Sacred Monasteries & Ancient Wines: Khor Virap to Areni ,Noravank
The Heart of Ancient Armenia
This journey takes you through the Ararat Plain and deep into the dramatic landscapes of Vayots Dzor. It is a perfect blend of biblical history, world-renowned archaeology, and the centuries-old traditions of Armenian viticulture.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel in Yerevan
- Your Location Address
Khor Virap Monastery
Located at the foot of Mount Ararat, this is the most iconic viewpoint in the country.
This is the site of the ancient city of Artashat and where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before converting Armenia to Christianity in 301 AD.
Explore the underground dungeon and the 17th-century chapel while enjoying unparalleled views of the biblical peak.
Areni wine Factory
Areni is the epicenter of Armenian winemaking, famous for its indigenous Areni Noir grapes.
A visit to a local factory offers insight into both traditional and modern production methods. You’ll enjoy a tasting session featuring a variety of red and white wines, as well as unique fruit wines like pomegranate and apricot.
The bird's Cave
A premier archaeological site where researchers discovered the world’s oldest leather shoe (5,500 years old) and the oldest winery (6,100 years old).
Walk through the limestone caverns to see the ancient clay vats (karasses) where wine was fermented during the Copper Age.
Noravank Monastery
Hidden at the end of a winding canyon, the monastery is framed by towering red limestone cliffs that glow at sunset.
Noravank is a A masterpiece of the 13th century,and it is famous for the work of the architect/sculptor Momik.
It is Special with intricate stone carvings and the unique two-story Surb Astvatsatsin church, accessible by a narrow, steep stone staircase on the facade.
Ending Point
Yerevan Republich square or Your accommodation.
Want to personalize this tour?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/95285/e7b0267f-ae06-4db5-97b6-a182c49a17e6.png)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee
Hotel pick up
Private transportation (TOYOTA CAMRY V70 2018)
Professional Driver
Gasoline,Toll and parking Fees.
Bird's cave entrance 1000 AMD
Personal expenses
Tour Important Information
This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Visitors can descend a narrow, steep ladder (approx. 4.4m diameter, 6m deep) into the historic pit where St. Gregory was held for 13 years.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Chris K.
Hello, I am Chris, a professional Driver. If You Plan to Visit Armenia. Touring with me it will be interesting, funny and exciting.
To me, visiting a place isn't just about seeing a destination, it's about feeling the pulse of the place and leaving with a story to tell.
I assure you that together we will have Happy times ,beautiful photos and lasting memories.
Armenia indeed is a must see country and i Would enjoy if you would choose me as your Driver to explore it.
I am native Armenian speaker, fluent in English, Arabic, Turkish and conversational in French.
SEE YOU IN ARMENIA
Wish you Happy, SAFE, and exciting times ahead.
Reviews
Elliot B.
“Cool visit!”
The ROT54 visit was an awesome memorable tour. Organising with Chris was easy, although his friend Kevork was our driver and guide (as Chris was injured at the time). However, Kevork was a fantastic and knowledge guide to this very interesting site.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/95285/e7b0267f-ae06-4db5-97b6-a182c49a17e6.png)
Chris K.
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! I’m thrilled to hear that your visit to ROT54 was such a memorable experience. While I was bummed to miss out on guiding you myself due to my injury, I'm glad Kevork took great care of you. He is a wealth of knowledge, and I'll be sure to pass along your kind words to him—he’ll be delighted to hear them! It was a pleasure helping you organize the trip, and I hope we can welcome you back for another adventure in the future. Safe travels!
Paul G.
“A great tour with a great guide”
I had an amazing tour to some of the most interesting places I have ever visited. I enjoyed the (quite scary) climb up the broken telescope. Another unscheduled hilight was the unscheduled stop on the way back to the city when I had the opportunity to (very badly) make lavash. The guys was very flexible so can tailor the trip to your preference, his communications prior to the trip were also very good and I was kept up to date with the arrangements.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/95285/e7b0267f-ae06-4db5-97b6-a182c49a17e6.png)
Chris K.
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! It was a total pleasure showing you around. That climb up the Orgov Radio-Optical Telescope is definitely not for the faint of heart, but the views and history at the top are completely worth the adrenaline rush. Flexibility and clear communication are top priorities for me, so I’m thrilled to hear you felt well taken care of from start to finish. You were a wonderful guest, and I’d love to host you again whenever you're back for another adventure! Safe travels!
Massoud A.
“Trip to ROT54”
Guys, I was amazed. It has USSR atmosphere and you can explore and climb multiple buildings
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/95285/e7b0267f-ae06-4db5-97b6-a182c49a17e6.png)
Chris K.
U r very welcome Massoud It was nice to hosting You
$135/ per group
More tours by Chris K.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23365/efb9568e-ebfc-4c41-8f82-30f26cf5e26b.jpg)
Trip To ROT54 MIRROR RADIO TELESCOPE ORGOV BYURAKAN
THE Forgotten giant,Come and Explore the abandoned Herouni Radio Optical Telescope ,Located in the town of Orgov,you will travel through Space and Time.
Trip To ROT54 MIRROR RADIO TELESCOPE ORGOV BYURAKAN
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23367/83575872-cba9-47c9-abc6-b45b779ab794.jpg)
A Scenic tour of lake Sevan's shores. Noratus, Hayravank, Mikayelyan family farm, Sevanavank.
A tour of Lake Sevan’s shores highlights the "Blue Pearl" of Armenia, offering a blend of ancient Christian heritage, unique medieval artistry, and serene volcanic landscapes. As one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, the tour typically follows the western and southern shores, providing a comprehensive look at the region’s cultural and natural landmarks.
A Scenic tour of lake Sevan's shores. Noratus, Hayravank, Mikayelyan family farm, Sevanavank.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/0215175a-c4f5-4f52-9192-387a9fe9383d.jpg)
Garni & Geghard: History, Nature & Lavash Baking
The Garni-Geghard tour is the most popular day trip from Yerevan, typically taking 4 to 6 hours. It covers the highlights of the Kotayk region, transitioning from pagan antiquity to medieval Christian architecture and unique geological formations.
Garni & Geghard: History, Nature & Lavash Baking
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23372/db69b496-4818-4fd5-a9bb-9564cc79115b.jpg)
Nature’s Trio: Exploring Tsaghkadzor, Lake Sevan, and Dilijan.
Exploring the "Nature's Trio"—Tsaghkadzor, Lake Sevan, and Dilijan—is essentially the ultimate Armenian "Greatest Hits" tour for nature and history lovers. In a single day, you transition from alpine ski slopes to a high-altitude "sea," ending in a lush, misty forest.
Nature’s Trio: Exploring Tsaghkadzor, Lake Sevan, and Dilijan.
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Yerevan
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24749/47ee1a1c-81a1-436a-ba26-9a8f024e37d4.jpg)
Garni Stone Symphony, mountainous Geghard and lunch on Lake Sevan
Embark on an unforgettable tour of eastern Armenia blending pagan myths, Christian heritage, and local cuisine. * Garni: Explore the 1st-century AD sun temple and basalt pillars above the Azat River gorge. * Geghard: Visit the remarkable rock-carved monastery complex, a historic spiritual center. * Lake Sevan: Enjoy breathtaking views at Sevanavank Monastery and taste local whitefish. *Details:* Starts at your accommodation. Extra costs apply for Garni entry, optional gorge ride, and lunch.
Garni Stone Symphony, mountainous Geghard and lunch on Lake Sevan
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/110423/08d6e0c5-059e-4901-82ba-b0e51c0904e3.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23288/ba2f8277-67f9-4b32-bda9-59afb773b787.jpg)
Yerevan – Khor Virap Monastery – Noravank Monastery – Areni-1 Cave – Areni Winery Tour
A tour from Yerevan to Khor Virap Monastery, offering stunning views of Mount Ararat, continues to Noravank Monastery set among dramatic red cliffs. Then visit Areni-1 Cave, one of the oldest known wineries, followed by a stop at Areni Winery for wine tasting. Return to Yerevan.
Yerevan – Khor Virap Monastery – Noravank Monastery – Areni-1 Cave – Areni Winery Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/104401/586cd3d6-f440-4dfe-a9c9-2b21fc653c37.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23367/83575872-cba9-47c9-abc6-b45b779ab794.jpg)
A Scenic tour of lake Sevan's shores. Noratus, Hayravank, Mikayelyan family farm, Sevanavank.
A tour of Lake Sevan’s shores highlights the "Blue Pearl" of Armenia, offering a blend of ancient Christian heritage, unique medieval artistry, and serene volcanic landscapes. As one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, the tour typically follows the western and southern shores, providing a comprehensive look at the region’s cultural and natural landmarks.
A Scenic tour of lake Sevan's shores. Noratus, Hayravank, Mikayelyan family farm, Sevanavank.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/95285/e7b0267f-ae06-4db5-97b6-a182c49a17e6.png)
Khor Virap, Noravank and Areni Winery
Explore Armenia's heritage starting at Khor Virap Monastery, where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned, with views of Mount Ararat. Next, journey to the Areni wine region to sample local wines and tour the Areni-1 cave. Conclude at the 12th-century Noravank Monastery, nestled amid red rock cliffs. Khor Virap: Historic monastery. Areni: Wine tasting and cave tour. Noravank: 12th-century complex. Details: Hotel pickup. Extra costs apply for wine tasting and tickets.
Khor Virap, Noravank and Areni Winery
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/110423/08d6e0c5-059e-4901-82ba-b0e51c0904e3.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23386/f2ff4007-2c71-436c-a5b6-70b3c293f5ef.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23386/e32a37b8-409b-4168-b625-df9c21515cbc.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23386/ebc12813-58aa-4977-86d8-2e597cf59bb0.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23386/8b179777-9128-401e-8a4d-38495647717c.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23386/55943fea-2789-41ee-af64-c8ab83214ca6.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23386/4506cd9f-f026-47e7-ac29-364c2f88af95.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23386/35b0ebc7-06d7-49cd-b822-05a26517b40d.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23386/4d1cf9d0-f4aa-4bfb-b114-f5981527f209.png)