The ruin of the Amberd Fortress is 2300 m above sea level; it is a symbolic monument perched on top of a stony setting and at the foot of Mount Aragats. Just next to the Vahramashen church (11th century) is another architectural and scenic gem.

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Amberd

Aparan, a small town that is as severe as it is picturesque, lies at the foot of Mount Aragats, Armenia's roof. A small town in the high plateaus, buffeted by the winds, dry and freezing in winter, it is an ideal point of departure for climbing Aragats.

Aparan

The symbol of a country which recalls the riches of its history and the bitterness of its defeats.

Mount Ararat

Areni's excellent red wines  are produced in a small village in the south west of the country on the border with Azerbaijan

Areni

A monastery on the Turkish border, at the foot of the emblematic Mount Ararat, Khor Virap is one of the most photogenic Armenian monasteries. 

Khor Virap

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I spent a day at Khor Virap, which was enough time to visit the monastery and take a little stroll around the religious building with Mount Ararat in the background. Try to go on a Sunday morning, because you'll get the chance to attend a religious ceremony, knowing that Armenia is mostly Apostolic. This is an opportunity to experience the country's religious aspect more. According to one study, Armenia is considered the 3rd most religious country in the world. For the more fun part of your visit, there are dungeons to check out, and you get there by going down numerous underground ladders. Beware: you shouldn't go down if you're claustrophobic... Don’t forget to try the local cuisine during <a href="/armenia/">your stay in Armenia</a>, a real treat. Carnivorous friends rejoice, because barbecue is the country's main dish, and finish your meal with a glass of cognac, renowned here for its quality.

Khor Virap is an Armenian monastery, located 45 minutes from Yerevan by minibus. This place is considered to be the first holy place in Armenia.

It would be a shame to not go to the Khor Virap monastery during a <a href="/armenia/">stay in Armenia</a> because this place alone is the symbol of the country. The simple silhouette of the monastery built in the more pure Armenian architectural style distances itself from Mount Ararat, located a few miles away on the Turkish side of the border. A mountain and a monastery - not much else could be more Armenian. Aside from that, you have to admit that the monastery itself isn't very big, and its architecture is relatively simple. The trip is worth taking, however, especially for the view. Nevertheless, for Armenians, it is a significant pilgrimage site, where Saint Gregory the Illuminator (the founder of the Armenian Apostolic Church) was imprisoned for 12 years. Since Khor Virap is located near Yerevan, the monastery can be the destination of a half-day excursion from the capital.

Khor Virap is an Armenian monastery against the backdrop of Mount Ararat.

Imagine a desert landscape, a moon like plain from which emerges an arid mountain, a volcano with a snow covered summit that is more than 5,000 m high, and, in the foreground, a stone monastery, looking dwarfed by such immensity. Well, that's what you can expect from Khor Viap monastery! Obviously, the site's beauty is not completely unknown because the monastery is a much prized pilgrimage site for Armenians, who also go there to get married, to have their children baptized, or to make traditional animal sacrifices, especially at the weekends when the site is quite busy. But if you can go there on a week day and outside high season during your <a href="/armenia/">trip to Armenia</a>, you are likely to be more or less alone, like I was lucky enough to be, with the magnificent landscape around you.

A monastery on the Turkish border, at the foot of the emblematic Mount Ararat, Khor Virap is one of the most photogenic Armenian monasteries.

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A week away in Armenia&nbsp;is the perfect opportunity to get out of your comfort zone while enjoying the incredible sites that this stunning destination has to offer. Take a walking tour and enjoy the rustic scenery as you explore monasteries, lakes and castles, or stay in the city to see incredible museums and galleries as well as soaking up the local culture. Your itinerary will be filled with amazing sights and sounds as you explore, meeting welcoming people as you go and experiencing <a data-destination-id="50" data-internal-link="destination">the best of Armenia</a>. <h3>Best things to see and do for one week in Armenia</h3><h4>What to see in one week</h4>Armenia is the perfect destination for history lovers, with so many fascinating sites, ranging from prehistoric to more modern times. Above all, Armenia is known for its incredible monasteries and other religious sites and these should certainly be on your list of things to see during a one week tour of Armenia. Start at Lake Sevan, where you can enjoy sandy beaches and countless outdoor activities before visiting the beautiful monastery that has stood here for centuries. Next, visit <a data-place-id="14467" data-internal-link="place">Geghard</a>, a monastery which is set into a canyon, with part of the structure being carved out of the rock face. Tatev Monastery is another must see site and will make for an incredibly picturesque visit as it is built at the very top of a cliff. Explore the three churches and the rest of the complex before enjoying a truly breathtaking view. Armenia’s incredibly array of historical sites is so large that a one week tour would not be enough time to appreciate the scale of the rich history that has unfolded here, were it not for the History Museum of Armenia, which is a fantastic option for those without a lot of time. Whilst its no match for exploring the sites themselves, it is a fantastic, interesting and interactive way to learn about the incredible events that have taken place here over the years. <h4>What to do in one week</h4>Visiting Armenia is an experience as unique as the things you will find here. Take a day trip to sites such as The Temple Of Garni, a 1st century classical Greek design which still stands today. Imagine life in the 1st Century as you wander around this feat of human engineering and marvel at its incredibly and beautiful structure. For active visitors, travel to Mount Aragats, a volcano with no less that four peaks as well as a stunning medieval fortress to reward those who decide to hike to the summit. Not only will you get to explore this fortress, you will also be greeted with some truly stunning views out over the rural countryside. A city tour is another must on any one week Armenia tour and with so many interesting things to do in such a small area, ts by far the best way to make the most out of your week here. Visit Yerevan, Armenia’s capital, to enjoy galleries, museums, restaurants and bars as well as visits to Victory Park, Republic Square, The Blue Mosque and many more incredible locations. <h3>Best time to travel to Armenia for a week</h3><a data-document-id="4657" data-internal-link="article">Whenever you visit Armenia</a> for your one week tour, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time, with each season offering a unique reason for visiting. Plan your trip to Armenia&nbsp;during the peak season (May to August) and you’ll be able to enjoy warm, sunny weather, the international film festival in July as well as an extreme sports festival on Lake Sevan in August. Visiting during these months also means, however, that you’ll be met with more crowds and less availability for accommodation and activities. During the winter, Armenia becomes fairly cold and snowy, meaning that winter sports are possible in places such as the ski resort at Tsakhkadzor and the cities, while cold, are even more beautiful under a layer of snow. Winter trips are also often a little cheaper, with less demand for accommodation and therefore, more choice on offer.

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Khor Virap Holidays

Khor Virap: How to get there?

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