Khor Virap, Noravank & Areni Cave: Day Trip with Wine Tasting

Summary

From Yerevan to Ararat’s shadow, caves, monasteries and village wine

You’ll step inside Khor Virap Monastery beneath Mount Ararat’s watchful peak, wander Noravank’s red cliffs with a local guide, taste earthy Areni wines over lunch in a village cellar, and explore ancient secrets inside Areni Cave. Expect moments that linger long after you’re back in Yerevan.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Yerevan just as the city was waking up — our guide Armen humming quietly up front, windows cracked for that cool morning air. The drive south felt like watching Armenia unfold in slow motion: apricot trees, roadside stands with fresh lavash, and then suddenly Mount Ararat rising huge and pale behind Khor Virap Monastery. Armen told us stories about Gregory the Illuminator being kept in that deep dungeon — I tried to imagine 13 years down there. The stone felt cold when I touched it, even with sunlight pouring through the old windows. A group of women lit candles and whispered prayers; their voices echoed off the walls in a way that made me pause longer than I meant to.

After that we twisted through canyons toward Noravank. If you’ve ever seen cliffs so red they almost look painted — well, these are it. The church sits right at the end of the gorge, perched above everything like it’s balancing on a ledge. Armen pointed out carvings I would’ve missed (he has this way of making history feel like gossip). There was this one relief of God the Father — apparently unique here — and he grinned when he caught me squinting at it sideways trying to see what made it special. The wind picked up and I could smell wild thyme somewhere nearby.

Lunch came just as my stomach started growling (timing!). In Areni village we stopped at a family-run winery where the owner poured us glasses of Areni wine — deep ruby color, a bit earthy but smooth. Someone passed around plates of khorovats and fresh herbs; honestly, I’m still thinking about those flavors. We wandered into Areni-1 Cave after that, ducking under low ceilings where archaeologists found an ancient shoe and traces of winemaking older than most countries. It smelled like damp earth and old fires down there.

The sun was already dipping when we headed back toward Yerevan, dust settling on my shoes and hands sticky from grapes. Armen handed out local sweets for the ride home — not sure if it was the sugar or just the day itself but everything felt softer somehow as we drove past fields glowing gold in the last light.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni Cave, Wine Tasting

• Drive from Yerevan to Khor Virap
• Explore Khor Virap Monastery
• Visit Noravank Monastery
• Tour Areni Cave archaeological site
• Wine tasting in Areni village

Top questions

How far is Khor Virap Monastery from Yerevan?

Khor Virap is about an hour’s drive south of Yerevan.

Is wine tasting included in this day trip?

Yes, there is a wine tasting stop at a winery in Areni village included in the tour.

What is special about Noravank Monastery?

Noravank is known for its medieval architecture and its location among striking red cliffs at Gnishik Canyon’s end.

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes, all entrance tickets are included as part of your booking.

Will there be lunch provided?

Yes, traditional Armenian dishes are served for lunch during the tour.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

The tour includes pickup from your accommodation in Yerevan.

What can you see inside Areni Cave?

Areni-1 Cave contains archaeological finds such as an ancient leather shoe and evidence of early winemaking.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Yerevan, comfortable transport with WiFi onboard, entry fees to all sites including Khor Virap Monastery and Areni Cave, a guided walk with a friendly local expert, traditional Armenian lunch with wine tasting in Areni village, plus bottled water and local sweets along the way before returning to your hotel in the evening.