
Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 45 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave worth booking?
Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave is a 8-hour experience in Yerevan, Armenia, from $320 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 45 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (45)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $320 per person
During one tour you can see 2 significant monasteries: Khor Virap and Noravank. Visit to the Birds Cave. The cave was discovered by a researcher at the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, archeologist Boris Gasparyan, it had many bird nests, due to which the alternative name was assigned to the cave - Bird. And we will conclude the day at the Areni wine factory, where you will have the opportunity to taste Armenian wines
What you get
About this experience
During one tour you can see 2 significant monasteries: Khor Virap and Noravank. Visit to the Birds Cave. The cave was discovered by a researcher at the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, archeologist Boris Gasparyan, it had many bird nests, due to which the alternative name was assigned to the cave - Bird. And we will conclude the day at the Areni wine factory, where you will have the opportunity to taste Armenian wines
What's included
Included
- English or Russian speaker guide
- Transport by private vehicle
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Khor Virap
The name of Khor Virap monastery is translated as “deep dungeon”. The first Catholicos of All Armenians Saint Gregory the Illuminator, was imprisoned here for 13 years by the order of the Armenian pagan king Tiridates III for the preaching Christianity. When the king was stricken with a disease his sister saw a dream: an angel told her that Tiridates would be saved only after the liberation of Gregory the Illuminator. Thus the king released Gregory the Illuminator, and the latter healed the king. After the cure the king proclaimed Christianity as the state religion. Khor Virap has an important historical significance for Armenia. Today tourists have the opportunity to descend into the underground dungeon which is located inside St. Gregory the Illuminator chapel. The best view of the holy mountain Ararat opens from the territory of the monastery.
60 minutes here
Noravank Monastery
Noravank monastery is located in Vayots Dzor province, 3 km northeast of Amaghu village. The name of the monastery is translated as “new monastery”. Noravank was built in the 13-14th centuries. The monastery complex is located on a steep mountain ledge, near the cliff. The territory is “framed” by unusual cliffs of bright red color, which create a very picturesque background for the buildings. Noravank was an important cultural and spiritual center in the Middle Ages; it also served as the residence of the bishops of Syunik province. Noravank monastery is one of the most visited attractions in Armenia. The complex is a magnificent architectural and artistic creation. The monastery was completely restored.
60 minutes here
T'rchuneri (Bird) Cave
The cave was discovered by a researcher at the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, archeologist Boris Gasparyan, it had many bird nests, due to which the alternative name was assigned to the cave - Bird.
120 minutes here
Hin Areni Winery
People who appreciate good wines and are interested in the history of ancient architecture, will definitely fall in love with the tiny Armenian Areni village. The “Areni Wine” festival has been arranged here every autumn since 2009; over 100 types of finest Armenian wines are presented at the festival and visitors can taste and purchase young and old wines manufactured at the Areni winery.
120 minutes here
Yerevan
Trip from Yerevan to the Points of Interest and back, and a stop for meal and free time will fill the rest of the time
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Yerevan
Meeting point: Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory. Please wait near the main entrance 10 minutes before the tour starts. The guide/driver will meet you there with a “One Way Tour” sign.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Meeting point: Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory. Please wait near the main entrance 10 minutes before the tour starts. The guide/driver will meet you there with a “One Way Tour” sign.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ru, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- ONE WAY TOUR
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 45 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
45 verified traveler reviews for Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Had an amazing trip!!
Went on the tour with Hasmik Karapetyan as our guide and Norik as the driver. Took my university friends from Germany and can't recommend the tour enough. Hasmik is very friendly and has really good English, knowledge, and passion about everything. Witty jokes make the whole trip more memorable!
Response from the operator: We are glad to read your opinion about our good guides!
via Tripadvisor
amazing trip
we went to a little trip to Areni and everything was great!! The tour guides were very polite and helpful, especially Tigranuhi who told us everything about the churches and the mythology about them! Egor was also giving us huge information about the sights we visited! I recommend everyone to go explore our motherland with OneWay team! Thanks a lot!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great trip to Areni with OneWay. We're especially happy to hear that our tour guides, Tigranuhi and Egor, were polite, helpful, and informative. We appreciate you recommending OneWay for exploring Armenia! We strive to provide all our guests with a memorable and enriching experience. We hope to see you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good experience with Noravank tour
I took part to a tour with the One Way agency on november 2023. We visited Khor Virap, Noravank, Jermuk and a wine producer in Areni. All the schedules were realized on time and the guide, Nina, could be very helpful and give interesting insights on the attractions, both in Englissh and in Russian. The experience, then, has been generally positive. I just think that the tour could preview a visit to some wineyards instead of proposing only a factory were the wine is produced: this, especially on summer-autumun, would make it just perfect!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback on your recent tour with One Way agency. We are glad to hear that you had a positive experience overall, and we appreciate your suggestion for visiting vineyards instead of only a wine factory. We value your input and are always looking for ways to improve our tours.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour.
Guide Lusine and driver Artur are great. We enjoyed our trip, they are friendly, we had fun, great trip.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind review.
via Tripadvisor
Most of must see in Armenia on one trip
Great experience of Armenia! Very interesting trip. Beautiful landscspes, historical places and comfortable transport
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, after reading your opinion about our services, let me thank you for such kind words. We also want to thank you for sharing the day with us. We are glad to see you again in our next tours.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 16
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by ONE WAY TOUR, who run 11 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 77.7 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything ONE WAY TOUR runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Yerevan.
How much does Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave cost?
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Prices start at $320 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Yerevan usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Yerevan is not rushed.
Is Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 45 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Yerevan, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave?
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Around 16 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Yerevan can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Yerevan and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Yerevan within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Yerevan?
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On Outty we rank every Yerevan experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Group Tour: Lake Sevan (Sevanavank), Dilijan (Goshavank, Haghartsin), Group Tour: Khor Virap, Garni temple, Geghard, Lavash baking, Group Tour: Garni pagan temple, Geghard monastery, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Yerevan?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Yerevan?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave?
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Included: English or Russian speaker guide; and Transport by private vehicle. Not included: Food and drinks; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 100 listed pickup locations in and around Yerevan. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave offered in?
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It is offered in Russian and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Yerevan. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Private Tour: Khor Virap Noravank Areni and Birds Cave?
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Across 45 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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