Armenia's sunlit heritage: from Ararat to Noravank
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient monasteries, admire the majestic Ararat, taste authentic wines and enjoy the unique landscapes of the region
Tour schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
Cost €35 euro/person.
Tour schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
Cost €35 euro/person.
A rich day revealing Armenia's cultural and religious heritage, bringing together history, natural beauty and traditional crafts. The itinerary takes you south of Yerevan to the places where ancient legends come to life: the legends of Khor Virap and Noravank monasteries are told, as well as the story of the formation of local wine-making traditions.
A journey to the roots: Khor Virap Monastery and picturesque vineyards
Sunny valleys lined with vineyards lead to the famous Khor Virap Monastery, the historic stronghold where Christianity was born in Armenia. Here you can learn how the fortress served as a strategic outpost, and the ancient khachkars became a symbol of faith. The observation deck offers a mesmerizing view of the legendary Ararat, whose silhouette has inspired poets and artists since ancient times. On the way past a small village decorated with storks' nests, one gets the impression that nature itself tells its own story.
Winemaking traditions and ancient cave relics
Winding mountain roads lead to a region where the art of winemaking has been passed down from generation to generation. In one of the villages known for the cultivation of autochthonous grape varieties (such as Areni and Voskeat), you will have the opportunity to taste a variety of wines, from homemade beverages to fresh sparkling wine made according to ancient recipes. The route will then take you to a cave where the echo of a bygone era is preserved under the vaults of stones. The local guide will tell you about the findings testifying to the first experiments with winemaking in Armenia, and the atmosphere of this place will give you a sense of mysticism and antiquity.
The culmination of the route: Noravank Monastery on the background of crimson cliffs
The final chord of the trip is Noravank Monastery, located on a picturesque plateau surrounded by bright purple cliffs. This ancient temple not only impresses with its architectural sophistication, but is also filled with legends: the myths of construction, the symbolism of majestic staircases and the history of centuries-old existence intersect here. The view of the surrounding scenery leaves an unforgettable impression, giving a sense of being part of a great cultural heritage.
Organizational details:
Additional costs:
Meeting place
Start of the tour at the Republic Square.
A journey to the roots: Khor Virap Monastery and picturesque vineyards
Sunny valleys lined with vineyards lead to the famous Khor Virap Monastery, the historic stronghold where Christianity was born in Armenia. Here you can learn how the fortress served as a strategic outpost, and the ancient khachkars became a symbol of faith. The observation deck offers a mesmerizing view of the legendary Ararat, whose silhouette has inspired poets and artists since ancient times. On the way past a small village decorated with storks' nests, one gets the impression that nature itself tells its own story.
Winemaking traditions and ancient cave relics
Winding mountain roads lead to a region where the art of winemaking has been passed down from generation to generation. In one of the villages known for the cultivation of autochthonous grape varieties (such as Areni and Voskeat), you will have the opportunity to taste a variety of wines, from homemade beverages to fresh sparkling wine made according to ancient recipes. The route will then take you to a cave where the echo of a bygone era is preserved under the vaults of stones. The local guide will tell you about the findings testifying to the first experiments with winemaking in Armenia, and the atmosphere of this place will give you a sense of mysticism and antiquity.
The culmination of the route: Noravank Monastery on the background of crimson cliffs
The final chord of the trip is Noravank Monastery, located on a picturesque plateau surrounded by bright purple cliffs. This ancient temple not only impresses with its architectural sophistication, but is also filled with legends: the myths of construction, the symbolism of majestic staircases and the history of centuries-old existence intersect here. The view of the surrounding scenery leaves an unforgettable impression, giving a sense of being part of a great cultural heritage.
Organizational details:
- Payment for the tour is made in cash in drams at the exchange rate on the day of the tour.
- The minimum tour time is 6.5 hours. In group format, the return to the city takes place around 19:00 (until 19:45 in summer). If evening plans are arranged, it is advisable to take into account possible delays.
Additional costs:
- Wine tasting - from 1500 drams per person
- Entrance to the cave - 1000 drams per person
- Lunch in a family restaurant (optional) - 6000 drams per person. You can also bring your own snacks.
Meeting place
Start of the tour at the Republic Square.