9-Hour Wine and History Tour of Armenia with Areni and Noravank

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Visit Khor Virap Monastery with stunning views of Mount Ararat
• 02 Explore Areni-1 Cave, home to the world's oldest known winery
• 03 Admire the 13th-century architecture of Noravank Monastery in Amaghu Gorge
• 04 Taste indigenous Areni Noir wines in the Vayots Dzor region

Discover Armenia's rich wine heritage and Christian history on this immersive 9-hour journey from Yerevan. Visit the sacred Khor Virap Monastery with stunning views of Mount Ararat, explore the 6,100-year-old Areni-1 Cave winery, and admire the red-cliff setting of Noravank Monastery. Enjoy Areni Noir wine tastings, scenic drives through Amaghu Gorge, and expert cultural insights. This tour blends archaeology, spirituality, and gastronomy for an unforgettable Armenian experience.

Discover the world's oldest known winery, dating back over 6,000 years.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Yerevan, Khor Virap, Areni, Noravank

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Yerevan to Khor Virap, Areni-1 Cave, and Noravank

• 09:00 AM: Departure from Yerevan.
• Depart from Yerevan and drive south toward the Armenia-Turkey border.
• Travel through the Ararat Plain for approximately 45 to 50 minutes.
• 10:00 AM: Khor Virap Monastery.
• Visit Khor Virap Monastery, one of Armenia's most sacred religious sites.
• Learn about Saint Gregory the Illuminator and Armenia's adoption of Christianity in 301 AD.
• Descend the 6-metre iron ladder into the historic dungeon where Gregory was imprisoned.
• Explore St Astvatsatsin Church and the fortified monastery walls.
• Enjoy the closest panoramic views of Mount Ararat.
• Observe the nearby Armenia-Turkey border landscape.
• 11:30 AM: Scenic drive to Areni Village.
• Drive for approximately 1.5 hours through the Ararat Valley into the Vayots Dzor region.
• Pass vineyards, mountain landscapes, and winding roads.
• Prepare for curving mountain passes if you are prone to motion sickness.
• 01:00 PM: Areni-1 Cave.
• Visit Areni-1 Cave, also known as Bird's Cave.
• Discover the world's oldest known winery, dating back over 6,000 years.
• See ancient wine vats known as karases.
• Learn about Chalcolithic burial customs and archaeological discoveries, including the oldest leather shoe.
• Explore the cave site with an official guide.
• 02:00 PM: Lunch and wine tasting in Areni.
• Visit Hin Areni Winery or Areni Wine Factory.
• Taste wines made from the indigenous Areni Noir grape.
• Learn about high-altitude volcanic soil cultivation.
• Enjoy traditional Vayots Dzor dishes such as Arishta or regional grilled meats.
• 03:30 PM: Noravank Monastery and Amaghu Gorge.
• Drive through the dramatic red cliffs of Amaghu Gorge.
• Visit Noravank Monastery, a 13th-century architectural masterpiece.
• Explore Surb Astvatsatsin Church with its unique two-storey exterior staircase.
• Admire intricate carvings by the medieval architect Momik.
• View the famous Father God relief.
• Capture photographs of the striking red canyon landscape, especially vibrant in the late afternoon light.
• 05:00 PM: Return to Yerevan.
• Begin the return journey to Yerevan.
• Drive for approximately 2 hours through mountain passes and open plains.
• Arrive in the capital in the late evening.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Private transportation in a 6-seater vehicle
• Tour guide
• 1 bottle of water per person

What's Not Included

• Meals
• Entrance fees
• Accommodation

What to bring

• Warm layered outerwear suitable for temperatures between minus 2 and 12 degrees Celsius
• Fleece or sweater for windy conditions and cooler cave interiors
• Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for church visits
• Scarf for women when entering active religious sites
• Long trousers for men, and remove hats inside sanctuaries
• Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes or boots for uneven stone paths
• Sturdy footwear suitable for dirt floors and steep cave entrances
• Flashlight or phone light for descending the 6-metre pit at Khor Virap
• Sunglasses and sunscreen for sun exposure in the Ararat Plain
• Small-denomination Armenian dram for cave entrance fees, candles, and tips

Know before you go

• Descending into the dungeon at Khor Virap Monastery requires climbing a narrow 6-metre vertical iron ladder and may not be suitable for travellers with mobility concerns or a fear of confined spaces.
• The exterior staircase of Surb Astvatsatsin Church at Noravank Monastery is steep, narrow, and without handrails, so extra caution is required.
• Visit Khor Virap around 9:00 AM for the clearest views of Mount Ararat before midday haze.
• Plan to arrive at Noravank between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to see the red cliffs at their most vibrant.
• Roads across the Ararat Plain and mountain passes are paved but winding, so prepare if you are prone to motion sickness.
• Entry to Khor Virap and Noravank is free, though donations and candle purchases are customary.
• Areni-1 Cave requires an entrance ticket of approximately 1,000 AMD and guided access.
• Book cellar tours at Hin Areni Winery or Areni Wine Factory at least 24 hours in advance, especially for groups.
• Remain quiet during church services or weddings and avoid flash photography.
• Follow modest dress standards, including long trousers for men and covered shoulders or headscarves for women.
• Mobile signal is generally strong along the main highway but may be limited within Amaghu Gorge, so downloading offline maps is recommended.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Republic Square, Yerevan, Armenia

Tour start

Yerevan, Armenia

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.