Khor Virap Monastery is located about an hour’s drive away from the capital Yerevan, and offers an amazing view of Armenia’s defining symbol – the majestic Ararat. Khor Virap translates as deep dungeon, and it was built on the place of the former royal prison, located on the historical site of Artashat. The Monastery is also one of the most sacred spots for Armenians around the world. This tour will also take you to the Areni Cave (Bird’s Cave). In 2008, archeologists discovered several of the world’s oldest artifacts, including a leather shoe and a winery here. The site, overlooking Arpa River near the town of Areni, is claimed to date back to the Early Bronze Age. It contains evidence of elaborate burial rituals and agricultural practices. Another place that can’t be missed is Noravank. It is one of the gems of medieval Armenian architecture, nestled high among the stunning brick-red cliffs at the end of the Gnishik Canyon. Afterwards, you will be given the chance to taste and even purchase Armenia’s renowned Areni wine, made from the oldest grape variety in the whole world. The wine is available in several wineries in the town of Areni itself.

Spend a day enjoying the stunning natural scenery and ancient monasteries of north-western Armenia. Check out a volcanic lake surrounded by mountains, admire the majestic lake-front Sevanavank Monastery, and see how nature blends with the architecture of the Haghartsin Monastery. Learn the stories of these historic places in English, Russian, and, depending on availability, in Armenian. The first stop is Sevan Lake, which at 1,900-meters above sea level is one of the world's greatest high-altitude freshwater lakes. The lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded by mountains of 3,000 meters and higher. Admire the beautiful landscape and the crystal waters as well as the medieval church complex built on the peninsula in 874. The next stop is Sevanavank Monastery, which was built on the peninsula in 874 by the order of King Ashot Bagratuni's daughter, Princess Mariam. The silhouette of the church against the background of the turquoise lake and blue sky is sure to impress.  Continue to Dilijan, a city on the banks of the Aghstev River surrounded by mountains and forests. Dilijan has the fame of a health resort as its warm sun, fresh air, and natural spas have a great healing influence on people. Take a break to have lunch at a cozy nearby restaurant before continuing to Goshavank Monastery, founded by the famous medieval scientist Mkhitar Gosh. The complex consists of several religious and secular buildings. Make sure to stop and admire the khachkar (Armenian cross-stone) situated in front of the basilica. One of the most famous Armenian symbols, this khachkar was carved by the skillful master Poghos in 1291. The last stop is Haghartsin Monastery, situated in the woodlands of the Tavush Region. Founded in the 10th-11th centuries, it consists of St. Grigor, St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), and St. Stepanos churches. The huge oak tree, which is almost the same age as the monastery, completes the whole scene and is a great example of architecture blending with nature over the years. The monastery has been recently renovated by the donation of Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, who was impressed by the monastery when visiting it. After a day full of exploring, return to the meeting point in an air-conditioned van.

The tour starts from the capital city of Armenia, Yerevan before traveling to the first stop of the day, Garni Temple. The temple, which was built in 77 AD, is the only remaining heathen temple of the post-Soviet era. The temple gracefully stands on a high plateau overlooking the Azat river gorge and has stunning views all around. At the temple, admire the on-site Greek-Roman bath house that holds a mosaic made from 30,000 pieces of natural stones, as well as the ruins of the royal palace, will dates back to the 3rd century AD. Next, visit the Geghard Monastery complex which symbolizes the lance with which the Roman centurion pierced Jesus after crucifixion. The lance was brought to Armenia and kept in the Geghard Monastery for many centuries, and the site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Your last stop before returning to Yerevan will be the gorge of "Symphony of stones." These rocks start from the beginning of the canyon and up to the highest point. The monument consists of huge paradoxically symmetric hexagon and pentagon basalt columns of nearly 100 meters high. Learn how the gorge got its name from its amazing resemblance to the church organ. Admire the many rocks in the gorge of the Azat River, which is included in the UNESCO heritage list.

If someone is planning to discover the gorgeous North of Armenia, then the ancient architectural masterpiece of Haghpat and Sanahin must be on one's list. The location and the atmosphere are great. The view is breathtaking. This bouth monasteries are situated in the picturesque Lori region dating back to X- XIII centuries. The "Mendz er" cave was probably a habitat of the first man, later turned into a hiding place, and not long ago it became a herd of goats. There are many famous and still to be discovered caves in Debed gorge, all with their own stories. It is said that the tunnel reaches Sanahin Monastery.

Start the tour at 10 AM by arriving at the local operator's office in Yerevan. After checking in, set off towards the Eastern part of Armenia in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. First, make a short stop at Charent's Arch where you can soak up the wonderful views to the biblical Mount Ararat. Them, head over to the Garni pagan temple which towers over a triangular cape. Admire the temple's blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles and see the ruins of the former royal palace with its stunning mosaics. After this, continue on to a masterpiece of 13th-century Armenian architecture at Geghard Monastery. Learn about how this cave monastery was believed to have housed the relic of the lance that pierced the side of Jesus as he hung on the cross. Experience its incredible construction which boasts fascinating acoustics which has served as a good place to sing spiritual songs. Marvel at some of the churches in the complex which are masterfully hewed into a huge rock. Discover how the complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars (cross-stones). Next up, stop for lunch at a cozy family-style restaurant called Abelyan House. Here, also watch the process of baking the Armenian lavash bread. Observe how the dough is rolled out flat and slapped against the hot walls of a clay oven. Have a good opportunity to participate in a lavash baking procedure. Savor the opportunity to taste it afterward with local cheese and greens. Following this, pop over to the amazing Lake Sevan, which is one of the world's greatest high altitude fresh-water lakes. Learn about how the lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded by mountains of 3000 m and higher. Immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape surrounded by crystal-clear water. Check out the medieval church complex of Sevanavank Monastery on the peninsular before you head off. Finally, hop back into the vehicle and take the return journey back to the meeting point in Yerevan where the tour concludes.

Discover Lake Sevan, Dilijan and more on a multi-stop guided trip from Yerevan. Start your trip by visiting one of the country’s most renowned landmarks: Lake Sevan. Merely an hour’s drive from the capital city of Yerevan, Sevan is situated at a height of 1900 m above sea level and surrounded by a vast chain of mountains. Then, prepare to be surrounded by incredible nature as you head to the north of Armenia. Visit the city of Dilijan before making a stop at the Monastery of Haghartsin, dating back to the 10th century. Haghartsin is one of those spots in Armenia that feels just like a movie set. The refectory of Haghartsin is one the biggest examples of Armenian Church architecture. It was an absolute innovation at the time it was constructed.

Khor Virap monastery is located about an hour’s drive away from the capital Yerevan, and offers an amazing view of Armenia’s defining symbol: the majestic Ararat. “Khor Virap” translates as “deep dungeon”, and was built on the place of the former royal prison, located on the historical site of Artashat. It was this very prison in which they detained Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholicos, for an entire 13 years. Your fantastic tour will introduce you to the exotic Pagan history of Armenia, before later introducing you to the development and spread of Christianity in the country. Your first stop will be Garni Temple (77 A.D.), which is the only standing heathen temple in the whole post-Soviet area. The temple is home to the Roman bath house with its mysterious mosaic which is made out of 30,000 pieces of natural stones, as well as the ruins of the royal palace which date back to the 3rd century A.D. The monastic complex of Geghard is another historical site included in this tour. Translated to “Monastery of the Holy Lance”, it refers to the lance with which Longinus pierced Jesus as he was still hanging on the cross. The complex is a representation of 13th-century Armenia, which is considered to be the golden age of the country’s architecture. The most astonishing part however is the virtue of the architect, who cut the church right into the solid rock whilst also considering all the rules of Armenian architecture. On your way to the temple, there will be another short stop at the Charents Arch where you will be given the chance to enjoy one of the best moments of your trip to Armenia: a picturesque view of the Biblical Mount Ararat.

Escape the busy city of Yerevan and travel into Southern Armenia towards the town of Areni, known for its spectacular history in winemaking and bearing the name of one of the oldest grape varieties in the world. Your first destination will be one of the region’s best vineyards to enjoy a tour of the winery and learn about the process of making wine. Discover the variety of grapes that are used here and taste some of the oldest wines of Armenia to get a real flavor of the region. Next, enjoy stunning scenic views on the drive towards the next destination, the ‘Wings of Tatev’. The ‘Wings of Tatev’ is the longest cable car in the world, measuring 6 km. Ride the cable car and admire the breathtaking scenery along the way, including the Harsnadzor Watchtower and Devil’s Bridge. Travel to the 9th Century Tatev monastery, which once was the educational and spiritual center of Armenia. Built on a high plateau in the Vorotan river gorge, the monastery is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and dense forests. Also visit the magnificent waterfall of Shaki.

Visit Armenia’s oldest and most well-known historical landmark, Mount Ararat. This private half-day tour takes you to the closest spot possible at Khor Virap Monastery for spectacular views of the snow-capped volcano. Located about an hour’s drive away from Yerevan, the monastery offers an amazing view of the majestic Mount Ararat. Explore Khor Virap and learn about the region’s history as a royal prison. This was the very prison where Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholic, was held for 13 years. It’s no surprise that the monastery serves as one of the most sacred spots in Armenia.   Discover more of Armenia’s sacred spots with a stop at Saint Hripsime Church, built on the sepulcher of the nun Hripsime and one of the oldest churches in the world. A short 5 minute drive away is the 7th-century church of Saint Gayane. From here visit the world’s first Christian Cathedral, the Holy Etchmiadzin. Built in 301-304, legend says that Jesus Christ descended here, where Gregory the Illuminator ordered to build the church. On the way back to Yerevan, the tour will conclude with a final stop at another beautiful 7th-century temple.

Tour to khor virap monastery with a stunning view of biblical mt ararat. Then continue driving to Areni village try one of the best wines in the country after visit noravank monastery ( XI-XIII c.) then visit tatev monastery, hear you should take a cable car and fly over the mountains about 5,5 km. This tour is one of the highlights of the country and one of the most beautiful.