Armenia day trip: Tatev Ropeway, Noravank, Shaki Waterfall & wine

Ride the world's longest cableway to a 9th-century monastery, then taste wine in Armenia's ancient vineyard region

A private day trip through Armenia covering four major sites: Noravank monastery in its canyon, Shaki Waterfall in Syunik province, the Wings of Tatev cableway (5,752 meters, the longest reversible in the world), Tatev Monastery founded in the 9th century, and Areni Winery in Vayots Dzor. Hotel pickup and return included. A professional guide in English, Spanish or Russian is optional. The itinerary runs 9 to 10 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Shaki Waterfall2h
2. Tatev Monastery2h

Explore Armenia's highlights and wine tasting

• Hotel pick-up in Yerevan
• Visit Noravank Monastery
• Drive to Shaki Waterfall
• Ride Wings of Tatev cable car
• Visit Tatev Monastery
• Tour Areni Winery and wine tasting

The experience

You start from your hotel and head south into Vayots Dzor Province, beginning at Noravank: a monastery built into a canyon and one of Armenia's most recognizable architectural sites. The drive takes you next to Shaki Waterfall, tucked into one of the quieter corners of Syunik province, where the water cuts through the landscape. From there the route turns toward the centerpiece: the Wings of Tatev cableway, a 5,752-meter span that holds the Guinness record for the longest reversible cableway in the world. The ride itself carries you between Halidzor and Tatev Monastery, which sits on a high plateau and has stood since the 9th century as a major religious and educational center.

After the monastery, the day concludes in Vayots Dzor, the region credited as the birthplace of winemaking in Armenia. You visit Areni Winery, where the tasting room opens onto vineyards that have been worked for centuries. The wines here carry flavors shaped by the region's ancient traditions. A tasting is available if you choose to add it. Throughout the day, you travel in comfortable transport with WiFi on board and bottled water. Your driver handles the route and timing. A professional guide who speaks English, Spanish or Russian can join you to narrate the stops, or you can move through the day without one.

The itinerary is built as a loop, so you return to your hotel at the end. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and the pace suits all fitness levels. The cableway ticket and wine tasting are separate purchases you arrange at checkout, so you control which extras matter to your day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• comfortable transportation throughout the day.
• WiFi on board.
• bottled water.

Options for this experience

2 options

Without guideGuide in English, Spanish or Russian · 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00Discover the treasures of Armenia; pickup is included

With professional guideGuide in English, Spanish or Russian · 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDepartures at 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesUp to age 90

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Explora Armenia

Is this one for you?Pick the guided option for historical context on the monastery and winemaking traditions, or go unguided to explore at your own pace and linger longer at each location.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Russian.

What is Tatev Monastery and why is it significant?

Tatev Monastery was founded in the 9th century and became one of Armenia's most important religious and educational centers, standing on a high plateau in Syunik province. Its architecture is considered a gem of Armenian design and it has remained a major landmark for centuries.

How does the Wings of Tatev cableway work?

The Wings of Tatev is a reversible cableway spanning 5,752 meters between Halidzor and Tatev Monastery: the longest of its kind in the world, according to Guinness records. You ride it as part of the day trip to reach the monastery on the plateau.

What will I see at Noravank?

Noravank is a monastery situated in a canyon, known for its striking Armenian architecture and its dramatic setting. It translates to "New Monastery" and ranks among Armenia's most captivating destinations.

Where is Shaki Waterfall and what is it like?

Shaki Waterfall is located in Syunik province in one of the quieter corners of the region. The water flows through a scenic landscape and opens onto striking natural beauty.

Can I taste wine on this tour?

Yes, you can add wine tasting at Areni Winery in Vayots Dzor, a region famous for its ancient winemaking traditions. The tasting is optional and arranged at checkout. You sample wines unique to this part of Armenia.

Do I need a guide for this day trip?

A professional guide who speaks English, Spanish or Russian is optional. You can book the tour without a guide and move through the stops at your own pace, or add a guide to narrate the history and details of each site.