Private Day Trip to Jermuk, Noravank & Khor Virap

If you’re looking to pack a lot of Armenia’s natural beauty and historic charm into a single day, this Private Day Trip to Jermuk, Noravank & Khor Virap offers a well-rounded experience. While we haven’t personally traveled this route, reviews highlight its impressive itinerary, knowledgeable guides, and breathtaking scenery—making it a compelling choice for those wanting an authentic taste of Armenia beyond Yerevan.

What we love about this tour: the chance to get close-up views of Mount Ararat, exploring medieval Armenian architecture, and the opportunity to relax in a spa town like Jermuk. The combination of cultural sites and natural wonders is thoughtfully curated. That said, it’s a long day with significant driving—so this is best suited for adventurous travelers, comfortable with an early start and a full schedule.

One thing to consider: since the tour is private and includes no guide or lunch unless added, it requires some planning and a willingness to be flexible. Overall, it’s ideal for those eager to explore Armenia’s highlights in one day with ease, especially if you value private transport and personalized attention.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive itinerary covering key cultural and natural sites in Armenia.
• Private transportation ensures comfort and flexibility.
• Expertly guided experience with friendly, knowledgeable drivers.
• Stunning views of Mount Ararat and dramatic landscapes.
• Affordable value at $106 per person for a full-day tour.
• Ideal for travelers seeking an active, culturally rich day in Armenia.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

This private day trip offers a seamless blend of history, nature, and scenic beauty, packaged into roughly nine hours of exploration. The fact that it’s a private tour means you get personalized attention, flexible timing, and the comfort of dedicated transportation, which is a real plus when visiting Armenia’s often rugged terrains.

Pickup and Journey Begins in Yerevan

The day starts with hotel pickup in Yerevan, making it convenient to begin without the hassle of arranging transport. The journey kicks off with a short photo stop in Lusarat, just 10 minutes, offering a glimpse of the landscape and a chance to capture your first memories of this scenic drive.

Khor Virap Monastery: The Heart of Armenian Heritage

Your first major stop is Khor Virap, one of Armenia’s most revered monasteries. The name means “deep dungeon,” referencing the former prison below the monastery. Its significance lies in its ties to Armenian Christianity and its panoramic view of Mount Ararat—the iconic mountain that has symbolized Armenia for generations.

Visitors typically spend about an hour here, taking in the medieval architecture and soaking up the spiritual atmosphere. Multiple reviews praise the friendly and helpful driver Khachik, who makes sure everyone gets the most from this stop. One reviewer notes that even with language barriers, Khachik’s warmth and local insights shine through, making the visit engaging and authentic.

Noravank Monastery: Architectural Marvel in a Canyon

Next, the tour ventures to Noravank, a monastery famous for its medieval Armenian architectural design. Located deep within an impressive canyon, Noravank’s dramatic red cliffs provide a stunning backdrop to the stone structures. Its name, meaning “New Monastery,” belies its age and its importance as an architectural gem.

Here, you get about an hour to explore, walk around, and appreciate the intricacy of the stone carvings and church layouts. As one guest shared, “The architecture is truly a jewel,” and many are captivated by the sense of history and craftsmanship. The location’s natural surroundings also make for excellent photo opportunities, especially if you’re into landscape shots.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Jermuk: The Wellness Capital of Armenia

After the monasteries, the journey takes you to Jermuk, a well-known spa and resort town famed for its thermal waters and waterfalls. The highlight here is the Jermuk waterfall, towering at 72 meters and flowing into the Arpa River—a spectacular sight.

You’ll have about 45 minutes to walk, take photos, and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Multiple reviews mention the beautiful waterfall as a highlight, with one visitor noting, “It’s one of the most beautiful places in Jermuk.” You’ll also have an hour for lunch, with options to enjoy local cuisine, adding to the overall value of the day.

Jermuk Waterfall and Relaxation

Post-lunch, there’s more time allocated for visiting and walking around Jermuk, giving you a chance to soak in the scenery or perhaps sample the town’s renowned mineral waters—if you bring a small bottle to fill up, as recommended by reviewers. The waterfall visit is a highlight, with a manageable 30-minute walk allowing you to get close enough for great photos and a sense of the area’s natural power.

Return to Yerevan

The day wraps up with a scenic drive back to Yerevan, often with some additional stops or photo opportunities along the way. The total duration of roughly nine hours means you’ll get a full day of sightseeing without feeling rushed, and the private setup ensures comfort throughout.

What Makes this Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Driver and Personalized Service
Multiple reviews commend the driver, Artyom, and Khachik, for their professionalism and supportive attitude. They often go beyond just driving, offering local insights and making sure the trip feels tailored to your needs.

Stunning Mountain and Canyon Views
Whether it’s Mount Ararat framing Khor Virap or the red cliffs surrounding Noravank, the scenery is consistently rated as breathtaking. Travellers often mention bringing large bottles to fill with mineral water or taking extra time for photos.

Authentic Cultural and Natural Experience
Visiting ancient monasteries and natural landmarks like Jermuk Waterfalls offers a genuine feel of Armenia’s landscape and spiritual history—all accessible in one day.

Excellent Value at $106
Compared to similar tours, this one offers a lot of value—covering major highlights with comfortable transport and flexible timing. The optional guide and lunch can be added for a bit extra, tailoring the experience further.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around monasteries and waterfalls.
• Bring weather-appropriate clothing, especially if visiting outside of summer.
• Carry a small amount of cash for tips, candles, or small purchases at religious sites.
• Fill up your water bottles at Jermuk’s mineral springs if you enjoy high-quality mineral water.
• Be prepared for a full day of sightseeing, so pack snacks or extra water if needed.

Accessibility and Other Considerations

Since the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and pets aren’t allowed, it’s best suited for travelers who are mobile and comfortable with a bit of walking and uneven terrain.

The Sum Up

This private Armenia day trip offers an excellent way to experience the country’s most iconic sights in one convenient package. With its blend of historic monasteries, stunning mountain vistas, and natural attractions like Jermuk Waterfalls, it’s ideal for travelers wanting an authentic, personalized experience that covers both cultural and scenic highlights.

The knowledgeable guides and drivers make the journey smooth and comfortable, while the flexible itinerary allows you to enjoy each stop at your own pace. The included transportation, Wi-Fi, and bottled water ensure a hassle-free day—making this a solid value for those eager to see Armenia beyond Yerevan.

If you’re keen on exploring Armenia’s spiritual sites, dramatic landscapes, and spa town charms—all in one day—this tour strikes a good balance between comfort, content, and cost. It’s perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone wanting a hassle-free, immersive taste of Armenia’s diverse beauty.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 9 hours from pickup to drop-off, providing ample time to explore each site.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transfer in comfortable air-conditioned transportation with Wi-Fi, a professional driver, and one bottle of water per person.

Can I customize the tour?
While the itinerary is set, it’s a private tour, so you can discuss additional stops or timing adjustments directly with your driver or guide if you opt for the guide upgrade.

Is there an optional guide available?
Yes, a professional, knowledgeable guide can be added for an extra fee of $70, offering deeper insights into the sites.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, cash for tips or candles, and a refillable water bottle.

Are meals included?
Lunch isn’t included in the base price but can be arranged for an additional $15 per person.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for families, but consider the walking involved and the length of the day for very young children.

What about accessibility?
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users and pets aren’t allowed on board.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
While available year-round, visiting in spring or fall provides the most pleasant weather for walking and sightseeing.

How do I cancel if my plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

This Armenia day trip is perfect for travelers eager to enjoy a full, authentic experience with ease and comfort. It’s a balanced mix of history, culture, and nature, designed to leave you with unforgettable memories of Armenia’s diverse landscape and spiritual heart.

You can check if your dates are available here: