Armenia: Tatev Monastery tour with wine tasting & Khor Virap

Summary

Ride the world’s longest tramway to Tatev & taste Armenia’s wines

You’ll ride the world’s longest tramway to reach Tatev Monastery, taste local Armenian wines near Noravank, feel the spray at Shaki Waterfall, and stand where legends began at Khor Virap. With stories from your guide and small moments along the way, it’s an Armenia day trip you’ll remember long after the drive home.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly lost my nerve when we reached the cable car station for Tatev Monastery — I mean, “world’s longest aerial tramway” sounds cool until you’re actually dangling over a gorge. Our guide, Arman, just grinned and said, “Don’t look down if you’re nervous.” Of course I looked down. The valley was all mist and green folds, and the monastery itself looked like something out of a storybook perched on its cliff. It’s weird how quiet it gets up there; even the wind felt softer somehow.

Before that, we’d stopped at Khor Virap. The border with Turkey is right there — you can see Mount Ararat looming in the haze. Arman told us about St. Gregory being imprisoned for years in this underground cell (he pointed at a dark hole; I didn’t go down). There were old women selling candles outside, and one of them pressed a dried apricot into my hand for luck. It tasted sharp and sweet at once — maybe that’s Armenia in a nutshell.

The Shaki Waterfall was colder than I expected; spray everywhere, mossy rocks underfoot. We took a break there just listening to water crash down — nobody really talked for a few minutes. Later at Noravank Monastery, the cliffs glowed pink in the late sun and some wild goats scrambled way above us (I tried to get a photo but they moved too fast). The wine tasting near Tatev was honestly more fun than refined — lots of laughter over apricot brandy and fruit wines I’d never heard of before. Li laughed when I tried to say “genats” (cheers) in Armenian — probably butchered it.

I still think about that view from Tatev’s walls as dusk crept in. There’s something about standing somewhere so old you can almost feel time stretching behind you. If you’re looking for a day trip from Yerevan that mixes history with little surprises (and yes, includes pickup), this one sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tatev and Surroundings Tour

• Ride longest aerial tramway to Tatev Monastery
• Taste wines, apricot brandy, and vodka
• Visit Khor Virap Monastery and ancient prison
• Explore Noravank Monastery and watch wild goats
• Relax at Shaki Waterfall

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Yerevan to Tatev Monastery?

The drive from Yerevan to Tatev Monastery takes several hours each way due to distance and stops along the route.

Is hotel pickup included on this day trip?

Yes, pickup is included for this tour.

What kind of wine is served during the tasting?

You’ll try different kinds of red and white wine, fruit wines like apricot brandy, and some types of vodka.

Are all sites wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

Can I bring my service animal?

Service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is lunch included during the tour?

The tour includes wine tasting but does not specify lunch; bottled water is provided.

What is special about Khor Virap Monastery?

Khor Virap is known for its underground prison where St. Gregory was held for 13 years and its views of Mount Ararat near the Turkish border.

Do we visit Shaki Waterfall on this tour?

Yes, Shaki Waterfall is one of the stops where you can rest and enjoy the scenery.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Yerevan, bottled water throughout the journey, entry to all monasteries including Khor Virap and Noravank, a guided ride on the aerial tramway up to Tatev Monastery, time at Shaki Waterfall to relax by the water’s edge, plus a local wine tasting experience before heading back in the evening.