Armenia Complete: Faith, Culture & Adventure

Day 1

Stop 1.Arrival

Pick up from the airport. Time for rest.

Stop 2.Yerevan City Tour

Today we will visit Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex, an official memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian genocide. Then we will visit the ARARAT brandy factory. At the factory, we’ll learn about the meticulous process of brandy production, and also get to taste some of Armenia’s finest brandy, renowned for its smooth texture and deep flavors. We will explore Republic Square and the Cascade Complex. The day will end with a welcome dinner accompanied by Armenian folk music. Overnight stay: Yerevan

Day 2

Stop 1.Khor Virap

Today, we will start our journey with a visit to Khor Virap Monastery, a site of great historical significance tied to Armenia’s adoption of Christianity. Here, you will have the chance to descend into the underground dungeon inside St. Gregory the Illuminator Chapel. From the monastery grounds, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the sacred Mount Ararat.

Stop 2.Noravank Monastery

Next, we’ll head to Noravank Monastery, renowned for its stunning medieval Armenian architecture and its spiritual importance.

Stop 3.Areni

Our tour continues with a visit to the Areni Cave, where a 6,000-year-old wine press—the oldest in the world— was discovered. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Areni Winery for a delightful wine-tasting experience. We will stop for lunch at Matevosyan’s House, located in Areni.

Stop 4.Goris

We will head to Goris city for dinner at the hotel and an overnight stay. Overnight stay: Goris

Day 3

Stop 1.Tatev

Breakfast at the hotel. Wings of Tatev is the longest cable car that runs over the gorge of the turbulent mountain river Vorotan and connects Halidzor village and Tatev Monastery. A picturesque view of the deep gorge opens from the cabin of the cable car. Passengers can see ancient cave settlements, the purest springs, and the famous “Devil’s Bridge”. Tatev Monastery appears in front of the passengers on the last stretch of the cable car. We will have lunch in Khot village.

Stop 2.Khndzoresk

Then we will head to Khndzoresk Village, where we will visit the well-known swinging bridge that connects the two main sides of the old village.

Stop 3.Jermuk

Our overnight stay will be in Jermuk city. The name “Jermuk” is translated as “hot spring” from Armenian. It is also renowned for its health resorts, wonderful nature, and pure mountain air. *Overnight stay: Jermuk

Day 4

Stop 1.Shatin

Today, we will head to Dilijan, stopping first at the village of Shatin, home to Armenia’s only observation point for bezoar goats. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the Shatin Mountains and spot paths left by the goats.

Stop 2.Selim Pass

We will also visit Orbelian's Caravanserai in Vayots Dzor Province, built in 1332 by Prince Chesar Orbelian to shelter travelers and their animals crossing the Vardenyats Mountain Pass. Visit Mikayelyan Family Farm. Then we will head to Tsaghkunq Chef House. Here we will take part in an Armenian Fish Barbeque Master class with a professional chef and have lunch. *Overnight stay: Dilijan

Day 5

Stop 1.Dimats Mount-Haghpat-Dilijan

Breakfast at the hotel. Our day will begin with an off-road adventure, taking a jeep ride to Mount Dimats. Mount Dimats (2378 m) is situated on the territory of Dilijan National Park and is one of the highest points of the Ijevan mountain range. From the top opens a stunning view of the rocky walls of the Ijevan mountains. Next, we will visit Haghartsin and Haghpat Monasteries. Then we will have lunch and have some leisure time in Dilijan before our dinner. *Overnight stay: Dilijan

Day 6

Stop 1.Sevan Lake

Today we are planning to visit Lake Sevan, which is one of the greatest high mountainous fresh water lakes of Eurasia. It’s a fascinating collage of turquoise waves playing with wind and mountains reflected on water. An optional boat ride on Lake Sevan is available for those who’d like to enjoy the views from the water.

Stop 2.Geghard Monastery

After a trip to Geghard medieval monastery: a fantastic example of medieval Armenian architecture of the XIII century. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stop 3.Garni Temple and Lavash-Making master class

In Garni, we will take part in an Armenian bread lavash-making master class. We will head to Garni, a village rich in history and home to the only standing pagan temple in Armenia, dating back to the 1st century AD. Dinner in Yerevan, a traditional restaurant. *Overnight stay: Yerevan

Day 7

Stop 1.Amberd Fortress

Today will head to Aragatsotn province and hike to Amberd Fortress, which is located on the slope of the highest mountain of Armenia - Aragats. Duration – 3-4 hours. Master class of Armenian Sujukh, which is made from dried fruits.

Stop 2.Byurakan

Our last stop will be Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, for daytime observations (1m SCHMIDT TELESCOPE). Dinner in Byurakan. *Overnight stay: Yerevan

Day 8

Stop 1.Etchmiadzin and Zvartnots

The tour begins with a visit to Etchmiadzin Cathedral, one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. Lunch will be at Machanents House. On our way to Yerevan we will stop at Zvartnots Cathedral.

Day 9

Stop 1.Departure Day

We will drop you off at the airport and assist with any last-minute needs.