About this experience
This day will gift you a meeting with Armenia's cultural and religious heritage, with its history and wondrous nature. You will set off on a journey to the south of Yerevan - to hear the legends of the monasteries of Khor Virap and Noravank, taste Armenian wines, see the caves in Areni, admire the mighty Ararat, and better understand the country's past.
What to expect
Khor Virap Monastery at the foot of Ararat
Admiring the sunny valleys with vineyards, you will find yourself in the cradle of Christianity in Armenia - the fortress monastery of Khor Virap. I will tell you about the times when it was a stronghold, and when our country was the first in the world to declare Christianity as the official religion. Here you will discover the features of khachkars - traditional Armenian stone crosses. And enjoy the breathtaking view of the biblical Mount Ararat - hopefully, you will be lucky with the weather!
After Khor Virap, we will drive past a small village where storks nest on every house - this landscape charms travelers from early spring to early autumn.
Armenian wines and the cave in Areni
The winding mountain roads will lead us to the land of Armenian vineyards. In a village where indigenous grape varieties Areni and Voskeat grow, you will taste several types of wine: homemade from locals, young sparkling in season, and wines in the hall in authentic cellars. Next, you will visit a real cave: you will walk under its vaults, and the local caretaker will talk about artifacts found during excavations.
Noravank Monastery surrounded by crimson cliffs
The final destination of the journey is an ancient sanctuary located on a picturesque plateau. You will be imbued with the beauty and energy of this place, and I will complement your impressions with new knowledge: share a legend about the construction of Noravank, talk about its historical path and the symbolism of the stairs.
Organizational details
- Payment for the tour is made in cash in drams at the exchange rate on the day of the tour
- The tour will be conducted by me or another professional guide from our small friendly team
- The duration of the tour on the website is indicated as 6.5 hours. This is the minimum duration. Since this is a group tour, experience shows that we return to the city around 19:00 (in summer, possibly at 19:45). So, if you have a flight or other important plans in the evening, please consider possible delays.
Additional expenses:
- Wine tasting - from 1500 drams per person
- Entrance to the cave - 1000 drams per person
- Lunch at a family restaurant (optional) - 6000 drams per person. You can also bring your own snack.
