Group tour: Hin Areni Wine factory, Shaki waterfall, Tatev (wayback on Ropeway)
Hin Areni Wine factory (tour and tasting), Shaki Waterfall, Lunch stop, Tatev Monastery, Wings of Tatev Ropeway
1. Hin Areni wine factory
30-40 min
Vayots Dzor is a land where sun and stone have guarded the secret of wine for centuries and the village of Areni became the ancient key to that mystery. Deep within its caves, archaeologists uncovered the world's oldest winemaking complex proof that grape and man were bound together on this land thousands of years ago. Since then, every vine of Areni seems to carry the memory of the ages, offering berries filled with the fragrance of ancient Armenia.
The "Hin Areni" wine factory continues this legend, turning grapes into a living message from both past and future. Here, tradition meets innovation: in halls filled with the aroma of freshly pressed wine, historic grape varieties gain new life with the help of modern technology. Yet despite its impressive capacity of processing over 250 tons of grapes, what you taste in every glass is not scale, but soul.
This wine is more than a drink it is the voice of the land, touched by the sun and winds of Vayots Dzor. Each sip invites you to hear the whisper of ancient caves, to feel the breath of eternity and to understand why Areni is called the cradle of Armenian winemaking.
The "Hin Areni" wine factory continues this legend, turning grapes into a living message from both past and future. Here, tradition meets innovation: in halls filled with the aroma of freshly pressed wine, historic grape varieties gain new life with the help of modern technology. Yet despite its impressive capacity of processing over 250 tons of grapes, what you taste in every glass is not scale, but soul.
This wine is more than a drink it is the voice of the land, touched by the sun and winds of Vayots Dzor. Each sip invites you to hear the whisper of ancient caves, to feel the breath of eternity and to understand why Areni is called the cradle of Armenian winemaking.
2. Shaki Waterfall
30-40 min
In the southern reaches of Armenia, not far from Sisian, lies a hidden jewel of Syunik – the Shaki Waterfall, a natural wonder that captivates from the very first glance. Nestled among rocky cliffs and green slopes, beneath the shade of ancient trees, streams of silver cascade down, filling the air with a soft roar and a refreshing coolness. Here, the same melody plays each day – the gentle music of water falling from above, as if it remembers the ancient songs of these mountains. Legend speaks of a beautiful maiden named Shaki who, fleeing her pursuers, leapt from the cliff into the rushing waters, which embraced her and forever kept her name.
The surrounding panorama of mighty mountains frames the waterfall like a living painting created by nature itself. In summer, the sun's rays refract through the mist, painting a rainbow in the air, while in winter the cascade transforms into a crystal palace of ice. This is a place made for silence and contemplation, where time fades away and only the voice of falling water remains. Shaki is not merely a landmark – it is a living legend, where nature and history merge in a single flowing stream.
The surrounding panorama of mighty mountains frames the waterfall like a living painting created by nature itself. In summer, the sun's rays refract through the mist, painting a rainbow in the air, while in winter the cascade transforms into a crystal palace of ice. This is a place made for silence and contemplation, where time fades away and only the voice of falling water remains. Shaki is not merely a landmark – it is a living legend, where nature and history merge in a single flowing stream.
Lunch stop
50-60 min
Optional lunch in the local traditional restaurant on own expense. One may choose between 3 different options:
Option 1 (vegeterian) – 3900 AMD per person
Option 2 – 4500 AMD per person
Option 3 – 4900 AMD per person
Option 1 (vegeterian) – 3900 AMD per person
Option 2 – 4500 AMD per person
Option 3 – 4900 AMD per person
3. Tatev Monastery
50-60 min
Amid the rugged ridges of Zangezur, high above deep gorges and winding mountain roads, rises the Tatev Monastery – an unrivaled masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture. Founded in the 9th century on the site of an ancient pagan sanctuary, it became both the spiritual and political heart of the Syunik principality. Perched on the very edge of a cliff, its stone walls merge seamlessly with the mountain massif, while its strategic position made it nearly unreachable for enemies.
In troubled times, the monastery transformed into a fortress, shielded by powerful defenses that guarded not only the lives of the monks but also the treasures of the land. Hidden chambers and underground passages linked the monastery to the outside world, allowing it to withstand sieges. Legends say these secret routes safeguarded relics and manuscripts whenever danger loomed.
Tatev was a place where the undying light of faith intertwined with wisdom and political influence, where its walls echoed both prayers and decisions that shaped the destiny of Syunik.
Outside the monastery complex, but within the rocky gorge of the Vorotan river, there are other monasteries and churches that were destroyed during the 1931 Zangezur earthquake. All of this is given a special charm by the Devil's miraculous bridge and the Grand Hermitage of Syunik, located deep in the canyon, at the very bottom of the gorge. The latter was connected to the Tatev Monastery by a more than half-kilometer-long underground railway, which was also damaged by the earthquake and fulfilled with stones.
In troubled times, the monastery transformed into a fortress, shielded by powerful defenses that guarded not only the lives of the monks but also the treasures of the land. Hidden chambers and underground passages linked the monastery to the outside world, allowing it to withstand sieges. Legends say these secret routes safeguarded relics and manuscripts whenever danger loomed.
Tatev was a place where the undying light of faith intertwined with wisdom and political influence, where its walls echoed both prayers and decisions that shaped the destiny of Syunik.
Outside the monastery complex, but within the rocky gorge of the Vorotan river, there are other monasteries and churches that were destroyed during the 1931 Zangezur earthquake. All of this is given a special charm by the Devil's miraculous bridge and the Grand Hermitage of Syunik, located deep in the canyon, at the very bottom of the gorge. The latter was connected to the Tatev Monastery by a more than half-kilometer-long underground railway, which was also damaged by the earthquake and fulfilled with stones.
4. Wings of Tatev Ropeway
12-15 min
On October 16, 2010, the solemn toll of bells echoed across the Tatev Valley, announcing not only the revival of the medieval monastery complex but also the inauguration of an extraordinary feat of engineering – the "Wings of Tatev" cableway. Stretching 5.7 km, this aerial link connects the village of Halidzor with the ancient monastery and holds the Guinness World Record as the longest reversible cableway on the planet.
Built in just 11 months, it astonished even the most seasoned travelers: cabins glide effortlessly over the deep Vorotan River Gorge, above hills and forests fading into infinity. Three towering pylons, like stone sentinels, support the cables along which cabins travel simultaneously in opposite directions.
In an 11-minute flight, soaring more than 300 meters above the ground, passengers not only reach the Tatev Monastery but also witness breathtaking panoramas. Each cabin accommodates up to 30 people, while six specially engineered cables ensure a smooth and safe journey.
The "Wings of Tatev" is not merely transportation – it is a gateway to the past, where approaching the monastery feels like time and space weaving into a single tapestry. Here, the flight itself becomes part of the legend leading to the heart of Syunik.
Built in just 11 months, it astonished even the most seasoned travelers: cabins glide effortlessly over the deep Vorotan River Gorge, above hills and forests fading into infinity. Three towering pylons, like stone sentinels, support the cables along which cabins travel simultaneously in opposite directions.
In an 11-minute flight, soaring more than 300 meters above the ground, passengers not only reach the Tatev Monastery but also witness breathtaking panoramas. Each cabin accommodates up to 30 people, while six specially engineered cables ensure a smooth and safe journey.
The "Wings of Tatev" is not merely transportation – it is a gateway to the past, where approaching the monastery feels like time and space weaving into a single tapestry. Here, the flight itself becomes part of the legend leading to the heart of Syunik.
Inclusions
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Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively
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Air-conditioned vehicles
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Bottled water & pastries
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Admission tickets
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Wi-Fi in the vehicles
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Vehicle & passengers insurance
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Wine tasting
Exclusions
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Lunch cost (10.52 USD – 13.22 USD)
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Hotel drop-off (final stop: our office)
Highlights
- Reveal the unique taste of Armenian wine
- Enjoy the inspiring melody of nature
- Explore the mystic vibes of the canyons
- Take a ride on the longest reversible cableway in the world, recorded in the Guinness Book of Records
Frequently Asked Questions
In case I do not drink wine, what should I do during the tasting time?
You're absolutely free to skip the wine tasting if that's your preference. Just keep in mind that this section of the program features an overview of the Armenian winemaking process and the chance to try several types of wine.
Is the flow of Shaki waterfall high?
The volume of water at Shaki waterfall is influenced by seasonal changes.
How would you describe the type of ropeway used at Tatev?
You will soar above the breathtaking Vorotan Gorge aboard the Tatev ropeway, enjoying the comfort of a closed cabin and stunning views along the way.
Is it guaranteed that Tatev ropeway will be operating on the day of the tour?
Tatev ropeway functions depending on weather conditions. If it is not operating on the day of your tour, the ticket cost will be deducted from the total tour price
Can I pay for the lunch in the restaurant by card?
Please, note that some restaurants only accept cash, so having AMD on you for lunch is a good idea.
What is the group size for this tour?
The group size varies, but typically ranges up to 48 participants.
Are there any clothing requirements or recommendations for this tour?
For the tour, it is advisable to have comfortable sports shoes and clothing suitable for weather, with a jacket or coat recommended. Regional climates are typically cooler than of Yerevan. During church or monastery visits, women are kindly asked to dress modestly and avoid revealing clothes.
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
Meet our Guides
Arev Makhsudyan
HY
EN
My name is Arev (which means "Sun"). I am an English-speaking tour guide in Armenia, working since 2018. If you choose me as your guide, you will learn a lot about Armenian history, nature, culture, and traditions – and as a bonus, I'll perform Armenian traditional folk songs for you.
Hayk Harutyunyan
RU
HY
EN
AR
Dear friends! We work for 11 months in order to have 22 days vacation, and you've decided to choose Armenia to turn your vacation into a holiday! Our team has prepared everything to provide the best service, and with me, you'll unzip Armenia's picturesque beauty, architectural and natural monuments, as well learn a lot about the history and geography, economics and social issues, culture, and nature of our Homeland.
Tigran Balyan
RU
HY
EN
Hello, I am Tigran a guide in my wonderful and lovely Armenia ❤️ I am guiding in my country and with this passion I can share kindness, joy and smiles to my tourists. My experience is already 7 plus years and I enjoy architecture, wine and mountains in amazing Armenia.
Samvel Mkrtumyan
RU
HY
EN
Hi, I'm Samvel. With degrees in international relations and history, and years of connecting people from all walks of life, I've turned my passion for stories into guiding. I love revealing Armenia's hidden gems, sharing its quirky legends, and showcasing its breathtaking sights. It's fun, pal. Let's enjoy it together!
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