Tatev Monastery & Shaki Waterfall Day Trip with Wine Tasting

Summary

Ride the world’s longest cable car to Tatev, taste Areni wine and feel the mist at Shaki waterfall

You’ll ride Armenia’s record-breaking Wings of Tatev cable car above dramatic gorges, explore ancient monastery walls with a local guide, feel Shaki Waterfall’s spray on your skin, and end your day sampling Areni wines paired with local sweets. This day trip blends history, nature, laughter—and maybe even a little courage if heights aren’t your thing.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the quiet hum in the van as we left Yerevan—everyone still half asleep, clutching coffee or just staring out at those dusty hills. Our guide, Arman, had this habit of pointing out things you’d never notice: a shepherd waving from a far-off slope, or how the clouds seem to snag on the mountains here. By the time we reached Syunik, the light had shifted—everything felt sharper somehow. The main keyword for me? That first glimpse of Tatev Monastery from the cable car. I mean, it’s not every day you glide over a gorge on something that’s actually in the Guinness Book. My hands were sweaty (not gonna lie), but then someone started laughing about their fear of heights and it broke the tension.

Stepping into Tatev Monastery, you could smell old stone and candle wax—there was this hush inside that made everyone whisper without thinking about it. Arman told us about monks debating philosophy here centuries ago; I tried to imagine their voices echoing off these same walls. We wandered through arches and tiny courtyards while swallows darted overhead. It’s perched so high above the Vorotan Gorge that when you lean over the edge, your stomach does a weird little flip. There was a moment where I just stood there watching clouds slide past below us—felt like being between worlds.

Later we wound our way down to Shaki Waterfall. The path gets narrow and muddy near the end—I almost slipped but caught myself (barely). You hear Shaki before you see it: this deep rumble that fills up your chest. There’s a legend about a girl named Shake whose dress turned into the waterfall—I probably butchered her name when I asked Arman about it (he laughed). The spray is cold on your face and smells like moss and river rocks; I kept thinking how old everything feels here, even the air.

The last stop was Areni for wine tasting—by then everyone was relaxed and swapping stories. The local wine is earthy and sweet at once; they serve it with slices of gata pastry that crumble in your hands if you’re not careful. Someone tried to toast in Armenian and got it all wrong, but nobody cared. On the drive back, people dozed or watched twilight settle over fields outside. I still think about that view from Tatev sometimes—you know how some places just stick with you?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tatev Monastery and Nature Tour

• Ride Wings of Tatev cable car
• Visit 9th-century Tatev Monastery
• Walk to Shaki Waterfall
• Explore local winery in Areni
• Enjoy wine tasting experience

Top questions

How long is the day trip to Tatev Monastery from Yerevan?

The tour lasts around 13 hours including travel time.

Is hotel pickup included for this Tatev Monastery tour?

The tour includes comfortable vehicle transport but doesn’t mention hotel pickup specifically.

Does this day trip include entrance tickets?

Yes, entrance tickets are included in your booking.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

The tour includes bottled water and local sweet "Gata," plus wine tasting in Areni, but not a full lunch.

Is the cable car ticket for Wings of Tatev included?

No, the cable car ticket is not included in the price.

Can infants join this group tour?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What should I wear for visiting Shaki Waterfall?

Wear comfortable shoes—the path can be narrow and muddy near the waterfall.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near departure points.

What’s included

Your day covers guided service throughout Armenia’s Syunik region with transport in comfortable vehicles equipped with Wi-Fi. Entrance tickets are covered along with bottled water and slices of traditional gata pastry for snacking; you’ll also enjoy wine tasting at a local Areni winery before heading back in the evening.