Khor Virap – Armenian monastery, built in 642, translated from Armenian means “deep hole”. Khor Virap is one of the shrines of the Armenian Apostolic Church, a place of pilgrimage. The most interesting fact of this monastery is the fact that it was built on the site of the royal prison, where Gregory the Illuminator was previously imprisoned – the patron saint and the first official head of the Armenian Apostolic Church by the Armenian king for 13 years. From the territory of the monastery there is an unusual view of the biblical mountain Ararat.

Monastery Noravank is among the wonderful steep red rocks on the ledge of a meandering gorge. It was founded in the XII century on the site of ancient buildings. Complex Noravank, thanks to the magnificent creations of medieval architects and its location on the background of a beautiful landscape, leaves an indelible impression. It is one of the majestic monuments of the Armenian medieval architecture.

Areni Cave or Bird Cave is located near the tributary of the Arpa River Gnishik: at 30 m height. It is situated in the rock and comprises a range of spaces, hewn in the rock, linked with narrow aisles. The location of the cave allows everybody to visit it even during the holidays in Armenia. Since 2007 archaeological researches have been held there. As a result, materials dating back to 4200-3500 BC were found: crockery, plant residues, apricot and grape kernels, knitted of reed, pieces of cloth, women jewelry and so on.

Areni is the birthplace of winemaking. Viticulture on the territory of Armenia originated many years before our era. In Armenia, grows a lot of wild vineyard, and a large number of local varieties of grapes. And here there is the oldest winery of Armenia, where you can taste the most delicious wine from the best varieties of grapes.

You will continue the trip to Jermuk that is positioned within forests and mountains, on a little plateau, 2080 m above sea level; the plateau is partitioned into two parts by the Arpa river gorge. Jermuk is widely recognized with its curable water. Jermuk waters were reliable means of treatment of numerous illnesses for hundreds of years.

The town is unique with its fantastic waterfall. The waterfall has 72 m. top and spilling slant into Arpa River. The waterfall sometimes called Mermaid hair. Jermuk has pretty a protracted history however the modern town was founded only in 1940, after the development of the first sanatorium. Nowadays Jermuk is popular with its modern and cozy sanatoriums.