Northern Armenia for 2 days and 1 night

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Stepanavan (Dendropark) - Lori Fortress - Vanadzor (overnight)⌄

   The botanic garden of Stepanavan was established by Polish engineer-forester Edmon Leonovich in 1933. The area of dendropark is about 35 hectares, covered with natural forests with multi species plants.

   Lori Fortress is an 11th-century Armenian fortress located near the Lori Berd village in Lori Province, Armenia. The fortress was built by David Anhoghin to become the capital of Kingdom of Tashir-Dzoraget in 1065.

2. 2Haghpat - Sanahin - Akhtala - Kobayr⌄

   The monastery of Haghpat, founded by Queen Khosrovanush (wife of the Armenian King Ashot III) in AD 976, consists of one narthex, two corridor-sepulchers, a refectory, a scriptorium, the Chapel of Hamazasp, a belfry, several chapel-tombs and cross-stones (khachkars)․

   Sanahin used to be the administrative centre and family burial place of the Kyurikyan Bagratids (10th and 11th centuries), as well as the Episcopal residence for the diocese (until the 11th century). The Sanahin monastery contains 3 churches, narthex, scriptorium, belfry and academy.

   Akhtala is a 10th-century Armenian Apostolic Church monastery, with breathtaking frescoes. The fortress played a major role in protecting the north-western regions of Armenia (Gugark) and is among the most well preserved of all in modern Armenia.

   Kobayr is another remarkable architectural complexes of medieval times. It was built in the 12th-century. The main church has some partially restored frescoes and a detached 3th-century bell tower. There are also three chapels, one with a scenic balcony.