Tour To Khor Virap Noravank Areni 1 Cave

The first place that you will visit is Khor Virap monastery. Khor Virap's notability as a monastery and pilgrimage site is attributed to the fact that Gregory the Illuminator was initially imprisoned here for about 14 years by King Tiridates III of Armenia. Saint Gregory subsequently became the king's religious mentor, and they led the proselytizing activity in the country. In the year 301, Armenia was the first country in the world to be declared a Christian nation. A chapel was initially built in 642 at the site of Khor Virap by Nerses III the Builder as a mark of veneration to Saint Gregory. Over the centuries, it was repeatedly rebuilt. From there you will have chance to see Mount Ararat, which is now in the territory of Turkey.

Second sightseeing that you will see is Noravank monastery, which is much known. It’s a 13th-century Armenian monastery, located 122 km from Yerevan in a narrow gorge made by the Amaghu River, near the town of Yeghegnadzor, Armenia. The gorge is known for its tall, sheer, brick-red cliffs, directly across from the monastery. Third: On the road to Noravank there is St. Pokas chapel. You will hike there. For getting there will take 10-15 minutes.

Fourth: You will visit Areni 1 cave, which is known also as a Birds cave. One of such valuable findings was the ancient leather shoe, which is perfectly preserved. It is considered the oldest shoe in the world, the age of which is supposed to be about 5,5 thousand years. The other valuable finding was the oldest winery, which has proved the existence of wine and winery in Armenia in 4000 BC. In the vessels and jars were found the traces of grapes, apricots, wheat, and barley.

Fifth: You will have chance to taste Armenian most known Areni wine.

After wine tasting you will continue your way back to Yerevan.