Areni stands out as one of Armenia’s top destinations for travelers interested in history, wine, and stunning landscapes. Its proximity to Yerevan makes it easy to explore in a day, and the variety of tours here reflect the area’s rich cultural and natural offerings. Whether you’re keen on tasting traditional Armenian wines, marveling at ancient monasteries, or exploring archaeological sites, Areni’s tours deliver memorable experiences. We particularly love the From Yerevan: Khor Virap Monastery, Winery & Birds Cave Tour for its perfect mix of religious sites, archaeology, and wine. Plus, the chance to see the oldest leather shoe at Birds Cave makes it a must-do for history buffs.
If you’re short on time, many tours like the Khor Virap and Noravank Monasteries Tour pack highlights into a half-day adventure. For wine enthusiasts, the multi-winery trips, such as the Wine tour: 4 wine factories & wineries in one day or the Vayots Dzor Wine Route Day Tour, offer tastings at Armenia’s top wineries. For those seeking a more personalized experience, private tours like the Private tour to Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni cave and winery provide flexibility and in-depth exploration. Below is a detailed look at each option to help you decide.
1. From Yerevan: Khor Virap Monastery, Winery & Birds Cave Tour
Starting your Armenian adventure, this full-day tour offers a well-rounded experience of religious sites, archaeological wonders, and wine tasting. You’ll visit the 17th-century Khor Virap Monastery, famous for its stunning views of Mount Ararat—a highlight for many. The tour also includes a stop at the Birds Cave, where ancient artifacts like the world’s oldest leather shoe were discovered, providing a fascinating glimpse into Armenia’s past.
Later, you’ll explore Hin Areni winery, where Armenian wine is made using centuries-old methods, and taste some of the best local vintages. The trip culminates with a visit to Noravank Monastery, renowned for its red rock architecture and the only two-storied church in Armenia. The guide shares detailed insights into Armenia’s history, making this tour both educational and scenic. The 10-hour itinerary is priced affordably at $38 per person, with rave reviews like a 4.8/5 rating from 149 reviews.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a rundown of Armenia’s spiritual and wine heritage in a single day. It’s a balanced mix of culture, archaeology, and scenic views at a great price.
2. Group tour: Khor Virap, Noravank, Jermuk, Areni wine tasting
This full-day group tour offers a taste of Armenia’s diverse attractions. It includes visits to Khor Virap and Noravank monasteries, plus a relaxing stop in Jermuk to enjoy its famous mineral waters and waterfalls. The highlight for many is the Jermuk Waterfall photo stop and the cable car ride, which give visitors a panoramic view of the region.
On the way back, you’ll stop at the Areni Winery for a wine tasting experience. The 12-hour trip is ideal for travelers who want to see several key sites without extra planning, priced at $38 per person with a 4.7/5 rating. The itinerary balances history, nature, and local traditions, making it suited for those who want a broad taste of Armenia in a single day.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who enjoy a mix of cultural sites and natural scenery, with plenty of opportunities to relax and taste local wines.
3. Wine tour Areni Noravank Khor Virap Areni cave
At number 3, this private 6-hour tour provides a personalized look at Armenia’s famous wineries, monasteries, and the Areni-1 Cave, where some of the earliest evidence of winemaking was uncovered. The private setup means you’ll benefit from a comfortable, exclusive experience, with experienced drivers and tailored attention.
You’ll visit Khor Virap, known for its views of Mount Ararat and significance as a pilgrimage site. The tour also includes wine tasting at Areni Winery and a visit to Areni-1 Cave, home to archaeological treasures. The itinerary focuses on quality over quantity, making it ideal for wine lovers and archaeology enthusiasts alike. With a fixed price of $130 per group, this tour offers good value for an intimate experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a private, in-depth exploration of Armenia’s ancient wine production sites and monasteries in a half-day tour.
4. Wine tour: 4 wine factories & wineries in one day
For serious wine lovers, this 7-hour tour takes you to four distinct Armenian wineries in Vayots Dzor, including Tushpa Wine Cellar and Momik WineCube. Traveling in a luxurious Mercedes, you’ll get an inside look at each winery’s production process and taste a variety of fabulous Armenian wines.
This experience is excellent for those who want a comprehensive tasting and insights into Armenia’s winemaking tradition. The tour also includes visits to famous wineries and a chance to sample homegrown wines. The $330 price is on the higher side, but the inclusion of private transport and exclusive services justifies the cost for connoisseurs.
Bottom Line: Best suited for visitors wanting a deep dive into Armenia’s winemaking, with a focus on quality and variety at a premium level.
5. Khor Virap and Noravank Monasteries Tour
This 6.5-hour tour focuses heavily on iconic monasteries and offers breathtaking views of Mount Ararat from Khor Virap. You’ll explore the architectural marvel of Noravank, famous for its red rocks and intricate stone carvings, set in a dramatic canyon. The tour also includes a wine tasting at a local winery, giving you a taste of Armenia’s best vintages.
While reviews are not specified, the itinerary emphasizes the classic sights, making it a great choice for travelers who want a focused experience without rushing. The price is $295 per group, which reflects a semi-private experience with ample time for sightseeing and photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a straightforward, scenic tour of Armenia’s most renowned monasteries with a wine tasting bonus.
6. Wine tour to Khor Virap, Areni winery, Noravank
This 7-hour small-group tour combines archaeology, history, and wine. Starting from Yerevan, you’ll visit Khor Virap, then explore the Areni Winery, and finally enjoy the Noravank Monastery. The tour offers a mix of scenic drives and stops for photos and tastings, with scenic views along the way.
The itinerary’s focus on amateur archaeology and local wines makes it suitable for travelers wanting a balanced, educational experience. The price at $163 per group makes it a budget-friendly choice for small groups wanting an all-in-one Armenia experience.
Bottom Line: A good choice for travelers who want a well-rounded tour blending history, architecture, and wine without a hefty price tag.
7. Vayots Dzor Wine Route Day Tour, discover Areni’s Wineries
This 12-hour tour delivers an immersive experience for wine enthusiasts. You’ll visit multiple prestigious wineries in the Areni region, sampling a variety of Armenian vintages. The tour emphasizes engaging with passionate vintners and learning about Armenia’s winemaking traditions.
It’s perfect for those who want to maximize tasting opportunities and explore Vayots Dzor’s vineyards in depth. The $110 per person price offers excellent value for a full day of wine exploration. The reviews are not specified, but the focus on variety and expert engagement makes it a compelling choice for serious wine fans.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want to spend the day touring multiple wineries and tasting different Armenian wines.
8. Private tour to Khor Virap Noravank wine tasting birds cave
This private 8-hour experience combines monastery visits, archaeological exploration, and wine tasting, all with the flexibility of a custom schedule. You’ll visit Khor Virap and Noravank, as well as the Birds Cave, where ancient artifacts such as the oldest leather shoe were found. The tour includes a delicious lunch with locally sourced ingredients, plus a wine tasting at one of Armenia’s best wineries.
Ideal for travelers seeking a personalized experience, this tour offers customizable timing and a deeper connection to each site. The price of $150 per person reflects the tailored nature and private transportation, making it a good choice for couples or small groups.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a flexible, private day with a mix of history, archaeology, and wine.
9. Private tour to Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni cave and winery
This 9.5-hour private tour is designed for those eager to cover multiple iconic sites while enjoying the comfort of private transport. You’ll visit Khor Virap, Areni-1 Cave, and Noravank Monastery, with stops for guided tours and photos. The itinerary also includes a wine tasting at Areni Winery, and the guide provides in-depth commentary about Armenian history and culture.
The tour’s flexibility and comprehensive coverage make it suited for travelers who want an intimate and informative experience. The cost is $148 per group, offering great value for a full, private day.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those seeking an all-encompassing, private exploration of Armenia’s archaeological and monastic treasures with wine.
10. From Yerevan: Khor Virap, Noravank and Areni-1 Cave Day Tour
This 8-hour, guided day trip from Yerevan covers Khor Virap, Noravank, and the Areni-1 Cave. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see the major highlights without extra planning or multiple stops. Tour includes guided tours at each site, with round-trip transportation from Yerevan.
The tour provides a great overview of Armenia’s archaeological and religious sites, with scenic drives through the countryside. Although reviews are not specified, its straightforward itinerary makes it well suited for first-time visitors wanting a quick, well-organized introduction.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want a compact, informative day trip with a focus on Armenia’s historical sites.
11. From Yerevan: Khor Virap, Areni Winery, and Noravank Tour
This 9-hour group tour offers a comprehensive day exploring Khor Virap, Areni Winery, and Noravank Monastery. It balances cultural visits, scenic views, and wine tasting, with an emphasis on Armenia’s ancient traditions. The tour includes visits to the famous Birds Cave and a wine tasting session featuring top local wines.
At $148 per group, it’s an appealing option for travelers wanting a full, guided experience with a good mix of history and leisure. The itinerary is carefully curated to maximize the day’s sightseeing while allowing time for photos and exploration.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those wanting to see Armenia’s key sights and enjoy a leisurely wine tasting in one well-organized day.
How to Choose the Perfect Tour in Areni
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and available time. If you want an all-inclusive, full-day experience with multiple wineries and archaeological sites, the Vayots Dzor Wine Route Day Tour or Wine tour: 4 wine factories & wineries in one day are excellent options.
For travelers seeking a more personalized experience, private tours like the Private tour to Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni cave and winery or the Private tour to Khor Virap Noravank wine tasting birds cave provide flexibility and in-depth visits. If you’re interested primarily in monasteries and scenic views, then tours such as the Khor Virap and Noravank Monasteries Tour are ideal.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel months, to secure your spots and preferred times. Also, consider how much walking or physical activity you’re comfortable with, as some sites involve uphill climbs or uneven terrain.
Final Thoughts
Areni offers a wide variety of tours suited for history enthusiasts, wine lovers, and outdoor explorers alike. For a full day packed with highlights, the From Yerevan: Khor Virap Monastery, Winery & Birds Cave Tour is an excellent choice. Conversely, if you prefer an intimate, private experience, the Private tour to Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni cave and winery delivers personalized insights.
Wine aficionados should consider the Vayots Dzor Wine Route Day Tour, which explores multiple wineries in depth, while those with limited time might opt for the Khor Virap and Noravank Monasteries Tour for a quick yet memorable experience.
No matter your choice, Armenia’s scenic landscapes, ancient monasteries, and world-class wines make for unforgettable memories. We recommend booking early, especially during peak seasons, to ensure your spot on the tour that best fits your interests. Whatever your preference, Areni promises a rewarding journey into Armenia’s storied past and vibrant present.