Along the Great Silk Road

This route passes through several historic regions of Armenia, linking ancient monasteries, medieval khachkars, caravan roads and centuries-old traditions of Armenian winemaking.

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

The complex's main church dates back to the 9th century. Ayravank stands on a rocky shore of Sevan, with sweeping views over the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Unlike the better-known Sevanavank, Ayravank usually has a calmer atmosphere, and the monastery's austere stone architecture stands out especially vividly against the backdrop of Sevan.

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

The old cemetery holds hundreds of stone crosses — khachkars — dating from different centuries. Each one is distinguished by its ornament, carving and composition.

The khachkar is a unique 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, travelers and caravans crossing the mountain pass.

The massive stone structure lets you picture how long-distance journeys through Armenia unfolded many centuries ago. People and caravans crossing the region's major trade routes used to stop here.

From there we head to Vayots Dzor, to one of Armenia's most beautiful medieval monasteries — Noravank.

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

Noravank is closely tied to the Orbelian princely family and to the name of the outstanding Armenian architect, sculptor and master craftsman Momik.

One of the complex's main monuments is the two-story Surb Astvatsatsin Church, built in the 14th century. Its unusual architecture and narrow outdoor staircase have become one of Noravank's trademarks.

We end the journey in Areni, one of Armenia's most famous winemaking areas.

A wine tour and tasting await us here.

During the winery visit you'll learn about the traditions of Armenian winemaking, find out more about the local grape varieties, and get to taste the wines of the region.

After a long journey through monasteries, khachkars and ancient caravan roads, Areni becomes the perfect atmospheric close to our day.

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

In a single day you'll see Sevan and Ayravank, the unique khachkars of Noratus, a medieval caravanserai in the mountains, the majestic Noravank, and get acquainted with the winemaking traditions of Areni.

This tour is especially appealing to those who love history, medieval architecture, mountain roads, Armenian culture and wine.

This journey is for those for whom simply driving up to a landmark isn't enough — who want to travel the roads that reveal a completely different side of Armenia.