Khor Virap, Noravank, Birds’ Cave, Wine Tasting Group Tour

This tour connects two of Armenia’s most significant historical threads in a single day: the birthplace of Armenian Christianity at Khor Virap, and evidence of some of the earliest human civilization in the region at Areni. Along the way, it passes through Vayots Dzor province, home to a cliffside monastery unlike any other in Armenia and one of the country’s oldest winemaking villages.

Tour Overview

This is a group tour running 8 hours, departing from and returning to Yerevan the same day, with a guide and transport included throughout. Guides are available in English and Russian. Rather than booking a private vehicle, you join other travelers, which keeps the price lower while covering four stops across two very different regions of Armenia.

Khor Virap Monastery: Where Armenian Christianity Began

The tour begins at Khor Virap, offering breathtaking views of Mount Ararat and deep historical significance as the birthplace of Armenian Christianity. It’s built on the site where Gregory the Illuminator — the man credited with converting Armenia to Christianity — was imprisoned for over a decade before going on to baptize the Armenian king.

Birds’ Cave: Home to the World’s Oldest Known Winery

From Khor Virap, the tour travels to the famous Areni-1 Cave, known as Birds’ Cave, where archaeologists discovered the world’s oldest known winery, dated at over 6,000 years old, along with a 5,500-year-old leather shoe — among the most significant archaeological finds in the region.

 

Noravank Monastery: Armenia’s Cliffside Masterpiece

The tour continues to Noravank Monastery, a stunning 13th-century complex surrounded by dramatic red rock cliffs in Vayots Dzor province. Its most striking feature is the narrow, steep stone stairway leading to the upper level of the church — widely considered one of the most photogenic sites in the country.

Wine Tasting in Areni: Armenia’s Ancient Winemaking Region

The day finishes in Areni village, the heart of Armenian winemaking, where you’ll taste local wines in one of the oldest wine regions in the world — a fitting end to a tour that traces winemaking history back to its literal archaeological origins. A perfect blend of history, landscapes, and wine culture.

Full Itinerary

Pickup: Alexander Tamanyan Statue, Cascade Complex, Yerevan

Khor Virap Monastery — 50 min

Birds’ Cave — 30 min

Noravank Monastery — 50 min

Lunch — 1 hour

Wine Tasting — 40 min

Drop-off: Alexander Tamanyan Statue, Cascade Complex, Yerevan

How much does this tour cost?

The tour starts from AMD 12,900 per person for the group tour option.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Khor Virap and Noravank tour?

The tour takes approximately 8 hours, including pickup and drop-off in Yerevan.

What languages are the guides available in?

Guides for this tour are available in English and Russian.

What is Birds’ Cave famous for?

Birds’ Cave (Areni-1) is famous for the discovery of the world’s oldest known winery, over 6,000 years old, and a 5,500-year-old leather shoe.

Is this a private or group tour?

This is a Group Tour, joined by other travelers.

Where does the tour depart from?

Pickup is at the Alexander Tamanyan Statue, near the Cascade Complex in Yerevan.