King Smbat Fortress Full Day Off-Road Tour

Sightseeing  :  Armenia  :  Yerevan  :  Yerevan  :  4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours

Enjoy a tour in Armenia by off-road SUV, visiting Khor Virap Monastery, Noravank Canyon and Monastery. You will make a visit to the King Smbat Fortress, as well as having a delicious lunch hosted by a local family in Areni village.Begin with a pick up from your hotel and make your way South while enjoying the panoramic view of Biblical Mount Ararat. You will visit the monastery Khor Virap located at the foot of Ararat, where there is an ancient deep prison. At the end of the 3rd century AD, the future first patriarch of Armenian Apostolic Church, Grigor Lusavorich (Grigor Enlightener), was imprisoned and suffered for 13 years. Leave Khor Virap and arrive to Areni village, which is famous for its winery. Areni is a grape, which has been used for making wine from ancient times.

You will have lunch with a local family and explore the Armenian village life typical to Vayots Dzor region, culture and traditions. Become introduced to old Armenian lifestyle, experiencing the hospitality and homemade wine tasting. After lunch, you will drive to the famous Areni cave canyon where you will visit Noravank Monastery built during the XIII – XIV centuries and situated on a ledge of a deep winding gorge on the tributary of the Arpa River. Enjoy the amazing architecture of the Monastery and Khachkars (Cross Stones) as you are introduced to interesting stories about famous architects Momik and Orbleyan Dynasty. After the monastery, you will drive towards Yeghegis State Sanctuary to visit the King Smbat Fortress located on the top of mountain and built X – XI centuries with high and wide (2-3 m) pyramid type fort-walls and protected by the Artabuni River and deep canyons. From the fortress you can take in an amazing view to Tsakhats Kar Monastery.