Private Tour to Hin Areni Winery, Shaki Waterfall, Tatev Monastery, Karahunj

Southeastern Armenia boasts a wealth of natural and cultural wonders waiting to be explored. This private tour offers the chance to experience the region’s highlights, from the renowned Hin Areni winery to the stunning Shaki Waterfall and the historic Tatev Monastery. With personalized transportation and optional guidance, visitors can enjoy the area’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes. But the journey doesn’t end there – there’s an intriguing archaeological site that holds the key to unlocking the secrets of Armenia’s past.

Good To Know

• This private tour offers a full-day exploration of Southeastern Armenia’s top attractions, including Hin Areni winery, Shaki waterfall, Tatev monastery, and Karahunj archaeological site.
• The tour includes door-to-door transportation, optional English or Russian-speaking guide, and air-conditioned vehicles, providing a convenient and personalized experience.
• Highlights of the tour include the Wings of Tatev tramway, visits to the 9th-century Tatev monastery, and exploration of the ancient Karahunj site.
• Additional expenses such as wine tasting, tramway tickets, and lunch are not included in the tour price, allowing flexibility for participants.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and moderate physical fitness is required to navigate uneven terrain and inclines at the various sites.

Tour Overview

The private tour to Southeastern Armenia’s top attractions includes visits to the Hin Areni winery, Shaki waterfall, Tatev monastery, and the Karahunj archaeological site.

With 23 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this full-day tour from Yerevan showcases the region’s highlights. Guests can soar on the Wings of Tatev tramway, explore the 9th-century monastery, and marvel at the Zorats Karer site.

The tour provides door-to-door transportation, an optional English or Russian-speaking guide, and air-conditioned vehicles.

While the tour price doesn’t cover all expenses, it offers a convenient way to discover Southeastern Armenia’s natural and cultural treasures.

Inclusions and Costs

The tour includes door-to-door vehicle transfers, with an optional professional English or Russian-speaking guide available.

Air-conditioned vehicles and professional drivers are provided, along with bottled water and insurance for the vehicle and passengers. Pickup and drop-off within Yerevan are complimentary.

However, the cost of lunch, wine tasting, and tramway tickets aren’t included in the tour price. The Hin Areni wine tasting costs 1,000 AMD (approximately $2.60) per person, the Tatev cable-car ticket is 9,000 AMD (around $24) per person, and the Karahunj ticket is 1,500 AMD (roughly $4) per person.

These additional expenses can be paid for on the day of the tour.

Pickup and Schedule

Pickup for the tour starts at 8:00 AM, with visitors able to select their preferred pickup location within Yerevan. Extra stops along the route can be arranged upon request. The tour operates in all weather conditions, with the duration being approximate.

The journey takes travelers on a full-day exploration of southeastern Armenia’s attractions, including the Hin Areni winery, Shaki waterfall, Tatev monastery, and Karahunj.

While lunch, wine tasting, and cable car tickets aren’t included in the tour price, the package does provide door-to-door vehicle transfers, a professional English or Russian-speaking guide, air-conditioned vehicles, and insurance for both the vehicle and passengers.

Participant Requirements

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the journey.

Children need to be accompanied by an adult, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required to participate. The tour involves some walking, so guests should be prepared for mild exertion. While the routes are generally accessible, participants should have the ability to navigate uneven terrain and inclines.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so appropriate attire is recommended.

As this is a private tour, only your group will be participating, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience throughout the day.

Reviews and Feedback

With an overall rating of 5.0 based on 23 reviews, guests have consistently praised the tour for its beautiful natural scenery and the exceptional service provided by the guide and driver.

One reviewer described the tour as ‘beautiful nature scenery’ and commended Ana, the tour guide, and Aratel, the driver, for being ‘awesome.’

Customers have highlighted the dramatic photo opportunities, including views of Mount Ararat and stunning sunsets.

The tour’s free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior to the start time has also been well-received.

Hin Areni Winery

The tour also includes a visit to the Hin Areni winery, where guests can enjoy a wine tasting showcasing the region’s renowned viticulture. Hin Areni is located in the village of Areni, known for its long history of winemaking dating back thousands of years. Guests can sample a variety of red and white wines produced from indigenous grape varieties like Areni and Voskehat. The winery offers a unique opportunity to learn about the local winemaking traditions and techniques while surrounded by the picturesque countryside.

Wine Varietal	Description
Areni	Armenia’s signature red grape, known for its bold, full-bodied flavor
Voskehat	A crisp, aromatic white grape that thrives in the region’s climate
Karmrahyut	A rare red grape used to produce rich, complex wines
Haghtanak	A versatile white grape that can be vinified in various styles

Shaki Waterfall

Along the tour route, travelers encounter the majestic Shaki Waterfall, a natural cascade plunging over 20 meters into a scenic gorge. This impressive natural wonder is situated in the lush greenery of a forested area, creating a serene and picturesque setting.

Visitors can admire the cascading waters and take in the stunning views from various vantage points around the waterfall.

Some key features of Shaki Waterfall include:

1. Powerful water flow that creates a mesmerizing visual display

2. Opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding trails

3. Ideal spot for photography, capturing the waterfall’s beauty

4. Chance to connect with nature and experience Armenia’s natural landscapes

Tatev Monastery and Karahunj

Travelers on the tour also visit the iconic Tatev Monastery, a sprawling 9th-century complex perched atop a dramatic cliff overlooking the Vorotan River gorge.

Reaching the monastery involves an exhilarating ride on the ‘Wings of Tatev‘ cable car, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Plus, the tour includes a stop at the archaeological site of Karahunj, known as Armenia’s ‘Armenian Stonehenge‘ due to its intriguing prehistoric stone structures.

Dating back thousands of years, Karahunj’s mysterious megaliths are believed to have been an ancient astronomical observatory.

Visitors can explore the site and learn about its fascinating history, gaining a deeper understanding of Armenia’s rich cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour details, guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, lunch and wine tasting at the winery are not included in the tour price and must be purchased separately.

Is There a Discount for Larger Groups?

Yes, there are group discounts available for this tour. The more people in your group, the lower the per-person cost. Prices are negotiable for larger groups, so inquire with the tour provider for specific group rates.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour can be customized. Customers can request extra stops along the route or modify the itinerary to match their interests and preferences. The tour provider is flexible and accommodating to ensure a personalized experience.

Do You Offer Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off?

Yes, the tour includes door-to-door vehicle transfers with free pick-up and drop-off within Yerevan. This convenient service allows guests to be transported directly from their hotel to the tour sites and back.

How Experienced Are the Tour Guides?

The tour guides are highly experienced professionals who receive extensive training. They are knowledgeable about the history, culture, and attractions of the region, and provide informative and engaging commentary throughout the tour.

Sum Up

This private tour of Southeastern Armenia offers a remarkable opportunity to take in the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Visitors can savor the renowned wines of Hin Areni, marvel at the stunning Shaki Waterfall, explore the historic Tatev Monastery, and discover the intriguing Karahunj archaeological site.

With personalized transportation and optional English or Russian guidance, this full-day adventure promises an unforgettable journey through Armenia’s most captivating destinations.