Day Trip to Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni Cave, Wine Tasting

Overview

Available languages

Russian

English

Mobile ticket

Khor Virap Monastery is located about an hour’s drive from Yerevan and offers stunning views of Armenia’s iconic symbol, the majestic Mount Ararat. The name Khor Virap means "deep dungeon," as it was built on the site of a former royal prison in historic Artashat. This monastery is one of the holiest places for Armenians worldwide.

The tour also includes a visit to Areni Cave, also known as Bird’s Cave. In 2008, archaeologists unearthed some of the world’s oldest artifacts here, including a leather shoe and an ancient winery.

Another highlight is Noravank, a treasure of medieval Armenian architecture, perched amid the breathtaking brick-red cliffs at the end of the Gnishik Canyon.

You’ll conclude your day in the picturesque village of Areni, renowned for its winemaking tradition. Here, you can tour a local winery and sample a selection of fine Armenian wines, including the famous Areni variety.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For security reasons the trip might be modified or cancelled in case of bad weather conditions.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

WiFi on board

Professional and friendly guide

Wine Tasting

Air-conditioned vehicle

Local sweets and Bottled Water

Entrance Tickets

Lunch ( 6€ - 14€ per person)

What To Expect

Khor Virap

Although there are various historical landmarks in Armenia, the oldest and most well-known is probably the Biblical Mount Ararat. This is why our tour promises a spectacular view from the closest spot possible. Khor Virap monastery is located about an hour’s drive away from the capital Yerevan, and offers an amazing view of Armenia’s defining symbol – the majestic Ararat. “Khor Virap” translates as “deep dungeon”, and was built of the place of the former royal prison, located on the historical site of Artashat. It was this prison in which they kept Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholicos, for a whole 13 years. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that this place is one of the most sacred spots for Armenians around the world. Likewise, it’s also the closest point to the Mount Ararat from Armenia; very often this spot becomes the number 1 reason to visit our country!

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Noravank Monastery

Another place that can’t be missed is Noravank. It is one of the gems of medieval Armenian architecture, nestled high among the stunning brick-red cliffs in the end of the Gnishik Canyon. Here you will see the one and only depiction of God the Father in Armenia, which is just as astonishing as the face of Jesus Christ that appeared on the dome of the Church’s narthex. Built by Orbelian noblemen, it stands out among our churches as the sepulcher of this noble family, making it unique since it was absolutely prohibited to bury people inside a church since the 5th century.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Day Trip

Group tour

Reviews

4.86

312 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

281

An enjoyable day trip from Yerevan
matuka96,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Overall, an enjoyable day trip from Yerevan. Both Khor Virap and Noravank is mesmerising. I wish weather conditions have allowed us to see Ararat on our way as well. Armen was a great driver, while Anastasia, our guide shared the essential information we needed to know about the sites. I think we have spent more or less enough time at each sites. I wish we had more options for Armenian cuisine at lunch (but I greatly enjoyed the lake-side setting of the restaurant). I highly recommend to take this trip and tour company.
Great day trip! Loved Nectar and her humour
markchuacm,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience with Nectar. She was very warm and knowledgeable, injecting a lot of humour and personality into her explanations. The admission fee charged was reasonable for the value we got. Day trip was good enough for the exploration.
Trip to Noravank, cave and wine tasting
181catid,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guid and our chauffeur were very nice. I fully recommend Anastasia and Edgar, she told us a lot of details about the places we were visiting, and he is a very good driver. The tour was very nice, and the information was very on point. Anastasia answered us to all the questions we had.
Highly recommended
Alexandros T,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Gerani travel was once more professional in every aspect especially thetourguidethat spoke excellent English and was very knowledgeable which made the tour a joy. The chosen restaurant was in a picturesque placeon thebanks of a river and themenu tastefull. In a nutshell everything went smoothly and met the expectations fully.
Nice trip
tomaskJ1174YK,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A well-organized trip. The guide provides interesting information. Everything matches the trip description. A well-chosen stop for lunch. We were very satisfied.
Lyn
Lyn S,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Great experience other than the set menu lunch - half of our group of 13 had to go without lunch as it was a set 3 course meal - all we wanted was a light meal like soup not an expensive sit in the middle of the day.m Would be nice to be warned to bring snacks. I travel the world and have never had this happen before.
An interesting and varied trip
genie161168,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
An interesting and varied trip. Beyond the usual churches, we also visited a cave excavation, a winery and tasted wine. The trip was well organised, punctual, the driver and guide were very nice.
Wonders of Noravank and Areni
744cristianos,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Nice experience, well organized with a little tight schedule, but allowed us to visit all the attractions provided. Notavank Monastery is a real gem, alone worth the whole trip. Special mention for our guide Ani: nice, energetic and engaging. Super recommended!
Good tour, but cramped bus
Paul O,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Great guide, wonderful views, but the bus was way too cramped. I couldn't put my legs straight or my knees would be pushing against the seat in front of me, kindly request the company get a bigger bus next time. Tour guide was good, provided excellent information
It was a great day. Gaia, thank you! You're gorgeous!!
polinat697,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Gaia is a beautiful guide! She really liked the way the international team came together! If you go on this tour and know both languages - English and Russian (if also Georgian, then in general!), - make a bunch of acquaintances, it will be great:) I liked absolutely everything: the road, the stops, the cafe(chic, cozy, quiet, modest place), the wine testing (Gevorg is a professional, master, and explains everything very clearly), the attitude to guests! Second consecutive tour from YeraniTravel, and second time we are thrilled and dream of extending the holiday! And once again, Gaia, you're absolutely brilliant.