Private tour: Epic journey through Armenia in 2 days
Admin's choice
Itinerary
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
Read more: Khor Virap Monastery
In the wide embrace of the Ararat Valley, where the air shimmers beneath the watchful gaze of a snow-crowned giant, stands Khor Virap – a shrine where legend, faith and the heartbeat of Armenia merge into one. Here, so the story goes, a deep and silent pit held Gregory the Illuminator, condemned by King Tiridates III for daring to preach a new light to his people. Years slipped by in darkness, yet within those stone walls a miracle unfolded: Gregory's hands healed the very king who had ordered his chains. Struck by grace, Tiridates raised the banner of Christianity, making Armenia the first nation to embrace it as a state faith.
2. Hin Areni wine factory
30-40 min
Read more: Hin Areni wine factory
Vayots Dzor is a land where sun and stone have guarded the secret of wine for centuries and the village of Areni became the ancient key to that mystery. Deep within its caves, archaeologists uncovered the world's oldest winemaking complex proof that grape and man were bound together on this land thousands of years ago. Since then, every vine of Areni seems to carry the memory of the ages, offering berries filled with the fragrance of ancient Armenia.
3. Noravank Monastery
50-60 min
Read more: Noravank Monastery
In the very heart of Vayots Dzor, embraced by crimson cliffs that rise like nature's own fortress walls, lies Noravank an ancient monastery that for centuries stood as a beacon of Armenia's spiritual and cultural life. Its walls overlook the picturesque gorge of the Arpa River, where the silence is broken only by the echo of pilgrims' footsteps and the cry of soaring eagles. The latter is known as the Amaghu River Valley, which is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Armenia as a natural monument.
4. Tatev Monastery
50-60 min
Read more: Tatev Monastery
Amid the rugged ridges of Zangezur, high above deep gorges and winding mountain roads, rises the Tatev Monastery – an unrivaled masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture. Founded in the 9th century on the site of an ancient pagan sanctuary, it became both the spiritual and political heart of the Syunik principality. Perched on the very edge of a cliff, its stone walls merge seamlessly with the mountain massif, while its strategic position made it nearly unreachable for enemies.
5. Wings of Tatev Ropeway
10-15 min
Read more: Wings of Tatev Ropeway
On October 16, 2010, the solemn toll of bells echoed across the Tatev Valley, announcing not only the revival of the medieval monastery complex but also the inauguration of an extraordinary feat of engineering – the "Wings of Tatev" cableway. Stretching 5.7 km, this aerial link connects the village of Halidzor with the ancient monastery and holds the Guinness World Record as the longest reversible cableway on the planet.
6. Goris
Goris, the beating heart of the Syunik region, rests in a cradle of mountains, as if the earth itself had hidden it away from the world's rush. Since the 19th century, it has been admired as a model town a place where thoughtful planning meets shady avenues and gardens scented with mountain herbs. Around it unfolds a landscape of whimsical cliffs, forested hills and winding gorges, blurring the line between the city and the living nature that embraces it.
Overnight stay
Karahunj (Zorats Karer) Observatory, Jermuk, Orbelian's (Selim) Caravanserai, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery, Yerevan
1. Karahunj (Zorats Karer) Observatory
On the windswept plains of Syunik, where rolling hills fade into open steppe, lies the enigmatic Karahunj a place where earth and sky seem to share an endless, silent conversation. This prehistoric historical and cultural reserve is also known as the "Zorats Karer", which translates as "firmly standing stones". Archaeologists date this ancient structure to the 6th-5th millennia BC and although the Armenian government recognized this megalithic structure as an observatory in 2004, other researchers claim it is a burial site.
2. Jermuk
50-60 min
Read more: Jermuk
In the northeastern part of Vayots Dzor, cradled by mountain ridges and thick forests, lies Jermuk, a resort town whose name has long been synonymous with well-being and serenity. Here, in the hush of the highlands, springs emerge–each with its own taste and character, ranging from crystal-clear fresh water to mineral-rich flows that for centuries have been used to heal and restore strength.
3. Orbelyan's (Selim) Caravanserai
For centuries, the Selim Pass served as a vital link of the Great Silk Road, connecting the bustling markets of Vayots Dzor and Gegharkunik. Along its winding mountain trails, long caravans of camels once moved slowly, loaded with silks, spices and other precious goods bound for the West. Exhausted travelers and their animals desperately needed rest and in 1332 Prince Chesar Orbelyan ordered the construction of a spacious caravanserai at the top of the pass.
4. Lake Sevan
High in the embrace of Armenia's mountains lies Lake Sevan – the blue heart of the land, beating in harmony with the winds and the sun. Legend tells that once a green valley stretched here, until the heavens shed their tears, filling it with shimmering water as a priceless gift to humankind.
5. Sevanavank Monastery
50-60 min
Read more: Sevanavank Monastery
From the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan, a breathtaking panorama unfolds: a peninsula rises from the shimmering surface, crowned with ancient temples. Here, in 874, at the command of Queen Mariam, daughter of King Ashot Bagratuni, the Sevanavank Monastery was built – the spiritual guardian of Armenia's blue jewel.
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
HY
EN
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
HY
EN
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
RU
HY
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
RU
EN
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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