Day 3

We had a latish start and headed for a Caravanserai from 1332 built by an Orbelian prince for the travelling traders. This long building accommodated the travellers and their animals on their long trek along the Great Silk Road.

We then went to the Noratus Cemetry, noted for its collection of over 100 khachkars or cross-stones. We looked around these and also noted the Cradle Stones and the intricate carving telling the stories of those they commemmorated.

Nearby was the Mikaelyan Family Farm where we were shown how they made their various different cheeses including some rubbed with brandy during the maturation process. We were very happy to lunch with a tasting board of their cheeses and a glass of local white wine.

In the afternoon, we visited the Hayravank monastery beside Lake Sevan, the largest lake in the Caucuses, before going to our hotel by the lakeside.