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

Discover the captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Southeastern Armenia on a private tour. You’ll visit the historic Hin Areni Winery for a guided wine tasting, marvel at the picturesque Shaki Waterfall, and explore the 9th-century Tatev Monastery. Ride the world’s longest reversible aerial cable car, the Wings of Tatev, for panoramic views. Then, uncover the mysteries of the enigmatic Zorats Karer archaeological site, also known as the "Armenian Stonehenge." With a professional guide and customizable pickup, this comprehensive experience offers a fascinating glimpse into Armenia’s past and present. Continue reading to learn more about the inclusions and costs of this remarkable tour.

Key Points

• This private tour covers six destinations in Southeastern Armenia, including the Hin Areni Winery, Shaki Waterfall, and Tatev Monastery.
• The tour offers aerial views of the landscapes via the Wings of Tatev tramway and explores the enigmatic archaeological site of Zorats Karer.
• Professional English or Russian-speaking guides, air-conditioned vehicles, and experienced drivers are provided, ensuring a comfortable and informative experience.
• The tour includes wine tasting, cable car rides, and entrance fees, with the option to arrange additional stops upon request.
• Pickup and drop-off are available from any location in Yerevan, with a customizable schedule to suit individual preferences.

Tour Overview

This private tour whisks travelers away to six captivating destinations in Southeastern Armenia, departing from Yerevan.

Highlights include a visit to the historic Hin Areni Winery, a refreshing stop at the Shaki Waterfall, and immersion in the medieval grandeur of Tatev Monastery.

Soar high above the stunning landscapes on the Wings of Tatev tramway, and explore the enigmatic Zorats Karer archaeological site.

With door-to-door vehicle transfers and an optional professional guide, this full-day excursion is recommended by 100% of travelers, earning a perfect 5.0 rating across 27 reviews.

Inclusions and Costs

The private tour includes a professional English or Russian-speaking guide, if desired, as well as air-conditioned vehicles and experienced drivers. Extra stops can be arranged upon request. Certain experiences, such as wine tasting and cable car rides, are paid separately:

Experience	Cost (AMD)	Cost (USD)
Hin Areni Wine Tasting	1,000	$2.60
Tatev Cable Car	9,000	$24
Karahunj Entrance	1,500	$4

The tour give you a comprehensive experience at a reasonable cost, allowing visitors to fully explore the highlights of Southeastern Armenia.

Pickup and Schedule

The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Yerevan. The starting time is 8:00 AM, ensuring an early start to maximize the day.

Customers can specify their pickup address, allowing for a seamless and personalized experience. The tour covers a range of destinations, from the renowned Hin Areni Winery to the breathtaking Tatev Monastery and the archaeological site of Zorats Karer.

With a professional driver and the option of an English or Russian-speaking guide, travellers can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey through the stunning landscapes of Southeastern Armenia.

Hin Areni Winery

Hin Areni Winery, one of the oldest wine regions in the world, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore Armenia’s rich winemaking heritage.

During the tour, guests can expect:

• A guided wine tasting experience, showcasing the region’s renowned vintages
• A behind-the-scenes look at the winery’s traditional production methods
• Insights into the historical significance of Hin Areni as a center of viticulture
• An opportunity to purchase and savor the exceptional wines produced on-site

With a duration of approximately 40 minutes, the Hin Areni Winery tour is a captivating introduction to the area’s winemaking legacy and a must-visit for any wine enthusiast exploring Southeastern Armenia.

Shaki Waterfall

After departing the Hin Areni Winery, the tour continues to the scenic Shaki Waterfall, a relaxation spot offering a brief respite from the day’s activities. Situated in a lush, green setting, the waterfall cascades over a picturesque cliff, creating a serene atmosphere. Visitors can take in the sights and sounds, or even dip their feet in the cool, refreshing waters.

Feature	Details
Location	Shaki, Syunik Province
Admission	Free
Duration	Approximately 40 minutes

Though the stop is relatively short, the Shaki Waterfall provides a chance to recharge before the next destination on the itinerary.

Tatev Monastery

Next on the itinerary is the impressive Tatev Monastery, a 9th-century architectural marvel nestled in the mountainous Syunik Province.

This historical site offers visitors a glimpse into Armenia’s rich cultural heritage:

• Explore the intricate stone carvings and frescoes adorning the church interiors.
• Climb to the top of the bell tower for sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes.
• Discover the underground tunnels and caves that were once used as refuge.
• Learn about the monastery’s role as a center of learning and spirituality in medieval Armenia.

The visit to Tatev Monastery promises to be a highlight of the tour, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and captivating history.

Wings of Tatev

Departing the hallowed halls of Tatev Monastery, visitors embark on an aerial adventure aboard the Wings of Tatev tramway. This state-of-the-art cable car system whisks passengers over the spectacular Vorotan Gorge, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and medieval monastery. The journey covers a distance of 5.7 kilometers, making it the longest reversible aerial cable car system in the world.

Duration	Capacity	Speed
12 minutes	10 passengers	6 m/s

The Wings of Tatev provides an exhilarating and effortless way to reach the remote Tatev Monastery, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the region’s natural and historic wonders.

Zorats Karer

Zorats Karer, an enigmatic archaeological site, stands as a testament to humanity’s ancient ingenuity. This prehistoric stone monument, also known as the "Armenian Stonehenge," is believed to be one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the world, dating back to the 4th millennium BCE.

Visitors can explore the site’s remarkable features:

• Hundreds of massive upright stones, some weighing up to 10 tons
• Intricate alignment of the stones with the sun, moon, and stars
• Evidence of advanced astronomical knowledge and calendrical systems
• Ongoing archaeological investigations to unravel the site’s mysteries

Exploring Zorats Karer offers a glimpse into the remarkable achievements of our ancient ancestors and their profound understanding of the cosmos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour is a private experience, so there is no set maximum group size. The size can be customized to accommodate your party’s needs and preferences.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not appear to offer any discounts for children or seniors. The costs listed are per person, and there is no mention of reduced rates for specific age groups.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional sites. The tour operator allows extra stops to be arranged upon request, so you can personalize the itinerary to suit your interests.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour can be extended upon request. Additional stops and longer durations are available to accommodate travelers’ preferences and interests. Customizing the tour is possible to ensure a personalized experience.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

The tour allows guests to freely take photos at all destinations, except where signage prohibits it. Photography is generally encouraged to capture the stunning scenery and historical sites along the way.

Sum Up

This private tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Southeastern Armenia’s captivating landscapes and rich history. From indulging in the renowned wines of Hin Areni Winery to marveling at the Shaki Waterfall and the awe-inspiring Tatev Monastery, this immersive experience promises an unforgettable journey. Soar over the breathtaking terrain on the Wings of Tatev and discover the ancient Zorats Karer site, leaving you with lasting memories of the region’s natural and cultural wonders.