Route: Khor Virap-Noravank-Jermuk
Rate includes: high qualified guide service, transport services
Duration: 8-9 hours
Khor Virap is one of the symbols of Armenia, offering a magnificent view of the biblical mount Ararat. This is where the baptism of Armenia, the first state to become Christian before Rome, began. The monastery was built in the period from VI to XVII centuries, over the dungeon where the Baptist of Armenia – Saint Gregory the Illuminator-languished for spreading Christianity, until king Trdat decided to accept this religion as the state one. The dungeon where the Holy elder suffered was a Royal dungeon. Here prisoners were lowered into a pit infested with poisonous snakes and Scorpions. According to legend, Saint Gregory the Illuminator was in this pit for 13 years.
Noravank monastery-was built in the XIII century on the ledge of a narrow winding gorge of the Amagu river. The gorge is famous for its steep red rocks rising behind the monastery. During the reign of the Orbelyan princes, the monastery became a major religious center, and in the XIII-XIV centuries – the residence of the bishops of Syunik. The Noravank complex, thanks to the magnificent creations of medieval architects and its location against the backdrop of a beautiful landscape, leaves an indelible impression..
Jermuk is an exciting health resort and climatic resort town, hidden in a picturesque plateau, at an altitude of 1980-2080 meters above sea level. The resort area with an abundance of trees and open spaces fascinates views, interesting old sanatoriums and much more-small and easily accessible, in order to wander on foot. The city attracts visitors with its huge waterfall (height 70 meters), natural bridge and lake, forests.