Itinerary

1. Armenia Highlights Tour

   • Connect with your tour guide at the meeting point to start the program itinerary.
   • Begin by visiting the St. Astvatsatsin Monastery in Bjni, located on the northern edge of the village in the Kotayk region of Armenia. It was built by Grigor Magistros Pahlavuni in 1031, by order of King Hovhannes Smbat and Catholicos Petros I Getadardz.
   • Continue to St. Sargis Church, located in the northeastern part of Bjni village, on the top of a hill. It is a domed cross made of polished tuff, and it was built in the 7th century.
   • Then, head to Bjni Fortress, one of the most famous buildings in the Kotayk region of Armenia. For many years it was believed that the Bjni fortress was built in the 10-11 centuries by the princes of Pahlavuni. However, during excavations in the 1970s, more ancient structures were discovered, particularly the walls of churches, a palace, residential buildings, a reservoir and an underground tunnel. There is a widespread myth that King Ashot II Erkat (royal dynasty of Bagratuni) lived in this fortress for some time. By the way, the underground tunnel leading to the Hrazdan River is still there. However, for security reasons, you will not be allowed to go through it.
   • Next, proceed to Tsakhkadzor, a city in the Kotayk region located at an altitude of 1841m above sea level. Here is a 6 km long ropeway that leads to the top of Mount Teghenis.
   • Afterwards, go to the Orbeli Brothers House-Museum, which was opened on July 6, 1982, as part of the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Academician Levon Orbeli. The purpose of the house museum is to preserve on to future generations of the caring values and material testimonies associated with the name of the Orbeli brothers. The museum is under the subordination of the RA Ministry of Culture.
   • Later, move to the Kecharis Monastery complex, located in the northwestern part of Tsakhkadzor. In harmony with the natural environment, this magnificent complex with architectural solutions includes four churches, a courtyard, chapels and about thirty khachkars (XI-XVII centuries). The monastic complex was formed and completed in the XI-XIII centuries by the efforts of the Pahlavuni and Proshyan princes. Kecharis was one of the famous cultural and ecclesiastical centres of Armenia, where the gifted politician, philosopher Grigor Magistros Pahlavuni, Prince Vasak Khaghbakyan, famous architect Vetsik, the monk of the monastery, poet Khachatur Kecharetsi and others lived and worked. Kecharis was the center of writing. Dozens of Armenian manuscripts written and copied here have been preserved and have reached us.