Things to do in Vayots Dzor Province

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Start your journey with the stunning Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world. Head to a the old city of Dilijan, admire the charming amphitheater and the famous Sharambian Street. Don’t miss the iconic Mimino statue, a tribute to the beloved Soviet-era film. Explore the historic Haghartsin Monastery. This architectural marvel, surrounded by picturesque mountains, offers a glimpse into Armenia’s rich religious heritage. Continue your journey to Ijevan, where you will have the opportunity to have wine and brandy tasting alongside with the wine tour. Join us for a day of natural beauty and cultural exploration in Armenia’s most enchanting destinations!

1.Khor Virap Monastery Many people know that Armenia is the first Christian country in the world. It was officially accepted in 301 when Grigor was released from the capital's prison, which was here before. He was imprisoned here for 13 years for his Christian faith. Being the last hope of the sick king, he cured him, after which the king accepted Christianity as the state religion. At the same time, the best view of Mount Ararat opens from here. Being very close to Ararat gives you the opportunity to see the entire structure of the mountain and admire its beauty. 2. Noravank Medieval Armenian taste and architectural talent were interblended in Noravank, founded in the 9th century, this monastery developed in the 13th and 14th centuries. Surrounded by high red-coloured mountains and built from stones taken from those rocks, Noravank harmoniously complements the local landscape, remaining unique in its kind. 3. Jermuk Waterfull Arriving in Jermuk, we go to see the waterfall. The 68-70 meter high "Mermaid's Braids" waterfall tells us the legend of a forbidden love. According to this legend, a prince curses his daughter for meeting her lover, and then she turns into stone. Her hair still flows in the form of water, which is why the waterfall gets the name "Mermaid's Braids." 4. Arch of Dreams Not far from the waterfall is the Arch of Dreams. This beautiful natural monument arose naturally and received the name "Arch of Dreams." It's said that if you stand under this arch and make a wish it will come true. 5. 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.

Experience the best of Armenia with our Jermuk Group Tour, a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture. Our journey begins with a visit to Hayravank Monastery, located on the picturesque shores of Lake Sevan. Next, we head to the the Khachkars of Noratus, the largest cemetery of medieval khachkars in Armenia. From Noratus, we travel through the breathtaking Vardenyants (Selim) Pass. This mountain pass, at an altitude of 2,410 meters, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Our next destination is the charming town of Jermuk, renowned for its natural beauty and healing waters. We begin our exploration of Jermuk with a visit to the Jermuk Waterfall. This impressive 72-meter-high waterfall, also known as “Mermaid’s Hair,” is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Armenia. After enjoying the waterfall, we head to the Mineral Water Gallery. Here, you can taste the famous Jermuk mineral water, known for its therapeutic properties. To conclude our tour, we enjoy a wonderful wine tasting session.

A tour to enlighten the spirit. Visit the significant religious destinations of Armenia including St. Echmiadzin, the head church of Armenia and also the ‘sister’ church St Hripsime. See the breathtaking views of Mt. Ararat from Khor Virap monastery where the spark of Christianity started in Armenia. Descend and experience the underground dungeon pit. Visit a local artisan in Khor Virap village and enjoy a delicious homemade lunch with his hospitable family. Discover the unique two storey structure of Noravank Church nestled in the stunning brick-red cliffs of a gorge. Sample the local homemade wine at a traditional winery in the heart of the Areni wine region before heading back to Yerevan.

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.