Khor Virap Monastery, Noravank, Jermuk, Areni Cave and Winery
Duration 10-11 hours. This familiarization tour is full of variety. Our tour group will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the Khor Virap monastery, where the first Catholicos of the Armenians, Grigor Lusavorich, was imprisoned,...
About this tour
Duration 10-11 hours.
This familiarization tour is full of variety. Our tour group will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the Khor Virap monastery, where the first Catholicos of the Armenians, Grigor Lusavorich, was imprisoned, and then to Noravank, a beautiful medieval monastery complex surrounded by high reddish rocks. In the second part of the excursion, we will visit Jermuk's "Mermaid's Braids" waterfall, mineral water distillery, and Arch of Dreams. The tour will end with a tasting of delicious Armenian wines in the Areni winery.
Itinerary
1 Stop 1 Khor Virap
Many people know that Armenia is the first Christian country in the world. It was officially accepted in 301 when Grigor was released from the capital's prison, which was here before. He was imprisoned here for 13 years for his Christian faith. Being the last hope of the sick king, he cured him, after which the king accepted Christianity as the state religion. At the same time, the best view of Mount Ararat opens from here. Being very close to Ararat gives you the opportunity to see the entire structure of the mountain and admire its beauty.
2 Stop 2 Noravank
Medieval Armenian taste and architectural talent were interblended in Noravank, founded in the 9th century, this monastery developed in the 13th and 14th centuries. Surrounded by high red-coloured mountains and built from stones taken from those rocks, Noravank harmoniously complements the local landscape, remaining unique in its kind.
3 Stop 3 Areni
At the end of the tour, we visit the center of winemaking in the village of Areni, where we are hosted by the Areni Wine Factory. Our guests can taste different types of Armenian wines, including those made from Areni grapes. We will also see the cellar, where the wines are stored, and on the upper floor, there's a nice cafe.
4 Stop 4 Jermuk
Arriving in Jermuk, we go to see the waterfall. The 68-70 meter high "Mermaid's Braids" waterfall tells us the legend of a forbidden love. According to this legend, a prince curses his daughter for meeting her lover, and then she turns into stone. Her hair still flows in the form of water, which is why the waterfall gets the name "Mermaid's Braids."
What’s included
- Transport
Pickup & Important information
FAQ
How long does this tour last?
This is a one-day tour lasting about 10–11 hours. There is no overnight stay.
On which days is this tour available?
The tour is available on demand with a custom date. Please confirm the exact date with the operator.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is not specified. Please check it with the operator in advance.
How early should I arrive before departure?
Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time. This helps the departure go smoothly.
What places are included in this itinerary?
The route includes Khor Virap Monastery, Noravank, Areni, and Jermuk. According to the description, it also includes Jermuk’s Mermaid’s Braids waterfall, the mineral water distillery, the Arch of Dreams, and a wine tasting at the Areni winery.
Does this tour include Khor Virap?
Yes, Khor Virap Monastery is included in this tour and is one of the first stops. It is part of the main itinerary.
Is Noravank included as well?
Yes, Noravank is included in this tour. It is one of the main stops on the route.
What will we see in Jermuk?
According to the description, in Jermuk you will visit Mermaid’s Braids waterfall, the mineral water distillery, and the Arch of Dreams. These are the main highlights of the second part of the tour.
Is there a wine tasting at the end of the tour?
Yes, according to the description, the tour ends with a tasting of Armenian wines at the Areni winery. You can confirm the details with the operator.
What transport is used for the tour?
Tours run on a comfortable minivan or bus depending on group size. The vehicle is chosen based on the number of participants.
Is the transport heated in winter?
Yes, the transport is fully heated in winter. This makes the trip comfortable even in cold weather.
Is there Wi-Fi in the vehicle?
There is usually no Wi-Fi in the transport, but mobile internet works on most of the route. If you need internet, it is best to rely on mobile data.
Have questions?