Your first day in Armenia will be dedicated to the southern part of the country. In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel in Yerevan and will be accompanied to the Monastery of Khor Virap, the jewel of the early Christian era, overlooking the fertile plain of Ararat with its Biblical Mountain, which was a significant cradle of the Armenian civilization. Later, we will drive to our first hiking trail located in the region of Vayots Dzor (Valley of Suffering), an important stronghold of the Armenian nobility, located in the village of Amaghu. From here, we will start to descent through a canyon reminiscent of the American west, which leads to the Noravank Monastery, a XIII century medieval masterpiece. After visiting the architectural gem of Noravank, you will be driven to the village of Artabuynk, where the second hike will begin. You will head to the Tsakhats Kar Monastery, hidden in the proud mountains and then you will descend to the fortress of Smbataberd, the treasure of Armenian Bagratuni Kingdom. You will end your day by going to the village of Yeghegis and rest in a comfortable guesthouse.
