Khor Virap – Areni – Noravank – Jermuk – Yeghegnadzor (overnight stay) – Selim Pass – Noratus – Ayrivank – Sevanavank

• Khor Virap an architectural monument of the XVII century, monastery-fortress, is located on the hill, near the village of Pokr Verdi. In ancient times here used to be a historical city Artashat,one of ancient capitals of Armenia. The Monastery is one of the saints of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the place of pilgrimage. On the site of the monastery-fortress there used to be czar’s prison ‘’Virap’’, a deep pit, filed with poisonous snakes and insects, where condemned prisoners were thrown. Here bore his anguishes Saint Grigor Lusavorich, the initiator of acceptance of Christianity in Armenia (301). According to a legend, he was imprisoned in the dungeon by the order of King Tiridates III and spent there 13 years.

• Village Areni  is one of the oldest villages of historical Syunik. The significance of the village was explained, first of all, by its geographical location on exit from a gorge, connecting Vayots Dzor with the valley of Sharur. Thereby, the village was not only a resting-place, but also an important military point. On the surrounding heights military fortifications were built. In the XIII century King Orbelyan Tarsaich built a palace here. By his order Bishop Sarkis (1265-1287) of Noravank built a three-arch bridge near Areni on the river, the foundation of which remained till our days. In 1321 by the order of Bishop Hovhannes of Syunik the architect Momik built St. Astvatsatsin Church in Areni.

• Noravank Monastery  is located among fancy sheer red cliffs at the mouth of a meandering gorge. The Monastery was founded in the XII century on the site of ancient buildings. In the days of King Orbelyan it became a major religious center, and in the XIV century – the residence of the Bishops of Syunik. The gorge is famous for sheer red cliffs, rising behind the Monatery, on the territory of which is located a two-story St. Astvatsatsin Church with narrow cantilevered staircases. This Church, the construction of which was finished in 1339, is considered the last masterpiece of a talented Armenian sculptor and miniaturist Momik. 

• Jermuk  is a balneological and climatic alpine resort. Here is located Jermuk Waterfall. Near the town are medieval cave complexes. The town is located at the height of 2100 meters in a picturesque place, where are Alpine meadows, mountain forests, rocks, and, of course, a lot of mineral thermal springs with different temperatures from 20 to 65 degree. The name ‘’Jermuk’’ itself is translated as warm. It’s rather interesting to visit the Drinking Gallery of Jermuk, where you can taste various types of mineral waters, which by their substance are belonged to hydrocarbonate-sulphate-sodium-silicic waters. By their chemical properties they are similar to the mineral waters of Zheleznovodsk and Karlovy Vary. Mineral water "Jermuk" is recommended for diseases - the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, nervous and immune systems.

• Yeghegnadzor (overnight stay)

• Selim Pass. This mountain pass is located at the height of 2500 meters, it’s a fast and comfortable way to reach from Lake Sevan to south of the country. The most beautiful sights of the vicinity open from the Pass. In ancient times through Salim Pass used to pass The Great Silk Road, the remembrance of which is Salim caravanserai, located under the pass. These caravanserais were used by the caravans, going usually to Europe or the East through Armenia. Selim caravanserai is located on the Great Silk Road, connecting Eastern Asia with the Mediterranean. The inscriptions above the entrance of the caravanserai fix the date of the beginning and finishing the construction of it. The first stone of the caravanserai was laid in 1326, and the construction was finished in 1332.

• Noratus is an old Armenian village located in Gegharkunik region, 4 km from the town of Gavar. In the XVI century Noratus was the residence of Armenian Meliks (Kings). There was the largest cemetery with khachkars – cross-stones, on the territory of modern Armenia. The characteristic feature of most cross-stones is a cross with the solar disk under it. The rest of the stone is decorated with the images of leaves, brunches of grapes, pomegranates and abstract patterns. Most of the khachkars in Noratus cemetery go back to the XIII-XVII centuries, the most ancient goes back to the V century.

• Ayrivank Church is located on a craggy cape on the east coast of Lake Sevan, in the village of the same name, and refers to the IX-XII centuries.

• Sevanavank Monastery  is 6 km west from the town of Sevan, on Sevan peninsula. Before the shallowing of the lake, the peninsula was a small island, separated from the land by a three-kilometer stride. At the end of the VIII century a few monarchs settled there. The congenial location of the island contributed to the enlargement of the monastic brethren and the dynamic construction of the Monastery.