Yerevan is a city that not only offers a vibrant urban scene but also serves as a gateway to some of Armenia’s most stunning sights and unique cultural experiences. What makes Yerevan especially appealing for tours is its compact size and accessibility, making it easy to explore both the city’s highlights and its surrounding treasures. You can find everything from full-day trips to ancient monasteries like Khor Virap that offer spectacular views of Mount Ararat, to specialized experiences like wine tastings in Armenia’s oldest winemaking regions. We particularly enjoy the full-day trip to Khor Virap, Noravank, Cave & Wine Tasting for its mix of history, spectacular scenery, and local flavors.
For those with limited time, half-day tours like Garni and Geghard provide a quick yet thorough taste of Armenia’s ancient pagan and Christian landmarks. But if you’re after a deeper dive, multi-site adventures combining monasteries, wineries, and scenic drives make Yerevan a perfect starting point. With options tailored for budget travelers, culture enthusiasts, and those craving natural beauty, the city’s tours are a practical way to maximize your Armenian experience.
1. Yerevan: Khor Virap, Noravank, Cave & Wine Tasting Day Trip
Starting with a visit to Khor Virap Monastery offers one of the most iconic views of Mount Ararat. This full-day trip includes exploring the Areni Cave, the site of the world’s oldest leather shoe and winery, making it both a historical and gourmet experience. The trip’s highlight is the opportunity to learn about Armenia’s ancient winemaking traditions at a local winery. Rated 4.8/5 with nearly 700 reviews, travelers praise the guide’s storytelling and the stunning vistas. The tour lasts about 9 hours, making it ideal for those keen on combining history, scenery, and local culture in a single day.
The itinerary includes a visit to the Noravank Monastery, with its red cliffs providing a dramatic backdrop, and a wine tasting in the Areni region. At just $38 per person, this tour offers excellent value for a day packed with memorable sites and cultural insights. Perfect for history lovers and wine enthusiasts alike.
Bottom Line: A well-balanced full-day experience that combines Armenia’s spiritual sites, rugged landscapes, and ancient winemaking roots, suited for curious travelers eager to see the highlights.
2. From Yerevan: Garni, Geghard, & Symphony of Stones Day Trip
For around $32, this From Yerevan: Garni, Geghard, & Symphony of Stones tour offers a wonderful blend of Armenia’s spiritual and natural marvels in about 7 to 9 hours. It starts with Garni Temple, Armenia’s only Greco-Roman temple, which boasts breathtaking mountain views. Next, you’ll explore the Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO site partially carved into the rocky cliffs. What sets this tour apart is the chance to join a lavash baking master class, giving you a hands-on taste of Armenian culinary tradition.
The Symphony of Stones natural basalt formations provide a striking photo opportunity. Guests often note the tour’s excellent value, especially considering the inclusion of a cooking demo and the small-group feel. It’s well suited for travelers who want a quick but rich experience of Armenia’s ancient religious sites and local culture.
Bottom Line: A compact tour that combines historic sites, cultural activities, and scenic beauty, ideal for those short on time but eager to enjoy Armenian traditions.
3. From Yerevan: Lake Sevan & Dilijan Full-Day Group Tour
This 10-hour guided trip to Lake Sevan and Dilijan provides a relaxing escape from the city, with a price of just $32 per person. The tour covers Armenia’s largest freshwater high-altitude lake, where you can stroll along its shores or visit the Sevanavank Monastery. In Dilijan, dubbed the “Armenian Switzerland,” forested hills and charming streets await. Highlights include stops at Goshavank and Haghartsin Monastery, both set amid lush wooded scenery.
Many travelers appreciate the relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities for photos and casual exploration. The tour is a good choice for nature lovers and those interested in Armenian monastic architecture, with a full day of scenic views and cultural sites.
Bottom Line: An easygoing day trip suitable for families or anyone wanting a blend of lakeside beauty and monastery architecture in a small-group setting.
4. Private 7-8-hour Khor Virap, Garni Temple & Geghard Monastery Trip from Yerevan
This private tour offers a flexible, comfortable way to see Armenia’s top three sites—Khor Virap, Garni, and Geghard—in about 7 to 8 hours. Travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. You can choose to include a guide for deeper insights or explore on your own. The tour is especially appealing for small groups or families, with a price of $108 for up to 3 people.
Highlights include breathtaking views of Mount Ararat from Khor Virap, the impressive rock-carved Geghard Monastery, and the pagan Garni Temple. Many reviewers mention the ease of customization and the high level of comfort, with some noting how the driver’s local knowledge enhances the experience. If you prefer flexibility and privacy, this trip is ideal.
Bottom Line: A hassle-free, personalized way to explore Armenia’s religious sites at your own pace, great for small groups and those seeking comfort.
5. Day trip: Garni, Geghard, Symphony of Stones and Lavash baking
This 6 to 7-hour tour, rated 5.0/5, is perfect for travelers wanting a culture with hands-on activities. For just $29.62 per person, you visit Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, and the Symphony of Stones, plus participate in a lavash baking class. The tour emphasizes Armenian traditions, ensuring you not only see historic sites but also experience local culinary practices.
Guests praise this tour for its rich cultural content, friendly guides, and well-organized logistics. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a comprehensive but manageable day that combines sightseeing with participatory fun. The inclusion of local food tasting adds an authentic touch you won’t find in standard sightseeing tours.
Bottom Line: An engaging experience for cultural enthusiasts eager to learn about Armenian baking, history, and architecture all in one day.
6. Yerevan: Garni, Geghard, Symphony of Stones & Lavash Baking
A slightly shorter alternative to the previous entry, this 7-hour tour offers breathtaking views and cultural treasures with a focus on Armenian heritage. The trip includes visits to Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, and the natural basalt columns of the Symphony of Stones. The highlight is the lavash baking session, which offers a taste of Armenian craftsmanship.
Rated 4.8/5 with over 400 reviews, travelers find it well-paced and rich in local flavor. The guide’s storytelling makes the historic sites come alive, and the opportunity to bake traditional Armenian bread adds a tactile memory to your visit.
Bottom Line: A compact, culturally rich tour suitable for those wanting an authentic Armenian experience without a long day on the road.
7. Guided tour: Khor Virap, Noravank Monastery, Areni, Jermuk
This full-day adventure combines Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni, and Jermuk with a private guide, making it perfect for history and mountain scenery lovers. The 11-12 hour tour includes visits to Armenia’s most striking religious sites and the famous Areni Wine Factory. Rated 5/5, travelers mention the knowledgeable guide and comfortable logistics.
Highlights include exploring medieval monasteries, tasting authentic wine, and soaking in the mountain air in Jermuk’s hot springs. It’s best suited for those with a whole day to spend exploring Armenia’s diverse landscape.
Bottom Line: An immersive, all-encompassing tour for travelers interested in history, wine, and scenic mountain towns.
8. Private Half-Day Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery Tour from Yerevan
Ideal for a quick cultural fix, this private 4- to 5-hour tour takes you to Garni and Geghard with all entrance fees included. The flexibility of choosing morning or afternoon departures makes it a good fit for travelers with limited time or tight schedules. Many reviewers praise the guide’s friendliness and the driver’s professionalism, noting how smoothly everything runs.
Highlights include the scenic drive past the Charent’s Arch and the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, carved into the cliffs. It’s a great introduction for first-timers or those short on time.
Bottom Line: A highly customizable, efficient way to see Armenia’s spiritual sites without sacrificing comfort or insight.
9. Group Tour: Hin Areni Winery, Tatev (wayback on Ropeway), Khndzoresk Caves
Spanning about 14-15 hours, this Hin Areni Winery, Tatev, & Khndzoresk Caves tour is a deep dive into Armenia’s mountain scenery, medieval monasteries, and wine culture. The highlight is the Wings of Tatev cable car, which offers incredible views of the Vorotan Gorge. The trip includes visiting the Tatev Monastery, Shaki Waterfall, and tasting wine in Areni, Armenia’s earliest settlement.
Rated 5/5, travelers love the balance of logistics and sightseeing, praising the guide’s friendliness. It’s perfect for those eager to see a variety of sights in one long but rewarding day.
Bottom Line: An extensive, well-organized tour for travelers who want a comprehensive Armenia experience with scenic cable car rides and wine tasting.
10. Group Tour: Shaki Waterfall, Tatev Monastery & Ropeway, Hin Areni Winery
This 13-14 hour tour combines Armenia’s natural beauty and historic sites in a comfortable group setting. The Shaki Waterfall offers peaceful mountain scenery, while the Tatev Monastery and Wings of Tatev cable car provide sweeping canyon views. The tour finishes with a visit to Hin Areni Winery for tastings and local snacks. Travelers comment on the excellent driver and guide, with a perfect balance of activity and relaxation.
If you’re after a full-day adventure exploring Armenia’s scenic sides and cultural landmarks, this is a solid choice.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those wanting a full immersion into Armenia’s natural and spiritual sights with friendly guides and scenic rides.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, available time, and specific interests. For a full immersion in Armenia’s monasteries and wine, the full-day Khor Virap trip offers a great value. If you prefer a shorter, more curated experience, private tours combine comfort with flexibility.
For travelers interested in natural beauty and outdoor activities, tours that include Lake Sevan or mountain waterfalls are best. Those craving local culture and hands-on experiences should consider lavash baking or wine tasting tours.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular full-day excursions or private tours during peak seasons, to secure your preferred dates and avoid disappointment.
Final Thoughts
Yerevan’s array of tours covers everything from historic monasteries and scenic mountain vistas to wine tasting and traditional baking. For those interested in history and architecture, trips to Khor Virap or the monasteries of Tatev and Noravank will thrill. If you’re more into nature and local flavors, tours that combine Lake Sevan, Dilijan, and wine tasting will satisfy. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer small-group day trips, while those seeking privacy will appreciate the tailored experience of private tours.
Whatever your taste, Armenia’s landscape and cultural heritage are ready to impress. Be sure to plan ahead and book your tours early—many of these experiences fill quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. With so many options, you’re sure to find something that makes your stay in Yerevan memorable.