Group tour: Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni Winery and Cave
Description
Join this group tour to explore most amazing attractions of Armenia! Visit Khor Virap monastery, a great place for embracing the most picturesque views of Biblical Ararat mountain. Next see the monastery complex, Noravank, that is unique in its construction as the Church of Holy Mother of God is the only two-storied monastery in Armenia. After that visit Areni, one of the oldest settlements in Armenia and today is famous for its wines. Have a lunch and wine tasting.
Tour Options
Itinerary
starting and ending point
Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. As a state religion, Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavors of Saint Gregory The Illuminator, who, before converting King Trdat The 3rd to Christianity, was imprisoned in the dungeon, over which a church of Khor Virap monastery was built in the 17th century. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat.
Passing a narrow road, surrounded by rocks of hundred caves, one discovers a scene of harmony of architecture with nature. The monastery, enshrined with fine architectural solutions and luxurious embellishments, is one of the brightest examples of Armenian architecture of the 13th century. Noravank consists of St. Karapet, St. Gregory The Illuminator churches and St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) two-storey church, which is notable for its ideal constructive and sculptural work.
Vayots Dzor and Areni village in particular has been the cradle of Armenian winemaking for millennia. "Hin Areni" wine factory opens up the doors of this region to the world to showcase the historic and indigenous Armenian grape varietals. At the winery the historic traditions of winemaking are well combined with state-of-the-art modern equipment. "Hin Areni" wine factory has the capacity to process over 250 tonnes of grapes.
As a result of studies, metal knives, fruit seeds, grain residues, rope, dishes, clothing, dried grapes and plums, dated to 4200-3500 BC, were found in the cave. The oldest leather shoe of the world was found right here. It is more than 5500 years old. Also, in the same area, there were found world’s oldest women’s skirt (3900 BC), as well as the first winery in the whole world.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- The duration is approximate
- Seats will not be known in advance
Reviews(802)
All was well 👍 Ike tour guide interesting narrator
Большое спасибо за теплые слова! Будем рады вновь принять Вас в Армении!
Hayk: clear and enthousiastic tour guide. Daro: very safe driver.
Thank you for the warm words! Thank you for choosing our company! Hope to have another chance to host you!
Everything well organized, wonderful places, and a knowledgeable and helpful guide
Siamo davvero felici per il feedback positivo! Saremo lieti di darvi il benvenuto di nuovo in Armenia!
My friends and I went on this excursion and, on the whole, we were satisfied. You can see that the guide knows what he's talking about, but he's talking dry enough. There was also rather little time to look at some locations. Lunch was taken extra, the most basic, communal table: 3 salads, pickles, cheese, bread and water/tea/coffee, cost 2500 drams. If you want to eat denser, you'll have to pay a little more. They also gave free water on the bus. The bus is very comfortable and modern, thanks to driver Aro for the comfortable ride. And thanks to guide Ike for running the program in two languages!
Большое спасибо за Ваш подробный отзыв! Мы рады, что в целом экскурсия оставила у Вас хорошие впечатления и Вы отметили комфорт автобуса, организацию поездки и работу нашей команды. Отдельное спасибо за добрые слова в адрес водителя Аро и гида Айка. Обязательно передадим им Вашу благодарность. Также благодарим за замечания относительно подачи информации и времени на некоторых остановках. Такая обратная связь помогает нам совершенствовать наши экскурсионные программы. Будем рады снова видеть Вас и Ваших друзей на наших экскурсиях по Армении!
The tour with guide Ike and driver Aaron was comfortable and peaceful, thank you! 🥰
Спасибо за добрые слова! Мы будем рады принять Вас в Армении в будущем!
Hayk and Aro were great in this tour. Hayk explained each part of the tour section to us in both english (for english speakers) and russian (for russian speakers). I really enjoyed this tour with the wine tasting and then seeing Khor Virap and Noravank and lastly the cave where the oldest shoe was found. Thank you!
Thank you for the warm review! Our company will gladly take care of your vacation during your next visit to Armenia!
Thanks to guide Ike for the interesting tour! The driver Aro is a professional – he drove carefully, the guide told many interesting things. A very good lunch. Book a tour with no regrets!
Мы безгранично благодарны за столь приятный отзыв! Будем рады вновь принять Вас в Армении!
Hayk Very good guide and interesting trip
Thank you so much for the review and kind words! It will be pleasure to host you in Armenia also in future!
Very enjoyed the tour to Choir Virap, thanks to guide Ike, the tour was very interesting, educational!))) and would like to note the comfortable bus with free wifi and air conditioning, driver Aro drove without problems!!! We will now turn to you!!! Hello from Kazakhstan!
Благодарим за высокую оценку! С радостью вновь примем Вас в Армении!
Really enjoyed the above tour. Especially entertaining and interesting were the stories and stories of our guide Ike, who showed us everything and told us, immersed us in the history and myths of ancient Armenia. There was also an unexpected bonus from him in the form of playing the national instrument duduk, which ended up on her. Also thanks to driver Aro for driving comfortably.
Спасибо большое за отзыв! Всегда с радостью организуем Ваш отдых!
