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

Christmas Special

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
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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
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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
Lunch stop & Armenian Tolma Masterclass
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
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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 (10.90 USD – 13.69 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 kind of experience is offered during tolma master class?

During tolma master class, 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.

Is there a walking distance on this tour?

Yes, it is needed to go up ~180 m (including climbing stairs) to reach Khor Virap Monastery.

In case I do not drink wine, what should I do during the tasting time?

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 typically ranges 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 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.

Booking conditions

Cancellation & modification

Meet our Guides

Garnik Mirzoyan

Garnik Mirzoyan

RU

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.

Gayane Movsisyan

Gayane Movsisyan

HY EN

Hi! I am Gayane Movsisyan, a tour guide since 2017. I work with great enthusiasm, eager to present my country in the best possible way and to create unforgettable moments for our guests.

Poghos Varzhapetyan

Poghos Varzhapetyan

RU HY

My name is Poghos Varzhapetyan. I've been working in tourism since 2016. I love traveling. As a tour guide, my goal is always to make guests fall in love with Armenia so much that at the end of the tour they don't say goodbye, but instead say, "See you again, Armenia!".

Arev Makhsudyan

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.

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