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Khor Virap, Birds' Cave, Hin Areni Winery, Noravank

Group tour: Khor Virap, Birds' Cave, Hin Areni Winery, Noravank

Full-day

Duration: 9-10 hours

Start time: 10:00

Tour language: English, Russian

Start & end point: 96, Nalbandyan str.

653 reviews

98% recommended

From Mount Ararat views to the red cliffs of Vayots Dzor, this full-day tour from Yerevan combines Armenia's early Christian heritage, archaeological legacy, winemaking traditions and medieval monastic architecture in one rewarding journey through southern Armenia. Over 9-10 hours, it offers a well-balanced mix of scenic landscapes, cultural landmarks, local flavours and historic sites, making it a memorable day trip for travellers interested in the country's heritage and regional character.

The route begins at Khor Virap, one of Armenia's best-known monastery sites and a renowned viewpoint for Mount Ararat, then continues to the Areni-1 cave complex (Birds' Cave), a site of major archaeological significance. After a tour and tasting at "Hin Areni" Wine Factory and an optional lunch stop, the journey heads to Noravank, a 13th-century monastery complex dramatically set among the red rock formations of Vayots Dzor.

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.

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Date

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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

35.55 USD

Total price

35.55 USD

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Same tour privately

Itinerary

Khor Virap Monastery, Birds' Cave, Hin Areni wine factory (tour and tasting, lunch), 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 Read more: 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. Birds' Cave (Areni-1)

30-40 min Read more: Birds' Cave (Areni-1)

On the rocky bank of the Arpa River, just 12 km from Yeghegnadzor (near the Areni village), lies the Birds' Cave, a place where time seems to have paused at the threshold of antiquity. Its three chambers, covering nearly 500 m², resemble stone sanctuaries where every turn of the corridor breathes with millennia of history.

4. Hin Areni wine factory

30-40 min Read more: 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

50-60 min

Optional lunch in the local traditional restaurant on own expense. One may choose between 3 different options:
Option 1 (vegeterian) – 10.75 USD per person
Option 2 – 12.40 USD per person
Option 3 – 13.50 USD per person

5. Noravank Monastery

50-60 min Read more: 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. The latter is known as the Amaghu River Valley, which is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Armenia as a natural monument.

6. Arrival point: Hyur Service (Head Office)

Expected return: 19:00 – 20:00

Inclusions

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

Exclusions

Lunch cost (10.75 USD – 13.50 USD)
Hotel drop-off (final stop: our office)

Highlights

Enjoy the architecture of 17th century pilgrimage site
Embrace the stunning views of Biblical Mount Ararat
Observe the magnificent 2-storied monastery in Armenia
Discover the unique taste of Armenian wine

Video Gallery

Practical Info

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. Also, be prepared for some stairs along the path to Birds-Cave. While they're not too difficult, they may be a bit challenging for some. However, the climb is definitely worth it, offering stunning views and a unique cave experience.

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.

Can I pay for the lunch in the restaurant by card?

Lunch venues may not always support card transactions, so we advise carrying Armenian Drams in cash.

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.

Meet our Guides

Nina Manukyan

RU HY EN

Hello! My name is Nina, I am a guide at "Hyur Service" company. I am happy to introduce guests to Armenia – its history, culture and ancient traditions. For me as a guide, it is very important that every tour is clear, engaging and comfortable. Together we will explore famous landmarks, create beautiful memories and of course, take lively photos :) I will be happy to become your guide in Armenia. Travel with "Hyur Service" and discover Armenia not only with your eyes, but also with your heart.

Manya Gevorgyan

RU HY EN

I have been a tour guide since 2015. To this day, every excursion is a great source of positive energy for me. During the tours, you will not only get acquainted with the sights, the country's history, and its architectural features, but also feel the full charm of the Armenian emotional mindset and lifestyle.

Anahit Aslanyan

Education – musical-pedagogical and cultural studies. I have worked in the fields of tourism, education, and culture in Russia and Armenia. Currently, I work as a guide at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and in the company "Hyur Service". As a person with a humanities education and a cultural studies mindset, I strive to present my homeland as comprehensively as possible so that visitors gain a general impression of the history and art of the Armenian people. I pay special attention to mental and cultural characteristics to make every visitor's stay in Armenia comfortable and positive. I continue to study and share new knowledge.

Anahit Ghazaryan

My name is Anahit Ghazaryan, and since 2015 I have been in a state of love! I am in love with Armenia, and I always want to talk about it! Come visit! I guarantee it will be beautiful, easy, delicious, and fun! Let's discover Armenia together, enjoy it, and fall in love! I don't like legends and tell them only when absolutely necessary, and only those that feature real historical figures! Since I was born in the middle of the last century, I talk about some events not as a historian, but as a witness!

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