Welcome to
Yerevan
Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave
- Duration8 hours
- Max Travelers15 people
- Free CancellationUp to 24 hrs
- CategoryAdditional fees, Bus Tours
Overview
During one tour you can see 2 significant monasteries: Khor Virap and Noravank. Visit to the Birds Cave.
The cave was discovered by a researcher at the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, archeologist Boris Gasparyan, it had many bird nests, due to which the alternative name was assigned to the cave – Bird.
And we will conclude the day at the Areni wine factory, where you will have the opportunity to taste Armenian wines
Gallery
What's included
English or Russian speaker guide
Transport by private vehicle
What's Not included
Food and drinks
Birds Cave
Itinerary
The name of Khor Virap monastery is translated as u201cdeep dungeonu201d. The first Catholicos of All Armenians Saint Gregory the Illuminator, was imprisoned here for 13 years by the order of the Armenian pagan king Tiridates III for the preaching Christianity. When the king was stricken with a disease his sister saw a dream: an angel told her that Tiridates would be saved only after the liberation of Gregory the Illuminator. Thus the king released Gregory the Illuminator, and the latter healed the king. After the cure the king proclaimed Christianity as the state religion. Khor Virap has an important historical significance for Armenia. Today tourists have the opportunity to descend into the underground dungeon which is located inside St. Gregory the Illuminator chapel. The best view of the holy mountain Ararat opens from the territory of the monastery.
Noravank monastery is located in Vayots Dzor province, 3 km northeast of Amaghu village. The name of the monastery is translated as u201cnew monasteryu201d. Noravank was built in the 13-14th centuries. The monastery complex is located on a steep mountain ledge, near the cliff. The territory is u201cframedu201d by unusual cliffs of bright red color, which create a very picturesque background for the buildings. Noravank was an important cultural and spiritual center in the Middle Ages; it also served as the residence of the bishops of Syunik province. Noravank monastery is one of the most visited attractions in Armenia. The complex is a magnificent architectural and artistic creation. The monastery was completely restored.
The cave was discovered by a researcher at the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, archeologist Boris Gasparyan, it had many bird nests, due to which the alternative name was assigned to the cave - Bird.
People who appreciate good wines and are interested in the history of ancient architecture, will definitely fall in love with the tiny Armenian Areni village. The u201cAreni Wineu201d festival has been arranged here every autumn since 2009; over 100 types of finest Armenian wines are presented at the festival and visitors can taste and purchase young and old wines manufactured at the Areni winery.
Trip from Yerevan to the Points of Interest and back, and a stop for meal and free time will fill the rest of the time
Good to know
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adultu2019s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.