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

Summary

Mount Ararat views, Noravank’s red cliffs, wine cellars & Jermuk springs

You’ll stand at Khor Virap with Mount Ararat right in front of you, wander through Noravank’s red stone monastery, taste fresh-baked bread and Areni wines, and feel Jermuk’s waterfall mist on your face. With a local guide handling all logistics—including pickup—you get history, nature, stories and real Armenian flavors packed into one day.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the silence—well, not total silence. There was this low hum from the fields around Khor Virap Monastery, and then our guide, Anna, just stopped talking for a second. She let us stand there, facing Mount Ararat. The mountain looked close enough to touch but also impossibly far. I could smell dust and wild herbs in the breeze. Someone behind me whispered about Gregory the Illuminator being imprisoned here for years; I tried to imagine that kind of patience. We climbed down into the old pit where he was kept (it’s dark and smells like old stone), and honestly, my knees were shaking a bit when I came back up.

Noravank was next—those cliffs are this wild red color you don’t really expect until you see them in person. Anna said the stones for the monastery came from the same rocks all around us. There was a wedding happening inside; I caught a glimpse of white lace and heard someone singing in Armenian—softly, almost like they didn’t want to disturb the stones. The air felt dry but clean, and when we walked around the edge you could see birds circling above. It’s weird how peaceful it felt even with other people around.

We had lunch before heading to Jermuk (I still think about that bread), then stopped by the Arch of Dreams—everyone tied ribbons on it for luck. Jermuk itself is sort of sleepy but in a good way; you hear water everywhere. The “Mermaid’s Braids” waterfall is taller than it looks in photos, and there’s this mist that clings to your skin if you get close enough. Anna told us the legend about the prince’s daughter turning to stone—she laughed when I tried to say “Jermuk” right (I probably butchered it). Afterward we tasted mineral water straight from one of those public taps—honestly not my favorite flavor but hey, you have to try.

The day trip ended in Areni at a family-run wine factory. The cellar smelled like earth and something sweet—maybe plums? We tried three kinds of Armenian wine made from Areni grapes while an older man explained (half in English, half gestures) how his family has been making wine here for generations. I bought a bottle for my dad even though he prefers beer.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Khor Virap, Noravank, Jermuk, Areni

• Explore Khor Virap Monastery
• Admire Mount Ararat views
• Visit Noravank Monastery
• See Jermuk waterfall
• Tour Areni Wine Factory
• Taste Armenian wines

Top questions

How long does this Khor Virap & Noravank day trip take?

The full tour typically lasts a full day from morning pickup until evening return.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No specific lunch is included but there are stops for food along the way.

Do we visit Areni Wine Factory during this trip?

Yes, there is a stop at Areni Wine Factory with tastings included.

Are entry fees or tickets needed for any sites?

No extra entry fees are required for these attractions as per current info.

Is hotel pickup available?

The tour includes pickup; check details when booking for your location.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Is this day trip suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but involves some walking and stairs.

Does the tour use public transportation?

No; travel is by air-conditioned vehicle with your group and guide.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned vehicle transport with pickup arranged by your guide, all site visits including Khor Virap Monastery, Noravank Monastery, Jermuk waterfall and hot springs area plus wine tasting at Areni Wine Factory before returning in the evening.