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

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 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. Birds' Cave (Areni-1)

30-40 min Details: Birds' Cave (Areni-1)
Birds' Cave (Areni-1) Birds' Cave (Areni-1) Birds' Cave (Areni-1) Birds' Cave (Areni-1) Birds' Cave (Areni-1) Birds' Cave (Areni-1) Birds' Cave (Areni-1) Birds' Cave (Areni-1) Birds' Cave (Areni-1) Birds' Cave (Areni-1) Birds' Cave (Areni-1) Birds' Cave (Areni-1) 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 Details: Hin Areni wine factory
Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory Hin Areni wine factory 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
Lunch stop
Optional lunch in the local traditional restaurant on own expense. One may choose between 3 different options:
Option 1 (vegeterian) – 10.76 USD per person
Option 2 – 12.42 USD per person
Option 3 – 13.52 USD per person

5. Noravank Monastery

50-60 min Details: Noravank Monastery
Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery Noravank Monastery 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 (10.76 USD – 13.52 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.

Booking conditions

Cancellation & modification

Meet our Guides

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.

Tigran Balyan

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

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!

Reviews

Andriana

Cyprus Cyprus

01.06.2026

I had an amazing experience on this trip and thoroughly enjoyed visiting some truly special places in Armenia. Our guide, Nina, was exceptionally kind, knowledgeable, and professional. The information she shared was fascinating, and the way she explained the history and significance of each place made the experience even more enjoyable. She was attentive to everyone in the group and genuinely cared about ensuring we all had a great time. Thank you, Nina! I would also like to thank our driver, who provided a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey throughout the day. His professionalism and excellent driving contributed greatly to the overall experience!👌✨
I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to discover some of the most beautiful and unique parts of Armenia. It was a memorable experience from start to finish! Efharisto!🙂

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