Khor Virap, Noravank, Hin Areni Wine Tour, Tasting and Birds-Cave

Armenia’s captivating Khor Virap, Noravank, Hin Areni Wine Tour is a must-do for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike. This full-day excursion takes you on a journey through the country’s stunning landscapes, showcasing iconic monasteries, remarkable geological formations, and renowned winemaking traditions. With panoramic views of Mount Ararat and opportunities to savor local vintages, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that…

Key Points

• A full-day tour from Yerevan visiting Khor Virap, Noravank Monastery, Trchuneri (Bird) Cave, and the Areni wine town with wine tasting.
• Stunning views of Mount Ararat from Khor Virap monastery and exploration of the 13th-century Noravank Monastery in a scenic canyon.
• Immersive experience of Armenia’s cultural heritage, including a visit to the Trchuneri (Bird) Cave with diverse bird species and unique geological formations.
• Opportunity to enjoy a wine tasting experience in the Areni wine town, known for its winemaking tradition.
• Comfortable air-conditioned transportation, professional English and Russian-speaking guides, and inclusion of admission tickets, bottled water, pastries, and light refreshments.

Tour Overview

The full-day trip from Yerevan takes visitors to the destinations of Khor Virap, Noravank Monastery, Trchuneri (Bird) Cave, and the Areni wine town, offering a scenic landscape exploration.

With 541 reviews and a 98% recommendation rate, the tour departs from central Yerevan and is led by professional guides who provide commentary in English and Russian.

The itinerary includes admission tickets, bottled water, pastries, light refreshments, and a wine tasting.

The activity ends at the meeting point and accommodates a maximum of 49 travelers with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Destinations and Highlights

The tour takes visitors on a scenic exploration through several notable destinations.

First, it visits Khor Virap, a monastery with stunning views of Mount Ararat.

Next, it travels to Noravank Monastery, a 13th-century architectural gem nestled in a scenic canyon.

The tour then ventures to Trchuneri (Bird) Cave, a unique geological formation home to diverse bird species.

Finally, it stops in the Areni wine town, where guests can enjoy a wine tasting and sample the region’s acclaimed vintages.

Throughout the day, travelers are treated to Armenia’s breathtaking landscapes and immersed in its rich cultural heritage.

Transportation and Amenities

A professional guide (available in English and Russian) accompanies travelers throughout the day. Visitors are transported in air-conditioned vehicles, providing comfort during the scenic journey. Bottled water, pastries, and light refreshments (snacks and beverages) are included, ensuring hydration and sustenance. A wine tasting experience is also part of the tour, allowing guests to savor the local flavors of Areni. Lunch, priced between 3,500-4,500 AMD ($9-11 USD), can be purchased separately. Hotel pick-up and drop-off services, as well as onboard WiFi, enhance the overall convenience of the tour.

Transportation	Inclusions
Air-Conditioned Vehicles	Bottled Water & Pastries
Professional Guide (EN/RU)	Light Refreshments
Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off	Wine Tasting
WiFi in Vehicles	Lunch (Optional)
Maximum 49 Travelers

Meeting and Departure Details

Travelers meet at Hyur Service, located at 96 Nalbandyan poxoc in Yerevan, to begin the tour at 10:00 AM.

The tour ends at the same meeting point. The group size is limited to a maximum of 49 travelers.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The tour operates in all weather conditions but isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are allowed.

Infants must sit on laps, and children must be accompanied by adults.

Additional tours are available from December 29 to January 9 to visit the Birds Cave.

Tour Experience and Feedback

Based on the 541 reviews, the tour has received a high 4.9 rating. Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and the breathtaking scenery across the destinations. However, some express concerns about seating comfort in larger groups. To address this, the operator recommends that couples sit together during the tour. The highlights include the awe-inspiring Khor Virap with the backdrop of Mount Ararat, the striking Noravank Monastery, and the unique Trchuneri (Bird) Cave.

Pros	Cons
Knowledgeable guides	Seating comfort in larger groups
Beautiful scenic views	–
Delicious food and wine	–

The tour operates in all weather conditions and is stroller accessible, though not wheelchair friendly. Infant travelers must sit on laps, and children must be accompanied by adults.

Weather and Accessibility

The tour operates in all weather conditions, making it accessible year-round.

• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible, allowing families with young children to participate.

• Infants must sit on laps during the tour, and all children must be accompanied by adults.

• Special tours are available from December 29 to January 9 for those interested in visiting the Birds Cave.

• While the tour accommodates larger groups up to 49 travelers, some passengers have expressed concerns about seating comfort in larger groups.

• The tour runs rain or shine, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the scenic landscapes and historic sites regardless of the weather.

Special Offerings and Seasonal Tours

While the tour operates year-round, it offers special seasonal experiences for visitors. For example, the tour includes a visit to the Trchuneri (Bird) Cave from December 29 to January 9. This allows guests to witness the impressive hibernation of thousands of bats during the winter months. Plus, the wine tasting in Areni town features unique seasonal vintages that vary throughout the year, providing a truly immersive and authentic experience.

Seasonal Offerings	Dates	Highlights
Trchuneri (Bird) Cave	Dec 29 – Jan 9	Witness bat hibernation
Areni Wine Tasting	Year-round	Seasonal vintages
Special Holiday Tours	Dec 29 – Jan 9	Festive atmosphere

Traveler Reviews and Recommendations

How do travelers rate this tour? Based on over 500 reviews, this full-day trip from Yerevan receives an impressive 4.9-star rating.

Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides, beautiful sites, and delicious food. Key highlights include:

• Stunning views of Mount Ararat at Khor Virap
• Architectural beauty of Noravank Monastery
• Fascinating exploration of Trchuneri (Bird) Cave
• Opportunity to taste wines in the Areni region
• Seamless organization, comfortable transportation, and convenient hotel pick-up/drop-off

While most praise the experience, some note seating can be tight in larger groups.

Couples recommend requesting to sit together during the tour. This comprehensive excursion receives overwhelmingly positive reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Duration of the Tour?

The full-day tour lasts approximately 8-10 hours, departing from central Yerevan in the morning and returning to the meeting point in the evening. The duration allows ample time to explore the various destinations on the itinerary.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?

The tour has no minimum number of participants required. It can accommodate up to 49 travelers, providing a flexible and inclusive experience for individuals, couples, and small groups.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

You can’t bring your own food and drinks on this tour. The package includes bottled water, pastries, and light refreshments. However, you can have lunch at your own expense during the tour.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No special equipment is needed for this tour. The tour includes transportation, admission tickets, bottled water, and light refreshments. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring any personal items they may need during the day.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

While the standard tour itinerary is set, the company may be able to accommodate customization requests, such as adding or rearranging stops, based on availability and guest preferences. Travelers should inquire about potential customization options when booking the tour.

The Sum Up

The Khor Virap, Noravank, Hin Areni Wine Tour offers an unforgettable experience that combines Armenia’s cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and delightful wine tastings. Travelers can explore iconic monasteries, marvel at geological formations, and savor the flavors of the region, making this tour a perfect blend of nature, history, and gastronomy. With convenient transportation and amenities, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking to discover the beauty and richness of Armenia.