Journey to the South with Stops: Khor Virap, Areni Winery, Areni-1 Cave, Noravank, Jermuk, Shaki Waterfall, Zorats Karer

Khor Virap - The Khor Virap Monastery is situated less than an hour’s drive from Yerevan, offering a breathtaking view of Mount Ararat, the most ancient and renowned mountain in the Armenian Highlands. “Khor Virap” means “deep dungeon” or “deep pit,” and it was once a prison and fortress near the historic town of Artashat. According to legend, Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholicos, was imprisoned here for 14 years, making it a sacred site for Armenians and Christian pilgrims worldwide.

Areni Wine Factory - Areni village, also known as the village of wine, is located on the banks of the Arpa River. The wine-making traditions here boast a history of over six thousand years. Wine tasting and sales of wine and oghi (homemade fruit vodka) are available at every corner. A wide variety of wines are available for tasting, and locals humorously claim they drink wine like water. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting at one of the oldest wine factories in Areni.

T’rchuneri (Bird) Cave - The Areni-1 or Birds’ Cave complex is a multi-component site and a late Chalcolithic/Early Bronze Age ritual site and settlement located near Areni village in southern Armenia along the Arpa River. In 2010, it was announced that the earliest known shoe was found at the site. In January 2011, the earliest known winery in the world was discovered here. Also in 2011, a straw skirt dating back to 3,900 BCE was reported. In 2009, the oldest brain was discovered.

Noravank Monastery - Noravank, meaning “new monastery,” is a 13th-century Armenian monastery located 122 km from Yerevan in a narrow gorge formed by the Amaghu River, near the town of Yeghegnadzor, Armenia. The gorge is famous for its tall, sheer, brick-red cliffs directly across from the monastery. The monastery is best known for its two-storey Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) church, which provides access to the second floor via a narrow stone staircase jutting out from the building’s face.

Jermuk Waterfall - Jermuk is a mountain spa town and the center of the urban community of Jermuk in Vayots Dzor Province in southern Armenia, located 53 km east of the provincial capital Yeghegnadzor. It was a popular destination for medical tourism during the Soviet Union era. The Jermuk waterfall on the Arpa River has a height of 70 meters.

Shaki Waterfall - Shaki Waterfall is a waterfall in Armenia, with a height of 18 meters. It is located in Syunik Province. The Shaki Waterfall is situated 6 km from the town of Sisian. On the left side of the river Vorotan’s gorge, basalt lava flows have solidified to form an 18-meter-high ledge from which the waterfall cascades down. This is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Armenia.

Karahundj (Armenia’s Stonehenge) - Among the many unsolved mysteries surrounding remarkable prehistoric structures in Armenia, there is the megalithic site of Karahunge (“Karahundj”), covered with hundreds of vertical megaliths ranging from 1 to 2.8 meters in height, with greatly varying forms.

Aregak B&B - Settle in Goris city for an overnight stay.

Return to Yerevan with Stops: Khndzoresk Swinging Bridge, Khndzoresk Cave Settlements, Tatev Ropeway, and Monastery.

Khndzoresk Swinging Bridge - The bridge was inspired by a local entrepreneur’s passion to showcase a truly unique Armenian village. His goal was to preserve the village’s past and allow future generations to discover their roots. The suspension bridge is a labor of love by the villagers, built with their own hands and horses, without modern machinery. It spans 160 meters across a rugged yet scenic gorge. It’s worth stopping along the way to catch your breath and take amazing pictures of the cliffside dwellings.

Old Khndzoresk - The historic cave village, located on the steep slope of a gorge, consists of both natural and manmade caves. At its peak, the community’s population is estimated to have reached as many as 15,000 people. Since many of the dwellings were carved out over and around each other, a complex system of ropes and ladders was required for people to reach many corners of the community. The village even had two churches and three schools.

Wings of Tatev - Wings of Tatev is a 5.7 km (3.5 mi) cableway between Halidzor and the Tatev Monastery in Armenia. It is the longest reversible aerial tramway built in a single section and holds the record for the longest non-stop double track cable car. Construction was completed on October 16, 2010.

Tatev Monastery - The Tatev Monastery is a 9th-century Armenian Apostolic monastery located on a large basalt plateau near the Tatev village in Syunik Province in southeastern Armenia. The term “Tatev” usually refers to the monastery. The monastic ensemble stands on the edge of a deep gorge of the Vorotan River. Tatev is known as the bishopric seat of Syunik and played a significant role in the region’s history as a center of economic, political, spiritual, and cultural activity.

• Private transportation
• All Fees and Taxes
• In-vehicle air conditioning

A private tour with a modern vehicle is the perfect way to experience Armenia’s beauty. Our skilled driver will guide you through less-visited parts of Armenia and highlight ideal photography locations. In addition to the places listed in the itinerary, you’ll have the chance to explore many more. We will also recommend superior spots for lunch and dinner along the route.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.