Khor Virap, Noravank & Birds' Cave Day Trip with Wine Tasting
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
The tour begins at Khor Virap Monastery – with the most breathtaking views of the Biblical Mt. Ararat.
This trip continues to the Wine Region of Armenia. Birds or Areni 1 cave is known for the discovery of evidence of several elaborative burial rituals and agricultural practices. The most exciting things uncovered from this cave are the oldest pair of leather shoes, almost 5500 years old and the winery of about 6100 years of age - oldest known winery in the world.
Noravank Monastery is a unique medieval Armenian architectural gem with a two-storied main church. The monastery is surrounded by high cliffs and deep valleys of red and orange volcanic materials.
Lastly, a stop at Areni village, the center of Armenian winemaking to taste some of the best home-made wines. Don't miss the chance to try wine in the place where it was first created!
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 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!
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.
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)
Options
Guided group tour
Reviews
320 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Armenia Day tour
gin256,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just finished the tour, and all I can say is that Armenia is an incredibly beautiful place. A big thank you to Ms. Anastasia, who is very knowledgeable, approachable, and kind. She explained each place clearly and made the experience even more enjoyable. Highly recommended! Special thanks as well to our driver for getting us around safely and professionally.
Very good tour
IoanaMadalina S,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was really good. The weather wasn’t on our side so we couldn’t see the Ararat mountains but otherwise it was a very interesting tour, we saw really nice sceneries and we enjoyed it a lot. The only negative was that the wine tasting felt a bit rushed, we had barely received one wine that they moved us on to the next and we had to drink it very quickly. The wine place was a very lovely family business though and the wines we tasted were very unique and interesting. Overall it was very well organised, the car was very comfortable and clean, we had enough time to go around the churches and the guide was very knowledgeable and we enjoyed learning more not just about the places we saw but also about Armenian culture and history.
Spectacular tour
G8495EYraffaelef,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Spectacular experience, passing through breathtaking landscapes, monasteries and natural quarries .The tour ended with a unique wine tasting.Thank you very much to our guide Gayane
Great trip
SerbanBahamat,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. We've seen two of the most iconic sites of Armenia with a high quality guide. Hope to come back again.
Laughs, wine and history
Anthonykerr,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a fun day with lots of laughs! Necktar looked after us and made sure we had a good time. I highly recommend this tour.
Top tour
David S,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very successful trip! The guide knew how to tell everything nicely and we saw a lot! Definitely recommended if you want to get outside Yerevan 😁
Great tour
I2493VMdanb,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent service, very charismatic guides who will help you truly get a taste of the local culture. A great opportunity to find out tips on all things necessary. It is best to start your vacation with this tour!
Amazing Tour and a Great Experience
Aswin S,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I went on this group tour on the 30th of November 2025. It was a wonderful experience and absolutely worth the money paid. Operator: The tour operator - Yerani Travel was clear and prompt with their communication about the tour and pickup location. The pickup point was a central location very easy to navigate to. It was a group tour in a shared mini-van which had comfortable seating and a nice driver. Activity: All the stops were amazing. we stopped at Khor Virap Monastery, Noravank Monastery, Areni Cave, and also went on an elaborate wine tasting with proper details and explanations. The activities were exactly as given in the tour description. We also had lunch at a beautiful restaurant, but I personally felt the food wasn't that great for the price we paid and the menu was fixed to 4 types of meals. However the the arrangements were systematic and smooth. Our guide distributed the menu right after our first stop, and we placed our food orders well in advance. So the lunch arrangements were smooth with no confusions or delays. Now, the main highlight of the tour was our guide Nare. This tour wouldn't have been 100% great without her. She was AMAZING. She organised and managed everything smoothly and efficiently. She gave details explanations about everything and carefully answered all our questions and queries and confusions. She also told us a lot of stories, historical details, facts and figures. Her story telling skill is exceptional. You would feel the stories and historical facts in your head and heart. He management style is amazing. Not even a single trouble or problem anywhere in the tour. We didn't even notice the long drive or tiredness as all of us were engaged with her story telling and narrations. She is a real asset to the company. I would 101% recommend this tour to any body anyday. Thank you Yerani Travel.
Great experience!
fabrimarras,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very well organized tour: from the start to the last stop the guide gave us a lot of information about the history of Armenia and the attractions we will have visited, both in English and Russian. The time reserved for sightseeing was adequate, quiet and comfortable travel, I felt welcome and with attentive and punctual service. Recommended!
An enjoyable day trip from Yerevan
matuka96,,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Overall, 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.
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