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Khor Virap Monastery: Views of Mt. Ararat
4.9
9 Ratings
Lusarat
Armenia is home to a range of historical sites, but arguably the most famous and ancient one is the Biblical Mount Ararat. That’s why our trip ensures a breathtaking sight from the nearest achievable point.
Armenia is home to a range of historical sites, but arguably the most famous and ancient one is the Biblical Mount Ararat. That’s why our trip ensures a breathtaking sight from the nearest achievable point.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Khor Virap - Situated about an hour’s drive from Yerevan, the Khor Virap monastery offers a breathtaking view of Armenia’s iconic symbol, the majestic Ararat. “Khor Virap” means “deep dungeon,” and it was constructed on the site of the former royal prison at the historical location of Artashat. This prison famously held Gregory the Illuminator,…
- Khor Virap - Situated about an hour’s drive from Yerevan, the Khor Virap monastery offers a breathtaking view of Armenia’s iconic symbol, the majestic Ararat. “Khor Virap” means “deep dungeon,” and it was constructed on the site of the former royal prison at the historical location of Artashat. This prison famously held Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholicos, for 13 years.
- Saint Hripsime Church - The St. Hripsime church, built on the tomb of the Christian nun Hripsime who escaped the Roman Empire and was martyred in Armenia, is a remarkable structure that has stood since its construction in 618 A.D., making it one of the oldest surviving churches in the world.
- Saint Gayane Church - Just a five-minute drive away is the next destination: the 7th-century church of St. Gayane. Gayane was Hripsime’s caretaker and shared in her tragic fate.
- Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin - Armenian Apostolic Church (Armenian Orthodox Church) - Visitors can witness the world’s first Christian Cathedral, the Holy Ejmiatsin, built between 301-304.
According to legend, Jesus Christ descended at the location where the Dissention Altar now stands, prompting Gregory the Illuminator to commission the church’s construction.
The cathedral is a symbol of Armenian national identity and heritage, showcasing the country’s profound Christian tradition.
- Zvartnots Temple - The Zvartnots Cathedral, now in ruins, is a 7th-century centrally planned aisled tetraconch type Armenian cathedral, constructed by Catholicos Nerses the Builder from 643-652.
Legend has it that the name “Zvartnots” means “celestial angels,” inspired by the belief that angels once watched over the temple.
It is part of the UNESCO heritage list. In fact, all the churches included in the tour are listed as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites.
What's Included
- On-board WiFi
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Bottled water
- Hotel Pick up and Drop off
- On-board WiFi
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Bottled water
- Hotel Pick up and Drop off
What's Not Included
- Lunch (upon request)
- Professional guide (upon request)
- Entrance Tickets
- Lunch (upon request)
- Professional guide (upon request)
- Entrance Tickets
Additional Information
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Possible languages: English, Russian. In case the tour is organized in other language, changes of the prices are possible.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Possible languages: English, Russian. In case the tour is organized in other language, changes of the prices are possible.
Location
Khor Virap
Highway 11 - Near the village of Pokr Vedi, Artashat
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(9 Ratings)
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1 star
Aykun_b
Jan 2, 2026
Good timing, great... - Good timing, great experience! We had great time with comfortable transfer amenities and good communication. Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Sagitarr
Mar 17, 2025
Visit to historic sites with the support of a qualified professional. - We made a private tour by:
- Khor Virap Monastery
– Echmiadzin Cathedral
– St.Hripsime
- St.Gayane Church
– Zvartnots Temple
Driver Harut went beyond expectations. In addition to being polite and attentive, he strived to count aspects of each stop, using Google Translator On Line, reducing language impact.
We studied each stop before and can state that it passed important information from the historical sites.
Congratulations to the company for having this professional on your team.
In addition to visiting places we studied long before, we were happy with the guided support we had.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
76waleedi
Dec 30, 2024
Armenia tour - The tour was amazing
& Mr.Harod was so great & helpful & we meet Anastasia as well but she was not scheduled to me but yet she helped as well
& both took care & asking if i need anything
Amazing team 🙏🏼
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kudret
Nov 19, 2022
Great tour to the oldest Christian churches - This tour was great!
The tour guides of this company makes the visits interesting, engaging and enjoyable.
Although there was a constant language switching by the tour guide from Russian to English and vice versa, which interrupted the immersion, still it was a very nice and valuable tour.
I recommend them, especially if you book a tour in the Russian language, the experience will be much more unique.
As a note to the operator, they should consider offering the same tours in Russian and in English as separate groups, this would keep the experience consistent in the preferred language.
Other than that, everything was great
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Svetlanap459
Jun 24, 2022
Everything was good. - Were on an individual field trip with guide Karen today. We really enjoyed it. The guide spoke very well about the history of Yerevan, about all the temples we visited, learned very much new and unknown about the formation of Christianity. I highly recommend it. We will be sure when we get back to you and it is Karen for tours!!! Thank you!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ekaterina_k_007
May 9, 2022
Very nice. - Very much enjoyed the tour accompanied by Karen, learned many new facts, including about the history of Armenia, the adoption of Christianity and the architecture of Armenian churches👍 Also thank the guide for the zagolas, coffee and for agreeing on a tour of the room with the spear of Longin😃
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julia1981spb
Feb 19, 2020
Tours of Armenia - They took 2 tours of Armenia. Well organized! Guides Armine and Anna are smart! You can see that the girls are very fond of their country and eager to talk about its attractions. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Londone7
May 12, 2019
Excellent half day trip - On my final day I had this half day trip booked for after I checked out and had my bags. It was a private tour so I had the car to myself. The driver came to my apartment at 10am to pickup as arranged. It was an older guy who didnt speak much English but tried to help as best as could.
We went first to Khor Virap then back to the churches around the city Echmiadzin, Hripsime, Gayane, and Zvarnots temple. I was dropped back at Republic Squre where I had requested. It was very convenient to have my own driver after two large bus tours on previous days and reasonably priced.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Martina
Jun 6, 2025
Highly recommended - Interesting destinations, friendly driver, all as assured.
If you are interested in churches and monasteries, highly recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
