ARMENIAN MESOPOTAMIA 7 DAYS

As we make our way from Yerevan to Akhalkalaki, we will see the Tsovakn Hyusiso Lake, after which we pass through the evergreen forests of Sarighamish and head to Basen. In Basen we will see the river Araks and descend its banks, enjoying the Shepherd Bridge, this architectural masterpiece, after which we will head for the unique Mush.

Arghni is on the bank of the Tigris river, one of the two major rivers of Mesopotamia, where we will see the very impressive rock-hewn fortress. Then we will go to Diyarbakir, which local Armenians like to call Tigranakert. Diyarbakır is the gateway to Mesopotamia, extremely rich in national and religious layers, where we will discover both the rich Armenian heritage, including the functioning Church of St. Kirakos and the Church of St. Sargis, as well as many other interesting historical layers. We will also visit the Historical Bridge built on the Tigris. After a detailed tour and unique discoveries in Diyarbakır, there will be a break in this historical city.

Well, let’s take the time and go back several millennia to enter the period of humanity’s formation and one of its ancient monuments on the Tigris River, cave town of Hasankeyf. From here the road will take us to another ancient city, Midyat. But we are not limited to this yet, as the ancient Roman city of Dara is waiting for us and we will finish the evening in the sunny city of Mardin.

Mardin, the city of the sun, is ready to surprise and delight. Every corner is beautiful here, the breath of history is everywhere. We will visit St. Hovsep Armenian Church in Mardin, as well as Deyrulzafaran Assyrian Church. After exploring Mardin, we will leave for Edesia, but on the way we have another spectacular stop. St. Gevorg Armenian Church of Derik settlement. The evening is in Edesia-Urfa.

Today we will start the day from Edesia, in the center of which we will see the local historical fortress, as well as Abraham's sacred fish pool. Kharan is not only the site of the historical battle between the Romans and the Parthians, but it is also distinguished by ancient houses. In Germush, we will see the local Armenian Church of St. Astvatsatsin, which is also a very unique structure. And at the end of the day we will visit the extremely mysterious ancient site of Portasar.

Today is not only beautiful but also a very significant day, because our group will become one of the unique ones that visited the historical Tigranakert capital built by Tigran the Great. For a long time, experts have been trying to locate the place of construction of Tigranakert. Silvan-Nprkert and even Diyarbekir were considered the capital of Tigranakert, but it is in another place, where we will go on an exclusive visit. After this wonderful discovery, we will make our way to Sgherd. Two gorges await us here: Tilo and Botan, from where the views are particularly magnificent. Saying goodbye to Mesopotamia, we will return to sweet Mush.

We also have interesting stops and visits on the way back. In the city Mush, we will see the local Armenian neighborhood and St. Marine church, after which we will see the Sulukh bridge on the banks of the Aratsani river, which is always ready to surprise. Then, passing through Khnus, Basen, Sarighamish and Kars, we will return to Yerevan, bringing with us impressions of Mesopotamia.