- Overview
- 5 days
Armenia is a land where ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and rich culture blend in perfect harmony. To truly understand the soul of this unique country, one must explore its iconic monuments, its unspoiled nature, and its hidden treasures tucked away in its wild landscapes. This multi-day tour offers a seamless mix of cultural excursions and refreshing hikes, allowing you to experience Armenia’s famous landmarks while uncovering its best-kept secrets.
Carefully crafted with years of expertise and enriched by feedback from countless adventurers, this itinerary is designed to give you a deep connection to Armenia. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to hands-on cultural experiences such as traditional dancing and lavash baking, each day promises a journey of discovery, leaving you inspired and captivated by the spirit of this remarkable country.
Itinerary
Day 1. The Birthplace of Armenian Christianity
Armenia is the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion (301 AD). Many stories from that era are deeply connected to the spiritual sites of Echmiadzin. We will begin our journey with a visit to the most sacred place for all Armenians, the Cathedral of Echmiadzin (4th–7th c.), as well as the Monastery of Hripsime (7th c.), which houses the tomb of Saint Hripsime.
| 9:00 – 9:45 | Drive 30km | |
| 9:45 – 12:00 | Echmiadzin | |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Armenian Dances | |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch | |
| 14:30 – 15:30 | Zvartnots | |
| 16:00 – 18:00 | Yerevan |
Day 2. Ancient Origins and Monastic Majesty
We will visit Areni Cave, the site of the world’s oldest winery (6000 years old) and the oldest known leather shoe (5500 years old). Then we continue along the historic Silk Road to the breathtaking Wings of Tatev aerial tramway, which will take us to the magnificent Tatev Monastery (9c.).
| 9:00 – 11:30 | Drive 130km | |
| 11:30 – 12:30 | Areni Cave | |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch in Areni | |
| 13:30 – 15:30 | Drive 130km | |
| 15:30 – 19:00 | Tatev | |
| 19:00 | Stay near Tatev |
Day 3. Between the Red Cliffs and Biblical Ararat
We start the day at Noravank Monastery (13c.), surrounded by beautiful red cliffs. After exploring the site, we drive to Khor Virap monastery, where you can enjoy one of the best views of Mount Ararat. A peaceful and scenic day connecting nature and history.
| 9:00 – 11:00 | Drive 120km | |
| 11:00 – 12:30 | Noravank | |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch in Areni | |
| 13:30 – 15:30 | Drive 80km | |
| 15:30 – 17:00 | Khor Virap | |
| 17:00 – 18:00 | Drive to Yerevan |
Day 4. Pagan Temple to Rock-Cut Wander
We begin at the Garni Temple (1c.), the only standing pagan temple in Armenia. Then we visit the impressive Geghard Monastery (12c.), partly carved into the rock. After that, we enjoy a tasty lunch and take part in a lavash-baking ceremony, where you can see how traditional Armenian bread is made. We finish the day at the Stone Symphony, a natural canyon of basalt columns.
| 9:00 – 10:00 | Drive 40km | |
| 10:00 – 11:30 | Garni Pagan Temple | |
| 11:30 – 13:30 | Geghard Monastery | |
| 13:30 – 14:30 | Lunch at 7 kar | |
| 14:30 – 15:30 | Lavash baking | |
| 15:30 – 16:30 | Stone Symphony | |
| 16:30 – 17:30 | Return to Yerevan |
Day 5. Lakeside to Forest Monasteries
We start the day at Sevanavank (7c.), enjoying the peaceful views of Lake Sevan and the ancient monastery on the peninsula. Then we drive into Dilijan National Park to visit Haghartsin Monastery (13c.), surrounded by deep green forests. After exploring its quiet courtyards, we continue to Goshavank Monastery (13c.), known for its beautiful stone carvings and calm atmosphere. A relaxed day combining lake views, nature, and three historic monasteries.
| 9:00 – 10:00 | Drive 70km | |
| 10:00 – 11:30 | Sevanavank | |
| 11:30 – 12:30 | Drive 50km | |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch | |
| 13:30 – 15:00 | Haghartsin | |
| 15:00 – 16:30 | Goshavank | |
| 16:30 – 19:00 | Drive 110km |
Price
| Group size | Price in USD |
| 2 | 2 200 |
| 3 | 2 900 |
| 4 | 3 000 |
| 5 | 3 500 |
| 6 | 3 700 |
| 7 | 4 500 |
| 8 | 4 900 |
| 9 | 5 100 |
| 10 | 5 300 |
Includes
- Transportation
- Services of a guide
- All entrance tickets of the itinerary
- All cultural activities of the itinerary
- Stay, dinner and breakfast at hotels outside Yerevan
Does not include
- Stay and food in Yerevan
- Lunches