Group Tour: Khor Virap, Noravank, Tatev Monasteries (Return by Ropeway)

This comprehensive group tour takes you on a journey through South Armenia’s historical highlights. You’ll explore the stunning Khor Virap monastery, the intricate Noravank monastery, and the renowned Tatev Monastery, accessible via the world’s longest ropeway, the ‘Wings of Tatev‘. Enjoy air-conditioned transport, refreshments, and expert commentary in English and Russian as you learn about Armenia’s rich cultural heritage. With rave reviews, this tour offers an unforgettable experience – and there’s much more to discover about this captivating adventure.

Key Points

• This tour covers three historical highlights in South Armenia: Khor Virap, Noravank, and Tatev monasteries.
• The tour includes a ride on the ‘Wings of Tatev’ cableway, the world’s longest ropeway without stops.
• The tour provides air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, pastries, admission tickets, and expert guided commentary in English and Russian.
• The monasteries showcase Armenia’s rich cultural heritage, with stunning views, intricate architecture, and a renowned center of learning.
• The tour has a 5.0 rating based on over 300 reviews, with travelers praising the knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and the breathtaking sights.

Overview of the Tour

This full-day tour from Yerevan takes visitors to three of South Armenia’s historical highlights:

• the Khor Virap monastery with its views of Mount Ararat
• the Noravank 2-story medieval monastery
• the Tatev Monastery, a former center of learning situated on a mountain plateau.

The highlight of the tour is the ride on the ‘Wings of Tatev’ cableway, the world’s longest ropeway without stops.

Along the way, travelers will enjoy air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, and pastries.

The tour also includes admission tickets and expert guided commentary in English and Russian.

With a maximum of 49 travelers, this experience offers an in-depth look at Armenia’s rich cultural heritage.

Highlights of the Monasteries

The tour begins at the Khor Virap monastery, where visitors can’t miss the stunning views of the iconic Mount Ararat looming in the distance. This 17th-century monastery is built on the site where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before converting the king to Christianity.

Next, the group travels to Noravank, a 13th-century two-story monastery known for its intricate carved khachkars and ornate architecture.

The final stop is the Tatev Monastery, which was once a renowned center of learning in the Middle Ages. Visitors can ride the ‘Wings of Tatev,’ the world’s longest reversible ropeway, to reach this mountaintop monastery and admire its impressive size and location.

Transportation and Amenities

On this group tour, participants typically travel in air-conditioned vehicles equipped with WiFi, ensuring a comfortable and connected journey. Bottled water and pastries are provided for refreshment along the way.

The professional English and Russian-speaking guides accompany the group throughout the day, sharing their expertise on the historical and cultural significance of the sites visited.

The tour includes admission tickets to all the monasteries, as well as the ‘Wings of Tatev’ cableway, the world’s longest ropeway without stops.

This seamless experience is further enhanced by the tour’s vehicle and passenger insurance, providing an additional layer of reassurance for participants.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Participants meet at Hyur Service’s head office located at 96 Nalbandyan poxoc in Yerevan, which also serves as the end point for the tour.

From there, the group departs in air-conditioned vehicles for their full-day adventure.

The confirmation for the tour is received at the time of booking.

Infants must sit on laps, and children need to be accompanied by an adult.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so participants are advised to dress appropriately.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, strollers are allowed.

The tour group size is limited to a maximum of 49 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Tour Duration and Accessibility

Approximate duration of the tour is provided, though it isn’t wheelchair accessible. However, the tour is stroller-friendly and located near public transportation.

The full-day tour from Yerevan covers three historical highlights in South Armenia, with an approximate duration that depends on various factors. Visitors will have the chance to explore the Khor Virap monastery, Noravank 2-story medieval monastery, and the Tatev Monastery, which was once a center of learning on a mountain plateau.

The tour also includes a ride on the ‘Wings of Tatev’, the world’s longest ropeway without stops, offering breathtaking views. While not wheelchair-friendly, the tour is accessible to those traveling with strollers and is conveniently located near public transportation options.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The tour’s pricing features a lowest price guarantee, with lunch costing between 3500 to 4500 AMD (9-11 USD).

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Lowest price guarantee: Customers can be confident they’re getting the best deal on this tour.

Lunch cost: Meals during the tour are reasonably priced, allowing visitors to enjoy the local cuisine.

Free cancellation: Flexibility is provided, enabling travelers to make last-minute adjustments to their plans without penalty.

24-hour cancellation window: This generous policy gives ample time for customers to cancel if needed.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

This tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, earning it a 5.0 rating based on over 300 reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor – a prestigious Badge of Excellence. Travelers have consistently praised the knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and the breathtaking sights visited throughout the day. The itinerary, covering three of Armenia’s most significant historical sites, is a major draw, with many noting the highlight was the thrilling ride on the ‘Wings of Tatev’ ropeway. Reviewers also appreciated the inclusions, such as bottled water and pastries, and the overall value provided by this comprehensive full-day excursion.

Review Source	Rating	Number of Reviews
Viator	5.0	151
Tripadvisor	5.0	153
Combined	5.0	304

Additional Information

Guests can expect a comprehensive full-day excursion covering three of Armenia’s most acclaimed religious and cultural landmarks. The tour includes roundtrip transportation in air-conditioned vehicles, a professional English and Russian-speaking guide, and all admission fees including the Tatev ropeway ticket.

Along the way, travelers will enjoy bottled water and pastries. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately is advised.

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and conveniently located near public transportation. The tour has a maximum group size of 49 travelers, and infants must be held on laps.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a great value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

Travelers can bring their own food on the tour. However, the inclusions already cover bottled water and pastries, so carrying extra food may not be necessary. Guests are advised to check with the tour operator for any specific restrictions or recommendations regarding outside food.

Are There Any Medical Facilities Along the Route?

There are no medical facilities explicitly mentioned along the tour route. However, the guide is a professional who can assist with minor issues, and the tour company provides bottled water and access to emergency services if needed during the excursion.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum number of participants. It’s a group tour, so you can join even if you’re the only one booking. The provider will run the tour as long as at least one person signs up.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour is a pre-designed package, so the itinerary can’t be customized. However, travelers can request additional stops or modifications, which the tour operator will try to accommodate if feasible and agreed upon prior to the tour.

Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

While the tour doesn’t explicitly offer student or senior discounts, travelers can inquire about any available discounts when booking. The operator may provide reduced rates for specific age groups, so it’s worth asking about potential savings.

Recap

This captivating tour immerses visitors in South Armenia’s rich cultural heritage.

Witness the stunning vistas of Mount Ararat from Khor Virap, explore the magnificent Noravank Monastery, and marvel at the architectural splendor of Tatev, accessed by the thrilling ‘Wings of Tatev’ ropeway.

With professional guidance, comfortable transportation, and inclusive admission, this tour offers an enriching experience for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.