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

Itinerary

Khor Virap Monastery, Birds' Cave (Areni-1), Hin Areni Wine Factory (tour and tasting), Lunch stop, 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

Khor Virap Monastery – photo 1 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 2 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 3 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 4 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 5 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 6 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 7 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 8 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 9 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 10 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 11 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 12 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 13 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 14 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 15 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 16 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 17 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 18 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 19 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 20 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 21 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 22 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 23 Khor Virap Monastery – photo 24
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)

Birds' Cave (Areni-1) – photo 1 Birds' Cave (Areni-1) – photo 2 Birds' Cave (Areni-1) – photo 3 Birds' Cave (Areni-1) – photo 4 Birds' Cave (Areni-1) – photo 5 Birds' Cave (Areni-1) – photo 6 Birds' Cave (Areni-1) – photo 7 Birds' Cave (Areni-1) – photo 8 Birds' Cave (Areni-1) – photo 9 Birds' Cave (Areni-1) – photo 10 Birds' Cave (Areni-1) – photo 11 Birds' Cave (Areni-1) – photo 12 Birds' Cave (Areni-1) – photo 13
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

Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 1 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 2 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 3 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 4 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 5 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 6 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 7 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 8 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 9 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 10 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 11 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 12 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 13 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 14 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 15 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 16 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 17 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 18 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 19 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 20 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 21 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 22 Hin Areni Wine Factory – photo 23
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) – 11 USD per person
Option 2 – 13 USD per person
Option 3 – 14 USD per person

5. Noravank Monastery

Noravank Monastery – photo 1 Noravank Monastery – photo 2 Noravank Monastery – photo 3 Noravank Monastery – photo 4 Noravank Monastery – photo 5 Noravank Monastery – photo 6 Noravank Monastery – photo 7 Noravank Monastery – photo 8 Noravank Monastery – photo 9 Noravank Monastery – photo 10 Noravank Monastery – photo 11 Noravank Monastery – photo 12 Noravank Monastery – photo 13 Noravank Monastery – photo 14 Noravank Monastery – photo 15 Noravank Monastery – photo 16 Noravank Monastery – photo 17 Noravank Monastery – photo 18 Noravank Monastery – photo 19 Noravank Monastery – photo 20 Noravank Monastery – photo 21 Noravank Monastery – photo 22 Noravank Monastery – photo 23 Noravank Monastery – photo 24 Noravank Monastery – photo 25 Noravank Monastery – photo 26 Noravank Monastery – photo 27 Noravank Monastery – photo 28
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.

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 (11 USD – 14 USD)

  • Hotel drop-off (final stop: our office)

Practical Info

Reaching Khor Virap Monastery involves an uphill walk of approximately 180 m, including stairs. The path to Birds' Cave (Areni-1) also includes some steps, which may be challenging for some visitors.
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.
Lunch venues may not always support card transactions, so we advise carrying Armenian Drams in cash.
The group size varies, but this tour usually has up to 48 participants.
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.

Booking conditions

Cancellation & modification

Meet our Guides

Marina Mirumyan

Marina Mirumyan

RU HY EN

Hi, my name is Marina Mirumyan, and I am a tour guide at "Hyur Service" company. Haven't traveled to Armenia yet? Then plan a visit and be our guest! Join my tours with "Hyur Service" to discover the endless hospitality of our people, the breathtaking views of our mountainous country, the ancient culture, traditions, delicious cuisine, and much more! Travel with "Hyur Service" to create lasting memories!

Tamara Arakelyan

Tamara Arakelyan

HY EN

I am Tamara. I live in Armenia and through Armenia. If you want to feel the taste, scent, and colors of Armenia and fall in love with our country, then let's go on a tour together. Just like all my guests, I'm sure you too will want to come back again.

Syuzanna Poghosyan

Syuzanna Poghosyan

RU HY

My name is Syuzanna, and since 2016 I have been introducing guests to the wonderful Armenia with great love. For me, every tour is not just a story about the country but an opportunity to show its soul, to help you feel its history, culture, and hospitality. I am sincerely happy when I see how Armenia captures hearts, and I will do everything to make your journey warm, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

Varduhi Gasparyan

Varduhi Gasparyan

RU HY

Barev dzez or hello! I'm Varduhi, a tour guide in Armenia since 2022. In tourism, this is quite some time – it has given me an understanding of how to make every tour not just informative but truly engaging. With me, you won't just see the sights of my beautiful Armenia and learn its history – you'll feel the soul of the country, its traditions, and its atmosphere.

Reviews

Константиниди Анастасия

Russia

11.09.2026

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I went on the tour on 11.09.2026.
An amazing tour! I really enjoyed all the stops, the incredible mountains, the views of Ararat, and Areni-1 Cave! I recommend this particular tour.
A special thank-you to the guide who was with us that day. She shared so many interesting stories and detailed information. Thank you so much for organizing and running the tour.
Also, a special thank-you to the management of the travel agency for organizing such high-quality tours, including providing comfortable buses (with Wi-Fi) and the option to pay by MIR card! Anastasia, St. Petersburg

Andriana

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!🙂

Лариса, Светлана, Татьяна, Наталья

Russia

13.03.2026

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We went on the Khor Virap and Noravank tour. Four lovely ladies had a wonderful day. Everything was well organized and carefully thought out. Special thanks to our guide, David, and our driver, Uncle Leva. Lunch exceeded all expectations.

Алена Черепанова

Russia

09.03.2026

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An excellent tour operator that made our trip around Armenia truly comfortable and memorable.

We took two tours:
09.03 - Garni Temple, the Symphony of Stones, Geghard Monastery, and a lavash-baking master class.
13.03 - Khor Virap Monastery, Bird's Cave, the winery in Areni, and Noravank Monastery.

Both trips were organized to a very high standard - from the logistics to the atmosphere within the group. I especially want to mention the guides: they’re not just escorts, but true professionals who share Armenia’s history with love and deep knowledge, tell fascinating stories, and make you feel completely immersed in the country’s culture.

Special thanks to the drivers - their work deserves great respect. The mountain roads are challenging, but we felt completely calm and safe. They’re true masters of their craft.

The organization of the tours themselves was especially impressive: water and a light snack were always provided, and everything was thought through down to the smallest detail. At the same time, nobody rushes you - the timing is perfectly planned. There’s plenty of time to explore each place at your own pace, take beautiful photos, and simply enjoy the atmosphere.

Each route was impressive in its own way: from ancient monasteries to natural landscapes and wine tastings - it all left me with vivid, heartwarming memories.

Armenia is an incredibly beautiful, profound, and warm-hearted country. Thanks to this company, I was able to truly connect with its history, culture, and nature.

Thank you for the impeccable organization and for the memories that will stay with me for a long time!

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