Private tour: Epic journey through Armenia in 2 days
Admin's choice
Khor Virap Monastery, Hin Areni wine factory (tour and tasting), Noravank Monastery, Tatev Monastery, Wings of Tatev Ropeway, Goris
1. Khor Virap Monastery
50-60 min
Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. As a state religion, Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavors of Saint Gregory The Illuminator, who, before converting King Trdat The 3rd to Christianity, was imprisoned in the dungeon, over which a 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.
2. Hin Areni wine factory
30-40 min
Vayots Dzor and Areni village in particular has been the cradle of Armenian winemaking for millennia. "Hin Areni" wine factory opens up the doors of this region to the world to showcase the historic and indigenous Armenian grape varietals. At the winery the historic traditions of winemaking are well combined with state-of-the-art modern equipment. "Hin Areni" wine factory has the capacity to process over 250 tonnes of grapes.
3. Noravank Monastery
50-60 min
Passing a narrow road, surrounded by rocks of hundred caves, one discovers a scene of harmony of architecture with nature. The monastery, enshrined with fine architectural solutions and luxurious embellishments, is one of the brightest examples of Armenian architecture of the 13th century. Noravank consists of St. Karapet, St. Gregory The Illuminator churches and St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) two-storey church, which is notable for its ideal constructive and sculptural work.
4. Tatev Monastery
50-60 min
Among the architectural pillars of Zangezour, the monastery of Tatev does not have its "rivals". It used to be the wealthiest medieval monastery in Armenia. Besides being a religious center, Tatev was also the important strategical center of Syunik kingdom. Being situated on a naturally defended place, Tatev monastery has always been an impregnable fortress for alien. In non-stable political conditions several secret ways in the territory of the fortress led to the canyon and served as a link between the monastery and the external world.
5. Wings of Tatev Ropeway
10-15 min
Church bells were ringing loud in Tatev on October 16 of 2010, heralding the launch of a program to revive a medieval monastic complex and the opening of "Wings of Tatev" Ropeway. The 5.7 km ropeway, built within 11 months, 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. One terminal is on a hill, overlooking the village of Halidzor and the other is near Tatev Monastery, on the road to Tatev village. Two cabins operate at once, traveling in opposite directions. There are 6 cables altogether (3 for each cabin), each uniquely foreseen for the specifications of this project. Within about 11 minutes a tramway cabin takes passengers, 30 at a time, from the village of Halidzor to the magnificent complex of Tatev.
"Wings of Tatev" is the world's longest reversible aerial tramway, officially recognized by the Guinness World Records.
"Wings of Tatev" is the world's longest reversible aerial tramway, officially recognized by the Guinness World Records.
6. Goris
Goris is one of the main cities of Syunik region. This park-city, despite the natural cuts, has a well-organized ground plan. The city is surrounded with woody mountains and just next to the forests there are stunning pyramidical rocks, which seem to scratch the clouds. Due to its exceptional nature, Goris is considered the "beauty" of Zangezour.
Overnight stay
Karahunj (Zorats Karer) Observatory, Jermuk, Orbelian's (Selim) Caravanserai, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery, Yerevan
1. Karahunj (Zorats Karer) Observatory
20-30 min
The scientific expeditions proved Karahunj (Zorats Karer) to be one of the oldest observatories in the world. It is said to be about 7500 years old. Some of the precisingly arranged huge stones have holes bored into them, which were used for astrological observations. The petroglyphs, found nearby Karahunj, reveal that the early inhabitants in Armenia were well aware of astrology.
2. Jermuk
50-60 min
The famous health resort Jermuk is in the north-eastern part of Vayots Dzor. The mineral waters of Jermuk have been famous for their medicinal properties since early medieval. A special drinking gallery, along which pump rooms with mineral water are lined up, has been constructed for visitors. The water temperature varies from 30 to 50 degrees C.
3. Orbelian's (Selim) Caravanserai
10-20 min
The Selim pass, connecting Vayots Dzor and Gegharkunik regions, has been an important trade route from times immemorial. The long caravans with loaded camels were passing this way. Perceiving the necessity of having a place to stop after long and tiring journeys, the Armenian duke Chesar Orbelian in 1332 ordered building a caravansary on this long serpentine road of Selim pass. This is a three-nave building, lightened only through the windows on the ceiling as, out of security concern, they foresaw no windows on the walls and even nowadays the mysterious darkness seems to keep some rumors from those far away days...
4. Lake Sevan
The fascination and the "pearl" of mountainous Armenia is Lake Sevan, which is one of the world's greatest high altitude fresh-water lakes. It is about 1900 m above sea level. The lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded with mountains of 3000 m and higher. The beautiful landscape and the crystal water serve nice preconditions for excellent rest.The lake is also famous for its peninsula and medieval church complex, built in 874.
5. Sevanavank Monastery
50-60 min
A marvelous scene opens in the north-western part of Lake Sevan, where the peninsula towers over the transparent surface of the lake. Sevanavank monastery was built on the peninsula in 874 by the order of king Ashot Bagratuni's daughter – princess Mariam. The silhouette of the churches against the background of the turquoise lake and blue sky casts unexplainable impression on the visitors.
Inclusions
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Professional drivers
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Air-conditioned vehicles
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Bottled water
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Free pick-up & drop-off within Yerevan
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Vehicle & passengers insurance
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Extra stops on the route upon request
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Driver/Guide accommodation & meals
Exclusions
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Hotel accommodation
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Significant deviations from the route
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Alcoholic beverages if lunch option selected
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Audio guides
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Wi-Fi in the vehicles
What to expect
- Embrace the stunning views of Biblical Mount Ararat
- Discover the wonderful taste of Armenian wine
- Observe the magnificent 2-storied monastery in Armenia
- Experience the flight on the longest reversible cableway in the World, recorded in the Guinness Book of Records
- Take a visit to a sample of beautifully planned green and cozy town
- Immerse yourself in the secrets of one of the oldest observatories in the World
- Enjoy the fresh and clean vibes of the waterfall
- Explore the ancient trade route
- Marvel at the unique views of one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia
*200 steps to climb to Sevanavank
*This tour is NOT recommended for people with high blood pressure
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
Meet our Guides
Narine Vardanyan
Hi or Barev. My name's Narine and I've been working as a tourist guide in Armenia since 2017. My greatest love and passion is my homeland – Hayastan! And I am here to create amazing experiences for everyone. I think my job is the best in the world. It offers the opportunity to meet new people, make them fall in love with new places, and create lasting memories. That's what I enjoy!)) Looking forward to showing you around beautiful Armenia.
Nelly Poghosyan
Hi! I'm Nelly, a certified tour guide. With work experience since 2012 and a unique set of skills – including deep patience, adaptability, and a sense of humor – I invite you to visit Armenia and explore this wonderful part of the world with me!
Poghos Varzhapetyan
My name is Poghos Varzhapetyan. I've been working in tourism since 2016. I love traveling. As a tour guide, my goal is always to make guests fall in love with Armenia so much that at the end of the tour they don't say goodbye, but instead say, "See you again, Armenia!".
Roza Hovhannisyan
Hi! My name is Roza, and I've been working as a tour guide since 2019. Why did I choose this profession? It's very simple: I love Armenia, I love people, and I love introducing people to Armenia. But not just introducing them – I do my best to make them fall in love with my country, too.
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