All Antiques In One Day: Khor Virap Monastery, Noravank Monastery, Areni – 1 “Birds” Cave, “Old Areni” winery (tour and wine tasting), Traditional Lunch










General info
09:00
8-9 hrs
English, Russian
1-19 pax
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
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14.900 AMD
Highlights
All-inclusive prices
Guaranteed departure
Online booking
New comfortable vehicles
Pick up from your hotel in the city center upon request
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
What's Included
Traditional lunch
Wine tasting
Professional guide service (English,Russian)
Wi-Fi on board
All entrance tickets
Local sweets
Bottled water
Full Description
Although there are various historical landmarks in Armenia, the oldest and most well-known is probably the Biblical Mount Ararat. This is why our tour promises a spectacular view from the closest spot possible.
Khor Virap monastery is located about an hour’s drive away from the capital Yerevan, and offers an amazing view of Armenia’s defining symbol – the majestic Ararat. “Khor Virap” translates as “deep dungeon”, and was built of the place of the former royal prison, located on the historical site of Artashat. It was this prison in which they kept Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholicos, for a whole 13 years. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that this place is one of the most sacred spots for Armenians around the world. Likewise, it’s also the closest point to the Mount Ararat from Armenia; very often this spot becomes the number 1 reason to visit our country!
The tour will take you to the Areni – 1 “Birds” Cave. In 2008, archeologists discovered several of the world’s oldest artifacts, including a leather shoe and a winery. The site, overlooking Arpa River near the town of Areni, is claimed to date mostly to the Early Bronze Age (around 5,000-6,000 years ago). It also contains evidence of elaborate burial rituals and agricultural practices.
Another place that can’t be missed is Noravank. It is one of the gems of medieval Armenian architecture, nestled high among the stunning brick-red cliffs in the end of the Gnishik Canyon. Here you will see the one and only depiction of God the Father in Armenia, which is just as astonishing as the face of Jesus Christ that appeared on the dome of the Church’s narthex. Built by Orbelian noblemen, it stands out among our churches as the sepulcher of this noble family, making it unique since it was absolutely prohibited to bury people inside a church since the 5th century.
What concerns the “finishing touch” to this tour, you will be given a chance to taste and even purchase Armenia’s renowned Areni wine, made from the oldest grape variety in the whole world. The wine is available in several wineries in the actual town of Areni itself, which we will make a stop at before finishing the trip.
As part of the tour, guests will taste the most famous dishes of traditional Armenian cuisine. The dishes are unique with their taste and appetizing aroma, characteristic only for Armenian cuisine.
Useful Information
Starting point: the monument of A.Tamanyan near Cascade Complex. Please be at the starting point 20 minutes before the start of the tour.
The duration of the tour may vary depending on the weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.
For security reasons the trip might be modified or cancelled in case of bad weather conditions.
Reviews (22)
22 reviews for All Antiques In One Day: Khor Virap Monastery, Noravank Monastery, Areni – 1 “Birds” Cave, “Old Areni” winery (tour and wine tasting), Traditional Lunch
Show reviews in all languages (20)
14.900 AMD
AartFaddy –
Программа по сравнению с 2017 годом существенно изменилась. Убрали музей ковров и добавили пещеру Арени и Нораванк. Честно говоря после Татевского монастыря меня уже трудно было чем-либо удивить, но Нораванк покорил моё сердце! Замечательный гид Алла, которая увлекла интересными фактами и всякими историями, было очень интерактивно. Водителем был Гурген – очень уверенный, спокойный и опытный. Прекрасным бонусом был вкусный обед (пожалуй лучший за эти три дня) в ресторане Лчак и дегустация вина на заводе Ин Арени. Очень рекомендую Ерани Трэвэл, замечательные ребята, небольшие группы, комфортные автобусы и гиды влюблённые в свою страну.
Ani B –
We had a great trip to Khor Virap, Noravank and Tatev Monastery with Yerani tours. They organized everything for us including our custom private tour. Our driver Arman and tour guide Sanasar were really kind and insured comfort throughout the whole trip. Really recommend these guys for a fun and historical tour 🙂
Verschaeve R –
I enjoyed this tour so much: the incredible vast mountain areas, the scenery, the monastries, all this history that is largely unknown for people in my home country. Jasmin was marvelous in recounting all the stories that go with the places we visited. Her patience is admirable, because she told these tales both in Russian and English. So English speakers who are in doubt to book this tour need not worry: you surely get every bit of information you need to get acquainted with the rich history of this part of the country and Jasmin is always willing an able to answer questions you might have.
Александр Г –
Замечательный гид Армина! Ресторан просто супер! Бесплатно дают попробовать местный самогон. Первый раз возвращаюсь с экскурсии полный впечатлений и желудком!
Icky_Icek –
Fist of all the driver – what a cool guy !! The tour guide spoke really good English and I believe Russian too. We could hear lots of very interesting information without making anyone bored really – you had also free time to wander around at your pace. The van was comfortable with great music and really good wine tasting at the very end of trip – we met some cool people . Totally recommended !!
Vladimir M –
Брали групповую экскурсию в Хор Вирап/Нораванк и т. д. и индивидуальную в Гарни/Гегард (чтобы попасть в ущелье с базальтовым органом). Всё понравилось, гиды молодцы, без спешки, но и не затянуто. Всем советую.
natash87 –
Спасибо Ерани тревл за великолепную организацию, нашему гиду Аваннесу за прекрасное владения языка и истории. Мы обязательно вернёмся.
Evgenia –
Мы просто в восторге от тура, отличный транспорт, обед, замечательный персонал. В первую очередь спасибо нашему водителю Эдгару, за виртуозное вождение по нереальными горным серпантинам, из-за тумана иногда нечего не было видно!!!! Гид Ани, лучше всех, очень доступно подаёт информацию, но при этом интересно! Русский язык идеальный, богатый и беглый!
Sergey –
Насытившись самостоятельным изучением Армении, да и в завершении нашего культурного тура по этой замечательной стране, мы не стали заморачиваться и купили в полюбившейся нам турфирме Yerani Travel экскурсию к монастырю Хор Вирап и Нораванк. Кстати, добраться самостоятельно до этих мест не так просто, если у нас нет водительских прав и, соответственно, машины. Хор Вирап находится в 30-40 км от Еревана, а Нораванк в 122 км и общественный транспорт прямиком туда не ходит (в Хор Вирап еще можно доехать, но вариантов по времени движения транспорта не много).
Итак, монастырь Хор Вирап находится на самой границе с Турцией и от него открывается, наверно, самый лучший вид на гору Арарат. Мы посетили пещеру Арени 1.
Основание монастыря датируется 1205 годом и построил его армянский епископ Ованнес.
Церковь Сурб Аствацацин – очень необычна. На первом этаже находится усыпальница армянских князей, а второй этаж служил поминальным храмом. Попасть на второй этаж можно, но это не так просто, т.к. нужно подняться по высоким узким ступеням вдоль стены, которые ничем не огорожены. Причем с удивительной ловкостью туда взбирались даже пожилые люди, отчего мне стало стыдно, я так и не решилась на этот подвиг, подняться – это еще пол дела, спускаться то также!
P.S
А теперь, как говорится благодарности!! В первую очередь нашему чудесному, талантливому, очень умному гиду-Ани! Вы просто чудо, искренне Вас полюбили. Замечательный водитель Эдгар, огромное спасибо за безопасность+
Линара Эльдаров… Б –
Комфортабельный автобус, хороший гид Аванес, очень интересные места, а самое главное – это вкусная еда)))
Mark G –
The tour was great, Elena the guide speaks English and Russian. The van was a Mercedes Benz and was very comfortable, and we were picked up from the hotel on time. The lunch was super delicious. 5 star for you guys!
Phoebe –
This was an amazing day out, well worth the price. Pick up was prompt, with clear instructions about how long we would spend at each site and where to meet. The Tourguide was very informative and also gave contextual information about the history of Armenia in the van. The van itself is very comfortable, with more than enough water provided, and after the fantastic lunch, we were given traditional Armenian sweet snacks! The sites were stunning, an advantage to visiting in the winter is that they are almost deserted! Beautiful scenery along the drive also!
Overall, thoroughly enjoyed this trip and if I ever find myself in Armenia again I won’t hesitate in booking another tour with this company. Thank you!
Michelle –
I’ve enjoyed the tour and learn a lot further about the mentioned places, the stories behind it and the views of the places are enchanting and mesmerizing. The tour guide is accommodating and really knows the place which has a lot of substantial inputs. Definitely to recommend this tour and agency
Footprints634026 –
thank you for accomodating us..the Trip was amazing and the tour guide was nice and friendly..smile always the best..and the food taste great and fresh..and the van was clean..so i am going to recommend you!
Марина –
Сегодня были на экскурсии. Все, как и вчера, понравилось. Экскурсовод Саша, водитель Марат выше всяких похвал. Как и вчера организация на высоте. Спасибо за доставленное удовольствие.
Надежда –
Огромное спасибо вашему агенству за организацию интереснейшей экскурсии Хор вирап и пещера Арени !большая благодарность нашему экскурсоводу ,молодой человек ,к сожалению имя не запомнила !!Аванес вроде )очень интересно и красочно рассказывал ,чувствуется любовь и преданность к своему делу !!!водителю тоже спасибо ,дорога прошла гладко и хорошо !!
ASGlobetrotterAS –
We took this trip on a Monday during our stay in Yerevan.
Booking was easy (we did everything online), and communication by email with Alisa and Elen was flawless.
We were picked up at our hotel, and then started our tour. The minivan was comfortable and warm (the were -12 degrees outside!) and wifi was provided on board throughout the whole trip. Our guide Hasmik was passionate and extremely knowledgeable, and took us on an interesting cultural, historical, political, religious and geographical journey with her descriptions, tales and fun facts.
The lunch was abundant and was served in a private room, which was booked just for our group.
The long itinerary among the Armenian mountains and landscapes, allowed us to appreciate this beautiful country.
I would definitely recommend Yerani Travel to anyone who is planning a visit in Armenia!
Mikhail –
Прекрасно провели время на экскурсии, несмотря на холод, день прошел весело и интересно. Очень понравилась программа тура, и огромное спасибо нашему гиду-Ани, отлично провела тур.
Սաթիկ Ղ –
I was so excited for the day trip. I was never forget that wonderful day and tasty wine of Areni. I fall in love with my country one more time. Thanks Yerani travel ☺️
Eleni (verified owner) –
Totally amazing! A very well organised tour that I definitely recommend. Anna, our guide, is exceptionally knowledgeable with history and Armenian culture providing lots of information in such a friendly and fun way! Apart from the main attractions she even took us to some hidden spots for great pics! The tour made my holiday a memorable one!