Khor Virap, Noravank & Areni-1 Cave Wine Tasting Tour

Stand where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned, then taste wine where it was first made 6,000 years ago.

A full-day guided tour from Yerevan visits Khor Virap Monastery (with Mount Ararat views), Noravank Monastery among red rock cliffs, and Areni-1 Cave—the archaeological site of the world's oldest known winery—ending with wine tasting in Areni village. The guide speaks English or Russian; the tour runs 8 to 9 hours and includes an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, traditional Armenian dishes, and local gata pastry.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni Cave and Wine

• Visit Khor Virap Monastery
• See Noravank Monastery and red cliffs
• Explore Areni-1 Cave archaeological site
• Taste local wines in Areni village

The Experience

Khor Virap Monastery sits about an hour's drive south of Yerevan, positioned at the closest point to Mount Ararat from Armenian soil. The name means "deep dungeon"—it marks the place where Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholicos, was imprisoned for 13 years before his release transformed Armenia's faith. The monastery stands on the historical site of Artashat, and the views of Ararat from here are the reason many travelers come to Armenia at all.

From there, the route moves into the Gnishik Canyon to Noravank Monastery, a medieval structure built by the Orbelian noblemen and set high among brick-red cliffs. The church holds the only depiction of God the Father in Armenian religious art, and it served as a family sepulcher—unusual because Armenian law had prohibited burials inside churches since the 5th century. The architecture and the landscape around it make the stop visually distinct from the morning's monastery visit.

Areni-1 Cave is where archaeologists in 2008 uncovered evidence of the world's oldest known winery, dating to around 5,000–6,000 years ago. The site also held a 5,500-year-old leather shoe and signs of elaborate burial rituals and early agricultural practices. The cave overlooks the Arpa River near the town of Areni, which sits in Armenia's most renowned wine region. After exploring the cave, the tour stops in Areni village itself for a tasting of local wines made from the oldest grape variety still in cultivation, and you'll sample traditional Armenian dishes and gata pastry before the return to Yerevan.

What’s included

• An English or Russian-speaking guide leads the full day.
• the air-conditioned vehicle handles all transport from Yerevan.
• bottled water keeps you hydrated.
• wine tasting in Areni village is included, along with traditional Armenian dishes and local gata pastry.
• WiFi is available on board.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Yerani Travel LLC

Is this one for you?Pick this tour if you want English or Russian commentary throughout—the guide's live narration lets you absorb the historical significance of each monastery and archaeological site as you move between them, rather than reading placards or a guidebook.

Traveler reviews

4.87★★★★★★★★★★

365 verified traveler reviews

5 ★331

4 ★24

3 ★6

2 ★3

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is Khor Virap Monastery and why is the view from there so important?

Khor Virap Monastery marks the site of a former royal prison where Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholicos, was held for 13 years. It stands at the closest point to Mount Ararat from Armenia, making the view of the mountain from the monastery one of the primary reasons travelers visit the country.

What did archaeologists find at Areni-1 Cave?

Areni-1 Cave holds evidence of the world's oldest known winery, dating to around 5,000–6,000 years ago, along with a 5,500-year-old leather shoe and signs of elaborate burial rituals and early agricultural practices.

Will I taste wine, and where does it come from?

Yes, the tour includes wine tasting in Areni village, where local wineries produce wine from the oldest grape variety still grown in the world. Areni is Armenia's most renowned wine region and sits near the archaeological site where winemaking was first practiced.

How long is the tour and what's included in the price?

The tour runs 8 to 9 hours and includes an English or Russian-speaking guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, traditional Armenian dishes, local gata pastry, and wine tasting. The entrance ticket to Areni-1 Cave is optional and costs 6–14 euros per person.

What should I know about the physical demands of this tour?

The tour suits all fitness levels. You'll spend time walking around three monastery sites and exploring Areni-1 Cave, but the itinerary is designed to be accessible. The tour may be modified or cancelled in case of bad weather for security reasons.