Private tour: Hin Areni wine factory, Shaki Waterfall, Tatev Monastery, Ropeway
Hin Areni wine factory (tour and tasting), Shaki Waterfall, Tatev Monastery, Wings of Tatev Ropeway
1. Hin Areni wine factory
30-40 min
The "Hin Areni" wine factory continues this legend, turning grapes into a living message from both past and future. Here, tradition meets innovation: in halls filled with the aroma of freshly pressed wine, historic grape varieties gain new life with the help of modern technology. Yet despite its impressive capacity of processing over 250 tons of grapes, what you taste in every glass is not scale, but soul.
This wine is more than a drink it is the voice of the land, touched by the sun and winds of Vayots Dzor. Each sip invites you to hear the whisper of ancient caves, to feel the breath of eternity and to understand why Areni is called the cradle of Armenian winemaking.
2. Shaki Waterfall
30-40 min
The surrounding panorama of mighty mountains frames the waterfall like a living painting created by nature itself. In summer, the sun's rays refract through the mist, painting a rainbow in the air, while in winter the cascade transforms into a crystal palace of ice. This is a place made for silence and contemplation, where time fades away and only the voice of falling water remains. Shaki is not merely a landmark – it is a living legend, where nature and history merge in a single flowing stream.
3. Tatev Monastery
50-60 min
In troubled times, the monastery transformed into a fortress, shielded by powerful defenses that guarded not only the lives of the monks but also the treasures of the land. Hidden chambers and underground passages linked the monastery to the outside world, allowing it to withstand sieges. Legends say these secret routes safeguarded relics and manuscripts whenever danger loomed.
Tatev was a place where the undying light of faith intertwined with wisdom and political influence, where its walls echoed both prayers and decisions that shaped the destiny of Syunik.
Outside the monastery complex, but within the rocky gorge of the Vorotan river, there are other monasteries and churches that were destroyed during the 1931 Zangezur earthquake. All of this is given a special charm by the Devil's miraculous bridge and the Grand Hermitage of Syunik, located deep in the canyon, at the very bottom of the gorge. The latter was connected to the Tatev Monastery by a more than half-kilometer-long underground railway, which was also damaged by the earthquake and fulfilled with stones.
4. Wings of Tatev Ropeway
10-15 min
Built in just 11 months, it astonished even the most seasoned travelers: cabins glide effortlessly over the deep Vorotan River Gorge, above hills and forests fading into infinity. Three towering pylons, like stone sentinels, support the cables along which cabins travel simultaneously in opposite directions.
In an 11-minute flight, soaring more than 300 meters above the ground, passengers not only reach the Tatev Monastery but also witness breathtaking panoramas. Each cabin accommodates up to 30 people, while six specially engineered cables ensure a smooth and safe journey.
The "Wings of Tatev" is not merely transportation – it is a gateway to the past, where approaching the monastery feels like time and space weaving into a single tapestry. Here, the flight itself becomes part of the legend leading to the heart of Syunik.
Inclusions
-
Professional drivers
-
Air-conditioned vehicles
-
Bottled water
-
Free pick-up & drop-off within Yerevan
-
Vehicle & passengers insurance
-
Extra stops on the route upon request
Exclusions
-
Significant deviations from the route
-
Alcoholic beverages if lunch option selected
-
Audio guides
-
Wi-Fi in the vehicles
What to expect
- Discover the unique taste of Armenian wine
- Enjoy the inspiring melody of nature
- Take the longest reversible cableway in the World, recorded in the Guinness Book of Records
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
Meet our Guides
Gayane Mkrtchyan
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.
Anush Malyans
I am Anush Malyants, and since 2008 I have been working at "Hyur Service" company as a tour guide in French and Persian. I will be happy to welcome you to Armenia and help you discover this wonderful country. I will also tell you why I have been living here with my family since 2001.
Hilda Mansourian
My name is Hilda Mansourian. I was born in Aleppo. Since 2000, I have been volunteering at AGBU (Armenian Relief Society). I work in Armenian embroidery and as a tour guide. Why choose me? I want my group to return impressed by the beauty of my homeland's history and, above all, by the hospitality reflected in my smile.
Raffi Halajian
I'm Raffi, and I'm happy to meet you and be your friend during your tour in Armenia. Being born Armenian and having lived in Syria, my work as a tour guide holds special meaning for my guests. I share the experiences of Armenians living abroad and how they have managed to preserve their heritage there.
You might also like...
