Things to do in Artashat

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. 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. Conclude your day with a visit to the charming village of Areni, famous for its winemaking tradition. Here, you’ll visit a local winery to taste a selection of fine Armenian wines, including the renowned Areni variety.

We will drive to Ancient Artashat, the ancient capital of Armenia, also called Armenian Carthage, because the city was trusted to build Hannibal Bark who was the leader of Carthage. Here you will see the best views of Ararat mountain and the nearest point mountain Ararat and the border of Armenia and Turkey. In Khor Virap, a very famous jail where St. Gregory was set and survived for 13 years is located. You will have the chance to enter that jail and see it from inside. After spending time there, embark on a 40-minute drive back to Yerevan and finish your beautiful trip.

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.

Although there are various historical landmarks in Armenia, the oldest and most well-known is probably the Biblical Mount Ararat. This tour promises spectacular views from the closest spot possible to the mountain. The Khor Virap monastery is located about an hour’s drive away from the capital of 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 kept Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholic, for a whole 13 years. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that this place is one of the most sacred spots for Armenians around the world. This tour will introduce you to the exotic Pagan history of Armenia, and show you the later development and spread of Christianity in the country. Garni Temple (77 A.D.) is the only standing heathen temple in the whole post-Soviet area. The temple stands on a high plateau overlooking the Azat River gorge. It is also home to the roman bath house with its mysterious mosaic, made out of 30,000 pieces of natural stones, as well as the ruins of the royal palace, dating back to 3rd Century A.D. The monastic complex of Geghard is another historical site included in this private tour. 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 is that this church is cut out right into the solid rock. Beautiful lake Sevan is situated close by, surrounded by a vast chain of mountains. After climbing a flight of stairs to the Sevan peninsula, enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view of the lake. At the top is a monastery, built by Princess Mariam to honor the life of her deceased husband in the 9th Century. Sevanavank is also home to one of the most beautiful Amenaprkich (all savior) Khachkars of Armenia, one of the 13 rarest crosstones depicting Jesus.

Although there are various historical landmarks in Armenia, the oldest and most well-known is the Biblical Mount Ararat. This tour promises spectacular views of the mountain from the closest spot possible. The Khor Virap Monastery is located about an hour’s drive away from the capital of Yerevan, and it 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. Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholic, was detained in this prison for 13 years. The Monastery is therefore one of the most sacred spots for Armenians around the world. Discover its beauty and history for yourself on this tour.