Khor Virap Monastery, Bird Cave (Areni-1), In Areni Winery (tour and tasting), Noravank Monastery

The most amazing sights of Armenia are here to amaze you! Visit the Khor Virap Monastery, a great place to admire the most picturesque views of the sacred Mount Ararat, then you will see the Noravank monastery complex, unique in its design, since the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary – two-story monastery. After this, you will have a wine tasting at the In Areni winery. in the village of Areni, one of the oldest settlements in Armenia, famous for its wines. Finally, visit the ancient “Bird Cave”, also called Areni-1.

1. Khor Virap Monastery
Khor Virap is located in the Ararat region, on the hill of the nearby village of Small Vedi. It is considered one of the holy places of the Armenian Apostolic Church. According to legend, this is where the deep pit is located, into which, at the behest of Trdat III, Gregory the Illuminator was thrown for preaching Christianity. Only after many years of imprisonment, when Gregory the Illuminator miraculously healed Trdat III from a serious illness, the king proclaimed Christianity as the state religion. According to its geographical location, Khor Virap – the closest place to Mount Ararat, from where you can see the legendary mountain.

2. Areni-1 (Bird Cave)
«Bird Cave» is located 12 km from Yeghegnadzor on the left bank of the Areni River. The cave consists of 3 halls and has an area of 500 m², most of which has not yet been explored. As a result of excavations in the cave, metal knives, fruit seeds, remains of grain, rope, ceramics, clothing, raisins and prunes were found, dating back to 4200-3500 BC. BC. The world's oldest leather shoes, dating back more than 5,500 years, a woman's skirt dating back to 3900 BC, and the world's oldest winery were found here. Currently, this winery is considered the oldest in the world and dates back to the 4th millennium BC. People didn’t live in caves – drinking wine was a special ritual.

3. In Areni Winery
Vayots Dzor and, in particular, the village of Areni, have been the cradle of Armenian winemaking for thousands of years. At the winery "In Areni" Historical and local varieties of Armenian grapes are masterfully demonstrated. Here, historical winemaking traditions are uniquely combined with modern equipment. "In Areni" capable of processing more than 250 tons of grapes.

4. Noravank Monastery
One of the significant cultural and religious centers of medieval Armenia is the Noravank monastery complex, which is located in the Vayots Dzor region, in the valley of the Arpa River gorge, surrounded by impassable rocks. The complex consists of the Church of St. Karapet (1216-1221), in the northern part – the Church of St. Gregory (1275) and, standing separately in the eastern part, the Church of the Holy Virgin (1339), the western façade of which is distinguished by its uniqueness – a narrow pyramid-shaped staircase leading to the second floor.

• Russian
• English

1. Khor Virap Monastery
2. Areni-1 (Bird Cave)
3. In Areni Winery
4. Noravank Monastery

The cost of the excursion includes:
- Professional guide: ENG + RUS sequentially;
- Bottled water and buns;
- WiFi in transport;
- Air-conditioned cars;
- Vehicle and passenger insurance;
- Entrance fees
- Wine tasting

The cost of the tour does not include:
- Cost of lunch (3 500 AMD – 4 500 AMD);
- Return transfer to the hotel after returning to Yerevan;
- Personal expenses

Order cancellation conditions:
If a tourist cancels an excursion less than 3 days in advance – penalty 100%

In case of unfavorable weather conditions or force majeure, the Company reserves the right to change, shorten or cancel the Excursion for safety reasons. If, due to the above circumstances, the Company replaced the visited places or Services provided during the Excursion with similar places or Services, then it does not bear any obligation to the Customer and any amount is not refundable.

Important:
- Check-out: 10:00, For proper check-in and boarding, participants are required to arrive at st. Nalbandyan 96, Yerevan no later than 30 minutes before departure of the Excursion.
- During Group Excursions, the desired seats in the vehicle are not reserved in advance.
- Citizens of some countries must obtain a visa when participating in a Group Excursion to the Republic of Georgia Republic of Georgia, and in some cases, a visa from the Republic of Armenia for re-entry into the country. The company does not provide visa support. Visas are issued on the basis of valid international treaties between the Republic of Georgia and (or) the Republic of Armenia and the country of which you are a citizen.
- During Group Excursions, it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes, preferably closed ones.
- Regardless of the destination, it is advisable take warm clothes, as the climate where the attractions are located may differ from the climate in Yerevan.
- When visiting the temple, men and women are advised not to wear revealing clothing. It is advisable for women to keep their heads covered while in the temple.
- No pets are allowed on Group Tours.
- The Company is not responsible for your items left behind, lost, damaged or misplaced during Group Tours as in the vehicle and in visited places.

Features:
*Take AMD cash with you: it is not always possible to pay for lunch in a restaurant with a credit card