Day Trip with Artcheese

YEREVAN – KHOR VIRAP MONASTERY – ART CHEESE – ARENI CAVE – NORAVANK MONASTERY – YEREVAN

Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up from the hotel. Beginning our day early with a departure from Yerevan towards the Khor Virap Monastery. Founded in the 4th century, Khor Virap is renowned as the place where Saint Gregory the Illuminator, was imprisoned for 13 years by King Tiridates III, that led to the conversion of Armenia to Christianity in 301 AD, making it the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion. The monastery is known for its location at the foot of the biblical Mount Ararat , on which, according to legend, Noah ended up on the ark after the Flood.
A stop at the Artcheese Tasting Room, located in the village of Yelpin in the Areni region of Vayots Dzor Province. It provids visitors with the opportunity to sample a variety of local cheeses and wines. The tasting room is known for its extensive selection of both Armenian and international cheeses, paired with wines from the region, making it a popular spot for food and wine enthusiasts.
Next a visit to Areni-1 Cave, discovered in 2001, this cave has unveiled a treasure trove of artifacts and insights into early human history, notably from the Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages. Among its most celebrated discoveries are the world's oldest leather shoe, dating back over 5,500 years, and the earliest known winery, complete with fermentation vessels and grape seeds dating to around 4,000 BC.
Finally, a drive to Noravank Monastery, founded in the 12th century, monastery complex is renowned for its intricate stone carvings, dramatic setting against towering cliffs, and its cultural significance in Armenian history. Its most renowned structure, Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, showcases the distinctive architectural style of the period, characterized by intricate khachkars (cross-stones) and ornate carvings that adorn the facades. Return to the hotel Yerevan.