Private tour: Khor Virap, Noravank, Hin Areni wine factory, Birds-Cave

Historic treasures

Khor Virap Monastery, Noravank Monastery, Hin Areni wine factory (tour and tasting), Areni-1 (Birds-Cave)

1. Khor Virap Monastery

50-60 min
Attraction page
Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery
Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. As a state religion, Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavors of Saint Gregory The Illuminator, who, before converting King Trdat The 3rd to Christianity, was imprisoned in the dungeon, over which a church of Khor Virap monastery was built in the 17th century. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat.

2. Noravank Monastery

50-60 min
Attraction page
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
Passing a narrow road, surrounded by rocks of hundred caves, one discovers a scene of harmony of architecture with nature. The monastery, enshrined with fine architectural solutions and luxurious embellishments, is one of the brightest examples of Armenian architecture of the 13th century. Noravank consists of St. Karapet, St. Gregory The Illuminator churches and St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) two-storey church, which is notable for its ideal constructive and sculptural work.

3. Hin Areni wine factory

30-40 min
Attraction page
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 and Areni village in particular has been the cradle of Armenian winemaking for millennia. "Hin Areni" wine factory opens up the doors of this region to the world to showcase the historic and indigenous Armenian grape varietals. At the winery the historic traditions of winemaking are well combined with state-of-the-art modern equipment. "Hin Areni" wine factory has the capacity to process over 250 tonnes of grapes.

4. Areni-1 (Birds-Cave)

30-40 min
Attraction page
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)
The cave is situated 12 km from Yeghegnadzor, on the left bank of river Areni. It consists of 3 halls, has approximately 500 m² area, the large part of which still hasn’t been explored. As a result of studies, metal knives, fruit seeds, grain residues, rope, dishes, clothing, dried grapes and plums, dated to 4200-3500 BC, were found in the cave. The oldest leather shoe of the world was found right here. It is more than 5500 years old. Also, in the same area, there were found world’s oldest women’s skirt (3900 BC), as well as the first winery in the whole world. Nowadays the mentioned winery is considered to be the ancient one and it is referred to 4th millennium BC. No one has lived inside the cave, at the meantime, wine consumption was of ritual meaning for people.

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

Booking conditions

Cancellation & modification

Meet our Guides

Melania Hakobyan

Melania Hakobyan

I am Melania Hakobyan, a member of the Armenian Association of Professional Guides and the Armenian Tourism Federation. Since 2017, I have had the honor of accompanying tourists and official delegations, presenting not only Armenia's ancient history but also the warmth and legendary hospitality of my people. Guiding is not just a profession for me; it is a mission to represent my homeland with pride and love. If you wish to discover Armenia not through the eyes of a tourist but through the soul of an Armenian, it would be a great honor for me to accompany you.

Arevik Avetisyan

Arevik Avetisyan

I'm Arevik Avetisyan, German-speaking tour guide. Why choose me? My deep knowledge of Armenia’s heritage, combined with fluent German communication and sense of humour, ensures an engaging and fun experience for every guest. With me as your guide, the guests will discover Armenia not just through sights, but through authentic stories, local connections, and unforgettable moments.

Hayk Harutyunyan

Hayk Harutyunyan

Dear friends! We work for 11 months in order to have 22 days vacation, and you've decided to choose Armenia to turn your vacation into a holiday! Our team has prepared everything to provide the best service, and with me, you'll unzip Armenia's picturesque beauty, architectural and natural monuments, as well learn a lot about the history and geography, economics and social issues, culture, and nature of our Homeland.

Tigran Balyan

Tigran Balyan

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.

map