The Road of Wine and Legends
This route brings together history, unusual nature, Armenian winemaking and medieval architecture.
In a single day you will see the famous Khor Virap at the foot of Mount Ararat, walk among the strange rocks of Angels Canyon, get to know Armenia's wine traditions and visit Noravank Monastery among the red cliffs of Vayots Dzor.
The first stop is Khor Virap Monastery, one of the most iconic places in Armenia.
According to church tradition, it was here that Gregory the Illuminator spent about 13 years in a deep pit. After his release he played a key role in Armenia's adoption of Christianity at the beginning of the 4th century.
Khor Virap stands very close to Mount Ararat. In clear weather it offers one of Armenia's best known panoramic views: the monastery against the backdrop of majestic Ararat.
The route then takes us to a completely different Armenia, to Angels Canyon.
The canyon lies not far from the town of Vedi, near the village of Dashtakar. It is a small natural gorge known for its unusual yellow-red rocks and whimsical landforms.
There are no monumental buildings or ancient temples here; the main attraction was created by nature itself.
During the walk you can see rock formations of unusual shape, enjoy open landscapes and take photographs in one of the most unusual natural spots in the Ararat region.
After the walk we continue towards Vayots Dzor, one of Armenia's main wine-making regions.
Here a wine tour and tasting await us.
During the visit to the winery you will learn about the wine-making process, find out more about the traditions of Armenian winemaking and taste local wines.
The final historical point of the journey is Noravank Monastery.
The monastic complex stands among the impressive red cliffs of the Amaghu river gorge and dates mainly from the 13th–14th centuries.
Noravank is closely linked with the princely Orbelian dynasty and with the name of Momik, the outstanding medieval architect, sculptor and master craftsman.
The two-storey Surb Astvatsatsin church, built in the 14th century, is especially well known. Its unusual architecture and narrow outer staircase have made it one of the most recognisable monuments of medieval Armenia.
Noravank among the red cliffs of Vayots Dzor makes a beautiful conclusion to a journey that brings together Ararat, unusual nature, Armenian wine and centuries of history in a single day.
"The Road of Wine and Legends" suits those who want to combine Armenia's classic sights with less familiar natural locations.
The route is especially interesting for lovers of history, beautiful landscapes, walks in nature, medieval architecture and Armenian winemaking.
It is also a good choice for those who have already seen Garni, Geghard and Lake Sevan and want to discover a completely different route through Armenia.
Useful information
Booking
Participation in the tour is by advance booking. The number of places in the group is limited.
To book, you need to tell us the date of the tour and the number of participants.
Once the booking is confirmed, your place in the group is secured.
- WhatsApp / Telegram: +374 99 250 525
Departure time and place
Departure point: Yerevan, 51 Mesrop Mashtots Avenue — the lower part of the Matenadaran, next to the Bus Voyage stop.
Please be there 10–15 minutes before departure.
The vehicle will have an AMARAS TOUR sign on its windscreen.
- Meeting time: 08:45
- Departure: 09:00
What is included in the price
- Comfortable transport along the whole route
- A professional guide
- Guided commentary in Armenian, Russian or English
- A wine tour and tasting
- Bottled water
- A treat from Amaras Tour
All the locations in the programme are visited without additional entrance tickets.
Angels Canyon
Angels Canyon is a natural site, so part of the visit is on foot over dirt and stony ground.
We strongly recommend comfortable closed shoes with non-slip soles.
In the summer months it can be hot here and there is little natural shade. We recommend a hat and sun protection.
After rain, some sections of the road and the trail can be slippery.
The visit to Angels Canyon depends on weather and road conditions. In bad weather the programme may be adjusted for safety reasons.
Wine tour and tasting
The programme includes a visit to a winery, a wine tour and a tasting.
During the visit guests will learn about the traditions of Armenian winemaking and the wine-making process.
The tasting of alcoholic drinks is only for participants of legal age.
Meals
Lunch is not included in the price of the tour and is paid for separately.
There is time for rest and meals during the route. If you wish, you can bring a small snack with you.
What we recommend bringing
- Comfortable closed shoes with non-slip soles
- A hat
- A jumper or light windbreaker
- Sun protection
- A small snack if needed
Bottled water is provided by Amaras Tour.
Khor Virap
During the visit to Khor Virap, those who wish can descend into the famous pit of Gregory the Illuminator.
The descent is by a narrow metal ladder and is an optional part of the visit. Each participant judges their own physical ability and comfort with the descent.
Visiting the monasteries
The programme includes Khor Virap and Noravank, which are working historical religious complexes.
Please keep to a respectful style of dress and behaviour. Clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended.
Services and other church ceremonies may be taking place inside the churches during the visit.
Tour duration
The tour lasts about 10–11 hours.
The route includes a natural site and a section on foot, so the actual time of return to Yerevan may vary slightly depending on the state of the road, the weather, traffic and the length of the stops.
The order in which the locations are visited may change for organisational reasons, without altering the main programme of the tour.
Route
- 1Khor Virap
- 2Angels Canyon
- 3Wine tour and tasting
- 4Noravank Monastery