Day Trip to Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni Cave, Wine Tasting

Embark on a group tour to Khor Virap, Areni Cave, Noravank, and wineries. Enjoy comfortable vehicles, small groups, free Wi-Fi, and hotel pick-up. Book now!

Duration: 9 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Khor Virap - 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!

  • Noravank Monastery - 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.
  • Areni-1 Cave - 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.
  • Areni - 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.

What's Included
  • Guide Service
  • Wine Tasting
  • Comfortable vehicles with Wi-Fi
  • Bottled water and local sweet ‘Gata’
  • Entrance Tickets
What's Not Included
  • Hotel drop-off
  • Lunch ( 6€ - 14€ per person)
Additional Information

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 it was built on the place of the former royal prison, located on the historical site of Artashat. The Monastery is also one of the most sacred spots for Armenians around the world.

This tour will also take you to the Areni Cave (Bird’s Cave). In 2008, archeologists discovered several of the world’s oldest artifacts, including a leather shoe and a winery here.

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 at the end of the Gnishik Canyon.

Conclude your day with a visit to the charming village of Areni, famous for its winemaking tradition. Here, you’ll visit a local winery to taste a selection of fine Armenian wines, including the renowned Areni variety.

  • For security reasons the trip might be modified or cancelled in case of bad weather conditions.
Location
Alexander Tamanyan statue
Cascade complex, in front of the Al.Tamanyan statue.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(199 Ratings)
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P553sfeileend
Jul 22, 2024
Tour to Areni - Tour guide Hasmik is knowledgeable and attentive and organized. Driver was wonderful. Both are very cooperative. Tour guide explains history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Excursion45899735179
Jul 8, 2024
Good Trip - Good Adventure - Took a tour for three people. We really enjoyed the trip in its content: our guide Elina presented information in a passionate, enthusiastic, professional manner. You could see that she herself liked what she was telling us and it, in our view, charged the whole group with a positive, which confirms the truth of Christ's words: "A good man keeps good in his heart, and good comes from him." Enjoyed lunch and the resting place, as well as the fact that free water was provided on the road. Loved the wine tasting. At the monastery of Noravanck, it was a pleasant surprise that the name of God was mentioned. It's great that we could watch a lot in one day. Thanks to guide Elina, driver Karen and all the Yerani Travel staff for their professional work!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tinkarav2024
Jul 5, 2024
Would reccomend - The tour was great and very well organized, with just enough free time and guided activities. Our tour guide Hasmik was extremely nice and helpful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yyyadazile
Jul 2, 2024
Choose Yerani Travel for your next daytrip from Yerevan - I joined a Yerani travel tour to Khor Virap, Noravank and Areni and it was the best choice I could have made. The tour was organized to the last detail and was carried out professionally at all times by our extremely knowledgeable guide, Hasmin, in both English and Russian. You get enough time at each site and the information is very balanced. I was surprised I was able to listen to more than 95% of Hasmin's guiding. I know that's because of her tremendous love for her country, her genuine love for what she does and excellent skills to lead any group. The tour ran on time, you get free cold bottled water and a sweet snack. Lunch is organized at a really nice floating restaurant (separate cost). The wine tasting was real, not just one free quarter full glass of complementary wine and all the wines are delicious. Absolutely worth the money!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zmirota
Jun 29, 2024
5 for Anastasia and Marat - 2 languages speaking guide tour facilitating group perfectly, saying amazing stories and being just pationate about Armenia and welcoming people over here. Safe drive in comfortable and clean bus.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
_v5786ch
Jun 27, 2024
Beautiful tour - Wonderful tour, all very clear and thoughtful, friendly. Guide Jasmine talked interestingly about the history of Armenia and the places we visited. A nice comfortable bus, unlimited water and ghata as a gift added a nice emotion. Let's advise our friends.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q81vdvivekg
Jun 24, 2024
Fun day tour - Hasmik and Vaghan gave a great tour with more than enough time to see and photograph everything while also being fun and not boring. Handled russian+english perfectly. Favorite part was the Areni wine tasting. Recommend bringing a hat and sunscreen.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H9061tiandrewm
Jun 21, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 would recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Marat and Anastasia were both very friendly and accommodating to our family. The tour felt very special and the locations were unique to Armenian culture
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karin_j
Jun 17, 2024
Great day out 100% recommend - Great trip. Guide Sam was excellent with his knowledge and enthusiasm. Driver Karian also did a great job. Would 100% recommend this trip and tour company,all very well organised.
Review provided by Viator
Dxbheidi
Jun 15, 2024
Don't even miss this!!!! The best tour ever! - Sam was such an amazing host!! Karen is veryyyy good! Everything was smooth, informative and fun!! Specially sitting with them in front! The best tour i ever had!!! Thank you for everything! We learned a lot and we had so much fun!! The friendliest, active, smartest ever!!!! I will always treasure this tour!!! Love you guys!!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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1 Adult
September 2024
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