The Khor Virap monastery is located about an hour’s drive away from the capital Yerevan, and offers an amazing view of Armenia’s defining symbol – the majestic Ararat. “Khor Virap” translates as “deep dungeon”, and was built of the place of the former royal prison, located on the historical site of Artashat. It was this very prison in which they kept Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholicos, for a whole 13 years. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that this place is one of the most sacred spots for Armenians around the world. Likewise, it’s also the closest point to the Mount Ararat from Armenia; very often this spot becomes the number 1 reason to visit our country!

Aside from Khor Virap, another place that can’t be missed is Noravank. It is one of the gems of medieval Armenian architecture, nestled high among the stunning brick-red cliffs in the end of the Gnishik Canyon. Here you will see the one and only depiction of God the Father in Armenia, which is just as astonishing as the face of Jesus Christ that appeared on the dome of the Church’s narthex. Built by Orbelian noblemen, it stands out among our churches as the sepulcher of this noble family, making it unique since it was absolutely prohibited to bury people inside a church since the 5th century.

You will be given a chance to taste and even purchase Armenia’s renowned Areni wine. Made from the oldest grape variety in the whole world, the wine is available in several wineries in the actual town of Areni itself, which we will make a stop at before finishing the trip.

You will continue the trip to Jermuk that is positioned within forests and mountains, on a little plateau, 2080 m above sea level; the plateau is partitioned into two parts by the Arpa river gorge. Jermuk is widely recognized with its curable water. Jermuk waters were reliable means of treatment of numerous illnesses for hundreds of years. The town is unique with its fantastic waterfall. The waterfall has 72 m. top and spilling slant into Arpa River. The waterfall sometimes called Mermaid hair. Jermuk has pretty a protracted history however the modern town was founded only in 1940, after the development of the first sanatorium. Nowadays Jermuk is popular with its modern and cozy sanatoriums.