Private tour: Southern wonders of Armenia in 2 days
Khor Virap Monastery, Noravank Monastery, Karahunj (Zorats Karer) Observatory, Vorotnavank Monastery, Goris
1. Khor Virap Monastery
50-60 min
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.
Today, visitors can descend into the same narrow cell, breathing the cool air that still carries the weight of unending prayers. From this hill, Mount Ararat rises so close it feels within reach – its slopes bathed in gold at dawn, then clothed in crimson fire as the sun sinks beyond the horizon. Khor Virap remains a place where time pauses, where the whisper of history lingers in the wind and where the sight of Ararat awakens something eternal within the soul.
There is a story that Noah landed his ark on the slopes of Masis and planted a grapevine there. In August, when the snow on Mount Sis melts, the grapes give their first harvest in honor of the victory of the patriarch Hayk, which begins the New Year of the Armenian pagan calendar and now it is celebrated as the grape blessing. In October, when the snow covers the slopes of Sis with its sheet, Armenians make a "machar" (young wine) to mark the time for making wine and thus begins the wine festival.
Today, visitors can descend into the same narrow cell, breathing the cool air that still carries the weight of unending prayers. From this hill, Mount Ararat rises so close it feels within reach – its slopes bathed in gold at dawn, then clothed in crimson fire as the sun sinks beyond the horizon. Khor Virap remains a place where time pauses, where the whisper of history lingers in the wind and where the sight of Ararat awakens something eternal within the soul.
There is a story that Noah landed his ark on the slopes of Masis and planted a grapevine there. In August, when the snow on Mount Sis melts, the grapes give their first harvest in honor of the victory of the patriarch Hayk, which begins the New Year of the Armenian pagan calendar and now it is celebrated as the grape blessing. In October, when the snow covers the slopes of Sis with its sheet, Armenians make a "machar" (young wine) to mark the time for making wine and thus begins the wine festival.
2. Noravank Monastery
50-60 min
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.
The monastery took shape in the 13th century, with the Church of Saint Karapet (1216-1221) at its core, its stones breathing the centuries. To the north stands the Church of Saint Gregory (1275), while the masterpiece of the complex is the Church of the Holy Mother of God (1339), famed for its striking western façade. A narrow, pyramid-shaped stone staircase leading to the second floor has become Noravank's most iconic feature, admired by architects around the world. These steps, seemingly suspended in air, link earth to sky, turning each ascent into a journey of spiritual elevation.
Through the centuries, the monastery endured wars, earthquakes and abandonment, yet, like a phoenix, it always rose again. Today, Noravank is not only an architectural marvel but also a place of power, where the raw beauty of nature and the grandeur of design merge into a timeless harmony.
The monastery took shape in the 13th century, with the Church of Saint Karapet (1216-1221) at its core, its stones breathing the centuries. To the north stands the Church of Saint Gregory (1275), while the masterpiece of the complex is the Church of the Holy Mother of God (1339), famed for its striking western façade. A narrow, pyramid-shaped stone staircase leading to the second floor has become Noravank's most iconic feature, admired by architects around the world. These steps, seemingly suspended in air, link earth to sky, turning each ascent into a journey of spiritual elevation.
Through the centuries, the monastery endured wars, earthquakes and abandonment, yet, like a phoenix, it always rose again. Today, Noravank is not only an architectural marvel but also a place of power, where the raw beauty of nature and the grandeur of design merge into a timeless harmony.
3. Karahunj (Zorats Karer) Observatory
20-30 min
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.
Massive stones, set with astonishing precision, form a mysterious circle and some bear perfectly carved openings. Through these, ancient priests and sky-watchers may have tracked the stars, marked the seasons and perhaps drawn the first celestial maps. Nearby petroglyphs reveal that the people of this land possessed remarkable astronomical knowledge long before writing was born.
At dusk, as the sun sinks behind the ridges and the heavens above Karahunj burst into a blaze of stars, one can almost hear the whispers of those who once searched the cosmos for answers.
Local lore says the stones hold the power of the universe itself, revealing it only to those who arrive with a pure heart. Today, Karahunj is more than an archaeological treasure it is a sacred point where history and the infinite sky merge into a single mystery.
Massive stones, set with astonishing precision, form a mysterious circle and some bear perfectly carved openings. Through these, ancient priests and sky-watchers may have tracked the stars, marked the seasons and perhaps drawn the first celestial maps. Nearby petroglyphs reveal that the people of this land possessed remarkable astronomical knowledge long before writing was born.
At dusk, as the sun sinks behind the ridges and the heavens above Karahunj burst into a blaze of stars, one can almost hear the whispers of those who once searched the cosmos for answers.
Local lore says the stones hold the power of the universe itself, revealing it only to those who arrive with a pure heart. Today, Karahunj is more than an archaeological treasure it is a sacred point where history and the infinite sky merge into a single mystery.
4. Vorotnavank Monastery
30-40 min
On the edge of the deep Vorotan Gorge, suspended as if between sky and stone, rises Vorotnavank – a medieval monastery whose walls breathe with the weight of centuries and legend. Its story begins in the year 1000, when Queen Shahandukht of Syunik ordered the founding of this sacred retreat, entrusting her spiritual gift to eternity.
The complex embraces the churches of St. Gregory, St. Stepanos and St. Karapet, along with a spacious courtyard, a columned hall, a guesthouse and a cemetery – a world of stone where every detail carries the imprint of an era. The Church of St. Gregory holds a special place in this history. Though now in ruins, chronicler Stepanos Orbelyan wrote that it was originally founded by Gregory the Illuminator himself and later rebuilt by the hermit Stepanos, who infused its walls with humility and strength.
For centuries, people believed the church's stones carried the power to heal snake bites. Pilgrims would travel great distances, drawn by hope and faith, seeking salvation at this holy site. Thus Vorotnavank became a place where prayer met miracle and legend intertwined with belief.
Today the monastery greets visitors with silence and grandeur, as though inviting them to hear the whisper of the past echoing through its arches and cliffs. Vorotnavank is not only a monument of architecture, but a living chronicle of Syunik's spiritual journey, still carrying the breath of time.
The complex embraces the churches of St. Gregory, St. Stepanos and St. Karapet, along with a spacious courtyard, a columned hall, a guesthouse and a cemetery – a world of stone where every detail carries the imprint of an era. The Church of St. Gregory holds a special place in this history. Though now in ruins, chronicler Stepanos Orbelyan wrote that it was originally founded by Gregory the Illuminator himself and later rebuilt by the hermit Stepanos, who infused its walls with humility and strength.
For centuries, people believed the church's stones carried the power to heal snake bites. Pilgrims would travel great distances, drawn by hope and faith, seeking salvation at this holy site. Thus Vorotnavank became a place where prayer met miracle and legend intertwined with belief.
Today the monastery greets visitors with silence and grandeur, as though inviting them to hear the whisper of the past echoing through its arches and cliffs. Vorotnavank is not only a monument of architecture, but a living chronicle of Syunik's spiritual journey, still carrying the breath of time.
5. 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.
Strolling through its streets, one feels an unusual calm, a rhythm of life that belongs only to this land. Today, Goris remains not only the cultural heart of Syunik, but also a key transport hub linking Armenia with the neighboring Islamic Republic of Iran. Its warm hospitality, rich history and closeness to unique natural and historical sites make it a destination for those seeking inspiration. It can be found in the glow of a mountain sunset, in the quiet charm of old stone houses, or in conversations with locals whose stories carry the spirit of Syunik.
Goris is more than a dot on the map it is the living calling card of southern Armenia, where past and present blend in a rare harmony. Here, the Syunik volcanic plateau and the Zangezur fold-block mountain range seem to merge together and landslides create rock pyramids.
Strolling through its streets, one feels an unusual calm, a rhythm of life that belongs only to this land. Today, Goris remains not only the cultural heart of Syunik, but also a key transport hub linking Armenia with the neighboring Islamic Republic of Iran. Its warm hospitality, rich history and closeness to unique natural and historical sites make it a destination for those seeking inspiration. It can be found in the glow of a mountain sunset, in the quiet charm of old stone houses, or in conversations with locals whose stories carry the spirit of Syunik.
Goris is more than a dot on the map it is the living calling card of southern Armenia, where past and present blend in a rare harmony. Here, the Syunik volcanic plateau and the Zangezur fold-block mountain range seem to merge together and landslides create rock pyramids.
Overnight stay
Khndzoresk Caves, Devil's Bridge, Tatev Monastery, Wings of Tatev Ropeway, Shaki Waterfall, Hin Areni wine factory (tour and tasting), Yerevan
1. Khndzoresk Caves
50-60 min
Just eight kilometers from Goris lies Khndzoresk – a village where nature itself has played the role of architect. Instead of ordinary houses, caves carved into towering cliffs form a labyrinth of dwellings and winding paths stretch across hills that have never known a flat line.
Old Khndzoresk, woven from mist and stone, sheltered generations who lived in harmony with a land both harsh and generous. This historic cave settlement is known for its natural and man-made caves, four churches and three schools and was once home to up to 15000 people. They used a complex system of ropes and ladders to reach different parts of the village.
In the 18th century, Khndzoresk turned into a stronghold of the Syunik liberation movement. Its gorges and crags became fortress walls, concealing warriors who rose in defense of their homeland. Here rests the legendary commander Mkhitar Sparapet, defender of Armenia, alongside his faithful wife Goar and their son Aaron. Their names still echo through the caves, symbols of devotion and courage.
Today, a new landmark leads to the ancient village – a swinging bridge stretched above the abyss like a road linking past and present. With a length of 160 meters and standing 63 meters above the gorge, this 14-ton crossing can hold up to 700 people at once. From it unfolds a breathtaking panorama of Old Khndzoresk, where stone and history merge into one eternal monument. From there, you can see the churches of Khndzoresk and the "Nine Children" spring.
Old Khndzoresk, woven from mist and stone, sheltered generations who lived in harmony with a land both harsh and generous. This historic cave settlement is known for its natural and man-made caves, four churches and three schools and was once home to up to 15000 people. They used a complex system of ropes and ladders to reach different parts of the village.
In the 18th century, Khndzoresk turned into a stronghold of the Syunik liberation movement. Its gorges and crags became fortress walls, concealing warriors who rose in defense of their homeland. Here rests the legendary commander Mkhitar Sparapet, defender of Armenia, alongside his faithful wife Goar and their son Aaron. Their names still echo through the caves, symbols of devotion and courage.
Today, a new landmark leads to the ancient village – a swinging bridge stretched above the abyss like a road linking past and present. With a length of 160 meters and standing 63 meters above the gorge, this 14-ton crossing can hold up to 700 people at once. From it unfolds a breathtaking panorama of Old Khndzoresk, where stone and history merge into one eternal monument. From there, you can see the churches of Khndzoresk and the "Nine Children" spring.
2. Devil's Bridge
10-20 min
The Devil's Bridge is one of the most fascinating natural wonders of Syunik, sculpted over centuries by the restless flow of water. This travertine formation stretches across the roaring Vorotan River, spanning about 30 meters and reaching a width of nearly 60 meters. Its mighty stone vaults appear as if carved by an invisible hand, while the canyon walls – painted in shades of pink, yellow and green – bear the artistry of mineral springs themselves.
Today, the road from Goris to Tatev passes directly over the bridge, so every traveler unknowingly crosses this ancient monument of nature, wrapped in myths. Its very name, "Devil's Bridge", carries a sense of mystery: legend says less water flows beneath it than emerges beyond. Locals explain this riddle by the constant dripping of mineral waters from above, as if the earth itself were feeding the stream.
Looking down reveals an entire hidden world of stone arches and cascading springs in the depths of the gorge. The Devil's Bridge astonishes not only with its strength and beauty but also with the air of enigma that makes it a living legend of Syunik.
Today, the road from Goris to Tatev passes directly over the bridge, so every traveler unknowingly crosses this ancient monument of nature, wrapped in myths. Its very name, "Devil's Bridge", carries a sense of mystery: legend says less water flows beneath it than emerges beyond. Locals explain this riddle by the constant dripping of mineral waters from above, as if the earth itself were feeding the stream.
Looking down reveals an entire hidden world of stone arches and cascading springs in the depths of the gorge. The Devil's Bridge astonishes not only with its strength and beauty but also with the air of enigma that makes it a living legend of Syunik.
3. Tatev Monastery
50-60 min
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.
In troubled times, the monastery transformed into a fortress, shielded by powerful defenses that guarded not only the lives of the monks but also the treasures of the land. Hidden chambers and underground passages linked the monastery to the outside world, allowing it to withstand sieges. Legends say these secret routes safeguarded relics and manuscripts whenever danger loomed.
Tatev was a place where the undying light of faith intertwined with wisdom and political influence, where its walls echoed both prayers and decisions that shaped the destiny of Syunik.
Outside the monastery complex, but within the rocky gorge of the Vorotan river, there are other monasteries and churches that were destroyed during the 1931 Zangezur earthquake. All of this is given a special charm by the Devil's miraculous bridge and the Grand Hermitage of Syunik, located deep in the canyon, at the very bottom of the gorge. The latter was connected to the Tatev Monastery by a more than half-kilometer-long underground railway, which was also damaged by the earthquake and fulfilled with stones.
In troubled times, the monastery transformed into a fortress, shielded by powerful defenses that guarded not only the lives of the monks but also the treasures of the land. Hidden chambers and underground passages linked the monastery to the outside world, allowing it to withstand sieges. Legends say these secret routes safeguarded relics and manuscripts whenever danger loomed.
Tatev was a place where the undying light of faith intertwined with wisdom and political influence, where its walls echoed both prayers and decisions that shaped the destiny of Syunik.
Outside the monastery complex, but within the rocky gorge of the Vorotan river, there are other monasteries and churches that were destroyed during the 1931 Zangezur earthquake. All of this is given a special charm by the Devil's miraculous bridge and the Grand Hermitage of Syunik, located deep in the canyon, at the very bottom of the gorge. The latter was connected to the Tatev Monastery by a more than half-kilometer-long underground railway, which was also damaged by the earthquake and fulfilled with stones.
4. Wings of Tatev Ropeway
10-15 min
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.
Built in just 11 months, it astonished even the most seasoned travelers: cabins glide effortlessly over the deep Vorotan River Gorge, above hills and forests fading into infinity. Three towering pylons, like stone sentinels, support the cables along which cabins travel simultaneously in opposite directions.
In an 11-minute flight, soaring more than 300 meters above the ground, passengers not only reach the Tatev Monastery but also witness breathtaking panoramas. Each cabin accommodates up to 30 people, while six specially engineered cables ensure a smooth and safe journey.
The "Wings of Tatev" is not merely transportation – it is a gateway to the past, where approaching the monastery feels like time and space weaving into a single tapestry. Here, the flight itself becomes part of the legend leading to the heart of Syunik.
Built in just 11 months, it astonished even the most seasoned travelers: cabins glide effortlessly over the deep Vorotan River Gorge, above hills and forests fading into infinity. Three towering pylons, like stone sentinels, support the cables along which cabins travel simultaneously in opposite directions.
In an 11-minute flight, soaring more than 300 meters above the ground, passengers not only reach the Tatev Monastery but also witness breathtaking panoramas. Each cabin accommodates up to 30 people, while six specially engineered cables ensure a smooth and safe journey.
The "Wings of Tatev" is not merely transportation – it is a gateway to the past, where approaching the monastery feels like time and space weaving into a single tapestry. Here, the flight itself becomes part of the legend leading to the heart of Syunik.
5. Shaki Waterfall
30-40 min
In the southern reaches of Armenia, not far from Sisian, lies a hidden jewel of Syunik – the Shaki Waterfall, a natural wonder that captivates from the very first glance. Nestled among rocky cliffs and green slopes, beneath the shade of ancient trees, streams of silver cascade down, filling the air with a soft roar and a refreshing coolness. Here, the same melody plays each day – the gentle music of water falling from above, as if it remembers the ancient songs of these mountains. Legend speaks of a beautiful maiden named Shaki who, fleeing her pursuers, leapt from the cliff into the rushing waters, which embraced her and forever kept her name.
The surrounding panorama of mighty mountains frames the waterfall like a living painting created by nature itself. In summer, the sun's rays refract through the mist, painting a rainbow in the air, while in winter the cascade transforms into a crystal palace of ice. This is a place made for silence and contemplation, where time fades away and only the voice of falling water remains. Shaki is not merely a landmark – it is a living legend, where nature and history merge in a single flowing stream.
The surrounding panorama of mighty mountains frames the waterfall like a living painting created by nature itself. In summer, the sun's rays refract through the mist, painting a rainbow in the air, while in winter the cascade transforms into a crystal palace of ice. This is a place made for silence and contemplation, where time fades away and only the voice of falling water remains. Shaki is not merely a landmark – it is a living legend, where nature and history merge in a single flowing stream.
6. Hin Areni wine factory
30-40 min
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.
The "Hin Areni" wine factory continues this legend, turning grapes into a living message from both past and future. Here, tradition meets innovation: in halls filled with the aroma of freshly pressed wine, historic grape varieties gain new life with the help of modern technology. Yet despite its impressive capacity of processing over 250 tons of grapes, what you taste in every glass is not scale, but soul.
This wine is more than a drink it is the voice of the land, touched by the sun and winds of Vayots Dzor. Each sip invites you to hear the whisper of ancient caves, to feel the breath of eternity and to understand why Areni is called the cradle of Armenian winemaking.
The "Hin Areni" wine factory continues this legend, turning grapes into a living message from both past and future. Here, tradition meets innovation: in halls filled with the aroma of freshly pressed wine, historic grape varieties gain new life with the help of modern technology. Yet despite its impressive capacity of processing over 250 tons of grapes, what you taste in every glass is not scale, but soul.
This wine is more than a drink it is the voice of the land, touched by the sun and winds of Vayots Dzor. Each sip invites you to hear the whisper of ancient caves, to feel the breath of eternity and to understand why Areni is called the cradle of Armenian winemaking.
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
- Observe the magnificent 2-storied monastery in Armenia
- Immerse yourself in the secrets of one of the oldest observatories in the World
- Explore the popular swinging bridge at the "crossroad" with forests and mystic caves
- Feel the amazing vibes of the canyons
- Take a ride on the longest reversible cableway in the World, recorded in the Guinness Book of Records
- Enjoy the inspiring melody of nature
- Reveal the unique taste of Armenian wine
*365 steps to descend to Khndzoresk
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
Meet our Guides
Alisa Grigoryan
HY
EN
Welcome! I'm Alisa, an experienced guide with a deep passion for the cultures of Armenia and Georgia. I look forward to sharing the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality of our region with you.
Mariam Dabaghyan
RU
FR
HY
Hello! I'm Mariam, and I've been working as a tour guide since 2019. If you enjoy tours that are rich in content yet easy-going and never boring, then we're on the same path!
Arev Makhsudyan
HY
EN
My name is Arev (which means "Sun"). I am an English-speaking tour guide in Armenia, working since 2018. If you choose me as your guide, you will learn a lot about Armenian history, nature, culture, and traditions – and as a bonus, I'll perform Armenian traditional folk songs for you.
Melania Hakobyan
FR
HY
I am Melania Hakobyan, a member of the Armenian Association of Professional Guides and the Armenian Tourism Federation. Since 2017, I have had the honor of accompanying tourists and official delegations, presenting not only Armenia's ancient history but also the warmth and legendary hospitality of my people. Guiding is not just a profession for me; it is a mission to represent my homeland with pride and love. If you wish to discover Armenia not through the eyes of a tourist but through the soul of an Armenian, it would be a great honor for me to accompany you.
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