Goris Tours

Make the most of your journey to or from Yerevan: Khor Virap, Norovank, Areni wine–and also Zvartnots and Etchmiadzin cathedrals

thongs photo — Norovank. Picture credit Thong Do

You can start in Goris or Sisian and end your day-trip in Yerevan or at Zvartnots airport–or do the journey the other way around. Either way, we will take in the monasteries at Khor Virap and Norovank, and visit Areni, home of Armenia’s finest wines–and the place where the world’s oldest shoe was discovered. (You can see the 5,500 year-old shoe in Yerevan at the History Museum of Armenia, but the site where it was found is also worth exploring). Enjoy stunning views of Mount Ararat (if the day is clear), and gorges and mountains of amazing colours. Take part in a wine-tasting and learn what makes Armenian wine so special. Learn the legends of Gregory the Illuminator, and Momik the Architect, and speculate about the history of our world-famous shoe. This day-trip combines history, archaeology, opportunities to photograph fabulous landscapes, and great food and wine. Depending on the time of year, feast on apricots, apples, or walnuts sold by the side of the road–and take home a bottle or two of our beautiful wine as a momento of your trip.

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Upon request, this trip can be extended to include a visit to Zvarnots Cathedral, an ancient site just outside Yerevan, and to Etchmiadzin, the Holy See of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

From Goris to Jermuk

This day-trip winds through the mountains of Syunik Marz and the rocky slopes of Vayots-Dzor to the spa town of Jermuk. Depending on the time of year, we will see eagles soar across our path. We will count numerous wild flowers–and discover the reason why the honey sold by the roadside is so good. Stop to pick apricots and admire volcanic rock formations along the way. In Jermuk, visit the gallery and drink mineral waters that bubble from the earth at a range of different temperatures. Walk around the lake and pose beside giant busts of Armenia’s great writers and artists. Enjoy an Armenian coffee on the floating cafe–or strip off and take a dip in the famous hot pools. We will visit Jermuk’s Waterfall, Armenia October 2017 2017-10-17 13.22.07 and take a ride on the funicular to get great views of this beautiful region. You can pick wildflowers and breathe the clear mountain air. If you would like to have a spa treatment at one of Jermuk’s luxury hotels, let me know–I will make your appointment. The town has great restaurants, but you may like to order a picnic lunch to enjoy by the river. My wife will be happy to feed you!

Karahunj (Armenia’s Stone Henge)–> Vorotnavank Monastery–> Vorotnaberd Fortress–> Melik Tangi Bridge–>Shaki Waterfall

This day-trip explores some of the most beautiful and ancient sites of Armenia, in the area of Sisian. See the 7500-year old sharp stones at the Armenian Stone Henge and see if you can unlock the secret of the perfect round holes in the stones. Visit the monastery complex built by one of Armenia’s ancient Queens, and hear the legend of the snakes of Syunik. See a fortress dating back to at least the 4th century, and marvel at the rock formations beside the Vorotan river. Climb an ancient monument dedicated to two brothers who took on the Persians, and walk amongst khatchars–Armenian cross stones. Finish your day at the Shaki Waterfall, one of the great sights (and sounds) of Syunik Marz. Depending on the time of year, buy honey, mushrooms, cabbage, aveluk or apples from local families.

Depending on the time of year, you may wish to extend your day-trip to visit the Hamo Sahyan museum in the village of Lor. A picnic lunch can be provided upon request.

Goris–>Devil’s Bridge–> Halidzor Cable Car–> Tatev Monastery–> Swinging Bridge–> Cave Village Old Khndzoresk

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2017-11-09 12.49.42 — Picture credit: Karissa Kresge

This day-trip takes in all the most famous sites of the Goris region, allowing you to ride the world’s longest reversible tramway from Halidzor to Tatev, and cross the 160-meter swinging bridge over the gorge to visit the cave village of Khndzoresk where my father was born. Marvel at the beauty and history of Tatev Monastery and walk through the stream at Devil’s Bridge to see the stalactites and stalacmites in the underground caves. Benefit from my local knowledge and contacts to have a truly enjoyable day. For example, I will call Wings of Tatev to book your tickets for the Tramway, so you do not have to wait.

Upon request, a picnic lunch and dinner at my home can be added to this tour. You may also wish to talk to me about hiking Tatev gorge and seeing Mets Anapat, an abandoned monastery from the 17th century.