This unique and unusual journey of discovery, visits three very different countries in the shadow of mighty Mount Ararat: Armenia, Iran and Turkey. These lands have been a major gateway between Europe and Asia for millennia and their histories are intertwined. Our aim is to investigate their treasure trove of ancient and religious sites which dot our route as we circumnavigate the mountain, discovering the three lakes of Sevan, Orumiyeh and Van, along our way.
Armenia & Lake Sevan
Arriving in Yerevan, we explore the streets of the capital, home to some of the former Soviet Union's finest architecture, before striking out to the Greco-Roman temple of Garni and the fascinating monasteries of Gegard, Noravank and Zvartnots. Travelling into the mountains along one of the old Silk Roads, we overnight by the shores of peaceful Lake Sevan, then follow in the footsteps of travellers of old, to the 14th century Selim Caravanserai. Crossing the Bargushat Range, we stop for the night in rural Kapan.
Tabriz & Orumiyeh
Crossing the Aras River into Iran, we enter a region once heavily populated by Armenian Christians. We visit two of their most famous churches, St Stephens" at Jolfa and St Thaddeus", the Qareh Kalisa or "Black Church" near the Turkish border at Maku. We also explore the mosques and bazaars of Tabriz and dramatically located fort of Takht- i-Soleiman, home to one of the 4 sacred fires of Zoroastrianism. Historic Orumiyeh is our base for further exploration of an ethnically diverse region; Azeri, Kurds, Turkmen, Persians and Armenians live side by side.
Mount Ararat & Lake Van
Crossing our final border into Turkey, we continue our journey on spectacular roads around Mount Ararat (5165m), the legendary resting place of Noah's Ark. After visiting the ancient Armenian city of Ani and the eclectic Isak Pasha Palace near Dogubeyazit we arrive at the lakeside at Van, capital city of the Urartians. Here we enjoy a boat trip to Akdamar Island to visit the well-preserved 10th century Church.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Join Yerevan; city tour. 2 AM visit Zvartnots and Echmiadzin monasteries; PM visit Garni and Gegard. 3 Visit Noravank monastery and Areni village. 4 Drive Alaverdi via Amberd fortress and Akhpat. 5 Drive Lake Sevan via Dilijan. 6 Drive Kapan via Noraduz cemetery and Selim Caravanserai. 7 Drive Tabriz (Iran) via Meghri and Jolfa. 8 AM visit Kandavan cave houses; PM in Tabriz. 9 Drive Takab via Takht-i-Soleiman fort. 10 Drive Orumiyeh via Hasanlu hill. 11 In Orumiyeh. 12 Drive Maku via Goschi and Qareh Kalisa. 13 AM visit Baqcheh Juq Palace; drive Kars (Turkey). 14 AM visit Ani; PM Kars city tour. 15 Drive Dogubeyazit, visit Isak Pasha Palace; drive Van via Muradiye Falls. 16 Visit Cavustepe site and Hosap Castle; PM Visit Rock Of Van (optional). 17 Boat trip on Lake Van to Akdamar Island; PM In Van. 18 Fly Ankara. 19 End Ankara.
Accommodation: 18nts hotel; 18 breakfasts and 12 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/Boat/Flight.
Comment: A fascinating and unusual off-the-beaten-track journey, focusing on the awesome scenery and diverse cultural sites of the region in a circumnavigation of Mount Ararat. Alcohol is prohibited in Iran and a strict dress code applies. Please see dossier for details.
Group: Approx. 15 to 20.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader, some local guides and driver(s).
Trip Reference: YA
