Tours & tickets

Areni Wine Factory

1. Tatev Monastery To have an accurate idea of the culture, architecture and history of Armenia, a visit to the Tatev Monastery is one of the must-haves. St. Paul and Peter Church, built in 906, is considered one of the best structures of the time. The colossal church stands on the very edge of the gorge, at the edge of the abyss. One of the favourite places of Armenians once was a university, and a few centuries later, it even became a centre of the liberation movement, led by the greatest hero of the Armenian people, Garegin Nzhdeh. 2. Khndzoresk swinging bridge A place where you will see an accumulation of rocks and you will hardly believe that there were residential districts there, and the population of Khndzoresk reached 10-15 thousand at the beginning of the last century. People lived in rock-hewn houses until the 1950s. Being a village of historical importance, Khndzoresk is often mentioned in the pages of the national struggle. The grave of Mkhitar Sparapet is here, who was one of the leaders of the liberation movement in the 18th century. The entirety of this cavernous village is completed by the swinging bridge built over the gorge, up to 63 meters high and 160 meters long. By the way, the name is also related to the depth of the gorge, which was originally Khordzoresk. 3. Shaki waterfall Shaki waterfall completes the indescribable scenery of nature. The 16-meter-high waterfall tells a beautiful legend, according to which a girl named Shaki is saved by its waters. This jewel of nature in the south of Armenia is a favorite place for both locals and tourists. 4. Areni wine factory At the end of the tour, we visit the center of winemaking in the village of Areni, where we are hosted by the Areni Wine Factory. Our guests can taste different types of Armenian wines, including those made from Areni grapes. We will also see the cellar, where the wines are stored, and on the upper floor, there's a nice cafe.

1.Khor Virap Monastery Many people know that Armenia is the first Christian country in the world. It was officially accepted in 301 when Grigor was released from the capital's prison, which was here before. He was imprisoned here for 13 years for his Christian faith. Being the last hope of the sick king, he cured him, after which the king accepted Christianity as the state religion. At the same time, the best view of Mount Ararat opens from here. Being very close to Ararat gives you the opportunity to see the entire structure of the mountain and admire its beauty. 2. Noravank Medieval Armenian taste and architectural talent were interblended in Noravank, founded in the 9th century, this monastery developed in the 13th and 14th centuries. Surrounded by high red-coloured mountains and built from stones taken from those rocks, Noravank harmoniously complements the local landscape, remaining unique in its kind. 3. Jermuk Waterfull Arriving in Jermuk, we go to see the waterfall. The 68-70 meter high "Mermaid's Braids" waterfall tells us the legend of a forbidden love. According to this legend, a prince curses his daughter for meeting her lover, and then she turns into stone. Her hair still flows in the form of water, which is why the waterfall gets the name "Mermaid's Braids." 4. Arch of Dreams Not far from the waterfall is the Arch of Dreams. This beautiful natural monument arose naturally and received the name "Arch of Dreams." It's said that if you stand under this arch and make a wish it will come true. 5. Areni wine factory At the end of the tour, we visit the center of winemaking in the village of Areni, where we are hosted by the Areni Wine Factory. Our guests can taste different types of Armenian wines, including those made from Areni grapes. We will also see the cellar, where the wines are stored, and on the upper floor, there's a nice cafe.

One-day out of Yerevan for exploring Armenia during this cultural trip to Tatev Monastery. Discover three beautiful monasteries during this full-day private tour. Visit Khor Virap Monastery on the biblical Mount Ararat and the beautiful medieval Noravank Monastery with its Holy Mother of God Church before stopping for lunch. Visit Shaki waterfall. End the tour with a ride on the Wings of Tatev cable car (the world’s longest non-stop ropeway) to the Tatev Monastery considered to be the wealthiest medieval monastery in Armenia. Khor Virap – Armenian monastery, built in 642, translated from Armenian means “deep hole”. Khor Virap is one of the shrines of the Armenian Apostolic Church, a place of pilgrimage. The most interesting fact of this monastery is the fact that it was built on the site of the royal prison, where Gregory the Illuminator was previously imprisoned – the patron saint and the first official head of the Armenian Apostolic Church by the Armenian king for 13 years. From the territory of the monastery there is an unusual view of the biblical mountain Ararat. Areni is the birthplace of winemaking. Viticulture on the territory of Armenia originated many years before our era. In Armenia, grows a lot of wild vineyard, and a large number of local varieties of grapes. And here there is the oldest winery of Armenia, where you can taste the most delicious wine from the best varieties of grapes. Noravank Monastery is among the wonderful steep red rocks on the ledge of a meandering gorge. It was founded in the 12th century on the site of ancient buildings. Complex Noravank, thanks to the magnificent creations of medieval architects and its location on the background of a beautiful landscape, leaves an indelible impression. It is one of the majestic monuments of the Armenian medieval architecture. The Shaki Waterfall is situated in the Syunik region. It provides the most relaxing and wonderful ambiance for everyone. On the left side of the river Vorotan, basalt lava flows have solidified to form a ledge 18 meters high from which the waterfall cascades down. Waterfall visit is available from MAR 15 to NOV 15, up to 5:00 pm. Tatev Monastery is a 9th-century historical monument. It is one of the oldest and most famous monastery complexes in Armenia. Tatev Monastery was a vital scholastic, enlightenment, and spiritual center and played a singular role in the country’s history. Wings of Tatev is the aerial tramway to the natural and historic treasures of Syunik. Wings of Tatev is: -The shortest, most picturesque and impressive route to Tatev Monastery; -The longest reversible cableway in the world (5752 m), recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. -Winner of world's leading cable car award as per World Travel Award 2021 -Twelve minutes of unforgettable flight above the ravine of the fierce Vorotan River; -Celestial highway at the altitude of 320 m; -Cutting-edge engineering solutions by Austrian-Swiss Doppelmayr/ Garaventa Group.

During this tour we will visit one of the wonderful monuments of medieval Armenia - the Monastery of Noravank, which dates back to XIII—XIV centuries. The complex includes the 1339 St. Astvatsatsin (“Burtelashen”) sepulchre-church, St. Stepanos Nakhavka and gavit, the St. Grigor Church and Stepanos Orbelian Sepulchre, the remains of medieval chapels and residential quarters and a modern office and hall. Our next stop is Karahunj or Karahunj Observatory, also known as Zorats Karer or Zorats Kar is a megalithic composition of Bronze Age tombs (cists, dolmens or tumuli) and over 220 standing stones (menhirs). The last destination is another famous monument of medieval Armenian architecture - Tatev Monastery, which was built in the 9th-13th centuries. In translation from the old Armenian (grabar) "tatev" means "give wings". Indeed, located at a great height, it seems that Tatev stretches upward to the sky. The walls seem to be a natural extension of the rock that raises it so high. Thanks to the construction of the Wings of Tatev, the longest cable car in the world (5.7 km), the complex has become one of the most visited places in Armenia.

The excursion starts at 10:00 near your hotel 1 point In the Ararat Valley, 30 km from Yerevan, on 6 hectares of grape fields located the famous Tushpa wine factory. The founder of the wonderful wine factory is the Mihran Manasserian, who in the 90s, being a professional in the wine business, bought land and built a famous factory from scratch, whose products are already exported to Russia and the USA. In 2016, Tushpa wine was tasted by the Pope himself, who, after blessing the wine, asked to be sent to him back to the Vatican. There you will have the opportunity to taste red and white wine from the Haghtanak variety, which grows in the fertile Ararat Valley, explore an interesting wine production plant, and take a beautiful and memorable photos in the landscape of the Bible Mount Ararat. 2 point The village of Areni (in last Arpa) since ancient times has been considered as winemaking center of Armenia. Located in the Vayots Dzor region, in the valley of the Arpa River. At the entrance to the city there are two beautiful wineries, where you will have the opportunity to take an excursion and taste the best varieties of Armenian wine. Also here, every year in October take place a wonderful wine festival, where various wine producers from all over the Republic gather and present their production. 3 point In the center of Armenian wine industry, in the Vayots Dzor region, near the village of Areni is located the lovely Momik winery, named after the legendary sculptor of ancient Armenia. The winery was founded by the family of Nver Ghazaryan, who has been making wine from the famous Areni grape variety for 40 years. In 2011, during the annual Wine Festival, their wine was recognized as “Best Homemade Wine”, and since 2018 Nver has been producing its products under the Momik brand, which over the years has become one of the famous and high-quality wines in the Republic. The administration of the plant will organize you an interesting tour of the vineyards and at the end, a tasting of wines from the world-famous Areni grape variety. 4 point The wonderful Old Bridge winery is located near the city of Yeghegnadzor, Vayots Dzor region, on the banks of the beautiful Arpa River. The famous winery was founded by the Khalatyan family in 1998 and was named after a nearby 13th-century bridge. Over the years of painstaking work, the Khalatyan family brought wine production to a professional level and became one of the famous wineries in Armenia. There you will have time to make tour of the beautiful plant, taste amazing types of Armenian wine, and also take a memorable photos in the beautiful nature.

The most interesting fact of Khor Virap monastery is the fact that it was built on the site of the royal prison, where Gregory the Illuminator was previously imprisoned – the patron saint and the first official head of the Armenian Apostolic Church by the Armenian king for 13 years. From the territory of the monastery there is an unusual view of the biblical mountain Ararat. Areni is the birthplace of winemaking. Viticulture on the territory of Armenia originated many years before our era. In Armenia, grows a lot of wild vineyard, and a large number of local varieties of grapes. And here there is the oldest winery of Armenia, where you can taste the most delicious wine from the best varieties of grapes. Noravank Monastery is among the wonderful steep red rocks on the ledge of a meandering gorge. It was founded in the XII century on the site of ancient buildings. Complex Noravank, thanks to the magnificent creations of medieval architects and its location on the background of a beautiful landscape, leaves an indelible impression. It is one of the majestic monuments of the Armenian medieval architecture. You will continue the trip to Jermuk that is positioned within forests and mountains, on a little plateau, 2080 m above sea level; the plateau is partitioned into two parts by the Arpa river gorge. Jermuk is widely recognized with its curable water. Jermuk waters were reliable means of treatment of numerous illnesses for hundreds of years. The town is unique with its fantastic waterfall. The waterfall has 72 m. top and spilling slant into Arpa River. The waterfall sometimes called Mermaid hair. Jermuk has pretty a protracted history however the modern town was founded only in 1940, after the development of the first sanatorium. Nowadays Jermuk is popular with its modern and cozy sanatoriums.

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.

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.

Day 1: Yerevan - Khor Virap - Wine Degustation - Areni-1 (Birds’ Cave) - Noravank - Yerevan • Khor Virap Monastery, one of the most important sanctuaries of Armenians. Its history is closely linked to the religious and cultural history of Armenia. The monastery is located at the foot of the biblical Mount Ararat. • You are going to visit Areni Winery, one of Armenia’s main attractions for connoisseurs of vintage wines. Here you can enjoy tastes and aromas unique to this part of the world because Armenia is famous for its ancient traditions in wine production. • Areni-1, also known as Birds’ Cave. The cave represents a rocky room with niches and aisles, which was inhabited in different epochs by ancient civilizations. During the archaeological excavations in the cave was discovered the ancient leather shoe. It is considered the oldest shoe in the world, the age of which is supposed to be about 5,5 thousand years. • And the last visit is one of the wonderful monuments of medieval Armenia, the Monastery of Noravank, located in an impressive canyon. Noravank is considered one of the most attractive places in the country. Day 2: Yerevan - Garni - Arch of Charents - Geghard - Lake Sevan - Yerevan • The Arch of Charents. It’s a place where you can admire the most beautiful view of Mount Ararat. • Garni Temple is the only preserved pagan temple in the entire territory of the Caucasus. The construction dates back to the second half of the 1st century and was dedicated to the Sun God. • Symphony of Stones, one of the must-see places of Armenia. • Geghard which is a medieval monastery declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. According to tradition The Geghard Monastery was founded by Saint Gregory in the 4th century on the site of a sacred spring. The peculiar character of the construction is reflected in its austerity and the magnificent natural scenery of the canyon, surrounded by precipices and curved cliffs. • Then you will make a stop to visit the Sevanavank monastic complex on the peninsula and contemplate the beautiful landscape of Lake Sevan, which is the pearl of Armenia. Day 3: Yerevan-Gyumri City Tour - Black Fortress - Yerevan • Gyumri Museum of National Architecture & Urban Life, better known as Dzitoghtsyan House-Museum, where you can see everyday life, culture and history of Gyumri. • Kumayri historic district, one of the few places in Armenia with an authentic historical urban Armenian architecture. Kumayri is the oldest area of the city, full of traditions and culture. • Vardanants Square which is the central square of Gyumri. You can take a walk around the square and attend the fascinating buildings like Holy Savior’s Church and the Seven Wounds of the Holy Mother of God builds 19th century. • Black Fortress, one of the famous monuments of Gyumri. The fortress is included in the list of intangible monuments of history and culture of Gyumri. It was built in 1834 & represent a complex of military and architectural buildings.

Pottery, deeply rooted in Armenian traditions since the third millennium BCE, finds its contemporary expression through the skilled hands of painter and pottery expert Vahagn Hambardzumyan and his wife, artist Zara Gasparyan. Established in 2004, Sisian Ceramics draws inspiration from the ancient Ukhtasar Petroglyphs in the nearby mountains of southern Armenia. Visitors have the unique opportunity to try their hand at throwing clay mugs on the potter's wheel under Vahagn's expert guidance. Additionally, the duo offers an immersive experience in designing batik scarves. After unleashing your creativity, relax on the studio's balcony with refreshments and take home your crafted creations as cherished souvenirs. For those interested in acquiring more art, Sisian Ceramics also offers a collection of unique pieces available for purchase. Meet your hosts, Vahagn Hambardzumyan and Zara Gasparyan, both accomplished artists dedicated to sharing their knowledge and skills in the realm of Armenian ceramics. Join them in their studio for an enriching experience, where the primary mission is not only to create and sell household clay items but also to preserve and restore the rich traditions of Armenian pottery.