Just an hour’s drive from Yerevan lies the Khor Virap Monastery, offering a breathtaking view of Mount Ararat — the symbol of Armenia. Its name means “deep dungeon,” as it was here that Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the first Catholicos of all Armenians, was imprisoned for 13 years. Khor Virap is the closest point to Mount Ararat and one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the country.
The next stop is Noravank Monastery — a true jewel of medieval Armenian architecture, located at the end of the picturesque Gnishik Gorge. Here, you can admire the famous bas-relief of God the Father and Christ, as well as the tomb of the noble Orbelian family, making the complex truly unique.
You will then take a ride on the world’s longest reversible cable car — “Wings of Tatev” (6 km, listed in the Guinness Book of Records), leading to the 9th-century Tatev Monastery, once a major spiritual and educational center of Armenia. On the way, you’ll also see the Devil’s Bridge, a natural bridge formed from solidified lava.
The tour concludes in the village of Areni — the heart of Armenian winemaking — where you’ll enjoy tasting the famous Areni wine made from an ancient local grape variety.
