Khor Virap, Noravank & Areni-1 Cave with Wine Tasting Group Tour
Description
Begin your journey at Khor Virap Monastery, where breathtaking views of Mount Ararat create an unforgettable start. Continue to Armenia’s renowned wine region and explore the Areni-1 Cave, where archaeologists discovered the world’s oldest known winery (over 6,000 years old) and a 5,500-year-old leather shoe. Visit the stunning Noravank Monastery, a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture set among dramatic red rock cliffs. End your day in Areni village, the heart of Armenian winemaking, with a tasting of local wines. Experience wine where it was first created and enjoy a perfect blend of history, culture, and flavor.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Although there are various historical landmarks in Armenia, the oldest and most well-known is probably the Biblical Mount Ararat. This is why our tour promises a spectacular view from the closest spot possible. Khor Virap monastery is located about an hour’s drive away from the capital Yerevan, and offers an amazing view of Armenia’s defining symbol – the majestic Ararat. “Khor Virap” translates as “deep dungeon”, and was built of the place of the former royal prison, located on the historical site of Artashat. It was this prison in which they kept Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholicos, for a whole 13 years. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that this place is one of the most sacred spots for Armenians around the world. Likewise, it’s also the closest point to the Mount Ararat from Armenia; very often this spot becomes the number 1 reason to visit our country!
Another place that can’t be missed is Noravank. It is one of the gems of medieval Armenian architecture, nestled high among the stunning brick-red cliffs in the end of the Gnishik Canyon. Here you will see the one and only depiction of God the Father in Armenia, which is just as astonishing as the face of Jesus Christ that appeared on the dome of the Church’s narthex. Built by Orbelian noblemen, it stands out among our churches as the sepulcher of this noble family, making it unique since it was absolutely prohibited to bury people inside a church since the 5th century.
The tour will take you to the Areni – 1 “Birds” Cave. In 2008, archeologists discovered several of the world’s oldest artifacts, including a leather shoe and a winery. The site, overlooking Arpa River near the town of Areni, is claimed to date mostly to the Early Bronze Age (around 5,000-6,000 years ago). It also contains evidence of elaborate burial rituals and agricultural practices.
What concerns the “finishing touch” to this tour, you will be given a chance to taste and even purchase Armenia’s renowned Areni wine, made from the oldest grape variety in the whole world. The wine is available in several wineries in the actual town of Areni itself, which we will make a stop at before finishing the trip. As part of the tour, guests will taste the most famous dishes of traditional Armenian cuisine. The dishes are unique with their taste and appetizing aroma, characteristic only for Armenian cuisine.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- For security reasons the trip might be modified or cancelled in case of bad weather conditions.
Reviews(355)
Well-organized and interesting trip. Anna was a very attentive, friendly, and always available guide. The wine, excellent!
Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted you enjoyed the experience and hope to welcome you again soon.
A very well-led day. We love Anahit, who is an extraordinary, funny, unifying, and clear guide. Very nice team with Marat the driver (who drives very well!). They will do their best to ensure everything goes as well as possible. Don't hesitate!
Dear guest, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great day with Anahit and Marat. We’ll be happy to share your kind words with them — they’ll certainly be very touched! Thank you for your trust and recommendation. We hope to welcome you back to Armenia again!
Great tour, perfect length, noravank is a must see. Anahit was bubbly, kept the energy high, super funny and full of local knowledge. She definitely made the trip memorable!
Dear guest! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and found it to be the perfect length. We’re especially happy that Anahit made your experience so enjoyable with her energy, humor, and local knowledge. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with her. Thank you for recommending us, and we hope to welcome you back to Armenia again!
The tour was very interesting. The guide Anastasia was nice and knowledgeable, and the driver Edgar drove excellently. We visited Khor Virap with the wonderful view of Mount Ararat, then we moved on to visit the Areni cave, and finally the Noravank church. At the end of the tour, we listened to the secrets of Armenian wine and also tasted it. Recommended tour for the beauty and peace of the places visited.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted you enjoyed the tour and appreciate your kind words about Anastasia and Edgar. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again on another adventure in Armenia.
Atmosphere very nice and plaisant
Thank you very much for your kind review! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed the atmosphere during your tour. It was a pleasure to have you with us, and we hope to welcome you back to Armenia again in the future.
The guide was so much kinder! It was a guide in English, so I could only understand it, He also taught me about the history of the places I visited, and I was able to visit various places efficiently! Lunch is not included, but it is a process that cannot be canceled, so you need to see +α.
Thank you for your kind review! We're delighted you had an enjoyable experience and found the tour both interesting and well organized. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again in the future.
Special thanks to Gayane 👋❤️
Thank you so much for your kind words! ❤️ It was a pleasure serving you, and Gayane will be delighted to hear your appreciation. We look forward to welcoming you again!
Absolutely enjoyable day the south part of Armenia!. The tour is well structured, the size (18 people) is perfect, the transportation and the hospitality are great. We really enjoyed the whole tour. Of course, besides the amazing places that you visit, the energy and the commitment of our guide Anastasia was at the highest level. She was full of information, but in an entertaining way, having our attention all the way from start to end. And with the skills and dedication of the driver Marat, this was the best tour we had. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Armenia.
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience exploring southern Armenia. It’s great to know the overall organization, comfort, and group atmosphere met your expectations. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again on another journey in Armenia.
Very wonderful day trip and tour guide she very knowledgeable and professional.
Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the day trip and appreciated the professionalism and knowledge of your guide. We hope to welcome you again on another experience in Armenia.
Anastasia was our guide, and she was well organized, efficient, and straight to the point. She immediately inspired confidence and made the whole experience feel seamless. Marat, our driver, was also great—friendly, relaxed, and professional. The tour was absolutely worth it. The timing was perfect: not too long, with plenty of interesting places to see. The only additional cost was the entrance fee to the Birds' Cave (1,000 AMD), and there were four lunch options available (including one vegetarian option), all reasonably priced at around 4,000–5,000 AMD. On top of that, Anastasia went out of her way to help me arrange transportation from Areni to Jermuk to visit the hot springs, and she even made sure I arrived safely. 10/10 — highly recommended.
Thank you for your detailed review. We’re delighted to hear that you had such a smooth and enjoyable experience and that the overall organization, timing, and program met your expectations. It’s also wonderful to know you found the journey comfortable and well-structured, with good dining options along the way. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are especially glad that you felt well supported throughout your trip. We hope to welcome you again for another memorable experience in Armenia.
