Things to do in Syunik Province

Begin your journey with a ride of "Wings of Tatev" cable car (optional, tickets are not included), a stunning aerial journey offering panoramic views of Armenia's landscape (optional, ticket not included). The ride offers stunning panoramic views of the Vorotan River Gorge and the surrounding landscape, making it a popular attraction for tourists visiting the region. Alternatively, you can opt for a picturesque drive by car to reach Tatev Monastery. Upon arrival, explore this 9th-century architectural wonder, where ancient stone walls whisper stories of the past. Next, take a brief stop at a breathtaking observation point to capture the beauty of the Armenian countryside. The adventure continues with a visit to Shaki Waterfall, where the cascading waters provide a serene backdrop for memorable photos and moments of reflection. Conclude your day with a delightful wine tasting session, where you’ll sample some of Armenia’s finest wines.

Your tour begins at 8:30AM from the local operator's head office in Yerevan. From there, depart for the southern part of Armenia, beginning with Khor Virap. Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity in the country. As a state religion Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavours of Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Before converting King Tridates the 3rd to Christianity, Saint Gregory was imprisoned in the dungeon under the present day church of Khor Virap monastery was built in the 17th Century. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat. Passing a narrow road surrounded by rocks of a hundred caves, you can then discover the Noravank Monastery. It is enshrined with fine architectural solutions, with its luxurious embellishments forming one of the brightest examples of Armenian architecture of the 13th Century. Noravank consists of St. Karapet, St. Gregory the Illuminator's churches, and St. Astvatsatsin, a two-story church which is notable for its ideal constructive and sculptural work. Take a break for lunch in a nice cozy restaurant surrounded by nature. There you can can choose a meal from 3 available options, payable on the spot. The next stop is the Tatev Monastery, which used to be wealthiest medieval monastery in Armenia. Besides being a religious center, it was also the important strategical center of the Syunik Kingdom. Being situated on a naturally defended place, the monastery has always been an impregnable fortress.  Take the aerial tramway called the "Wings of Tatev", a 5.7-kilometer rope-way which was built within 11 months. It passes through a deep gorge of the Vorotan River, and is covered with lush forests. The tramway is supported by three towers between its two terminals, one terminal is on a hill overlooking the village of Halidzor, and the other is near the Tatev Monastery. Following the rope-way, your tour concludes with drop-off back at the operator's head office in Yerevan.

1. Tatev Monastery To have an accurate idea of the culture, architecture and history of Armenia, a visit to the Tatev Monastery is one of the must-haves. St. Paul and Peter Church, built in 906, is considered one of the best structures of the time. The colossal church stands on the very edge of the gorge, at the edge of the abyss. One of the favourite places of Armenians once was a university, and a few centuries later, it even became a centre of the liberation movement, led by the greatest hero of the Armenian people, Garegin Nzhdeh. 2. Khndzoresk swinging bridge A place where you will see an accumulation of rocks and you will hardly believe that there were residential districts there, and the population of Khndzoresk reached 10-15 thousand at the beginning of the last century. People lived in rock-hewn houses until the 1950s. Being a village of historical importance, Khndzoresk is often mentioned in the pages of the national struggle. The grave of Mkhitar Sparapet is here, who was one of the leaders of the liberation movement in the 18th century. The entirety of this cavernous village is completed by the swinging bridge built over the gorge, up to 63 meters high and 160 meters long. By the way, the name is also related to the depth of the gorge, which was originally Khordzoresk. 3. Shaki waterfall Shaki waterfall completes the indescribable scenery of nature. The 16-meter-high waterfall tells a beautiful legend, according to which a girl named Shaki is saved by its waters. This jewel of nature in the south of Armenia is a favorite place for both locals and tourists. 4. Areni wine factory At the end of the tour, we visit the center of winemaking in the village of Areni, where we are hosted by the Areni Wine Factory. Our guests can taste different types of Armenian wines, including those made from Areni grapes. We will also see the cellar, where the wines are stored, and on the upper floor, there's a nice cafe.

One-day out of Yerevan for exploring Armenia during this cultural trip to Tatev Monastery. Discover three beautiful monasteries during this full-day private tour. Visit Khor Virap Monastery on the biblical Mount Ararat and the beautiful medieval Noravank Monastery with its Holy Mother of God Church before stopping for lunch. Visit Shaki waterfall. End the tour with a ride on the Wings of Tatev cable car (the world’s longest non-stop ropeway) to the Tatev Monastery considered to be the wealthiest medieval monastery in Armenia. Khor Virap – Armenian monastery, built in 642, translated from Armenian means “deep hole”. Khor Virap is one of the shrines of the Armenian Apostolic Church, a place of pilgrimage. The most interesting fact of this monastery is the fact that it was built on the site of the royal prison, where Gregory the Illuminator was previously imprisoned – the patron saint and the first official head of the Armenian Apostolic Church by the Armenian king for 13 years. From the territory of the monastery there is an unusual view of the biblical mountain Ararat. Areni is the birthplace of winemaking. Viticulture on the territory of Armenia originated many years before our era. In Armenia, grows a lot of wild vineyard, and a large number of local varieties of grapes. And here there is the oldest winery of Armenia, where you can taste the most delicious wine from the best varieties of grapes. Noravank Monastery is among the wonderful steep red rocks on the ledge of a meandering gorge. It was founded in the 12th century on the site of ancient buildings. Complex Noravank, thanks to the magnificent creations of medieval architects and its location on the background of a beautiful landscape, leaves an indelible impression. It is one of the majestic monuments of the Armenian medieval architecture. The Shaki Waterfall is situated in the Syunik region. It provides the most relaxing and wonderful ambiance for everyone. On the left side of the river Vorotan, basalt lava flows have solidified to form a ledge 18 meters high from which the waterfall cascades down. Waterfall visit is available from MAR 15 to NOV 15, up to 5:00 pm. Tatev Monastery is a 9th-century historical monument. It is one of the oldest and most famous monastery complexes in Armenia. Tatev Monastery was a vital scholastic, enlightenment, and spiritual center and played a singular role in the country’s history. Wings of Tatev is the aerial tramway to the natural and historic treasures of Syunik. Wings of Tatev is: -The shortest, most picturesque and impressive route to Tatev Monastery; -The longest reversible cableway in the world (5752 m), recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. -Winner of world's leading cable car award as per World Travel Award 2021 -Twelve minutes of unforgettable flight above the ravine of the fierce Vorotan River; -Celestial highway at the altitude of 320 m; -Cutting-edge engineering solutions by Austrian-Swiss Doppelmayr/ Garaventa Group.

Get an unforgettable experience with this offer & get ready in order to explore: Day 1: Yerevan - Khor Virap - Etchmiadin - Zvartnots - Vernissage - Yerevan • Khor Virap Monastery, one of the most important sanctuaries of Armenians, located at the foot of the biblical Mount Ararat. • Etchmiadzin Cathedral - the religious center for all the Armenian. Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301. The cathedral was listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2000. • Hripsime Church, listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, was built by the order of the Catholicos Komitas in 618. • Also, you will visit Zvartnots Cathedral, one of the medieval Armenian cathedrals built in the seventh century. The ruins of Zvartnots Temple are designated by Unesco as World Heritage Site. • The last stop is Vernissage, a large open-air exhibition-market in Yerevan, where you will find anything and everything. Day 2: Yerevan - Garni -Symphony of Stones - Geghard - Lake Sevan - Yerevan • Garni Temple is the only preserved pagan temple in the entire territory of the Caucasus. The construction dates back to the second half of the 1st century and was dedicated to the Sun God. After the Christianization of Armenia, the temple was used as a royal residence. • Symphony of Stones is a natural monument and protected by law. This is one of the must-see places of Armenia. • Geghard which is a medieval monastery declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. According to tradition The Geghard Monastery was founded by Saint Gregory in the 4th century on the site of a sacred spring. The peculiar character of the construction is reflected in its austerity and the magnificent natural scenery of the canyon, surrounded by precipices and curved cliffs. • Then you will make a stop to visit the Sevanavank monastic complex on the peninsula and contemplate the beautiful landscape of Lake Sevan, which is the pearl of Armenia. Day 3: Yerevan - Noravank - Shaki waterfall - Tatev/Wings of Tatev- Yerevan • You will visit one of the wonderful monuments of medieval Armenia, the Monastery of Noravank, located in an impressive canyon. Noravank means "New Monastery" and is considered one of the most attractive places in the country. • Our next stop is Shaki waterfall, located in one of the cosiest corners of Syunik province, gloriously opening its striking beauty to all the admirers. • The last stop is Tatev Monastery which is the gem of Armenian architecture. It was founded in the 9th century and has been a major educational and religious center in Armenia for many centuries. We are going to take the cable car Wings of Tatev which is the longest reversible cableway in the world (5752 m), recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. Enjoy your stay in our country.

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.

Explore the enchanting small and historic towns and sites of Armenia on this tour leaving from Yerevan. Taste wine in Areni, ride in a cable car and visit the Khndzoresk cave city. Set out from Yerevan in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with your local, expert guide. Head to the ancient village Areni, and sip wine at a 6,000-year-old winery. Take a tour of the winery and then take a ride on the longest reversible cablecar in the world, ending at the Tatev monastery. Finally, walk along the swinging bridge — if you want to — in the Khndzoresk cave city and enjoy a burst of history-infused adrenaline.

Meet your professional guide at the convenient meeting point in Yerevan and set off on this full-day tour. First stop is the village of Areni in Vayots Dzor region. This sunny village is famous for its assortment of wine. Due to its flavor and delicate taste, Hin Areni wine has a place amongst the best Armenian wines and you can sample it at a local winery and learn about the process from your guide and the owner. Next up, you will see the picturesque waterfall of Shaki and have lunch at a local restaurant. And the last stop is Tatev monastery, which used to be wealthiest medieval monastery in Armenia. Besides being a religious center, Tatev was also the important strategical center of Syunik kingdom. In non-stable political conditions the several secret ways in the territory of the fortress led the way to the canyon and served as a link between the monastery and external world. You will take the aerial tramway called the Wings of Tatev. It passes through a deep gorge of the River Vorotan and over hills covered with lush forests. The tramway is supported by three towers between its two terminals.

During this tour we will visit one of the wonderful monuments of medieval Armenia - the Monastery of Noravank, which dates back to XIII—XIV centuries. The complex includes the 1339 St. Astvatsatsin (“Burtelashen”) sepulchre-church, St. Stepanos Nakhavka and gavit, the St. Grigor Church and Stepanos Orbelian Sepulchre, the remains of medieval chapels and residential quarters and a modern office and hall. Our next stop is Karahunj or Karahunj Observatory, also known as Zorats Karer or Zorats Kar is a megalithic composition of Bronze Age tombs (cists, dolmens or tumuli) and over 220 standing stones (menhirs). The last destination is another famous monument of medieval Armenian architecture - Tatev Monastery, which was built in the 9th-13th centuries. In translation from the old Armenian (grabar) "tatev" means "give wings". Indeed, located at a great height, it seems that Tatev stretches upward to the sky. The walls seem to be a natural extension of the rock that raises it so high. Thanks to the construction of the Wings of Tatev, the longest cable car in the world (5.7 km), the complex has become one of the most visited places in Armenia.

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.