Along the Great Silk Road

This route passes through several historical regions of Armenia and brings together ancient monasteries, medieval khachkars, caravan roads and the centuries-old traditions of Armenian winemaking.

The journey begins on the shore of Lake Sevan, at Hayravank Monastery.

The main church of the monastic complex dates from the 9th century. Hayravank stands on the rocky shore of Sevan, with wide views over the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Unlike the better-known Sevanavank, the atmosphere here is usually calmer, and the monastery's austere stone architecture looks especially striking against the backdrop of Sevan.

Next we travel to the village of Noratus, known for one of the largest historical collections of Armenian khachkars.

Hundreds of stone crosses — khachkars — from different centuries have survived in the old cemetery. Each one differs in its ornament, carving and composition.

The khachkar is a distinctive part of Armenian culture. The tradition of making Armenian stone crosses is inscribed on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.

After Noratus the route continues through the mountains to the Selim Caravanserai, also known as the Orbelian Caravanserai.

It was built in 1332 by Prince Chesar Orbelian and served as a resting place for merchants, travellers and caravans crossing the mountain pass.

The massive stone building makes it possible to imagine how long journeys across Armenia were made many centuries ago. People and caravans crossing the region's important trade routes stopped here.

Then we head to Vayots Dzor, to one of the most beautiful medieval monasteries in Armenia — Noravank.

The monastic complex lies among the tall reddish cliffs of the Amaghu gorge and developed especially actively in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Noravank is closely linked with the princely house of Orbelian and with the name of the outstanding Armenian architect, sculptor and master Momik.

One of the main monuments of the complex is the two-storey church of Surb Astvatsatsin, built in the 14th century. Its unusual architecture and narrow outer staircase have become one of Noravank's calling cards.

We end the journey in Areni, one of the best-known winemaking areas of Armenia.

A wine tour and tasting await us here.

During the visit to the winery you will learn about the traditions of Armenian wine production, find out more about local grape varieties and be able to taste the wines of this region.

After a long journey through monasteries, khachkars and ancient caravan roads, it is Areni that makes an atmospheric close to our day.

"Along the Great Silk Road" is a route for those who want to see not only the famous landmarks but also to feel how people, merchants and caravans travelled across Armenia over the centuries.

In a single day you will see Sevan and Hayravank, the unique khachkars of Noratus, a medieval caravanserai in the mountains and the majestic Noravank, and you will get to know the winemaking traditions of Areni.

This tour is especially interesting for lovers of history, medieval architecture, mountain roads, Armenian culture and wine.

This journey is for those for whom it is not enough simply to drive up to a landmark — who want to travel the roads along which Lori opens up in a completely different way.