Armenian Heritage and Wine Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Khor Virap Monastery's ancient history
- Marvel at Noravank's stunning red cliffs
- Taste exquisite wines at Hin Areni Wine Factory
- Discover Jermuk's natural hot springs
- Enjoy scenic drives through Armenia's picturesque landscapes
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Private transportation from Yerevan
- Guided tours of Khor Virap Monastery, Noravank Monastery, and Jermuk
- Wine tasting at Hin Areni Wine Factory
- Meals and personal expenses
Itinerary
Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. As a state religion, Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavors of Saint Gregory The Illuminator, who, before converting King Trdat The 3rd to Christianity, was imprisoned in the dungeon, over which a church of Khor Virap monastery was built in the 17th century. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat.
Passing a narrow road, surrounded by rocks of hundred caves, one discovers a scene of harmony of architecture with nature. The monastery, enshrined with fine architectural solutions and luxurious embellishments, is one of the brightest examples of Armenian architecture of the 13th century. Noravank consists of St. Karapet, St. Gregory The Illuminator churches and St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) two-storey church, which is notable for its ideal constructive and sculptural work.
Vayots Dzor and Areni village in particular has been the cradle of Armenian winemaking for millennia. "Hin Areni" wine factory opens up the doors of this region to the world to showcase the historic and indigenous Armenian grape varietals. At the winery the historic traditions of winemaking are well combined with state-of-the-art modern equipment. "Hin Areni" wine factory has the capacity to process over 250 tonnes of grapes.
Jermuk mineral waters gallery and waterfall. The famous health resort Jermuk is in the north-eastern part of Vayots Dzor. The mineral waters of Jermuk have been famous for their medicinal properties since early medieval. A special drinking gallery, along which pump rooms with mineral water are lined up, has been constructed for visitors. The water temperature varies from 30 to 50 degrees C.
Important information
Know before you book
- Confirm your hotel pickup details at the time of booking.
- Be prepared for a full-day excursion with multiple stops.
- Inform the operator of any dietary restrictions or preferences in advance.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain.
- Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Dress in layers to adjust to varying temperatures throughout the day.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
- Infant Seats Available
Traveler reviews
Interesting your thru history
From formation of the crust and the power of water to 8 century BC settlement with Greek temple redone with Nero money to 4 thru 13th monastery still used to Russian vista.
Such a Beautiful experience!!!!
Gaia our guide in Italian was superb! She fulfilled all our requests and was also super kind in helping us in booking restaurants and taxis. Super recommended ♥️
Delightful!
As always, a delightful tour, organization at the highest level with HyurService, responsive workers. Our beautiful Arpi, tour guide and Joseph driver ace! We had a great day under your leadership. Thank you.
Trip from Yerevan - Khor Virap - Noravank - Yeghegnadzor - Jermuk
Our trip to Khor Virap, Noravank, and Jermuk was unforgettable, with a beautiful road along the way and truly astonishing destinations. Our guide, Araqel, was excellent—very knowledgeable, polite, and engaging, making the entire experience smooth, informative, and enjoyable. Restaurant visit at the local gastro yard in Yeghegnadzor was truly appreciated. Highly recommended!
An Unforgettable Journey to Khor Virap, Areni, and Noravank!
We had another incredible day exploring Armenia with Hyur Service, and once again, our guide Meline and driver Levon exceeded all expectations. This trip to Khor Virap, Areni Cave, and Noravank was a masterclass in Armenian history and beauty. Meline is truly a standout guide. At Khor Virap, her storytelling about St. Gregory the Illuminator made the history of the site feel incredibly powerful, all while she helped us find the perfect vantage points for photos of Mount Ararat. In the Areni-1 Cave, her knowledge of the world’s oldest shoe and winery was fascinating, and she brought a deep level of detail to the stunning architecture of Noravank Monastery. She has a gift for making complex history feel personal and engaging. Levon is the best driver we could have asked for. The road to Noravank through the narrow, towering red brick cliffs is one of the most beautiful drives in the world, and Levon’s smooth, professional driving allowed us to just sit back and soak in the views. His car was perfectly clean, and he always ensured we were comfortable and on time. Meline’s passion and Levon’s expertise make them the ultimate duo for any Armenian adventure. If you are booking with Hyur Service, do yourself a favor and ask for them—they turned a great trip into a series of lifelong memories!