Things to do in

Vayots Dzor Province

After departing from Yerevan, you will venture towards the Tatev Monastery, which was once the educational and spiritual center of Armenia. It’s built on a high plateau in the Vorotan River gorge, and is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and dense forests. From here you can reach world’s longest cableway Wings of Tatev. Throughout your ride, you will enjoy a spectacular view over one of the most beautiful spots in Armenia. Jermuk is positioned within the forests and mountains of Aragatsotn, on a little plateau 2,080 meters above sea level. Jermuk is widely recognized with its curable water, with these waters a reliable means of treatment for numerous illnesses for hundreds of years. Following this, you will arrive at the longest airway tramway in the world (6 kilometers long), which was registered in the Guinness Book of Records in 2010. The Wings of Tatev will take you straight to the 9th-century Tatev Monastery, which was once the educational and spiritual center of Armenia. It’s built on a high plateau in the Vorotan River gorge, and is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and dense forests.

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.

See where some of the world's oldest artifacts have been uncovered at Areni-1 cave with this tour from Yerevan. Admire views of Mount Ararat at Khor Virap and Noravank monastery. Visit a charming old Areni winery and try some traditional Armenian cuisine. Meet your guide and enjoy views of Mount Ararat as you drive to Khor Virap monastery. Walk through a monastery that was initially built as a prison. See where the first Armenian Catholicos, Gregory the Illuminator, was imprisoned. Head to Areni-1 cave where archeologists discovered several of the world's oldest artifacts, including a leather shoe and a winery. Explore the site which overlooks the Arpa River near the town of Areni and is thought to date back to the Early Bronze Age. Continue to Noravank to marvel at medieval Armenian architecture. Experience the beauty of this place that is nestled high among brick-red cliffs in Gnishik Canyon. Have the chance to try the oldest grape variety in the world at an old Areni winery.

Join this tour and enjoy a journey full of new historical discoveries. In the morning, your guide will greet you at the lobby of your hotel, in order to head to the ancient Monastery of Khor Virap, which is one of the most sacred spots in the country. The location of the gorgeous structure will grant you the beautiful view of the Biblical Mount Ararat. Later, the trip will proceed to the province of Vayots Dzor, where you will admire another marvelous ancient structure, called Gndevank. It was built over a thousand years ago on the bank of the Arpo River. On the route of your journey through the valley, witness huge natural basalt organs, which overlooks the Arpa River. The medieval complex blends in perfectly with the surrounding breathtaking nature. Some monks, who still live and work there, can be found in the territory of Gndevank. After learning about the history of the medieval treasure, head to Kechut Reservoir, located 10 km from the town of Jermuk. Stop to enjoy the endless green meadows over the viewpoint of the reservoir. Next, head to the waterfall of Jermuk, located not far from Kechut Reservoir. The 72-meter high waterfall will remind you of a girl's hair, this is why it is also referred to as mermaid's hair. The lovely waterfall flows smoothly into the river Arpa. The waterfall can be easily hiked and you can take amazing photos with the waterfall in the background. The last marvel for the day will be the glorious monastic complex of Noravank from the 13th century, located on Amaghu Gorge, which is sometimes twinned with the American Grand Canyon. This is a perfect location for taking pictures and admiring the cliffs with a red undertone. If you are lucky enough, you will come across the deer pasturing near the area. In the evening, you will have a private transfer back to your hotel in Yerevan.