Take a trip to Khor Virap Monastery (4th-18th centuries). This monastery is significant due to its history: Gregory the Illuminator, who brought Christianity to Armenia, was imprisoned here for about 13 years when the site served as a prison. From here, we can enjoy a breathtaking view of the sacred Ararat Mountain, an enduring symbol of Armenia.

Next, we will continue our tour to Areni village, home to the T’rchunneri (Birds) Cave and Areni Winery. The excavation site is located above the Arpa River, within a Karst Cavern formed by thousands of years of mineral water dripping into limestone crevices. It consists of three rooms or halls, with the first two connected by passageways. There are also niches and “basement” and “attic” floors opening upward and downward from the first room. The total area of the cave is about 500 square meters. Excavations in 2007-2008 of the first room and surrounding area uncovered layers of material culture from different periods of the Copper (Chalcolithic) and Stone Ages. Radiocarbon dating of samples (bone fragments, coal, fabric pieces, seeds, and other organic residues) from these layers traces them back to the late 5th to early 4th millennium BCE.

At the Areni winery, you will have the opportunity to taste various types of wine and purchase souvenirs and wine.

We will then head to Noravank, a 13th-century monastery situated among stunning sheer rocks on the edge of a winding gorge. The monastic complex includes the church of S. Karapet, the S. Grigor chapel with a vaulted hall, and the church of S. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God). Ruins of various civil buildings and khachkars can be found both inside and outside the compound walls. Noravank was the residence of the Orbelian princes. The architect Siranes and the miniature painter and sculptor Momik worked here in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. This is the only monastery where a unique sculpture of Father God can be found. The monastery is best known for its two-storey Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) church, which provides access to the second floor via a narrow stone staircase jutting out from the building’s facade.

Points of Interest

• Arkouda Travel

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Bottled water
• Professional guide service
• Wine degustation
• Air-conditioned transport

• Lunch
• Gratuities

Join us for a comfortable 7-hour journey in air-conditioned vehicles alongside experienced guides. The trip includes a visit to the renowned Khor Virap Monastery, a pilgrimage site of the Armenian Apostolic Church, a wine tasting session at Areni Winery, and a concluding stop at the Noravank monastic complex. Complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off service is included.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.