Things to do in

Mount Ararat

Embark on a journey of discovery and exploration as you uncover the rich heritage and natural beauty of Armenia. From ancient monasteries to picturesque landscapes, this tour promises an unforgettable experience filled with history, culture, and culinary delights. Begin your journey at the iconic Khor Virap Monastery, where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years. Marvel at the breathtaking views of Mount Ararat and immerse yourself in the history of Christianity in Armenia. Journey to Vayots Dzor and explore the majestic Noravank Monastery, a masterpiece of Armenian architecture set amidst stunning landscapes. Learn about its rich history and significance in Armenian culture. Explore the life and works of the renowned Armenian poet Paruyr Sevak at his house-museum. Continue your adventure to the picturesque city of Jermuk, renowned for its natural springs and resorts. Visit the Jermuk Mineral Water Gallery and taste mineral water of different temperatures, known for its healing properties. Conclude your journey with a visit to Areni Winery, where you'll indulge in a wine tasting experience. Sample different types of Armenian wines and discover the rich flavors of the region.

You will be picked up from your hotel where the tour will start at 10:00 am and last approximately 4 to 5-hours. The first stop is Garni, a Pagan Temple referred to as the well-known symbol of pre-Christian Armenia that was converted into a royal summer house. After exploring the grand structure, you will then stop at Ararat ARC where you'll have a fantastic view to mount Ararat, a snow capped dormant volcano situated in Turkey. From here, you will visit the UNESCO listed Geghard Monastery Complex. Some of the churches are situated in caves, whilst others are dug out of the surrounding rock surface. You will then be transferred back to Yerevan.

Unleash Your Inner Adventurer: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Epic Scenery with Wine Tasting in Armenia. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or simply looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, the tour to Khor Virap and wine tasting in the fields overlooking Mount Ararat is a must-visit. Don't miss out on this chance to taste, explore, and create unforgettable memories in Armenia! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that blends history, culture, and epic scenery with a touch of wine and good taste! The tour to Khor Virap and wine tasting in the fields overlooking Mount Ararat promises to be an extraordinary experience for anyone looking to explore the best of Armenia. Itinerary: Step into the historic Armenian monastery of Khor Virap, and be transported back in time. This stunning site offers breathtaking views of the legendary Mount Ararat, a sacred mountain that holds a special place in Armenian culture. Here, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the rich history of the monastery, learn about its significance, and take in the stunning panoramic views from its terrace. But the adventure doesn't stop there! After exploring Khor Virap, it's time to raise a glass and savor the best of Armenian wines in the fields overlooking Mount Ararat. This region is renowned for its vineyards and its stunning natural beauty, and you'll get to taste some of the finest wines the country has to offer. As you savor each sip, let your eyes wander across the rolling hills and lush vineyards, with Mount Ararat rising in the distance, providing a stunning backdrop to the wine tasting experience.

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.

Day Trip to 6 Locations from Yerevan: Symphony of Stones, The Arch of Charents, Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Khor Virap, Azat Reservoir Embark on a captivating day trip from Yerevan, exploring six unique and historically rich locations. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, ancient architecture, and cultural heritage, making it an unforgettable experience for any traveler. 1. Symphony of Stones Begin your journey at the Symphony of Stones, located in the Garni Gorge. This natural wonder is renowned for its towering basalt columns, resembling an organ pipe symphony. Formed by volcanic activity and erosion, these hexagonal columns create a striking and otherworldly landscape. Walking among these natural formations is a humbling experience, offering countless photo opportunities. 2. The Arch of Charents Next, visit the Arch of Charents, a stunning viewpoint that offers panoramic vistas of the Armenian landscape, including the majestic Mount Ararat. This stone arch is named after the famous Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents, who often drew inspiration from this spot. The breathtaking views and the serene atmosphere make it a perfect stop for reflection and admiration of Armenia’s natural beauty. 3. Garni Temple Continue to the Garni Temple, the only standing Greco-Roman colonnaded building in Armenia and the former Soviet Union. Dating back to the 1st century AD, this temple dedicated to the sun god Mihr is a masterpiece of classical architecture. Wander through its ancient columns and learn about its fascinating history, including its role as a royal summer residence. The temple’s location, overlooking the Azat River Gorge, adds to its majestic aura. 4. Geghard Monastery A short drive from Garni brings you to the Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site partially carved out of a mountain. This medieval monastery, named after the holy lance that pierced Jesus Christ’s side, is renowned for its intricate rock-cut architecture and historical significance. Explore its chapels, tombs, and caves, and feel the spiritual ambiance that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. 5. Khor Virap Journey onwards to Khor Virap Monastery, one of Armenia’s most revered religious sites. Located near the border with Turkey, it offers unparalleled views of Mount Ararat. This monastery is historically significant as the place where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before he helped convert Armenia to Christianity in 301 AD. The picturesque setting and deep historical roots make Khor Virap a must-visit. 6. Azat Reservoir Conclude your day at the Azat Reservoir, a tranquil spot surrounded by stunning landscapes. This man-made lake, nestled in the rugged terrain, offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Enjoy the serene waters and the beautiful views, making it an ideal place to relax and reflect on your day of exploration.

Armenia is famous for many sights but one place is special and resonates in the soul of every armenian! The Khor Virap Monastery is located near the capital, offering a fascinating view of the biblical Mount Ararat."Khor Virap" translates as "deep dungeon". The monastery was built on the site of the former royal dungeon, where Gregory the Illuminator, the first Catholicos of Armenia, was held for 13 years. Therefore, it is not surprising that this is one of the most sacred places for Armenians from all over the world. Admiring the views and taking a lot of great photos, we will head to the winery. Tushpa is one of the oldest private wineries. Wines of Tushpa have been known since the 90s which combines Armenian grapes and passionate winemaking in one of the most ancient terroirs in the world, the Ararat Valley. The winery is located right next to the vineyard. The traditions of making wine and cognac originate from Van, where the ancestors of the owner of the factory came from. Serving wine of its own production to Pope Francis was a great honor for the Tushpa company.

The tour starts early in the morning at 7:00 am. After breakfast, you'll be on the road. The first destination is Khor Virap which is the closest stop to mount Ararat. Then, you'll continue the trip to Areni Wine Factory. After some wine tastings and even some shopping, you'll head to Halidzor village where you'll hop on the longest cable car in the world covering a distance of almost 6km. While enjoying breathtaking views from above Vorotan gorge, you''ll reach Tatev monastery complex, which is one of the largest monasteries in Armenia. Then, you'll return to Halidzor village with cable car again and continue the tour to Noravank monastery, the only only place where you can see father God's face carved. Enjoy lunch with fantastic views of red cliffs and then return to Yerevan.

Experience the rich history and stunning architecture of Armenia on a day trip to the Khor Virap monastery, Garni Pagan Temple, and Geghard Monastery from Yerevan. After pickup at your hotel in Aravan, head toward the Khor Virap Monastery with your guide. Once there, admire the breathtaking view of Mount Ararat from the monastery where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years. Next, continue to the Garni Temple, the only pagan temple in the region. Once there, marvel at the magnificent temple, a unique example of Hellenistic architecture in the region, and hear about its history from your guide. Afterward, visit the Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site carved into the cliffs, for a truly unforgettable experience. After a day of cultural and religious adventure with stunning views, return to Yerevan for drop-off at your hotel.

Day 1: Yerevan- Akhalkhalaki- Georgia-Turkey border-Bayadet Our first day will start with the road trip Armenia-Georgia-Turkey.First, we will visit Ani, the city of thousand and one chruches.Then, after having a walk in Ani, we will take the direction to Bayazet. Hikers will take an overnight in a high quality hotel of Bayazet. Day 2: Ararat Base Camp (3300 m) The next day we will approach up to 2200 meters by offroad cars and, where we will begin hiking.After 4-5 hours of hiking, the group will get to the first base camp at the altitiude of 3300 m, where they will have an overnight in the base camp in tents. Day 3: Ararat Base Camp (4200 m)-Acclimatization In the morning the group will climb to the second base camp at 4200 m, where hikers will have a rest and get prepared for the lasy push to the summit.Overnight will be at 4200 m(second base camp). Day 4: Ararat Summit (5137m) At 2:00-3:00am we will start to climb to the summit.When the group reaches the top of Mt. Ararat, we will celebrate our successful ascent and take some photos.Afterwards, the group will start to descent to the cap located at 4200 m, then to the camp at 3300 m and will take an overnight there. Day 5: Transfer to the hotel in Bayazet After breakfast hikers will ho down to the base camp and will be transferred to the hotel in Bayazet and will have a rest.In the evening we will celebrate our ascent. Day 6: Bayazet-Lake Van-Berki Waterfall-Akhtamar Island In the morining our group will arrive in Van.We will visit the amazing Berkri waterfall on the road, Armenian St. Cross Church in Akhtamar.Afterwards, the group will arrive in Tushpa fortress(Van castle 9th century B.C.)where the mausoleums of the rartian kings(Sarduri and Argishti) cuneiform inscriptions have been preserved.Next, participants will have an opportunity to see mysterious rock gate (Mher's door" or "The Gates of God", and then we will return to Bayazet and take an overnight there. Day7: Kars- Ani- Yerevan In the morning the group will go to Kars, will see the Castle of Kars (12th century) and the Cathedral of Kars(Holy Apostoles church, 10th century). Then we will head to Yerevan. During the climbing Mt Ararat, hikers items and stuff will be transferred by horses. Depending on weather conditions,perhaps we can have one more overnight on the mountain which is not an extra charge.