Bjni (church, optional walking to fortress), Tsaghkadzor (Kecharis, Ropeway), new church of Abovyan, "Kotayk" beer factory

This tour starts at 10.00 am from central Yerevan. You will be driven to the North-Western part of Armenia. The first stop is St. Astvatsatsin monastery of Bjni was founded in 1031. It is the main church of the monastery was built by Grigor Magistros (Master) Pahlavuni. An Episcopal chair should have been established here. The monastery of Bjni, also known as "Master's Seminary", used to be the centre of Mediaval Armenian manuscripts. In 1637 French traveler Sharden spent a night here. Later he gave the description of the monastery in his travel notes. From the church one can walk to the fortress of Bjni. It is located in 20 minutes walking distance on upland promontory, surrounded by impregnable rocks. The exact date of its founding is not known. It is referred beginning from the early Middle Ages. In 10thcentury the ancient fortress on cliffs was rebuilt by Pahlavuni princes and transformed into a powerful fortress of Medieval Armenia. A legend is connected with the monastery of Bjni. It is said, that the fortress and the monastery of Bjni were joint by underground way, through which, with the help of four-wheeled carts food and drinks were carried to prisoners. During excavations some part of underground passage was revealed.

Next stop is Tsaghkadzor city (Valley of flowers) considered to be one of the most popular winter resorts of Armenia. It is one of the places of the mountainous country, where the beauty of the nature appears with its whole variety. Tsaghkadzor is situated in Kotayk region, 50 kilometers North from Yerevan, on the eastern slope of Teghenis Mountain and is surrounded with virginal woods and alpine meadows.

Kecharis monastery is also situated in the north-western part of Tsakhkadzor. It was built in 11-13th centuries. The monastery consists of four churches and a half-destroyed mausoleum of Grigorius Pahlavuni, who financed building the monastery.
Next up is the lunch break that will be held in a local restaurant. One can choose the meal between 4 offered options in the vehicle before arrival to the restaurant and pay on the spot.

After lunch see St. Hovhannes Mkrtich church of Abovyan: The church of St. Hovhannes Mkrtich was founded on August 24, 2006. Its consecration ceremony was held on May 14, 2013. The church was built with the help of Mr. Gagik Tsarukyan's charity. Around 40 sculptors and gem-masters participated in the sculptural works of the luxuriously built temple with the height of 50 meters.

And finally visit local beer factory "Kotayk", see how Armenian beer is being produced and taste several types of refreshing beer. You will then return to central Yerevan.