from 12 reviews
12-13 hours
Daily Tour
Armenian, English, Russian
Travel across three regions of Southern Armenia in one remarkable private day tour from Yerevan. Begin at Khor Virap with its iconic views of Mount Ararat, continue through the red-rock canyon to medieval Noravank, and journey deep into Syunik to reach Tatev Monastery aboard the Wings of Tatev cable car. This 12–13-hour route is designed for travelers who want to see some of Armenia’s most important historical landmarks and dramatic landscapes in one comprehensive journey.
1. The first stop is in the Ararat region near the historical city of Artashat, founded by King Artashes in the 2nd century BC. Khor Virap, which translates as “deep pit,” is known as a prison from those ancient times, located just 8 kilometers from the Armenian-Turkish border.
2. The second stop is in the Vayots Dzor region at Noravank, a stunning medieval monastery surrounded by red volcanic cliffs and narrow canyons. Noravank is known for its distinctive architecture and once served as an important educational and religious center in medieval Armenia.
3. Tatev Monastery is the final stop on our tour. Tatev was once a renowned medieval university that played a major role in the cultural and academic life of the region.
To reach Tatev, visitors can take the Tatever ropeway (wings of Tatev)-the world’s longest reversible aerial tramway. Spanning 5.7 km, the ride lasts about 12 minutes and offers panoramic views of deep gorges, the Devil’s Bridge, lush forests, and most importantly, Tatev Monastery, which is perched on a high plateau. It is undoubtedly one of the most unreachable and awe-inspiring architectural structures of medieval Armenia.
All private tours can be changed upon request.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience the highlights of Southern Armenia in one comprehensive journey. Instead of focusing on a single destination, the route connects three of Armenia’s most remarkable historical sites with dramatically different landscapes along the way.
Three iconic destinations in one day — visit Khor Virap, Noravank and Tatev on one carefully planned route.
Spectacular views of Mount Ararat — experience one of Armenia’s most famous panoramas from Khor Virap.
History across different periods — discover centuries of Armenian religious and cultural heritage at three distinctive monasteries.
Journey through changing landscapes — travel from the Ararat Valley through the red cliffs of Vayots Dzor to the mountains of Syunik.
Experience the Wings of Tatev — cross the dramatic Vorotan Gorge on the famous aerial cableway.
Private and flexible travel — enjoy the journey at your own pace with a professional guide and comfortable private transportation.
Best for: first-time visitors who want to see several of Southern Armenia’s major landmarks in one day.
Want to explore more of Syunik? If you prefer to focus on Tatev and discover the ancient stones of Karahunj and the cave village of Khndzoresk, explore our Tatev, Karahunj & Khndzoresk Private Tour from Yerevan.
Your private driver and guide meet you at your hotel in Yerevan. This is the most complete south Armenia route - covering three different regions in one long but extraordinary day. No waiting for a group, no fixed stops. The day is entirely yours.
First stop in the Ararat region at the most important pilgrimage site in Armenia. Khor Virap - meaning Deep Pit - was once a royal prison where Gregory the Illuminator was held for 13 years by the pagan king Trdat III before converting him to Christianity in 301 AD, making Armenia the world's first Christian nation. The monastery stands just 8 km from the Armenian-Turkish border, giving the closest view of Mount Ararat from Armenian soil. On clear mornings the snow-capped peak rises above the Ararat plain in breathtaking detail.
Continue south into the Vayots Dzor region and the narrow canyon road leading to Noravank - one of Armenia's most visually extraordinary sites. The monastery, founded in 1205, sits inside a gorge of sheer red volcanic cliffs. Its signature two-storey Church of the Holy Mother of God, with a narrow external staircase rising up the facade, is unique in all of Armenian architecture. The drive through the canyon approach alone is unforgettable.
The longest stretch of the day - through the wine villages of Areni and into the Syunik Mountains. Your guide will point out the landscape changes and stories along the route.
Optional lunch at a local restaurant in the Goris area. Can be added in Extras when booking.
Board the Wings of Tatev - the world's longest reversible aerial tramway at 5.7 km - for a 12-minute flight above deep forested gorges, mountain ridges and the Vorotan River below. One of the most thrilling and beautiful rides in the entire Caucasus.
Arrive at Tatev Monastery, set on a high basalt plateau at the edge of a dramatic gorge. Founded in the 9th century, Tatev was one of medieval Armenia's greatest centers of learning - a university, scriptorium and cultural powerhouse that flourished for centuries. The monastery complex includes the main Cathedral of Saints Paul and Peter, the Avazan chapel, the oil press and the remarkable Gavazan column - a swinging monolith designed to warn monks of approaching earthquakes. The views over the Vorotan Gorge from the monastery walls are among the most spectacular in Armenia.
i prefer short trips