1. Tatev Monastery
To have an accurate idea of the culture, architecture and history of Armenia, a visit to the Tatev Monastery is one of the must-haves. St. Paul and Peter Church, built in 906, is considered one of the best structures of the time. The colossal church stands on the very edge of the gorge, at the edge of the abyss. One of the favourite places of Armenians once was a university, and a few centuries later, it even became a centre of the liberation movement, led by the greatest hero of the Armenian people, Garegin Nzhdeh.
2. Khndzoresk swinging bridge
A place where you will see an accumulation of rocks and you will hardly believe that there were residential districts there, and the population of Khndzoresk reached 10-15 thousand at the beginning of the last century. People lived in rock-hewn houses until the 1950s. Being a village of historical importance, Khndzoresk is often mentioned in the pages of the national struggle. The grave of Mkhitar Sparapet is here, who was one of the leaders of the liberation movement in the 18th century. The entirety of this cavernous village is completed by the swinging bridge built over the gorge, up to 63 meters high and 160 meters long. By the way, the name is also related to the depth of the gorge, which was originally Khordzoresk.
*In case of bad weather, the visit to Hndzoresk Waterfall may be replaced with a scenic tour of Old Goris, ensuring you still enjoy the region’s unique charm and history.
3. Shaki Waterfall
Shaki waterfall completes the indescribable scenery of nature. The 16-meter-high waterfall tells a beautiful legend, according to which a girl named Shaki is saved by its waters. This jewel of nature in the south of Armenia is a favorite place for both locals and tourists.
*In case of bad weather, the visit to Shaki Waterfall may be replaced with a stop at the scenic Harsnadzor Viewpoint, ensuring you still enjoy stunning views of the region.
4. Areni Wine Factory
At the end of the tour, we visit the center of winemaking in the village of Areni, where we are hosted by the Areni Wine Factory. Our guests can taste different types of Armenian wines, including those made from Areni grapes. We will also see the cellar, where the wines are stored, and on the upper floor, there's a nice cafe.
