COMPANY & SUPPORT
WAYS YOU CAN PAY
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9 Hours
Group tours
19 persons
Vayots Dzor region, RA
Khor Virap monastery, Noravank monastery, Areni – 1 “Birds” Cave, “Old Areni” winery (excursion and wine tasting)
Although there are various historical landmarks in Armenia, the oldest and most well-known is probably the Biblical Mount Ararat. This is why our tour promises a spectacular view from the closest spot possible.
Khor Virap monastery is located about an hour’s drive away from the capital Yerevan, and offers an amazing view of Armenia’s defining symbol – the majestic Ararat. “Khor Virap” translates as “deep dungeon”, and was built of the place of the former royal prison, located on the historical site of Artashat. It was this prison in which they kept Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholicos, for a whole 13 years. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that this place is one of the most sacred spots for Armenians around the world. Likewise, it’s also the closest point to the Mount Ararat from Armenia; very often this spot becomes the number 1 reason to visit our country!
The tour will take you to the Areni – 1 “Birds” Cave. In 2008, archeologists discovered several of the world’s oldest artifacts, including a leather shoe and a winery. The site, overlooking Arpa River near the town of Areni, is claimed to date mostly to the Early Bronze Age (around 5,000-6,000 years ago). It also contains evidence of elaborate burial rituals and agricultural practices.
Another place that can’t be missed is Noravank. It is one of the gems of medieval Armenian architecture, nestled high among the stunning brick-red cliffs in the end of the Gnishik Canyon. Here you will see the one and only depiction of God the Father in Armenia, which is just as astonishing as the face of Jesus Christ that appeared on the dome of the Church’s narthex. Built by Orbelian noblemen, it stands out among our churches as the sepulcher of this noble family, making it unique since it was absolutely prohibited to bury people inside a church since the 5th century.
What concerns the “finishing touch” to this tour, you will be given a chance to taste and even purchase Armenia’s renowned Areni wine, made from the oldest grape variety in the whole world. The wine is available in several wineries in the actual town of Areni itself, which we will make a stop at before finishing the trip.
FREE CANCELLATION
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
GUARANTEED DEPARTURE
Book and plan your trip with us
AVAILABILITY
This tour is valid every Mon, Wed, Sat -09:00
GUIDE SERVICE
Russian, English
START POINT
The monument of A. Tamanyan, Cascade Complex
BENEFITS
50% discounts for children
Professional guide service (English, Russian)
Wi-Fi on board
All entrance tickets
Bottled water
Local sweets
Wine tasting
You can buy this service in full or book it by paying 30% of the total amount. In case of booking, you will pay the rest of the cost of your service online before providing the service or in cash / non-cash at the organization's office.
In case of changing the date of service, no fee will be charged if you inform the organization at least 24 hours before the service is provided, and in case of later notification on change - 10% of the total cost will be charged. It is possible to change the direction or type of service only at least 24 hours before the service is to be provided. In this case, the final calculation is made, the corresponding changes are made, if possible.
In the case of extreme weather conditions or force majeure, the entity has the right to change, reduce or cancel the approved purchase. In case of cancellation by the organization, you are offered another equivalent service.
Without any penalty purchase cancellation is available at least 24 hours in advance. After that, the whole value of the service is non-refundable in case of purchase, cancellation, as well as without the consent of the service provider. For full information on money refund and other costs related to that can be found in the Public Contract.
We strictly follow the COVID-19 safety rules of the RA government. Please, take masks and individual sanitizers with you.