NEMRUT, ANI, VAN, KARS, ERZNKA, ERZURUM, DERSIM, KHARBERD, SASOUN
On this exclusive seven-day trip, you will see Van, Ani, Kars, Dersim, Yerznka, Erzurum, Derjan, Kharberd, Malatya, Tigranakert, Diyarbekir, Bingol, Bitlis, Bayazid, Nemrut(s), Aratsani, Araks, Euphrates, Tigris rivers, you will pass through the slopes of Mt Ararat, Sasoun, Sarighamish, Igdir, and a number of other wonderful places… You will visit Dersim and historical Yerznka, the mysterious Ani Kamakh, Nemrut of the ancient gods, as well as Nemrut of Van.
Tour details
Tsovakn Hyusiso (Childir) Lake
Kars: Kars Fortress, St Apostle’s Church, Vardan Bridge, House of Yeghishe Charents
Ani: Cathedral, Honents, Abughamrents, Prkich, Gagkashen, Arakelots Churches, City Walls, other places
We begin our wonderful trip along the Tsovakn Hyusiso (Childir) Lake, after which we will go to Kars. After overcoming the fortress of Kars, the panorama of the Armenian city opens before you, where the Church of the Holy Apostles is. In Kars we will visit the bridge of Vardan and the House of Yeghishe Charents. Our next stop is the wonderful Ani. A wonderful tour awaits us in the city of a thousand and one churches.
Sarikamish forests
Basen: Shepherd's Bridge and Araks River
Karin (Erzurum). Armenian Church, Erzurum Fortress, Sanasarian College
Derjan. Apranits Monastery and giant khachkars (cross-stones)
Yerznka Waterfall
After discovering Kars and Ani, we make our way to Erzurum (Karin). We will pass through the evergreen forests of Sarikamish, famous for many stories, after which we will stop in Basen on the shore of River Araks, in the place where the medieval bridge of Hoviv (Shepherd / Choban) is. And after Basen, we will go to Erzurum. Here we will visit Sanasarian Collage, Armenian Church and Erzurum Fortress. After Erzurum, we will pass through the region of Derjan, where we will see the Apranits Monastery and fantastic khachkars, about 6 meters high. After Apranits Monastery, we will go to Yerznka, and on the way we will make a pleasant stop at the Yerznka waterfall, which is also called the multi-storey waterfall.
Ani Kamakh: Fortress
Dersim
Mndzur River Gorge and Anahit springs
A cruise on the Euphrates: view of Berdak Fortress
Kharberd: Kharberd Fortress and Old Town
We will have a tour to Ani Kamakh, where, according to historians, the Armenian kings were buried. Ani Kamakh was also one of the most important spiritual centers of the pagan period, being one of the major centers of the goddess Anahit. After Ani Kamakh, we will go to Dersim (Tunceli). In Dersim, we will pass through the Mndzur River gorge and reach the springs of Anahit. It's time to sail along the Euphrates and enjoy the beautiful view of the Berdak Fortress. Our next stop is Kharberd. Here we will see the most powerful Fortress of Kharberd, and also the ruins of the Armenian Church of the old city.
Malatya Holy Trinity Church
Nemrut of Old Gods
Euphrates River
From Kharberd we go to Malatya. The Church of the Holy Trinity has been preserved in Malatya, an Armenian monument with a unique architectural structure and an interesting history. From Malatya we will travel to the Nemrut of the Old Gods. This masterpiece created by our ancestors can be considered the eighth wonder of the world. After the wonderful Nemrut, we will go to Diyarbekir-Tigranakert, but on the way we will still stop at the banks of the Euphrates River.
Diyarbakir: St. Kirakos Church, Tigris River, Bridge and City Walls
Nprkert
Sasoun: Batman Bridge *
Baghesh (Bitlis): Fortress, Khachkars of Por village and St. Anania church
Nemrut-Sarakn (Van): Crater and Panorama of Lake Van
In the morning, we will start exploring Diyarbekir with its rich historical layers, which the local Armenians like to call Tigranakert. We will see the legendary walls of the city, then the Tigris river and the historical bridge. After reaching Aghdznik and Nprkert, we pass through the northern parts of the Sasoun region. Next is the city Bitlis (Baghesh), where we must see the strong Bitlis Fortress, as well as the Armenian giant khachkars of Por village, which are simply amazing. Next we will admire the panoramic view of Lake Van from the top Nemrut of Van. Overnight is in the beautiful town Datvan.
Aghtamar Island, Holy Cross Church, swimming in Lake Van
Van Cats
Van: Van Fortress, Urartian Mausoleum
Mher's Door
Varagavank Monastery *
And now it's time to go to the wonderful Aghtamar Island, where we will see the Holy Cross Church. Swimming in Lake Van is a dream of many, but with us it becomes a reality. After swimming in Van, it's time to enjoy the legendary fish of lake, Vana Tarekh. We reach the city of Van along the shore of Van Lake, where we will visit Van cats, the Van Tushpa (Tosp) Fortress, the Mhers’ door.
Berkri Waterfall
Daroynk (Bayazid) Fortress
Crossing the slopes of Mount Ararat
Passage through Igdir
Araks River
The first stop on the last day of our trip is Berkri Waterfall. After passing the Tondrak, Ararat is in front of us from the "other" side. After this historical moment, our stop is the Daroynk (Bayazid) Fortress. Soon our road will pass through Igdir. We will have a stop on the shore of River Araks, which will soon merge with Akhuryan. We are back to Yerevan with unique emotions and memories.