Things to do in Vayots Dzor Province

Discover Tsaghkadzor Canyon, Lake Sevan, Dilijan and more on a multi-stop guided trip from Yerevan. Try traditional food in Sevan and marvel at the architecture of the Haghartsin Monastery Complex. Start your trip by visiting one of the country’s most renowned landmarks: Lake Sevan. Merely an hour’s drive from the capital city of Yerevan, Sevan is situated at a height of 1900 m above sea level and surrounded by a vast chain of mountains. Then, prepare to be surrounded by incredible nature as you head to the north of Armenia. Visit the city of Dilijan before making a stop at the Monastery of Haghartsin, dating back to the 10th century. Haghartsin is one of those spots in Armenia that feels just like a movie set. The refectory of Haghartsin is one the biggest examples of Armenian Church architecture. It was an absolute innovation at the time it was constructed.

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.  

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.

Meet your professional guide at the convenient meeting point in Yerevan and set off on this full-day tour. First stop is the village of Areni in Vayots Dzor region. This sunny village is famous for its assortment of wine. Due to its flavor and delicate taste, Hin Areni wine has a place amongst the best Armenian wines and you can sample it at a local winery and learn about the process from your guide and the owner. Next up, you will see the picturesque waterfall of Shaki and have lunch at a local restaurant. Then you will cross the mysterious "Devil's Bridge" over Vorotan river. The "Devil’s Bridge" is situated here in a deep canyon, surrounded by mountains and springs, the waters of which have painted the rocks of the canyon with pink, yellow and green colors. And the last stop is Tatev monastery, which used to be wealthiest medieval monastery in Armenia. Besides being a religious center, Tatev was also the important strategical center of Syunik kingdom. In non-stable political conditions the several secret ways in the territory of the fortress led the way to the canyon and served as a link between the monastery and external world. You will take the aerial tramway called the Wings of Tatev. It passes through a deep gorge of the River Vorotan and over hills covered with lush forests. The tramway is supported by three towers between its two terminals.

Spend 2 days exploring Armenia on a guided trip. Enjoy scenic views of Mount Ararat from Khor Virab and fly through the sky on the Wings of Tatev. Cross the swinging bridge to enter the old caves of Khndzoresk and try Armenian wine at a vineyard in Areni. Day 1:Get picked up from your accommodation in Yerevan and take a short drive through the picturesque, mountainous scenery of Armenia. Arrive at Khor Virab, a stunning monastery offering incredible views of Mount Ararat. Travel to Syunik Province to make a stop at the spectacular Shaki Waterfall. Continue to the Wings of Tatev, the longest reversible aerial tramway in the world. Get a head for heights as the cablecar carries you up to the Tatev Monastery. Admire the fairytale-like architecture of the monastery and take in breathtaking views over the deep gorge of the Vorotan River. Leave Tatev behind and head to your overnight stay in Goris. Day 2:Indulge in a traditional Armenian breakfast, then drive to Khndzoresk, famous for its ancient caves. Climb three hundred and fifty steps up to the swinging bridge, crossing over into the old town to find the caves and a hidden church. Make your next stop in Noravank Monastery and wonder in awe at the steep, brick-red cliffs that surround the holy site. Drive fifteen minutes to reach a winery in Areni, best known for its vineyards. Savor the tastes of Armenian wine, fruit wine, and brandy, before ending your trip in Yerevan.

Join this tour and enjoy a journey full of new historical discoveries. In the morning, your guide will greet you at the lobby of your hotel, in order to head to the ancient Monastery of Khor Virap, which is one of the most sacred spots in the country. The location of the gorgeous structure will grant you the beautiful view of the Biblical Mount Ararat. Later, the trip will proceed to the province of Vayots Dzor, where you will admire another marvelous ancient structure, called Gndevank. It was built over a thousand years ago on the bank of the Arpo River. On the route of your journey through the valley, witness huge natural basalt organs, which overlooks the Arpa River. The medieval complex blends in perfectly with the surrounding breathtaking nature. Some monks, who still live and work there, can be found in the territory of Gndevank. After learning about the history of the medieval treasure, head to Kechut Reservoir, located 10 km from the town of Jermuk. Stop to enjoy the endless green meadows over the viewpoint of the reservoir. Next, head to the waterfall of Jermuk, located not far from Kechut Reservoir. The 72-meter high waterfall will remind you of a girl's hair, this is why it is also referred to as mermaid's hair. The lovely waterfall flows smoothly into the river Arpa. The waterfall can be easily hiked and you can take amazing photos with the waterfall in the background. The last marvel for the day will be the glorious monastic complex of Noravank from the 13th century, located on Amaghu Gorge, which is sometimes twinned with the American Grand Canyon. This is a perfect location for taking pictures and admiring the cliffs with a red undertone. If you are lucky enough, you will come across the deer pasturing near the area. In the evening, you will have a private transfer back to your hotel in Yerevan.

In the morning, your guide will greet you in the lobby of your hotel and take you away to the ancient Monastery of Khor Virap. As one of the most sacred spots in the country, the location of the gorgeous structure provides a beautiful view of Mount Ararat. Next, head to the 13th-century Monastery Noravank. Admire the unique natural surroundings of the landmark and continue to be in awe of the country's diverse landscape. Continue your exploration of Southern Armenia and experience more of its nature at the cascading Shaki waterfall. Hear about the legend of Shake and the mythical origins of the waterfall.  After admiring the natural wonder, drive to the famous wine village of Areni. Meet with a hospitable farmer who will share the secrets of Armenian wine-making. Also in Areni, have a traditional dinner paired with delicious wine. In the evening your guide-driver will take you back to your hotel in Yerevan.

Start the day by heading for the Southern Province Vayots Dzor, which is considered the ancient cradle of wine-making. For thousands of years, it has been an important center of viticulture in the region with authentic grape varieties that grow on its fertile soil. In the morning you will drive to the village Amaghu, from where you will start trekking to the architectural masterpiece Noravank Monastery, which is perched on the rocky outcrop. The everlasting impression of the stunning panorama is guaranteed here. Later, you will head to Areni Cave, where a 6000-year old shoe has been revealed together with wine vessels and other accessories which testify that Armenia is an ancient and authentic center of wine-making. After that, you will discover the secrets of pure wine-making and taste the authentic wine of Areni. At the end of the afternoon, you will be accompanied back to your hotel in Yerevan with a stop in Khor Virap Monastery where the flawless view of the Biblical Mount Ararat will be a real gift to our eyes.

Begin with a pick up from your hotel accommodation in Yerevan. Stopping in at the Monastery of Khor Virap, here get a great view of the Biblical Mount Ararat. Then hit the road on your bike, heading for Zangakatun, located at the gateway of the Vayots Dzor province. From here descend to the Areni Village, as the immense red cliffs are unveiled before you. Pass the Arpa Valley, and stop at the Areni cave, where many artifacts of the region's millennia-old win history have been found. This cave famously harbored the oldest shoe of the world, once. Then cycle to the Noravank Monastery through canyons. This medieval monastery will marvel you with its splendor. Rest for the night in the village of Herher.  Departing Herher, head to Noratus cemetery, stopping at the Selim pass and the Lake Sevan by car. Start your biking at the stone-cross in Noratus' Khachkars. Cycle around the side of the lake shore, taking a break at the Sevan Peninsula, here admire the Monastery of Secanavank. Heading toward the town of Dilijan, find a dramatically different landscape of forest along the way. In the late afternoon visit the Sanahin monastery in Odzun.  Departing Odzun, cycle to the Stepanavan. Explore diverse landscapes,  vast plateaus and green meadows. Watch out for herds of cows or horses galloping in freedom. Here, canyons that cross through huge plateaus, seem to be created by divine hand. Make your first stop at the fortress of Lori, located at the crossroads of two canyons, which used to be a strategic location for the Armenian Kingdom of Bagratuni. Later, continue the route to reach the town of Stepanavan. Then on to Vanadzor, which will be the final stage of the 3-day circuit. After you reach Vanadzor, a vehicle will take care of the transfer back to Yerevan.

At the beginning of the day, your guide will greet you at your hotel to drive you to Vayots Dzor province, the door to the southern region of Armenia. After a two-hour drive, you will reach Amaghu Trail from where you will start trekking towards the magnificent Noravank Monastery and gaze at the red cliffs that are reminiscent of the American West. Later, a comfortable vehicle will be waiting for you near Noravank to drive you to the cave of Areni, where you will discover the millennium-old remains that characterize the authenticity of the regional viticulture. Afterwards, your exploration will continue in the village of Artabuynk, from there you will take the road to the monastery of Tsakhats Kar, a marvel of Armenian architecture, built in the 10th and 11th centuries. This monument will take you back to the times of the Bagratuni Kingdom when Armenia struggled for its survival with Arab invaders and then with Mongols. Next, you will descend the monastery and pass on to the Smbataberd fortress, which offers a stunning panoramic view from its location. It was erected in honor of King Smbat Bagratuni, who was the hero of the final Armenian victory against the Arabs. You will have a picnic in the nearby area, and walk towards the medieval village of Yeghegis, where the monuments of the ancient cemetery are located. On your way back to Yerevan, you will stop at the winemaking village of Areni, where a local farmer will invite you to taste delicious local wine paired with aperitifs. You will arrive back at your hotel in the evening.