Khor Virap, Noravank & Areni Winery Private Tour with Pickup

Summary

Explore Armenia’s monasteries caves and wine on a private day trip

You’ll travel from Yerevan with hotel pickup included, visiting Khor Virap monastery for views of Mount Ararat, exploring Noravank’s red cliffs and unique church art, stepping into Bird’s Cave where ancient artifacts were found, then tasting local Areni wine at a family-run winery. Expect quiet moments, real stories from your guide, and memories that linger well after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We hadn’t even left Yerevan when our driver, Arman, handed us little cups of strong Armenian coffee and asked if we’d ever seen Mount Ararat up close. I just grinned — I’d only seen it in old paintings. The drive out to Khor Virap felt like slipping out of the city’s noise into something quieter; you could smell the fields through the open window, a bit earthy, almost sweet. When we reached the monastery, an old woman selling candles nodded at me and said something soft in Armenian — I tried to reply but probably mangled it. She smiled anyway.

Khor Virap itself sits right there with Ararat looming behind it, so close you feel like you could reach out and touch the mountain (you can’t, but still). Our guide told us about Gregory the Illuminator being held in that deep stone pit for years — I peered down and shivered a little. There was this odd silence inside the chapel, broken only by someone lighting a match for a candle. We lingered longer than planned because none of us wanted to leave that view. It’s strange how a place can feel both heavy and peaceful at once.

Noravank was next — those red cliffs are wild, honestly. The church has these narrow steps up to the second floor; my knees complained but I climbed them anyway because our guide said there’s only one depiction of God the Father in all Armenia here (I wouldn’t have known). The air smelled dry and mineral-rich, like sunbaked stone. We wandered around while a couple of local kids chased each other between the tombstones. After that came Bird’s Cave — not what I expected at all. It was cool inside, almost damp, and our guide pointed out where they found that ancient shoe (older than most countries). My friend tried to take a photo but her phone fogged up from the temperature change.

The last stop was Ar-Areni winery for some Areni wine tasting. I’m not usually big on reds but this one had this dusty cherry thing going on — hard to describe but good enough that I bought a bottle for later. The staff poured generously and laughed when we tried to pronounce “Areni” properly (I definitely didn’t nail it). On the drive back to Yerevan, everything outside looked gold in the late light. I keep thinking about that first glimpse of Ararat behind Khor Virap — it sticks with you longer than you’d expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Khor Virap, Noravank, winery, cave

• Drive to Khor Virap monastery
• View Mount Ararat from Khor Virap
• Explore Khor Virap historical site
• Visit Noravank monastery
• See unique two-story church at Noravank
• Enjoy views of red rocks and cliffs
• Visit Bird’s Cave archaeological site
• Discover ancient artifacts in Bird’s Cave
• Taste and purchase wine at Ar-Areni winery

Top questions

How far is Khor Virap from Yerevan?

Khor Virap is about an hour’s drive from central Yerevan.

Is hotel pickup included in this private tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your tour.

What makes Noravank Monastery special?

Noravank features rare two-story architecture and unique religious art set among striking red cliffs.

Can you visit Bird’s Cave on this tour?

Yes, Bird’s Cave is included as one of the stops on this itinerary.

Will there be wine tasting during the tour?

You’ll enjoy an Areni wine tasting at Ar-Areni winery near Noravank.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

The reference does not mention lunch; only wine tasting is specified.

Are children allowed on this day trip?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable hotel pickup and drop-off in Yerevan, bottled water throughout the journey, WiFi onboard your air-conditioned vehicle for sharing photos or checking maps as you go along—and plenty of time at each site for exploring monasteries, caves, and sampling local Areni wine before heading back to town together.