The Road to the Springs of Jermuk

One day, and completely different facets of Armenia: Mount Ararat and the ancient history of Khor Virap, the winemaking traditions of Vayots Dzor, the red cliffs of Noravank and mountainous Jermuk with its waterfall and famous mineral springs.

The first stop will be Khor Virap Monastery, one of the most iconic historical and spiritual 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 views: the monastery against the backdrop of Ararat.

Next we will head to Vayots Dzor, one of the country's main winemaking regions.

A wine tour and tasting await us, during which you will get to know the traditions of Armenian winemaking, learn about the wine production process and be able to taste local wines.

The next stop is Noravank Monastery, set among the striking red cliffs of the Amaghu gorge.

The monastic complex developed especially actively in the 13th and 14th centuries and is closely connected with the princely Orbelian family.

One of the main monuments of the complex is the two-storey church of Surb Astvatsatsin, associated with the name of the outstanding medieval architect and sculptor Momik. Its unusual architecture, the external stone staircase and the surrounding red cliffs have made Noravank one of the most recognizable places in Vayots Dzor.

After the historical part of the route we will climb higher into the mountains, to Jermuk.

One of the most beautiful natural stops here is the Mermaid's Hair waterfall.

The water descends the rocky slope in thin streams, which is how the waterfall earned its romantic name. It is one of Jermuk's landmarks and a wonderful place for a short walk and photographs.

Then we will visit the Arch of Dreams, one of Jermuk's well-known panoramic points.

It offers a beautiful view of the mountain landscape and the gorge of the spa town. By tradition, people make a wish here while admiring the surrounding nature.

We will finish the journey in the very heart of Jermuk, Armenia's famous mountain and balneological resort.

We will visit the Gallery of Mineral Waters, where natural mineral water flows from springs of different temperatures.

Here you can taste Jermuk mineral water straight from the spring and feel the atmosphere of a resort whose history is inseparably tied to its natural waters.

This is how the route ends, taking us in a single day from the foot of Ararat through the wine valleys and red cliffs of Vayots Dzor to the mineral springs of mountainous Jermuk.

The Road to the Springs of Jermuk suits those who want to combine history, nature, Armenian wine and mountain scenery in one journey.

It is an especially good option for a first acquaintance with the southern direction of Armenia: the route is varied and lets you see Khor Virap and Ararat and Noravank in a single day, get to know winemaking traditions and spend time amid the nature of Jermuk.

The tour suits lovers of beautiful views, photography, history, wine and unhurried walks in nature.