Our most recommended things to do in Areni

From Yerevan: Group Tour to Tatev Cable Car and Winery

1. From Yerevan: Group Tour to Tatev Cable Car and Winery

Escape the busy city of Yerevan and travel into Southern Armenia towards the town of Areni, known for its spectacular history in winemaking and bearing the name of one of the oldest grape varieties in the world. Your first destination will be one of the region’s best vineyards to enjoy a tour of the winery and learn about the process of making wine. Discover the variety of grapes that are used here and taste some of the oldest wines of Armenia to get a real flavor of the region. Next, enjoy stunning scenic views on the drive towards the next destination, the ‘Wings of Tatev’. The ‘Wings of Tatev’ is the longest cable car in the world, measuring 6 km. Ride the cable car and admire the breathtaking scenery along the way, including the Harsnadzor Watchtower and Devil’s Bridge. Travel to the 9th Century Tatev monastery, which once was the educational and spiritual center of Armenia. Built on a high plateau in the Vorotan river gorge, the monastery is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and dense forests. Also visit the magnificent waterfall of Shaki.

From Yerevan: Khor Virap, Noravank, and Tatev Day-Trip

2. From Yerevan: Khor Virap, Noravank, and Tatev Day-Trip

Tour to khor virap monastery with a stunning view of biblical mt ararat. Then continue driving to Areni village try one of the best wines in the country after visit noravank monastery ( XI-XIII c.) then visit tatev monastery, hear you should take a cable car and fly over the mountains about 5,5 km. This tour is one of the highlights of the country and one of the most beautiful.

From Yerevan: Khor Virap Monastery, Winery & Birds Cave Tour

3. From Yerevan: Khor Virap Monastery, Winery & Birds Cave Tour

Start the tour at 10 AM with pick up from the local operator's office in Yerevan. Then, set off for Khor Virap, the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia. When you arrive, visit the monastery and learn about how it was built in the 17th century. Admire the picturesque views of the Biblical Mount Ararat. Next, head over to Birds Cave situated on the left bank of the Areni River. Explore the three halls, a large part of which still are yet to been explored. Learn about the archaeological findings which have been recovered from the cave including dried grapes, rope, dishes, clothing, and the oldest leather shoe in the world. Find out more about the ancient winery, which is believed to have existed since 4000 BC.   After this, stop for a lunch break at a cozy restaurant in a spectacular natural setting. Choose between 3 different meal options before arrival and pay on the spot - please note the cost of lunch is not included in the tour price. Then, learn a bit more about Hin Areni wine with a visit to the village winery. Enjoy a tour and tasting before admiring the architecture of the St Astvatsatsin Church. Then, drive along a narrow road flanked by impressive rock formations and numerous caves. Arrive at Noravank Monastery, which is one of the brightest examples of 13th-century Armenian architecture. Visit the churches of St Karapet, St Gregory the Illuminator, and St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) a two-storey church, admiring the incredible architecture and sculptural work. Finally, return back to the meeting point in Yerevan where your tour concludes.

From Yerevan: 2-Day Southern Armenia Highlights Private Tour

4. From Yerevan: 2-Day Southern Armenia Highlights Private Tour

It's hard to imagine a more rewarding trip than exploring the rich history and natural beauty of southern Armenia. This region offers a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions, all easily accessible from Yerevan. Day 1: Yerevan to Khor Virap, Areni, and Jermuk Leave Yerevan early in the morning and drive to Khor Virap Monastery, one of the most sacred sites in Armenia with a spectacular view of Mount Ararat. Next, head to the village of Areni, known for its world-renowned wines. Visit a local winery and indulge in wine-tasting sessions, and learn about the wine-making process. Continue the journey to the spa town of Jermuk, located in the heart of the Armenian highlands. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and explore the picturesque town, famous for its hot mineral springs and stunning natural scenery. Drive to the nearby town of Sisian and spend the night at a guesthouse. Day 2: Tatev Monastery and Khndzoresk Cave Village After breakfast, head to Tatev Monastery, one of Armenia's most impressive medieval sites. Take the scenic Tatev Aerial Tramway, also known as the "Wings of Tatev," which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape as you soar over the Vorotan River Gorge. Explore the 9th-century Tatev Monastery, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the gorge. The monastery includes a number of beautifully preserved churches, as well as a bell tower and a refectory. Enjoy a traditional Armenian lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, drive to Khndzoresk Cave Village, a historic settlement that was carved into the rock cliffs of the surrounding mountains. Explore the cave dwellings and churches, which date back to the 4th century. Take a short hike to the Khndzoresk Swinging Bridge, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Return to Yerevan in the evening. Khndzoresk Cave Village is another remarkable destination, carved into the rock cliffs of the surrounding mountains. Exploring the ancient cave dwellings and churches dating back to the 4th century is a journey through time that cannot be missed. And don't forget to take a short hike to the Khndzoresk Swinging Bridge, which offers a bird's-eye view of the beautiful landscape. The Karahunj Observatory, also known as the "Armenian Stonehenge," is another fascinating site in the region, with standing stones arranged in circles believed to have been used for astronomical observations and rituals. The surrounding natural beauty makes this an awe-inspiring place to contemplate the mysteries of the universe. Overall, southern Armenia offers a perfect balance of cultural and natural attractions, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking for an authentic Armenian experience. Don't miss out on the opportunity to discover the wonders of this remarkable region.

Yerevan: Winery and Natural Highlights Guided Tour

5. Yerevan: Winery and Natural Highlights Guided Tour

Meet your professional guide at the convenient meeting point in Yerevan and set off on this full-day tour. First stop is the village of Areni in Vayots Dzor region. This sunny village is famous for its assortment of wine. Due to its flavor and delicate taste, Hin Areni wine has a place amongst the best Armenian wines and you can sample it at a local winery and learn about the process from your guide and the owner. Next up, you will see the picturesque waterfall of Shaki and have lunch at a local restaurant. Then you will cross the mysterious "Devil's Bridge" over Vorotan river. The "Devil’s Bridge" is situated here in a deep canyon, surrounded by mountains and springs, the waters of which have painted the rocks of the canyon with pink, yellow and green colors. And the last stop is Tatev monastery, which used to be wealthiest medieval monastery in Armenia. Besides being a religious center, Tatev was also the important strategical center of Syunik kingdom. In non-stable political conditions the several secret ways in the territory of the fortress led the way to the canyon and served as a link between the monastery and external world. You will take the aerial tramway called the Wings of Tatev. It passes through a deep gorge of the River Vorotan and over hills covered with lush forests. The tramway is supported by three towers between its two terminals.

Khor Virap, Garni, Geghard, Lavash baking, Master class

6. Khor Virap, Garni, Geghard, Lavash baking, Master class

This combined tour includes visits of some of the most popular attractions of Armenia. During morning time Biblical Mount Ararat is especially beautiful, so the first stop is foreseen at the closest point to the mountain from Armenia – Khor Virap monastery, from where Christianity in Armenia originates. Afterwards you will have a stop at a special view point and there will be a chance to take nice photos of Azat Reservoir, surrounded with nature. Next on the route is the only pagan temple in Armenia – Garni. See lavash (Armenian thin bread) baking process, which is one of the most beautiful and common Armenian national traditions and participate in an engaging and joyful Holiday sweet master class. And, finally, you will be amazed by the magnificence of the 13th century Geghard monastic complex, partially carved in the rock and included in the Unesco World Cultural Heritage List.

From Yerevan: Full-Day Tatev Monastery Complex Tour

7. From Yerevan: Full-Day Tatev Monastery Complex Tour

The tour starts early in the morning at 7:00 am. After breakfast, you'll be on the road. The first destination is Khor Virap which is the closest stop to mount Ararat. Then, you'll continue the trip to Areni Wine Factory. After some wine tastings and even some shopping, you'll head to Halidzor village where you'll hop on the longest cable car in the world covering a distance of almost 6km. While enjoying breathtaking views from above Vorotan gorge, you''ll reach Tatev monastery complex, which is one of the largest monasteries in Armenia. Then, you'll return to Halidzor village with cable car again and continue the tour to Noravank monastery, the only only place where you can see father God's face carved. Enjoy lunch with fantastic views of red cliffs and then return to Yerevan.

Day trip to Khor Virap, Areni Winery and Noravank Monastery

8. Day trip to Khor Virap, Areni Winery and Noravank Monastery

The tour will start at 09:30 AM with a pick-up point from your hotel. The day’s itinerary includes visits to Khor Virap Monastery, Areni Winery and Noravank Monastery situated deep in the Noravank Canyon. Once you get to Khor Virap, you will stop to admire and take photos of the spectacular view of Mount Ararat, the national symbol of Armenia. You will then continue to the winery in the village of the Areni, where you can try delicious Armenian wine and take a few bottles with you. Due to its charming medieval architecture and magnificent landscape, the Noravank Complex is a must see when in Armenia.  

Private Tour: Khor Virap, Areni Cave, & Tatev Monastery

9. Private Tour: Khor Virap, Areni Cave, & Tatev Monastery

Although there are various historical landmarks in Armenia, the oldest and most well-known is probably the Biblical Mount Ararat. This tour promises spectacular views from the closest spot possible. The 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. The Monastery is one of the most sacred spots for Armenians around the world. Another place that cannot be missed whilst in Armenia is Tatev Monastery, which once was the educational and spiritual center of Armenia. It’s built on a high plateau in the Vorotan River gorge, and is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and dense forests. You can reach it by riding the world’s longest cableway, the Wings of Tatev. During your ride, you will enjoy a spectacular view over one of the most beautiful spots in Armenia (if not in the world). As the finishing touch of this tour, you will be given the 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 town of Areni itself.

Khor Virap, Hin Areni Winery, Tolma master class, Noravank

10. Khor Virap, Hin Areni Winery, Tolma master class, Noravank

The most fascinating attractions of Armenia are here to amaze you! Visit Khor Virap monastery, a great place for embracing picturesque views of the Holy Mount Ararat. Next, have wine tasting in ”Hin Areni” wine factory, which is one of the oldest settlements in Armenia, famous for its wines. Afterwards there comes the amazing master class of Armenian traditional dish Tolma. Last in the program, see the monastery complex Noravank, that is magnificent in its construction, as the church of Holy Mother of God is 2-storied monastery.

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What people are saying about Areni

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 20 reviews

Great value. 10 hour trip. Included a great lunch. Cable car and monastery were fantastic. Haiyek (sp?) was an awesome guide. Took care of everyone to include ensuring us two Americans understood everything. The winery could be skipped or changed for another better one. But all in all fantastic trip! Highly recommend.

Far beyond we expected! The trip was long and exhausting, but still worth it. Arī was excellent driver, Nina was full with love to her country and it's heritage. Places we visited was outstanding! The views - incredible. We went home tired but happy and so everyone in our group.

Very long trip with many travelling but it´s really worth it. Wing Tatev (cable car) is fascinating and end of trip in Khndzoresk Valley with wire bridge was also powerful experience. Well organized tour with professional and nice guide.

Excellent trip. Very professional, friendly and knowledgeable guide,'Gor'. Thank you Gor for a wonderful trip. I will definitely return to Armenia and use this company again

A very well organised trip with a safe driver and a knowledgeable and friendly guide. I would recommend this to anyone interested in Georgia's history and culture.