#305: PRIVATE Guided tour to Sevan lake, Noratus, Selim, Noravank & Khor Virap
This is a circle trip that covers several destinations in one tour.
This tour is perfect for people who have a shortage of time but wish to see the diverse landscape of Armenia.
In this tour first, we will cover the Hayravank church next to Sevan lake and then stop in the cemetery Noradus not far. Hayravank is an old Armenian church right on the coast in the top of the hill from where opens a beautiful view to the lake. In Noradus cemetery is the biggest collection of Armenian khachkars. Khachkar in translation means crossed stone. These unique masterpieces are Armenian alternatives to Catholic icons. Every khachkar is unique and has different symbols and ornaments on it.
After this, we will continue our tour to the direction of ancient Caravanserai built by the Orbelyan dynasty. This was a resting point for the caravans that passed by silk road from China to Europe.
The next stop of the tour will be the Noravank church situated among the red rocks of the Vayots Dzor region. The road to hear pass through the gorge of birds that is an incredible natural site itself.
The last landmark of the tour is the Khor Virap monastery located in Ararat valley next to the biblical Mount Ararat.
By request, some other destinations can be added to this tour. In particular, a short hick can be organized to the ruins of Smbataberd fortress, which is located not far from Selim Caravanserai.
In another version of the tour, you can visit Areni winery, where you will see how Armenian wine is produced and will make a degustation.