Khor Virap Monastery, Noravank Monastery, Tatev Monastery, Wings of Tatev Ropeway

This tour visits Khor Virap monastery, a great place to embrace the most picturesque views of Mount Ararat. Then comes the Noravank monastery complex, magnificent in its construction, as the church of Holy Mother of God is a 2-storied monastery. The last stop is in Tatev monastery, a spiritual center that had an outstanding scientific and political significance. The monastery is surrounded by beautiful nature. It is here, where one can take the World's longest ropeway without stops "Tatever".

Highlights:

• Embrace the stunning views over Biblical Mount Ararat
• Observe the magnificent 2-storied monastery in Armenia
• Explore the mystic vibes of the canyons
• Take a ride on the longest reversible cableway in the World, recorded in the Guinness Book of Records

Includes:

• Professional guide
• Transportation by a/c vehicle with Wi-Fi
• Entrance fee
• Water
• Insurance

Not included:

• Lunch
• Personal expenses

Please note: Take with you cash Drams, it is not always possible to pay for lunch in the restaurant by Credit Card.

Itinerary:

Khor Virap

Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. As a state religion, Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavors of Saint Gregory The Illuminator, who, before converting King Trdat The 3rd to Christianity, was imprisoned in the dungeon, over which a church of Khor Virap monastery was built in the 17th century. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat.

Noravank

Passing a narrow road, surrounded by rocks of hundred caves, one discovers a scene of harmony of architecture with nature. The monastery, enshrined with fine architectural solutions and luxurious embellishments, is one of the brightest examples of Armenian architecture of the 13th century. Noravank consists of St. Karapet, St. Gregory The Illuminator churches and St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) two-storey church, which is notable for its ideal constructive and sculptural work.

Lunch

Optional lunch in the local traditional restaurant at your own expense. One may choose between 3 different options:

Option 1 (vegetarian) 3500 AMD per person
Option 2 3900 AMD per person
Option 3 4500 AMD per person

Tatev

Among the architectural pillars of Zangezour, the monastery of Tatev does not have its rivals'. It used to be the wealthiest medieval monastery in Armenia. Besides being a religious center, Tatev was also the important strategic center of the Syunik kingdom. Being situated on a naturally defended place, Tatev monastery has always been an impregnable fortress for aliens. In unstable political conditions several secret ways in the territory of the fortress led to the canyon and served as a link between the monastery and the external world.

Wings of Tatev Ropeway

Church bells were ringing loud in Tatev on October 16 of 2010, heralding the launch of a program to revive a medieval monastic complex and the opening of "Wings of Tatev Ropeway". The 5.7 km ropeway, built within 11 months, 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. One terminal is on a hill, overlooking the village of Halidzor and the other is near Tatev Monastery, on the road to Tatev village. Two cabins operate at once, traveling in opposite directions. There are 6 cables altogether (3 for each cabin), each uniquely foreseen for the specifications of this project. Within about 11 minutes a tramway cabin takes passengers, 30 at a time, from the village of Halidzor to the magnificent complex of Tatev.