Khor-Virap-Noravank - two most beautiful monasteries

This excursion is for connoisseurs of nature, ancient architectural monuments and history.

We will see two stunningly beautiful monasteries, one of which is located near the border of Armenia with Turkey, almost at the foot of Mount Ararat, the other in a picturesque gorge against the background of red cliffs. And on the way you can visit the winemaking center of Armenia village Areni and taste Armenian grape and fruit wines, and fruit vodka.

Khor-Virap Monastery (deep dungeon) is a monastery of the Armenian Apostolic Church, located near the border with Turkey, at the foot of Mount Ararat. From here one of the stunning views of the biblical Mount Ararat opens, to the top of which, according to legend, Noah’s Ark acceded after the Flood.

The monastery is located on one of the twelve hills on which the capital of Armenia Artashat was located in the second century BC. On one of the hills was the royal underground prison, which is a deep pit filled with snakes and scorpions, in which the Armenian king Trdat III kept in prison for 13 years. Gregory the Illuminator before he converted to Christianity in 301. I will tell you a legend about the period when Armenia adopted Christianity.

Next, our way will run along the Ararat plain to the south of Armenia, then we will overcome a small pass and travel about 100 kilometers to the next destination of our trip. On the way, I will tell you a lot of interesting things, so as not to go in complete silence and admire the landscapes of the mountainous part of Armenia.

We will stop for a tasting in the village of Areni. In the village of Areni there is another attraction - a three-sided karst cave, it is called the Cave of Birds. Archaeological excavations have been conducted here since 2007. Excavations have uncovered the world’s oldest women’s shoes dating back 5,500 years and a 6,000-year-old winery. If you wish, you can visit the cave. Further along the 8-kilometer gorge we will go to the Noravank monastery (12-13 centuries). Noravank Monastery is located among the bizarre red rocks on the ledge of a winding gorge, leaving a lasting impression on travelers.

Areni is the center of winemaking in Armenia, which means that you can taste local wines if you want.

The tour is long, you can stop for lunch in one of the roadside restaurants and taste the local cuisine.

• Guide services
• route
• water
• If the number of tourists is more than 2, the cost of the excursion is $ 210

In addition, tickets to the cave of birds are paid - $ 5 per person.

Wine tasting - from $10