Vayots Dzor Province

A mountainous southern province known for Noravank Monastery, Areni wine and the Jermuk hot springs.

Vayots Dzor Province lies in southeastern Armenia, bordering Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan to the south. It is sparsely populated, with mountains interlaced with red canyons. Noravank Monastery sits in a red-rock canyon in a highly distinctive setting; the village of Areni is a traditional wine region, and nearby Areni-1 Cave has yielded evidence of ancient winemaking; Jermuk is known for its mineral water and spa treatments. Spring and autumn are the best times to go, and autumn also brings the grape harvest. The province lies on the main road from Yerevan to Syunik Province in the south, so it is easy to reach by car or private hire.

Destinations

• Vayots Dzor

Itineraries

• Yerevan Base & Surrounding Highlights – Stay in Yerevan and take day trips to Garni, Geghard, Lake Sevan, and the Areni Valley.
• Southern Silk Road & Tatev Loop – Drive south to Areni, Tatev, and Jermuk, then return via the Selim Pass and Lake Sevan.
• Grand Armenia Loop – From Tatev in the south to Debed and Gyumri in the north, cover all the main regions of the country in one loop.
• Georgia & Armenia Combo – Head north from Tbilisi to Kazbegi, cross the border into the Debed Canyon, and travel south to Tatev.