Private Tour to Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni & Bird’s Cave

The private tour to Khor Virap, Areni Winery, Noravank, and Bird’s Cave is one of the most popular destinations in Armenia. The duration is around 8 hours.

What to Expect on This Tour?

1. Our first stop is Khor Virap Monastery, which  is located in the Ararat region and is the closest site to Yerevan—about an hour’s drive away. It is a pilgrimage site because the first Armenian Catholicos, Gregory the Illuminator, was imprisoned here for 13 years by the pagan king Tiridates III. When he was released, he illuminated Tiridates, and together they adopted Christianity as the state religion of Armenia in 301.

2. Next stop is Noravank, a white monastery nestled among red cliffs. Noravank is famous for its two-story church built in 1105. Other buildings of the monastery complex were constructed between the 12th and 14th centuries. Noravank is a stunning site, known for its unique cross-stones, bas-reliefs, and intricate carvings—many of which are the work of the medieval genius artist Momik.

3. The tour continues with a wine tasting at Hin Areni Wine Factory, located in one of Armenia’s oldest winemaking regions. Celebrating the iconic Armenian grape varieties Areni Noir and Voskehat, Hin Areni combines the millennia-old traditions of Armenian winemaking with modern European expertise and state-of-the-art equipment.

4. Next is Areni-1 Cave, also known as Areni Bird’s Cave, which was discovered in 2008 during archaeological excavations. This is the famous cave where a 5,500-year-old leather shoe was found. The cave also revealed the world’s oldest known winery, dating back to the 5th millennium BC. Bird’s Cave is open to visitors, and many of the artifacts found here are now displayed in the History Museum of Armenia in Yerevan.

Why Choose This Private Tour?

This private tour lets you spend a full day outside the city, combining rich history with natural scenery. You’ll visit the spiritual site of Khor Virap, the striking Noravank monastery, enjoy the culture of Areni village and see the Bird’s Cave.

All private tours can be changed upon request.

Khor Virap

 

Noravank Monastery

 

Areni Bird’s Cave