3-Day Private Armenia UNESCO Heritage Tour with Wings of Tatev

• You will be picked up from your hotel by your guide.
• Get ready to explore Khor Virap Monastery, which means "deep dungeon." It is one of the most important sanctuaries for Armenians, and its history is closely linked to Armenia's religious and cultural heritage. The monastery is located at the foot of the biblical Mount Ararat, where, according to the Old Testament, Noah's Ark ran aground after the Universal Flood. Mount Ararat is the greatest symbol of Armenia and Armenians worldwide.
• Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the religious center for all Armenians. In 301, Armenia became the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion. The cathedral was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
• Hripsime Church, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by order of Catholicos Komitas in 618. The legend of Hripsime dates back to the early days of Christianity. Hripsime fled to Armenia to escape persecution by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. A beautiful but devoted follower of Christ, she refused to marry the pagan Armenian King Trdat III and chose the death of a martyr. A small chapel was erected over the spot where she was murdered. In the 7th century, a wondrous church - a masterpiece of Armenian architecture - was built in its place by order of Catholicos Komitas.
• You will also visit Zvartnots Cathedral, one of the medieval Armenian cathedrals built in the 7th century. The ruins of Zvartnots Temple are designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
• Drive back to Yerevan. The last stop is Vernissage, a large open-air exhibition market where you can find almost anything.

• Get ready to explore the Arch of Charents, a place where you can admire one of the most beautiful views of Mount Ararat. Geghard is a medieval monastery declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• According to tradition, Saint Gregory founded Geghard Monastery in the 4th century on the site of a sacred spring. The current monastery structures, partially excavated into the rock, date from the 13th century. The peculiar character of the construction is reflected in its austerity and in the magnificent natural scenery of the canyon, surrounded by precipices and curved cliffs.
• 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.
• Drive to Lake Sevan and visit Sevanavank. The monastery consists of two churches dating back to the 9th century. It is located on the peninsula of Lake Sevan, which was once an island.
• From the peninsula, there is a beautiful view of Lake Sevan, Armenia's jewel and the second-highest freshwater lake in the world. Sevan lies 2000 m above sea level, is surrounded by a mountain range, and occupies 5% of Armenia's surface area.
• Drive back to Yerevan. The last visit is to the Yerevan fruit market, a colourful, fragrant, and busy indoor market with hundreds of stalls run by farmers, bakers, and others who grow and prepare their own food.

• Get ready to explore Noravank Monastery, 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.
• Drive to the Syunik Region. Your next stop is Karahunj Observatory, also known as Zorats Karer, a megalithic composition of Bronze Age tombs and more than 220 standing stones, or menhirs.
• Next, you will take the Wings of Tatev cable car, the longest reversible cableway in the world (5752 m), recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. During the ride, you will admire the breathtaking views between Halidzor and Tatev Monastery.
• Visit Tatev Monastery, a gem of Armenian architecture. Founded in the 9th century, it has been a major educational and religious center in Armenia for many centuries.
• Drive back to Yerevan and be dropped off at your hotel.

Tour ends.