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.

Explore the history and culture of Armenia on this day trip from Yerevan. Visit some of the most important landmarks in Armenia, including Mount Ararat, Khor Virap, and the Geghard Monastery complex. Make your first stop at the Khor Virap monastery and see firsthand from where Christianity in Armenia originates. Next on the route is the only pagan temple in Armenia – Garni, dating back to the 1st century. Then visit the 13th-century Geghard monastic complex, partially carved in the rock and included in the Unesco World Cultural Heritage List. Finally, see the lavash (Armenian thin bread) baking process and try some fresh out of the oven.

Meet at the office of the local partner in Yerevan at 10:00 AM. Travel out of the city towards the north-western region of Armenia. First, stop at the city of Tsaghkadzor, situated in the Kotayk region 50 kilometers north of the capital. This city is considered to be one of the most popular winter resorts in Armenia. Explore the city which is surrounded by picturesque mountains and forests. Visit the Kecharis Monastery which dates back to the 11th century.  The monastery consists of four churches and a half-destroyed mausoleum of Grigorius Pahlavuni, who financed the construction of the monastery. Next travel to the beautiful Lake Sevan, which is one of the world's highest fresh-water lakes, located about 1,900 meters above sea level. Enjoy a stroll beside the lake surrounded by tall mountain peaks. Admire the crystal-clear water of the lake in a truly tranquil location. Visit the nearby Sevanavank Monastery, which was built on the peninsula in the year 874. Admire the reflection of the churches on the still lake surface. Then, make your way to a restaurant located on the shore where you can enjoy some lunch, at your own expense. After lunch, be returned to the meeting point in Yerevan.

Start the tour at 10 AM with pick up from the local operator's office in Yerevan. Then, set off for Khor Virap, the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia. When you arrive, visit the monastery and learn about how it was built in the 17th century. Admire the picturesque views of the Biblical Mount Ararat. Next, head over to Birds Cave situated on the left bank of the Areni River. Explore the three halls, a large part of which still are yet to been explored. Learn about the archaeological findings which have been recovered from the cave including dried grapes, rope, dishes, clothing, and the oldest leather shoe in the world. Find out more about the ancient winery, which is believed to have existed since 4000 BC.   After this, stop for a lunch break at a cozy restaurant in a spectacular natural setting. Choose between 3 different meal options before arrival and pay on the spot - please note the cost of lunch is not included in the tour price. Then, learn a bit more about Hin Areni wine with a visit to the village winery. Enjoy a tour and tasting before admiring the architecture of the St Astvatsatsin Church. Then, drive along a narrow road flanked by impressive rock formations and numerous caves. Arrive at Noravank Monastery, which is one of the brightest examples of 13th-century Armenian architecture. Visit the churches of St Karapet, St Gregory the Illuminator, and St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) a two-storey church, admiring the incredible architecture and sculptural work. Finally, return back to the meeting point in Yerevan where your tour concludes.

Your tour starts at 10:00 AM from the local partner's head office in Yerevan. Drive to western Armenia, where your first stop is St. Echmiadzin, the main Armenian Apostolic Church. The Cathedral of Echmiadzin was founded at the beginning of the fourth century and is one of the oldest churches in the world. According to the legend, the church was built in the place where the apparition of Jesus Christ was seen to Gregory the Illuminator in a dream. Your next stop is St. Hripsime's Church, one of the famous ecclesiastical buildings in the city of Echmiadzin. This is the perfect example of cross-cupola churches in Armenia. The Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum is situated in the southeast section of the Cathedral. Unique holy relics and religious art are now housed in the museum.  Your last stop is Zvartnots Temple, which is a result of skillfulness and brave creativity of Armenian architects of the 7th century. At the end of your tour, return to the Yerevan city center.

In this tour you will depart from Yerevan to one of the largest high-mountain freshwater lakes in the world - Lake Sevan, the pearl of Armenia, located at an altitude of almost 2,000 meters above sea level. The embrace of mountain ranges protects this valuable fresh water reservoir with an area of 1,240 square kilometers. Sevan Peninsula is famous for its monastery complex Sevanavank, founded in the 8th - 9th centuries AD. Climbing up the slope of the monastery, you will have a panoramic view of Lake Sevan. In summer Lake Sevan pleases its guests with warm water, and all year round - with unforgettable tastes of the fish world. Here you can enjoy shashlyk of whitefish, trout, crayfish and try the famous delicacy lula kebab made of crayfish necks.

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.

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.