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7-8 hours
Specific Tour
4 people
Armenian, English, Russian
This exciting private tour includes visits of some of the most interesting historical monuments of Armenia in Aragatsotn province. The first stop will be at the monastery of Psalms – Saghmosavank, which is located near the Kasakh gorge, then at Armenian Alphabet Monument, where you can take photos with stately stone letters. Amberd fortress of the 7th century, located on the southern slope of Mount Aragats, will amaze you with its history and picturesque location. At the end of the tour program visits of two churches are scheduled: St. Mesrop Mashtots in the village of Oshakan, where the remains of the creator of the Armenian alphabet are buried, as well as Karmravor, which supposedly served as a chapel for one of the princely families of that time.
Saghmosavank monastery is a 13th-century Armenian monastic complex located in the village of Saghmosavan in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. Saghmosavank is situated atop the steep gorge carved by the Kasagh river. The oldest building in the complex is Surb Zion (Holy Zion) Church, built by the prince of Ayrarat – Vache Vachutyan in 1215. Later, the Church of Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), a book depository and a narthex appeared. Once the monastery was surrounded by a fortified protective wall, which has not survived to this day. There is an old cemetery to the north of Saghmosavank, where you can see many carved khachkars of the 13-14 centuries.
Armenian Alphabet Monument is located in Artashavan village of Aragatsotn region, on the Western slope of Mount Aragats. The complex was built in 2005, on the 1600th anniversary of the creation of Armenian alphabet.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. Armenian language is an independent branch in Indo-European language family. Armenian alphabet was created by Mesrop Mashtots in 405; it is used in Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh, Javakhk, in communities of Armenian Diaspora, in different armenological and cultural centers.A rich literature was created in Armenian language; this is a writing of ancient, medieval and modern civilizations. It also has its contribution in world culture.
With its strict appearance, Amberd Fortress reflects the severity and splendor of the surrounding mountains. The medieval architecture monument was constructed as a secure fortress and later became the residence of the Pahlavuni noble Armenian family. It has been built of huge slabs of basalt. The walls are up to 4 m thick. Archeologists were amazed when they found countless underground passages here. Visitors also can see another interesting sight next to Amberd fortress – Vahramashen church, which was constructed by Armenian commander Vahram Pahlavuni.
The church of St. Mesrop Mashtots is located in Oshakan village. After Mesrop Mashtots death Vahan Amatuni and Hmayak Mamikonyan buried him in Oshakan, and in three years, in 443, Vahan Amatuni built a cruciform chapel there. Later in 1875-79 Catholicos Gevorg IV built a new basilica type church on the place of the old chapel. Under the altar of the church there is a grave of Mesrop Mashtots, and in 1884 a two-story cylindrical bell tower was added to the eastern side of the church. This bell tower is a unique in Armenian architecture, both by the shape and placement, as its entrance is from the altar of the church. In 1960s the interior of the church was decorated with frescoes by the artist H. Minasyan.
Karmravor St. Astvatsatsin (Karmravor) church is situated on the north-eastern side of the Ashtarak city, not far from the old Berdatagh on the high hillside. It is a small building with harmonious proportionality. The date of the construction of the church is unknown. There is no evidence in the literary sources either. By its compositional solution and architectural details, it is a 7th century building, which reach us nearly unchanging and standing. It is of single dome altar type having four wing layouts and having the only vestry on the east. It is built of brown and red tufa stones. From inside the church is decorated with frescos, among which there are compositions of “Christ in Glory” and St. Horsemen with arm inscriptions depicted. The decorative ornamentation is restrained and is in harmony with architectural.
For the safety and comfort of tourists the high quality buses with air conditioner, TV, comfortable seats, and first air supplies, are chosen. Thanks to the skilled drivers you will have no worries about the route.
The best hotels in each town are chosen for overnight.
The guide gives detailed information about the places of interests included in the tour.
Tour is mainly organized according to the route. There may be exceptions only in case of agreement among the group members if there is a wish to visit the places not far from the route. Otherwise, visits to other places with the guide are possible to arrange with additional payment.
Souvenirs can be purchased in Vernissage, which is located in the centre of Yerevan, near the Republic Square. Numerous traditonal and contemporary art exhibits are sold here. There are also many other souvenir shops on Abovyan and Tumanyan streets.
If you are an adventurous, venturesome person and without any fears of risks, for you we offer tour packages which include adventure tours in Armenia. Armenia has favorable conditions for organizing hiking and trekking tours. The combination of natural resources together with cultural and historical places of interest is making our adventurous country more suitable for hiking and trekking lovers who appreciate the nature and active type of travel. By purchasing our travel packages, you will be able to take part in interesting and unique adventure tours, including hiking trips, mountain climbing, visits to caves, jeep tours and so on. This is a great opportunity to make your visit to Armenia and Yerevan unforgettable.
Are you planning a visit to Armenia with your family? Excellent! For a good rest with children there are plenty of options to choose from – many cafes and entertainment centers, a modern city zoo and aqua park with water attractions. In Armenia, there is a special attitude towards children, therefore, without any doubt, in any public institution all possible facilities will be offered to you for a comfortable (special highchair, "children's" menu, etc.).
Most of the touristic attractions are open on public holidays, unless some situations may not permit them to be open, such as a ceremony occurring there. Some places' opening times and days are fixed regardless of holidays. Therefore, before visiting anywhere its best to make sure that the place is open by asking the front desk of your hotel or a travel agency.
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