Destinations
The road south from Yerevan passes Khor Virap and its Ararat view, then enters Vayots Dzor: red cliffs, the monastery of Noravank and the vineyards and ancient winery cave of Areni.
Vayots Dzor is a small, mountainous province south-east of Yerevan, and the most rewarding part of it is easy to reach in a day. The landscape changes as soon as you leave the Ararat plain: the road climbs into dry hills, then drops into canyons of red and ochre rock. Here you find Noravank, one of Armenia’s most beautiful monasteries, and Areni, the country’s best-known wine village. On the way, Khor Virap gives the classic close-up view of Mount Ararat.
Khor Virap stands on a low hill in the Ararat plain, close to the Turkish border, about 45 minutes from Yerevan. It is in Ararat province rather than Vayots Dzor, but almost every trip south stops here. Tradition holds that St Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned in a pit on this site for about 13 years before he converted King Trdat III, which led to Armenia adopting Christianity as its state religion. You can climb down a steep ladder into the pit. The church above dates from the 17th century. The main reason many people come is the view: on clear mornings Mount Ararat rises directly behind the monastery walls.
Noravank sits at the head of a narrow gorge of red cliffs, about 10 minutes’ drive off the main road near Areni. The monastery was founded in the early 12th century, and its main buildings were raised by the Orbelian princes in the 13th and 14th centuries. The main church, Surb Karapet, dates from 1216–1223. The most striking building is the two-storey Church of Surb Astvatsatsin, completed in 1339 and attributed to the sculptor and architect Momik. Narrow cantilevered steps on its façade lead to the upper chapel, and its carved reliefs are among the finest in Armenia. Late afternoon light on the cliffs makes this the best time for photographs.
Areni is a village on the Arpa River, surrounded by vineyards. It gives its name to the Areni grape, a native red variety that is the backbone of Armenian red wine. Several wineries in and around the village receive visitors, and roadside stalls sell homemade wine and dried fruit. A tasting can be requested on a tour, subject to availability.
The Areni Wine Festival is held in the village on a Saturday in early October. In 2026 it took place on 3 October, with free entry, grape-stomping and live music (checked November 2026).
Just outside the village, the Areni-1 cave is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Caucasus. Excavations uncovered what is widely described as the oldest known winery in the world, dated to about 6,100 years ago, with a wine press and storage jars. The cave also yielded a leather shoe about 5,500 years old, now displayed in the History Museum of Armenia. Visitors can see part of the cave and the excavation area. Photography may be restricted, and opening times should be checked locally.
Jermuk is a spa town in the east of the province, at about 2,080 m, around 3 hours’ drive from Yerevan. It is known for its mineral water, a gallery of springs served at different temperatures and a waterfall on the Arpa gorge. It is too far for the same day as Noravank unless you stay overnight. Most travellers visit Jermuk as a separate wellness stay or as a stop on the way to or from Tatev.
By car, the M2 highway runs south through the Ararat valley. Khor Virap is about 45 minutes from Yerevan, Areni 1.5–1.75 hours and Noravank about 2 hours, including the side road up the gorge. Jermuk is a detour of about an hour east from the main road, roughly 3 hours from Yerevan in total.
By public transport, minibuses heading south towards Yeghegnadzor and beyond pass Areni, but there is no service up the gorge to Noravank, and connections back are limited. For most visitors a driver or a tour is far more practical.
| Plan | Time |
|---|---|
| Khor Virap only | 2.5–3 hours from Yerevan and back |
| Khor Virap, Areni and Noravank | One full day, 8–10 hours |
| Add Jermuk | Overnight in Jermuk or continue south to Goris and Tatev |
April to June brings green hills, spring flowers and clear mornings for the Ararat view at Khor Virap. September and October are the harvest season in Areni and the most atmospheric time for wine lovers. July and August are hot in the Ararat valley, though the gorge at Noravank is a little cooler. Winter visits are possible, but daylight is short and the Ararat view depends on the weather.
Yes. This is one of the classic day trips from Yerevan. Khor Virap is about 45 minutes away, Areni about 1.5–1.75 hours and Noravank about 2 hours. With stops for a winery and lunch, plan on 8–10 hours door to door.
Areni-1, also called the Birds' Cave, is a cave near Areni village where archaeologists found the remains of what is widely described as the world's oldest known winery, around 6,100 years old, and a leather shoe about 5,500 years old. The shoe is now in the History Museum of Armenia in Yerevan.
It is usually held on a Saturday in early October in Areni village. In 2026 it took place on 3 October, with free entry. Check armenia.travel for the next date.
If you have an extra day, yes. Jermuk is a spa town at about 2,080 m, about 3 hours' drive from Yerevan, with a waterfall and a gallery of mineral water springs. It works best with an overnight, or as a stop on the way to or from Tatev.
Practical details change. We checked these sources when we last updated this guide; please confirm time-sensitive information before you travel.
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