Get in
Vans (called ''marshutni'') depart from Yerevan to Artashat regularly throughout the day. Taxis in Yerevan are usually happy to take you there for 100 drams (33 cents US per km). Day tours from Yerevan are offered by some companies by van with other tourists, including guide and sometimes lunch which include the most popular destination of the area, Khor Virap (often combined with the much further Noravank in Southern Armenia or other sites).
Get around
Foot, bike, taxi.
See
Khor Virap Monastery. 5 minutes south of Yerevan, before Vedi and Ararat towns. Khor Virap is named after the "deep pit" that St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned in over 1,700 years ago before curing the king of a sickness and converting him, and the country to Christianity. You can climb down the pit to this day, down a long metal ladder. The fortified monastery has a stunning view of Mt. Ararat, so go early in the morning on the clearest day you can for the unforgettable view, otherwise haze usually sets in.
Dvin ruins excavations. eading south from Yerevan, turn left (NE) just past Azatavan and head straight to Dvin.. The ruins include an impressive capital or two, but not too much else of the dig is very impressive. A small museum with pieces found on the site of this early Armenian capital is on site as well.
Do
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Artashat is only about half and hour from Yerevan. Accommodations are best arranged in Yerevan.
Contact
Get out
Vans and taxis are available from Artashat to Yerevan. Along the highway by Artashat to Yerevan you can catch vans and buses heading to Yerevan, or even private cars.