Day 1  

• Visit Noravank; Founded by Bishop Hovhannes in 1105 and sensitively renovated in the 1990s, Noravank (New Monastery) is one of the most spectacular sites in Armenia and should be included on every visitor's itinerary. Around sunset, the reddish hues of the dramatic cliffs surrounding the monastery are accentuated by the setting sun, and the reddish-gold stone of its churches acquire a luminous sheen-it's a totally magnificent sight. The complex includes the 13th-century Surp Karapet Church, built next to the ruins of an earlier church also dedicated to St John the Baptist. Attached to this is a small 13th-century chapel dedicated to Surp Gregor; it's home to a carved lion-human tomb-stone dated to 1300. The main, much-photographed, structure is the 14th-century Surp Astvatsatsin Church (1339), built on top of the mausoleum of Burtel Orbelian, who is buried here with his family. Historians say the church is reminiscent of tower-like burial structures created in the early years of Christianity. There's a wonderful carving of Christ flanked by Petr and Paul above the door.

​

• Visit Jermuk Resort Town; known as the home of Jermuk mineral water, this upmarket spat town 2080m above sea level on the upper Arpa River is a popular vacation spot in summer due to its modest ski slopes. While here, many visitors take advantage of mineral-water treatments and hot springs- some of them very hot. The surrounding landscape is excellent for walks and hikes. The town is entered via a bridge spanning a deep gorge high above the Arpa River; turn left at the end of the bridge, and then right at the small lake to reach the Gallery of Waters and Heath Spa.

• Launch in a traditional Armenian restaurant in Jermuk.

• Night at Hyatt Place Jermuk Hotel

Day 2 

• Visit Tatev; the rural village Tatev sprouted around its famous monastery in medieval times. The monastery's location is quite spectacular, perched on a basalt plateau overlooking the Vorotan River with jaw-dropping views over to the peaks of Karabakh. The bishops of Syunik built its main church, Surp Poghos-Petros, in the 9th century to house important relics.

​

• Experience the longest ropeway in Armenia and amazed at the extraordinary scenery under your feet. Known as the Wings of Tatev.

• Visit Areni; few grape varieties can thrive in Armenia's climatic extremes, but the Areni grape is an exception to the rule. Most of the country's vineyards are on the Ararat Plain, but the valley from the village of Areni up to Yeghegnadzor comprise a quality wine-growing region. When you drive into the village you'll see plenty of roadside stalls selling large bottles that look as if they're filled with cola. These are in fact filled with red wine, camouflaged so that Iranian truck drivers can smuggle the bottles over the border. Summer fruits (especially apricots) are also sold from the stalls.

• Lauch in a traditional Armenian restaurant in Areni.

• Return to Yerevan.