PARSKAHAYK (NORTHERN IRAN) 5 DAYS

We will start our wonderful trip from Meghri, where we will enjoy the famous view of the Araks Valley from an impressive viewpoint, and also have breakfast. Then we will cross the Armenian-Iranian border on the Araks River. Our first visit will be to Kordasht, not far from the checkpoint, where we will see the mighty fortress and historical baths. The next stop will be the masterpiece of nature, the Averak Jaghats waterfall. Then we will go to Old Jugha, where we will discover a unique example of Armenian church construction, the Hoviv Church, as well as one of the large caravans of Jugha, built by the Armenian Khoja Nazar. Now is the time to visit the St. Stepan’s Nakhavka Monastery, a masterpiece of not only Armenian, but also world architecture. St. Stephen's Monastery is an impressively well-preserved structure that is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We will discover this church decorated with exceptional sculptures.

The second day of our trip promises a huge dose of discoveries and feelings. We will start the day from the mighty fortress of Maku, dating back to Urartian times. It's time to go to the wonderful St. Astsvatsatsin Church of the Tsortsor Monastery. After enjoying the view of the biblical Mount Ararat, we will visit the Tsortsor Church, which is on the list of UNESCO's historical heritage. The monastery of St. Thaddeus is an important architectural monument. From the monastery of St. Thaddeus to the city of Khoy, we will pass through the area that experts consider the field of Avarayr. Rusakhinili, one of the most powerful Urartian fortresses, is also waiting for us, which is near the current Bastam settlement. And in the Mahlazan, the local St. Khach Armenian Church is ready to surprise its visitors. The overnight stay is in Khoy.

In Khoi, we will visit the local medieval church of St. Sargis, which is an extremely impressive and huge monument. We will leave from Khoy to Salmast. We will visit Haftvan settlement near Salmast, where we will see St. Gevorg Church and the unique theater next to it. Then we will visit Payajuk village. The famous Armenian writer Raffi was born in Payajuk and you can still find the place of his father's house. There is also the cemetery of the fidais in Payajuk. Near Salmast, we will see the rock sculpture of the Sassanians near the present village of Minas, where the Armenians and Armenia are mentioned, with which it actually becomes the "passport of Armenianness" of these areas. In Urmia, we will see the local St. Stepanos Armenian Church, walk around this city.

We start the day with Kaputan (Lake Urmia), one of the three largest lakes of the Armenian Highland. After this historical moment, we will continue our way to Tabriz, where the road passes over the bridge built in the center of Lake Urmia. Near Tabriz, we will visit Kandovan, which is an interesting and ancient cave village, where people live even today, in cave houses that are several hundred years old. The next stop is the city Tabriz. We will see the Blue Mosque, which is also one of the business cards of Tabriz, famous for its series of arches. We will visit St. Mariam Astsvatsatsin Church, which is the oldest among the Armenian churches of Tabriz. Later, we will enjoy our free time in one of the world's largest covered markets, the Tabriz market.

The last day of our trip, dedicated to Tabriz, is also full and interesting. We will see the Tabriz (Alishah) arch, a symbol of the city, from where we will visit the Armenian Diocese of Atrpatakan, and then the Armenian Church of St. Sargis. After completing our beautiful and interesting tour of Tabriz, we will return to Yerevan.