Home
Tours
Group Tours
Khor Virap, Hin Areni Winery, Armenian Tolma Masterclass, Noravank

Group tour: Khor Virap, Hin Areni Winery, Armenian Tolma Masterclass, Noravank

Name: Khor Virap, Hin Areni Winery, Armenian Tolma Masterclass, Noravank
Brand: Hyur Service
Price: 13900 AMD
Availability: InStock

Christmas Special

Full-day

Duration: 9-10 hours

Start time: 10:00

Tour language: English, Russian

Start & end point: 96, Nalbandyan str.

792 reviews

98% recommended

This Christmas group tour from Yerevan brings together sacred landmarks, regional wines and a beloved national dish along one of southern Armenia's most scenic routes. Over 9-10 hours, the route crosses the Ararat plain and continues into Vayots Dzor, connecting Armenia's early Christian history with vineyards, red-rock canyons and centuries of winemaking culture.

The day begins at Khor Virap Monastery, which preserves the dungeon where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned before Armenia adopted Christianity and is renowned for its views of Mount Ararat. Continue to Hin Areni Winery for a winery tour and wine tasting featuring wines crafted from estate-grown grapes. At the same venue, take part in an Armenian tolma masterclass, learn the techniques behind preparing this much-loved dish and pause for lunch. The route then follows the red-rock walls of Gnishik Canyon to Noravank Monastery, a 13th-century spiritual and educational center admired for its intricate stone carvings and distinctive two-story Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church.

Deposit

To secure the booking, full payment is required.

Cancellation

In case of cancellation at least 24 hours before the start time, the paid amount is refunded. In case of later cancellation or no-show, no amount is refunded.

Share this page:

Date

Select

Number of people

Adult (age 8+)
Child (age 3-8) 50% discount
Infant (age 0-3) free of charge

Preferred language:

Price per person

0 USD

39 USD

Total price

39 USD

See available dates on calendar

Added to cart

Same tour privately

Itinerary

Khor Virap Monastery, Hin Areni Wine Factory (tour and tasting), Lunch stop & Armenian Tolma Masterclass, Noravank Monastery

1. Meeting point: Hyur Service (Head Office) – 96, Nalbandyan str., Yerevan

Departure time: 10:00

If hotel pick-up is not required, please let us know and be at the meeting point at least 30 min before departure.

2. Khor Virap Monastery

50-60 min Details: Khor Virap Monastery

In the wide embrace of the Ararat Valley, where the air shimmers beneath the watchful gaze of a snow-crowned giant, stands Khor Virap – a shrine where legend, faith and the heartbeat of Armenia merge into one. Here, so the story goes, a deep and silent pit held Gregory the Illuminator, condemned by King Tiridates III for daring to preach a new light to his people. Years slipped by in darkness, yet within those stone walls a miracle unfolded: Gregory's hands healed the very king who had ordered his chains. Struck by grace, Tiridates raised the banner of Christianity, making Armenia the first nation to embrace it as a state faith.

3. Hin Areni Wine Factory

30-40 min Details: Hin Areni Wine Factory

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.

Lunch stop & Armenian Tolma Masterclass

80-90 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

4. Noravank Monastery

50-60 min Details: Noravank Monastery

In the very heart of Vayots Dzor, embraced by crimson cliffs that rise like nature's own fortress walls, lies Noravank, an ancient monastery that for centuries stood as a beacon of Armenia's spiritual and cultural life. Its walls overlook the picturesque gorge of the Arpa River, where the silence is broken only by the echo of pilgrims' footsteps and the cry of soaring eagles. This gorge is known as the Amaghu River Valley, a natural monument considered a candidate for inclusion on Armenia's UNESCO World Heritage list.

5. Arrival point: Hyur Service (Head Office)

Expected return: 19:00 – 20:00

Inclusions

Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively
Bottled water & pastries
Admission tickets
Wi-Fi in the vehicles
Vehicle & passengers insurance
Wine tasting
Masterclass & tasting

Exclusions

Lunch cost (11 USD – 14 USD)
Hotel drop-off (final stop: our office)

Highlights

Discover Armenia's early Christian history and the dungeon of St. Gregory the Illuminator at Khor Virap Monastery
Capture iconic views of Mount Ararat rising beyond the monastery walls
Tour Hin Areni Winery and taste wines crafted from estate-grown grapes
Prepare Armenian tolma by hand and master the techniques behind this much-loved dish
Explore Noravank Monastery among red cliffs and admire its carvings and two-story Surb Astvatsatsin Church

Practical Info

What does the tolma masterclass involve?

During the tolma masterclass, guests are guided through the preparation of one of Armenia's most beloved traditional dishes. They learn how to carefully wrap a flavorful mixture of minced meat, rice, and herbs in delicate grape leaves, discovering the secrets behind its taste.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

Reaching Khor Virap Monastery involves an uphill walk of approximately 180 m, including stairs.

Can I join the winery visit if I do not drink wine?

You're entirely free to skip the wine tasting if you prefer. Just keep in mind that this part of the tour includes an introduction to the Armenian winemaking tradition along with a tasting of several wine varieties.

What is the group size for this tour?

The group size varies, but this tour usually has up to 48 participants.

Are there any clothing requirements or recommendations for this tour?

For your comfort on the tour, we suggest wearing sport walking shoes and bringing clothing suited to the weather, including a jacket or coat. The regions are generally cooler than Yerevan. When visiting religious landmarks, women should wear modest attire and avoid revealing outfits out of respect.

Meet our Guides

Meline Sahakyan

HY EN ZH

Hi everyone! I'm Meline, and I'm a certified tour guide. If you want to visit and explore our beautiful country, Armenia, with a knowledgeable and sociable guide, it would be an honor for me to be your guide. Welcome to Armenia – Հայաստան.

Anna Harutyunyan

RU HY EN

I'm Anna. Since 2010, I have been helping tourists not only discover Armenia's amazing uniqueness, the depth of its history, and the phenomenon of its existence, but also enjoy inner peace and harmony together with them.

Gayane Mkrtchyan

RU HY EN

I'm Gayane – a small part of Armenia. Do you want to breathe in the scent of this land, feel the taste of our dishes passed down through centuries, hear the roar of endless rivers and the whisper of towering mountains, and why not, listen to the stories of our stone-carved monuments? Let's discover this ancient land together.

Garnik Mirzoyan

I'm Garnik, and I've been working as a tour guide in Armenia since 2016. If you're tired of far-fetched stories and have a good sense of humor, we'll get along perfectly. Discover Armenia from the inside – in very hospitable hands.

Reviews

You might also like...

Share this page:

Group tour: Khor Virap, Hin Areni Winery, Armenian Tolma Masterclass, Noravank

Itinerary

Khor Virap Monastery, Hin Areni Wine Factory (tour and tasting), Lunch stop & Armenian Tolma Masterclass, Noravank Monastery

1. Meeting point: Hyur Service (Head Office) – 96, Nalbandyan str., Yerevan

2. Khor Virap Monastery

3. Hin Areni Wine Factory

Lunch stop & Armenian Tolma Masterclass

4. Noravank Monastery

5. Arrival point: Hyur Service (Head Office)

Inclusions

Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively

Bottled water & pastries

Admission tickets

Wi-Fi in the vehicles

Vehicle & passengers insurance

Wine tasting

Masterclass & tasting