Your Travel Experience with Finest Journeys
Khor Virap - Angels Canyon - Areni Cave Village
Today the first visit is to the historic Khor Virap Monastery (4th-18th centuries), where Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia, was imprisoned for 13 years when it served as a prison. The monastery offers breathtaking views of the sacred Mount Ararat, an enduring symbol of Armenia. Near the village of Vedi, explore the mesmerizing Angels Canyon, a hidden gem with striking red and striped rock formations flanking both sides of the narrow path. The scenic 11-kilometer loop trail winds through the canyon, offering a chance to spot eagles and turtles along the way. Due to the heat, it’s best visited in spring or autumn. (Hiking time: 2.5 hours). Next, continue to Areni Village and the Areni Cave. This cave, largely unexplored, consists of three rooms and has yielded significant archaeological discoveries, including metal knives, fruit seeds, rope, and pottery dating back to 4200-3500 BC. Most notably, the world's oldest leather shoe (over 5,500 years old) was found here, along with the oldest known wine cellar, which dates back more than 6,000 years.