Armenia Monasteries & Tatev Ropeway Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Khor Virap Monastery with Mount Ararat views
- Discover Noravank's stunning red rock canyon
- Experience the Tatev Ropeway, world's longest cable car
- Visit ancient Noravank Monastery
- Enjoy scenic Armenian countryside landscapes
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Private transportation from Yerevan
- Guided tours of Khor Virap, Noravank, and Tatev Monasteries
- Tatev Ropeway ride
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. As a state religion, Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavors of Saint Gregory The Illuminator, who, before converting King Trdat The 3rd to Christianity, was imprisoned in the dungeon, over which a church of Khor Virap monastery was built in the 17th century. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat.
Passing a narrow road, surrounded by rocks of hundred caves, one discovers a scene of harmony of architecture with nature. The monastery, enshrined with fine architectural solutions and luxurious embellishments, is one of the brightest examples of Armenian architecture of the 13th century. Noravank consists of St. Karapet, St. Gregory The Illuminator churches and St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) two-storey church, which is notable for its ideal constructive and sculptural work.
Church bells were ringing loud in Tatev on October 16 of 2010, heralding the launch of a program to revive a medieval monastic complex and the opening of "Wings of Tatev" Ropeway. The 5.7 km ropeway, built within 11 months, passes through a deep gorge of the River Vorotan and over hills, covered with lush forests. The tramway is supported by three towers between its two terminals. One terminal is on a hill, overlooking the village of Halidzor and the other is near Tatev Monastery, on the road to Tatev village. Two cabins operate at once, traveling in opposite directions. There are 6 cables altogether (3 for each cabin), each uniquely foreseen for the specifications of this project. Within about 11 minutes a tramway cabin takes passengers, 30 at a time, from the village of Halidzor to the magnificent complex of Tatev. "Wings of Tatev" is the world's longest reversible aerial tramway, officially recognized by the Guinness World Records.
Among the architectural pillars of Zangezour, the monastery of Tatev does not have its "rivals". It used to be the wealthiest medieval monastery in Armenia. Besides being a religious center, Tatev was also the important strategical center of Syunik kingdom. Being situated on a naturally defended place, Tatev monastery has always been an impregnable fortress for alien. In non-stable political conditions several secret ways in the territory of the fortress led to the canyon and served as a link between the monastery and the external world.
Important information
Know before you book
- Confirm your booking at least 24 hours in advance.
- Provide your hotel details for convenient pickup.
- Be prepared for a full-day excursion with multiple stops.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection.
- Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
- Infant Seats Available
Traveler reviews
A fantastic trip
I took the full day Tatev tour with this company and it was one of the best things I have done in Armenia! The bus very modern, clean and super comfy. Our guide was Nina, she was so professional and went above and beyond to accommodate everyone in the best way she could. The driver Aro was also very careful and respectful! The tour is definitely worth the time, money and effort if you are in Yerevan. Definitely recommend to anyone!
Tour of Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni Cave, and Areni wine factory.
Nina was a fantastic guide and made the excursion extremely fun but also informative. Arakell was a great driver.
Serious travel agency
Good service for a group excursion. Good guide
Hyur and Liana: the tour that made us fall in love with Armenia
We had a wonderful experience with Hyur Service during our trip to Armenia. Everything was impeccably organized, with great professionalism, punctuality and attention to detail. Armenia turned out to be truly a golden country: breathtaking landscapes, an extraordinary history and exceptional cuisine, among the best we have had the opportunity to try on our travels. Special thanks go to our guide Liana. With passion, competence and great humanity, she managed to make us live the true soul of the Armenian people, making every visit engaging and never trivial. Thanks to his explanations, sensitivity and enthusiasm, history, culture and traditions have come to life before our eyes. We return home with wonderful memories and sincere affection for Armenia and its people. Experience absolutely recommended.
Very long trip to see three monasteries. bad seating organization on the bus.
15 hours and hundreds of miles to see 3 monasteries? Never again. Also at each stage people get off the bus occupying the seats with jackets and bottles. At the last stop, having traveled for 10 hours in the last narrow row (c and a large appliance under the front seats with the impossibility to stretch the legs at all), I got back on the bus and strangely found the first row not occupied by objects and I sat down. The driver told me that the seats were already occupied (so they book?!) and climbed the Armenian family that had traveled until then comfortably in the front row started yelling at me at , so much so that I was sent back to the last row. I think the guide should not have allowed this. I've been traveling for 40 years and the guides always say that the seats on the bus can't be filled when getting off. In addition, the guide should have invited the rude Armenian family to sit a little elsewhere so that everyone could travel a little more comfortably on such a long and tiring journey. Professionally she drives very well.