Private 2-Day Armenia Tour: Khor Virap, Areni, Tatev & Goris

Summary

Discover Armenia’s Hidden Corners: Wine, Monasteries & Caves

You’ll travel deep into Armenia’s south—sampling local wines in Areni, climbing ancient monasteries at Noravank and Tatev, crossing swinging bridges in Khndzoresk, and hearing legends come alive from locals who know every hidden corner. If you want real stories—not just photos—this tour is for you.

What’s the experience like?

We left Yerevan early, the city still quiet and cool. Our driver knew every shortcut out of town—he pointed out the first glimpse of Mount Ararat through the window before we even reached Khor Virap. The monastery sits close to the Turkish border, with that famous view of Ararat looming huge behind it. There’s a hush inside the old stone walls; you can almost feel the weight of history where Gregory the Illuminator was once held underground for years. A local woman sold fresh apricots by the parking lot—best snack I had all morning.

Areni village came next, right along the Arpa River. The whole place smells faintly of grapes and woodsmoke. We stopped at one of those tiny wine shops—no fancy signs, just a handwritten board outside—and tried homemade pomegranate wine and oghi (that’s their strong fruit vodka). The guide told us about Areni-1 cave nearby; turns out they found the world’s oldest shoe there! Inside it’s cool and damp, with little alcoves carved into rock. You’d never guess this sleepy spot is home to such ancient secrets.

The drive to Noravank winds through a narrow gorge—red cliffs on both sides, hawks circling overhead. Noravank itself looks like it grew straight out of the rocks. There’s this steep stone staircase up to the second floor of Surb Astvatsatsin church; not for anyone afraid of heights! Lunch was in a roadside café near Yeghegnadzor—simple khorovats (grilled meat) and lavash bread, nothing fancy but so good after all that walking.

Later we rolled into Jermuk, famous for its mineral water and old Soviet-era sanatoriums. The waterfall here drops nearly 70 meters—you can hear it before you see it. Locals fill up bottles at springs nearby; our driver swears by it for “good health.” Last stop before Goris was Shaki Waterfall, tucked away off a bumpy road near Sisian. The air smelled like wet moss and basalt rock; water thunders down from above while swallows dart in and out of crevices.

We spent the night at a cozy B&B in Goris—the owner made us tea with wild herbs picked from her garden. In the morning, we hit Khndzoresk village for its swinging bridge (not for nervous types—it really moves!) and explored ancient cave dwellings carved into the cliffs. It’s wild to think people lived here until just decades ago.

The highlight? Wings of Tatev cableway—a 5.7 km ride over deep gorges to reach Tatev Monastery itself. The tram glides so high above everything that you can see sheep grazing far below like little dots. Tatev Monastery stands right on the edge of a cliff; centuries-old stones warmed by sun, monks moving quietly between buildings. Our guide shared stories about how this place shaped Armenian culture and faith over hundreds of years.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — South Armenia Tour with Key Stops

• Visit Khor Virap Monastery
• Wine tasting in Areni village
• Explore Areni-1 Cave
• Visit Noravank Monastery
• Tour Jermuk mountain spa town
• See Shaki Waterfall
• Visit Zorats Karer megalithic site
• Overnight stay in Goris city

Day 2 — Return via Khndzoresk and Tatev

• Walk Khndzoresk Swinging Bridge
• Explore Khndzoresk cave settlement
• Ride Wings of Tatev cableway
• Visit Tatev Monastery

Top questions

Is this Armenia tour suitable for families with kids?

Yes! The route is flexible and there are options for strollers or infant seats if needed. Some spots have steps or uneven ground but most families manage fine.

What should I wear or bring?

Comfortable shoes are a must—lots of walking on rocky paths and monastery stairs. Bring layers as weather changes quickly in mountain areas.

Are meals included?

No set meals are included but your guide will suggest great local places for lunch or dinner along the way—you pay only what you order.

Can I buy wine or souvenirs during the trip?

Absolutely! Areni village has plenty of small shops selling homemade wine and oghi—you can taste before buying too.

What’s included

This private tour includes all transportation in an air-conditioned modern car with an experienced driver-guide who knows every shortcut and story along the way. Service animals are allowed; infant seats available if needed; suitable for all fitness levels—even public transport options nearby if you want to extend your stay somewhere en route.