Birdwatching · WINE TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 10 wine tastings worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Spend 8 to 9 hours visiting Khor Virap, Areni-1 Cave and Noravank with an English or Russian-speaking guide such as Ani, Sam or Anastasia. Expect comfortable Wi-Fi-equipped vans, Mount Ararat views, an optional lunch and a final tasting of Areni wines.
“Nice day trip. Ani was an excellent guide. Both wine and food were delicious”
Travel from Yerevan to Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni-1 Cave, and Areni village in an air-conditioned minibus. Expect English and Russian guiding, Mount Ararat views when weather allows, Armenian sweets, bottled water, WiFi, and a wine tasting featuring local and fruit wines. Lunch costs extra.
“Anastasia was an excellent help in our guidance, Marat the driver very friendly, a good team who made my experience comfortable. The safe tour was given in english and russian simultaneously, the people always nice with tourists, great experience to see the Temples in those remote places, the beauty of nature was stonish,”
Spend about 12 hours with Local Way Tours on Phillip Island, tasting six wines, enjoying lunch, visiting beaches and wildlife sites, then watching little penguins return to shore. Guides such as Mike, Yuri, Sue, Rod, and Jordan lead groups of up to 15 from Melbourne.
“Wonderful day out with Yuri. All went well and wine tasting with cheese platter and pizza was fabulous. Beautiful setting makes it even more enjoyable. I post my rolled up waterproof jacket that day, may have rolled out of my bag in the bus.”
Board the Royal Albatross at Sentosa for a 2.5-hour evening cruise with a five-course buffet dinner, free-flow beer, wine, and soft drinks. You’ll pass Sentosa’s beaches, Sentosa Cove, and Lazarus Island, with air-conditioned seating and a possible fireworks display.
“Booked in advance for my anniversary, crew members were amazing and good was delicious.! And unforgettable night for my wife and I . 100% recommended!!!”
Travel from Yerevan with an English or Russian-speaking guide to Khor Virap, Birds Cave, Hin Areni Winery, and Noravank. Expect clear history talks, Mount Ararat views, wine tasting, a paid lunch, and scenic mountain roads. Guides such as Karen, Marina, Tamara, and Eduard have led this route.
“The tour is great to give one a grasp of Armenian culture. In fact, the tour includes visits to monasteries, a winery and ancient Armenian settlement. Our guide Marina managed the time very well so we had the time to see everything with no need to rush and it proves even more valuable as the group was big (about 50 people) and bilingual (English and Russian). Last but not least, a special note for the driver Norik (hope not misspelling 🙏🏼) who drove us around safely”
Spend a long day linking the Yarra Valley with Puffing Billy and Phillip Island. You’ll taste optional wine, browse handmade chocolate, ride a steam train and watch little penguins return at dusk. Guides such as William, Shin and Phillip have earned praise for clear commentary and thoughtful care.
“Good ! It’s a shame we couldn’t go to Maru wildlife park. I would have preferred that rather than the winery.”
Spend 11 hours with a small group of up to 15 on Phillip Island. Expect barista coffee, boutique wine tasting, wood-fired lunch, Cowes, coastal viewpoints, optional koalas, sparkling wine and the sunset Penguin Parade, guided by local hosts such as Yuri, Rod, Mike and Ned.
“Great day all around. Our tour guide Yuri was awesome.”
Spend about eight hours with owner-guide Ian of African Moon Adventures on a private Cape Peninsula tour for up to seven people. Expect hotel pickup, a comfortable air-conditioned van, Cape Point, Boulders Beach penguins, an ostrich farm, scenic coastal stops, and a choice of Constantia wine or Noordhoek beer tasting.
“I had a wonderful day in Cape Town and the Peninsula. The happiest surprise of my tour. Our guide made is a point to stay ahead of big tourist buses so we had most of the sites to ourselves. He was honest, knowledgeable and funny. The tour itself is packed with interesting sites, much more than I expected. I now need to plan on spending more time on a future trip to Cape Town.”
Spend 8 to 9 hours with a private guide and driver visiting Khor Virap, Noravank, the ancient Bird Cave, and Hin Areni winery. You’ll see Mount Ararat, learn about Armenia’s Christian and winemaking traditions, and travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup in Yerevan.
“Khor Virap was beautiful and provided an amazing view of Mount Ararat. The Hin Areni winery provided a great introduction to the wine culture and tradition of Armenia. The wines are also excellent.”
Travel privately from Yerevan to Khor Virap and Noravank, then visit Bird’s Cave and an Areni winery. Expect hotel pickup, WiFi, water, and an air-conditioned vehicle. A guide, lunch, wine tasting, and entrance fees cost extra. Guides such as Nektar, Armine, Ani, and Nareh may be available on request.
“I had an amazing day with Nektar as my guide! She’s incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole experience smooth and memorable. We visited Khor Virap, explored the Birds’ Cave, enjoyed a delicious traditional Armenian lunch, admired the stunning Noravank Monastery, and even had a great wine tasting to finish the tour. Everything was perfectly organized, and Nektar’s passion for her country really shows. Highly recommend her to anyone visiting Armenia”
Pick a bird, a colony or a coastline.
