Private tour: Epic Journey Through Armenia in 2 Days
Admin's choice
Itinerary
Khor Virap Monastery, Hin Areni Wine Factory, Noravank Monastery, Tatev Monastery, Wings of Tatev Ropeway, Goris
1. Khor Virap Monastery
50-60 min
Details: 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
Details: 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
Details: 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. This gorge is known as the Amaghu River Valley, a natural monument considered a candidate for inclusion on Armenia's UNESCO World Heritage list.
4. Tatev Monastery
50-60 min
Details: 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
Details: 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, Orbelyan's (Selim) Caravanserai, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery, return to 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
Details: 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
10-20 min
Details: 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
Details: 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
- Follow one of Armenia's richest two-day routes from Ararat Valley to Syunik and Sevan
- Begin with Khor Virap's iconic view of Mount Ararat
- Taste Armenian wine before reaching Noravank's red-cliff scenery
- Cross the Vorotan Gorge by the spectacular Wings of Tatev Ropeway
- Uncover the mystery of Karahunj and the old caravan routes of Armenia
- Enjoy the fresh mountain mood of Jermuk and its waterfall
- Finish with wide blue views over Lake Sevan
*200 steps to climb to Sevanavank
*This tour is NOT recommended for people with high blood pressure
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
Meet our Guides
Liana Karapetyan
HY
IT
I am Liana Karapetyan – for Italians, Liliana. I have many years of experience as a tour guide and even longer experience as an Italian language translator. Why choose me? If you want to create unforgettable memories from your trip to Armenia, I am ready to help you do so.
Anna Martirosyan
HY
EN
Hi everyone! I'm Anna, and I've been working as a tour guide since 2013. If you're ready to discover Armenia, I'll turn it into an exciting and unforgettable journey. My tours offer a full immersion into the culture, history, religion, and traditions of the Armenian people. My goal is that by the end of your trip, you'll fall in love with Armenia and want to come back again!
Garnik Mirzoyan
RU
I'm Garnik, and I've been working as a tour guide in Armenia since 2016. If you're tired of far-fetched stories and have a good sense of humor, we'll get along perfectly. Discover Armenia from the inside – in very hospitable hands.
Gayane Movsisyan
HY
EN
Hi! I am Gayane Movsisyan, a tour guide since 2017. I work with great enthusiasm, eager to present my country in the best possible way and to create unforgettable moments for our guests.
Reviews
Eva Komjáthyová
Slovakia
27.04.2022
We were in Armenia from 25.4.2022 to 2.5.2022. Armenia is an amazing country, so we wanted to see more places there. We used Hyur Service twice to travel with our excellent driver Mr. Artak. Thanks for a great days with you. Eva and Tomas
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