). Near the Monastery there is an amazing high gorge above the Kasakh River, from where opens a magnificent view of the beautiful nature, and where you will have the opportunity to take beautiful memorable photos. 3 point After the research of the Monasteries we will drive to the famous Monument of the Armenian Alphabet. The Monument was built in 2005 in honor of the 1600th anniversary of the creation the national Armenian alphabet by Mesrop Mashtots. Located in an open area, on the road to Mount Aragats, in the Aragatsotn region. There you will have a great opportunity to take a walk in the fresh air and take a memorable photos near the first letter of your name. 4 point Final point of our amazing tour will be the Amberd Fortress. The fortress is probably the most famous and majestic castle which left from Ancient Armenia and which many centuries served as an outpost of this region. Built in the 7th century, the fortress is located at an altitude of more than 2000 meters, halfway to the highest mountain Aragats. Near the castle is also a small Church, built in 1026. The castle was destroyed in the 13th century by the invasion of the Mongols and reached us only in the form of majestic ruins. This is a very interesting place for exploring, walking in the fresh air and, of course, for memorable photos on the background of massive ridges and fantastic nature.

During this one-day private tour you will visit the home-made wine making house, you will try Armenian wine and discover unique museum - Wine museum. So, take your glass of wine and follow us! You will visit one of the churches of Ashtarak town, which has a really unique story. - Saghmosavank is located on the right bank of the Kasakh River, in the village of Saghmosavan. According to tradition, Saghmosavank was founded by Grigor Lusavorich (Grigory the Illuminator). The St. Sion Church was built by Prince Vache Vachutian in 1215. It is a cross-shaped inside and rectangular outside church with a high cylinder-shaped drum and a conical dome. The facades of the church are decorated with “Armenian hollows”. In 1215-35 Vache Vachutian built a four-columned porch adjacent to the west of the St. Sion church, the central part of the ceiling of which has a 12-faceted stone shelter. To the north of the monastery is a cemetery with khachkars from the 13th and 14th centuries. In 1250 a school was founded in Saghmosavank. -You will visit Yeganyans winery located in Ashtarak, which was created based on family traditions of wine and vodka making. Here you will also have traditional lunch and enjoy some Armenian national dishes. Your next stop will be Armenia wine winery, which is popular both in Armenia and whole region. The tour will provide you a lot of information about wine making history in Armenia, about the places we visit and you will have the opportunity to become the part of wine making! -The company ''Armenia Wine'' combines Armenian traditions and modern technologies. The company is a family property. The first vineyards were planted in 2006, and the wine factory was established in 2008. Over the years, it has been continuously equipped with the latest and modern equipment, presenting a wide range of quality wines and becoming one of the leaders in the local market. The company also exports its products and sells them in a number of foreign countries.

First you will visit Khor Virap Monastery, which means “deep dungeon”, is one of the most important sanctuaries of Armenians. Its history is closely linked to the religious and cultural history of Armenia. The monastery is located at the foot of the biblical Mount Ararat, where according to the Old Testament, after the Universal Flood Noah's Ark had run aground. Mount Ararat is the greatest symbol of Armenia and all Armenians around the world. Then you will visit Areni-1, also known as Birds’ Cave, is located on the left-hand side of the Arpa River. The cave represents a rocky room with niches and aisles, which was inhabited in different epochs by ancient civilizations. During the archaeological excavations in the cave, valuable specimens were discovered which later became key details to the world history of civilization. One of such valuable findings was the ancient leather shoe, which is perfectly preserved. It is considered the oldest shoe in the world, the age of which is supposed to be about 5,5 thousand years. You are going to visit Areni Winery, one of Armenia’s main attractions for connoisseurs of vintage wines. Here you can enjoy tastes and aromas unique to this part of the world because Armenia is famous for its ancient traditions in wine production. Drive to Noravank. The monastery is located in an impressive canyon. Noravank means "New Monastery" and is considered one of the jewels of Armenian architecture and one of the most attractive places in the country. Driving back to Yerevan.