The South: Monasteries & Wine

A sensuous expedition through Vayots Dzor and Syunik: we follow the wine from Khor Virap to the 6,100-year-old Areni-1 cave, pass Gndevank monastery on the way to the geysers of Jermuk, cross the watershed into Syunik at the “Armenian Stonehenge” of Karahunj and over the Vorotan Pass, glide over the gorge on the “Wings of Tatev”, bathe at the Devil’s Bridge and explore the cave town of Khndzoresk. Evenings bring hand-picked hotels with spa.

1. 1

   Yerevan & Khor Virap

   Arrival in Yerevan, drive to Khor Virap monastery facing Mount Ararat.

2. 2

   Areni & Noravank

   A wine tasting in the 6,100-year-old Areni-1 cave, then red gorges and the monastery of Noravank; overnight amid the vineyards of Vayots Dzor.

3. 3

   Gndevank & Jermuk

   We follow the Arpa river to Gndevank monastery, then on to the geysers and healing springs of Jermuk.

4. 4

   Karahunj & the Vorotan Pass

   Off-road across the Sisian steppe to the enigmatic stone rows of Zorats Karer, then over the Vorotan Pass down into the gorge to Goris.

5. 5

   Tatev & Devil’s Bridge

   The “Wings of Tatev” cableway to the cliff-top monastery high above the gorge, followed by a bathe in the warm pools of Satani Kamurj.

6. 6

   Khndzoresk & heading north

   A walk through the cave town of Khndzoresk and across the swaying suspension bridge, then the first stretch of the drive back via Sisian to Vayots Dzor.

7. 7

   Departure

   A leisurely drive back through the vineyards of Vayots Dzor to Yerevan, departure.