Private tour: Khor Virap, Noravank, Hin Areni wine factory, Birds-Cave
Khor Virap Monastery, Noravank Monastery, Hin Areni wine factory (tour and tasting), Areni-1 (Birds-Cave)
1. Khor Virap Monastery
50-60 min
Today, visitors can descend into the same narrow cell, breathing the cool air that still carries the weight of unending prayers. From this hill, Mount Ararat rises so close it feels within reach – its slopes bathed in gold at dawn, then clothed in crimson fire as the sun sinks beyond the horizon. Khor Virap remains a place where time pauses, where the whisper of history lingers in the wind, and where the sight of Ararat awakens something eternal within the soul.
There is a story that Noah landed his ark on the slopes of Masis and planted a grapevine there. In August, when the snow on Mount Sis melts, the grapes give their first harvest in honor of the victory of the patriarch Hayk, which begins the New Year of the Armenian pagan calendar, and now it is celebrated as the grape blessing. In October, when the snow covers the slopes of Sis with its sheet, Armenians make a "machar" (young wine) to mark the time for making wine, and thus begins the wine festival.
2. Noravank Monastery
50-60 min
The monastery took shape in the 13th century, with the Church of Saint Karapet (1216-1221) at its core, its stones breathing the centuries. To the north stands the Church of Saint Gregory (1275), while the masterpiece of the complex is the Church of the Holy Mother of God (1339), famed for its striking western façade. A narrow, pyramid-shaped stone staircase leading to the second floor has become Noravank's most iconic feature, admired by architects around the world. These steps, seemingly suspended in air, link earth to sky, turning each ascent into a journey of spiritual elevation.
Through the centuries, the monastery endured wars, earthquakes, and abandonment, yet, like a phoenix, it always rose again. Today, Noravank is not only an architectural marvel but also a place of power, where the raw beauty of nature and the grandeur of design merge into a timeless harmony.
3. 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.
4. Birds' Cave (Areni-1)
30-40 min
When archaeologists entered its twilight halls, it was as if they had unlocked a treasure chest: metal knives, seeds of ancient fruits, traces of grain and twisted ropes, and fossilized fragments of pottery and fabric that survived the ages. Among the most fascinating finds were dried raisins and prunes – perhaps once used in rituals – and the world's oldest leather shoe, crafted more than 5500 years ago. Beside it lay another footprint of history: a woman's skirt dating back to the 4th millennium BC, as well as an enelothic wine cellar, recognized as the oldest ever discovered. In its age, it surpasses even the first masterpieces of the earliest civilization that have survived to this day, the pyramids of Egypt.
These walls remember sacred ceremonies. People did not live here – they came to honor wine as a holy drink, a bridge between earth and sky. Step by step, under the stone arches and the soft whisper of the river, you feel as if you are touching the life of those who stood at the dawn of civilization.
Today, the Birds' Cave is more than an archaeological site – it is a portal into a world where legend and history intertwine, and Armenia reveals the heartbeat of its ancient soul.
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
- 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 divine taste of Armenian wine
- Visit the place where the oldest leather shoe was found
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
Meet our Guides
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
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
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
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.
You might also like...
