Group tour: Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni Winery and Cave
Description
Join this group tour to explore most amazing attractions of Armenia! Visit Khor Virap monastery, a great place for embracing the most picturesque views of Biblical Ararat mountain. Next see the monastery complex, Noravank, that is unique in its construction as the Church of Holy Mother of God is the only two-storied monastery in Armenia. After that visit Areni, one of the oldest settlements in Armenia and today is famous for its wines. Have a lunch and wine tasting.
Tour Options
Itinerary
starting and ending point
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.
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.
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.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- The duration is approximate
- Seats will not be known in advance
Reviews(740)
I truly enjoyed my tour with Arayig and Marina. They both delivered everything and more. The shuttle bus was very comfortable with Arayig and Marina did a great job explaining the different areas visited. Thank you both for a memorable time with my family 🙏💕
Very informative and helpful tour by Marina and Araiyg. Did an amazing job of taking the group to several historic landmarks and also explaining their historical significance along the way. High recommend! Շնորհակալութիւն
Had a wonderful group tour with our tour driver Arayig and guide Marina. Everything was timed perfectly and flowed flawlessly from one destination to the next. Highly recommend!
Old van and no air conditioning when it is 33 degrees, it is an oven, the wine tour was very poor, the scenery, the monastery, and the church are divine, the food is also good.... But the guide lacks charisma and attitude to lead a tour, he is unfriendly and speaks with a slur, making it hard to understand him, the trip without air conditioning has been terrible. We did not like the guide's service.
The tour was interesting. Guide Ike was telling a wonderful story. The program is full. Driver Karen was doing a great job with the mountain serpentine. I really enjoyed the experience.
I loved the tour. Check out without delay. Guide Ike and Karen's driver are secretive people. The driving is neat. Ike talked interestingly about the sights. It was clear. Lunch is delicious and hearty. The filling of the tour itself was also interesting and comfortable. Anyway, I advise you all.
I liked everything very much, there were interesting excursions, beautiful views, delicious dishes, wine tasting! Comfort transport, food, bottled water! Hayk tells an interesting story, Karen drives very carefully!
With our guide Hayk and driver Leon we participated on this tour, which was amazing, well organised and the guide were nice, shared a lot of info.
We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed your experience! We’ll be more than happy to host you again anytime!
Amazing experience with guide Hayk and driver Levon. Hayk was very kind and informative and guided us through the history of Armenia. I would book with him again!
Thank you so much for the excellent feedback! We hope to see you on another of our tours soon!
Lovely day! Samwel our guide is a very nice person and professional with a capital letter! Driver, Joseph, too! Comfortable large air-conditioned bus and wi-fi. Lunch was arranged and coffee made. Wine tasting classic plus exclusive succeeded! My bus and desk neighbour Alexander loved it, too. We even found the best red 🍷 for the tasting. Recommend the company and our hospitable guide and driver. Come back! If possible. We'll bring our friends! Respectfully, Irina from Spain and Alexander from Samara.
Мы очень признательны за Ваш теплый отзыв! Надеемся снова увидеть Вас в Армении!
