How to plan your day trip to Khor Virap, Areni Winery, and Noravank Monastery in Yerevan

Are you planning to explore Yerevan, Armenia’s capital city? There are many attractions to see, ranging from cultural heritage sites to monuments, museums, and wineries. One of the most popular day trips is the Yerevan Cultural Heritage Tour, which features three of the most celebrated places in Armenia’s capital city: Khor Virap, Areni Winery, and Noravank Monastery. In this guide, we’ll lay out a step-by-step plan for how to pull off this exciting day trip so you can make the most of your time in Yerevan.

Step 1: Where to begin? Khor Virap

Khor Virap is an Armenian Apostolic Church located near the border with Turkey, about 15 miles south of Yerevan. It is an important pilgrimage site for Armenians, as it is said that St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned in a deep pit (known as “Khor Virap,” or “Deep Pit” in English) on this site for 14 years before Christianity was declared the country’s official religion in 301 AD. It is also the perfect spot for a spectacular backdrop for photographs of Mount Ararat, a symbol of Armenian identity in the Armenian Highlands.When planning a day trip to Khor Virap, consider starting out early in the morning from your Yerevan hotel. The journey takes about two and a half hours by car or taxi—including time to admire the scenery along the way—so it’s best to leave as soon as possible. Once you arrive at Khor Virap, you can visit a number of nearby churches and monasteries that are also known for their religious significance. It’s also a great spot to take panoramic photographs of Mount Ararat. When you’re finished at Khor Virap, hop back into your car or taxi and make your way an hour and a half east to Areni Winery.

Step 2: A taste of Armenia: Areni Winery

Areni Winery is located in Vayots Dzor province of Armenia. It has been producing world-class red wines since antiquity and remains one of the most popular wineries in Armenia today. The winery grounds are also home to dozens of varieties of grapes and other fruit trees, so you can take a scenic stroll through them while sampling wines on the way.When visiting Areni Winery, there’s really no wrong way to do it; it’s mostly up to your personal preferences how you like to spend your time there. You can sample the wide range of red wines including their signature blend, explore the grounds and admire the views from the outdoor terrace. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take part in their grape stomping activity—an experience that’s both fun and educational! It’s worth noting that Areni Winery does have its own restaurant, which serves traditional Armenian cuisine as well as local wines. When planning your day trip here, be sure to leave enough time for a meal so you can refuel before heading off to your next destination.

Step 3: Ancient beauty and captivating views: Noravank Monastery

After leaving Areni Winery, hop back into your car or taxi and make your way northeast for about 45 minutes to Noravank Monastery. This ancient Armenian monastery is located in Vayots Dzor province and dates back to the 13th century. It was once home to many influential figures in Armenian history and culture, including the Orbelian princes who had a major influence on Armenian literature and art—not to mention it’s absolutely stunning architecture.When planning your day trip here, be sure to leave some time for exploration. You’ll want to take in the gorgeous views of the monastery complex from both the inside and outside. You can also visit some of the nearby churches and cemeteries, which are full of ancient stories and mysteries waiting to be discovered. Also consider bringing a picnic lunch with you—there are plenty of spots in the surrounding landscape where you can relax and take in the sights with some food and drinks from Yerevan. And, don’t forget to take pictures—Noravank Monastery makes for great Instagram photos!

Step 4: Back to Yerevan

Once you’ve had your fill of Noravank Monastery, it’s time to make your way back to Yerevan. You’ll want to factor in at least two and a half hours of return time in order to beat rush hour traffic. But don’t worry—with so many amazing attractions along the way like Mt. Ararat and Areni Winery, you won’t be bored for a second!

Making Your Day Trip Memorable

Planning a day trip to Khor Virap, Areni Winery, and Noravank Monastery is a great way to see some of the most iconic sites in Yerevan and surrounding areas during your visit. By taking care of the logistics ahead of time—including factoring in travel times between destinations—you can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience during your day trip. And don’t forget: with each destination comes unique experiences, opportunities to learn more about Armenian culture and history, and delicious local food and wine. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive experience without the hassle of doing all the legwork, consider booking a guided tour with a reliable provider such as GetYourGuide. Not only will their knowledgeable tour guides provide insight about each destination throughout your tour but they’ll also take care of all the logistics for you including transportation and ticketing so you can make the most of your day in Yerevan. No matter how you decide to plan it, a day trip to Khor Virap, Areni Winery, and Noravank Monastery is sure to be one that you’ll always remember. The sights, tastes, culture—it’s an experience that simply can’t be replicated!