Khor Virap, Noravank & Areni-1 Day Trip

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the stunning vistas of Armenia as we explore its renowned caves on this excursion to Khor Virap, Noravank, and Areni-1. This route merges history, nature, and age-old traditions within the Vayots Dzor region.

Itinerary Overview

We will set off from Nalbandyan Street at the designated time, boarding our transport towards the Ararat plain, situated near the Turkish frontier, traversing the picturesque southern mountain landscapes.

After approximately one hour, our first stop will be at Khor Virap Monastery. Upon arrival, the beauty of this iconic Armenian site will captivate you! We will spend around 50 minutes exploring its chapels and towers, delving into the history of Gregory the Illuminator, who endured years of confinement in its dungeon. This location exudes spirituality and offers breathtaking views!

Next, we will proceed to the Areni-1 cave, also dubbed the cave of the birds. This site earned its name due to its remarkable archaeological findings, including the oldest known shoe in the world. While exploring this fascinating cavity for about 40 minutes, we’ll uncover the rituals and customs of ancient civilizations that once thrived here. Did you know that this site also served as an ancient wine production hub?

Speaking of wine... a delightful wine tasting awaits! We will visit Hin Areni winery, dedicating 30 to 40 minutes to learn about the traditional wine-making techniques and indulge in sampling some of the finest local varieties. Before moving on, we will make a stop at a restaurant to savor a traditional Armenian lunch. Enjoy your meal!

Following our lunch break, we will visit the Noravank Monastery, nestled in the rural village of Areni. Here, we will take an hour to wander around this beautiful site, admiring its intricate carved reddish stone reliefs and the majestic canyon that envelops it—a truly postcard-perfect locale!

In conclusion, we will journey back to Yerevan, where we will bid farewell at our starting point after a fulfilling day of exploration spanning 9 to 10 hours.