Mount Ararat: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Yerevan: 4.5-Hour Garni-Geghard Tour

1. From Yerevan: 4.5-Hour Garni-Geghard Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel where the tour will start at 10:00 am and last approximately 4 to 5-hours. The first stop is Garni, a Pagan Temple referred to as the well-known symbol of pre-Christian Armenia that was converted into a royal summer house. After exploring the grand structure, you will then stop at Ararat ARC where you'll have a fantastic view to mount Ararat, a snow capped dormant volcano situated in Turkey. From here, you will visit the UNESCO listed Geghard Monastery Complex. Some of the churches are situated in caves, whilst others are dug out of the surrounding rock surface. You will then be transferred back to Yerevan.

From Yerevan: Khor Virap, Etchmiadzin, and Zvartnots Tour

2. From Yerevan: Khor Virap, Etchmiadzin, and Zvartnots Tour

Visit Armenia’s oldest and most well-known historical landmark, Mount Ararat. This private half-day tour takes you to the closest spot possible at Khor Virap Monastery for spectacular views of the snow-capped volcano. Located about an hour’s drive away from Yerevan, the monastery offers an amazing view of the majestic Mount Ararat. Explore Khor Virap and learn about the region’s history as a royal prison. This was the very prison where Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholic, was held for 13 years. It’s no surprise that the monastery serves as one of the most sacred spots in Armenia.   Discover more of Armenia’s sacred spots with a stop at Saint Hripsime Church, built on the sepulcher of the nun Hripsime and one of the oldest churches in the world. A short 5 minute drive away is the 7th-century church of Saint Gayane. From here visit the world’s first Christian Cathedral, the Holy Etchmiadzin. Built in 301-304, legend says that Jesus Christ descended here, where Gregory the Illuminator ordered to build the church. On the way back to Yerevan, the tour will conclude with a final stop at another beautiful 7th-century temple.

Yerevan: Khor Virap Day Trip with Mount Ararat Wine Tasting

3. Yerevan: Khor Virap Day Trip with Mount Ararat Wine Tasting

Unleash Your Inner Adventurer: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Epic Scenery with Wine Tasting in Armenia. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or simply looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, the tour to Khor Virap and wine tasting in the fields overlooking Mount Ararat is a must-visit. Don't miss out on this chance to taste, explore, and create unforgettable memories in Armenia! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that blends history, culture, and epic scenery with a touch of wine and good taste! The tour to Khor Virap and wine tasting in the fields overlooking Mount Ararat promises to be an extraordinary experience for anyone looking to explore the best of Armenia. Itinerary: Step into the historic Armenian monastery of Khor Virap, and be transported back in time. This stunning site offers breathtaking views of the legendary Mount Ararat, a sacred mountain that holds a special place in Armenian culture. Here, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the rich history of the monastery, learn about its significance, and take in the stunning panoramic views from its terrace. But the adventure doesn't stop there! After exploring Khor Virap, it's time to raise a glass and savor the best of Armenian wines in the fields overlooking Mount Ararat. This region is renowned for its vineyards and its stunning natural beauty, and you'll get to taste some of the finest wines the country has to offer. As you savor each sip, let your eyes wander across the rolling hills and lush vineyards, with Mount Ararat rising in the distance, providing a stunning backdrop to the wine tasting experience.

Day trip to Khor Virap, Areni Winery and Noravank Monastery

4. Day trip to Khor Virap, Areni Winery and Noravank Monastery

The tour will start at 09:30 AM with a pick-up point from your hotel. The day’s itinerary includes visits to Khor Virap Monastery, Areni Winery and Noravank Monastery situated deep in the Noravank Canyon. Once you get to Khor Virap, you will stop to admire and take photos of the spectacular view of Mount Ararat, the national symbol of Armenia. You will then continue to the winery in the village of the Areni, where you can try delicious Armenian wine and take a few bottles with you. Due to its charming medieval architecture and magnificent landscape, the Noravank Complex is a must see when in Armenia.  

Private tour to Garni, Geghard, Symphony of Stones

5. Private tour to Garni, Geghard, Symphony of Stones

The well-known sites of interest of Armenia are included in this private tour. First, visit Garni pagan temple (1st century), dedicated to the God of Sun Mihr. Next on your way, get amazed by the magnificence of the 13th century Geghard monastery complex, partially carved in the rock and included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. The last place of visit is Garni canyon, the so-called "Basaltic Organ".

From Yerevan: Full-Day Tatev Monastery Complex Tour

6. From Yerevan: Full-Day Tatev Monastery Complex Tour

The tour starts early in the morning at 7:00 am. After breakfast, you'll be on the road. The first destination is Khor Virap which is the closest stop to mount Ararat. Then, you'll continue the trip to Areni Wine Factory. After some wine tastings and even some shopping, you'll head to Halidzor village where you'll hop on the longest cable car in the world covering a distance of almost 6km. While enjoying breathtaking views from above Vorotan gorge, you''ll reach Tatev monastery complex, which is one of the largest monasteries in Armenia. Then, you'll return to Halidzor village with cable car again and continue the tour to Noravank monastery, the only only place where you can see father God's face carved. Enjoy lunch with fantastic views of red cliffs and then return to Yerevan.

Yerevan: Khor Virap, Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery Tour

7. Yerevan: Khor Virap, Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery Tour

Experience the rich history and stunning architecture of Armenia on a day trip to the Khor Virap monastery, Garni Pagan Temple, and Geghard Monastery from Yerevan. After pickup at your hotel in Aravan, head toward the Khor Virap Monastery with your guide. Once there, admire the breathtaking view of Mount Ararat from the monastery where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years. Next, continue to the Garni Temple, the only pagan temple in the region. Once there, marvel at the magnificent temple, a unique example of Hellenistic architecture in the region, and hear about its history from your guide. Afterward, visit the Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site carved into the cliffs, for a truly unforgettable experience. After a day of cultural and religious adventure with stunning views, return to Yerevan for drop-off at your hotel.

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What people are saying about Mount Ararat

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 57 reviews

This was quite simply a superb tour. Nvard , our guide, was knowledgeable, informative and an excellent communicator. She has a deep knowledge of Armenian culture & history and shares it in an understated yet appropriate way. She also has an extraordinary singing voice! I could not recommend this tour highly enough. It us the perfect length, brings you to fascinating places and gives you some insight into the history & culture of this amazing country.

The Garni and Geghard route is an excellent half day excursion if you want to see more of Armenia and it’s history outside of Yerevan. But the real gem of this tour is the guide. Nvard’s knowledge and passion in sharing her great country is unmatched, friendly and professional. Highly recommend!

Excellent trip. Friendly, informative and talented (she can also hold a note! )! The driver was also excellent, he drove very cautiously and I felt completely safe the whole time.

Nvard was so knowledgeable and the driver was excellent as well. Nvard explained everything as well as additional information about the country. The best guide I have had.

A very well organised trip with a safe driver and a knowledgeable and friendly guide. I would recommend this to anyone interested in Georgia's history and culture.