Armenia from North to South: 9-Day Discovery

Day 1

Stop 1.Arrival

Arrival at the airport. Meet your guide and driver and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay: Yerevan

Day 2

Stop 1.Republic Square

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin exploring Yerevan, where ancient history meets vibrant modern life, at Republic Square, framed by neoclassical architecture, where the singing fountains come alive at twilight.

Stop 2.Opera House

See the Opera House, a symbol of the city's artistic spirit, surrounded by green gardens.

Stop 3.Northern Avenue

Stroll along lively Northern Avenue, a pedestrian street with contemporary art installations.

Stop 4.Cascade Complex

Climb the Cascade with its fountains and terraces to the top, where the city opens up beneath you.

Stop 5.History Museum of Armenia

Visit the History Museum of Armenia on Republic Square, housed in an elegant neoclassical building and guarding the country's rich historical and cultural heritage.

Stop 6.National Art Gallery

Continue to the National Gallery of Armenia, showcasing the country's artistic legacy.

Stop 7.ARARAT Brandy Factory (optional)

Optional: visit the ARARAT Brandy Factory, founded in 1887 and famous for crafting Armenian brandy with traditional methods. 15 USD per person.

Stop 8.Welcome Dinner

Welcome dinner in Yerevan. Meals: breakfast, dinner Overnight stay: Yerevan

Day 3

Stop 1.Etchmiadzin Cathedral

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Vagharshapat to visit Etchmiadzin Cathedral, considered the oldest cathedral in the world and the spiritual heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Stop 2.Zvartnots Cathedral

Visit the ruins of Zvartnots, a grand 7th-century cathedral and a masterpiece of early Christian architecture.

Stop 3.Matenadaran

Back in Yerevan, visit Matenadaran, the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, with its unique collection of ancient manuscripts and documents.

Stop 4.Vernissage

In the evening, explore Vernissage, the lively open-air market of Armenian art and crafts. Dinner at a local restaurant. Meals: breakfast, dinner Distance: ~60 km Overnight stay: Yerevan

Day 4

Stop 1.Khor Virap Monastery

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Ararat province and visit Khor Virap, on a hilltop in the Ararat Plain with breathtaking views of Mount Ararat. Its name means "deep dungeon", after the pit where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned.

Stop 2.Noravank Monastery

Drive to Noravank, a stunning monastery complex set against dramatic red rock formations.

Stop 3.Noa Winery (optional)

Optional: visit Noa Winery in the Ararat Valley, known for combining traditional winemaking with modern practices. Classic Wine Tour-2: 27 USD per person. Wines: Noa Tozot Rosé, Noa White Cuvée, Noa Red Classic, Noa Natural Sweet.

Stop 4.Goris

Drive to Goris. Meals: breakfast Distance: ~265 km Overnight stay: Goris

Day 5

Stop 1.Wings of Tatev Ropeway

Breakfast at the hotel. Reach Tatev Monastery by the Wings of Tatev, one of the longest cable cars in the world.

Stop 2.Tatev Monastery

Visit Tatev Monastery, founded in the 9th century and one of Armenia's most important religious sites, famous for its spiritual heritage, architecture and breathtaking setting.

Stop 3.Karahunj

Visit Karahunj, often called "Armenia's Stonehenge", an ancient megalithic site near Sisian.

Stop 4.Selim Pass

Drive north across the Selim Pass towards Lake Sevan.

Stop 5.Tsaghkunk Village

Continue to Tsaghkunk village near Lake Sevan. Meals: breakfast Distance: ~320 km Overnight stay: Sevan

Day 6

Stop 1.Dilijan

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Dilijan for a short city tour.

Stop 2.Cross-Stone Masterclass with Bogdan

Drive to Vanadzor for a cross-stone (khachkar) carving masterclass with Bogdan, who has carved cross-stones for 30 years and believes crafts should be taught in schools. His studio is open to anyone looking for a space to create.

Stop 3.Haghpat Monastery

Visit Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to the architectural and intellectual heritage of medieval Armenia.

Stop 4.Sanahin Monastery

Continue to Sanahin Monastery, also on the UNESCO list.

Stop 5.Dzoraget

Drive to Dzoraget. Meals: breakfast Distance: ~180 km Overnight stay: Dzoraget

Day 7

Stop 1.Saghmosavank Monastery

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Saghmosavank, perched on a cliff above the Kasagh River gorge, a beautiful example of medieval Armenian church architecture.

Stop 2.Amberd Fortress

Visit Amberd Fortress, known for its striking location and medieval architecture. Drive to Yerevan. Meals: breakfast Distance: ~190 km Overnight stay: Yerevan

Day 8

Stop 1.Geghard Monastery

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Geghard Monastery, set in the cliffs of the Azat River Gorge. Known as Geghardavank, "the monastery of the spear", it is famous for its rock-cut architecture.

Stop 2.Garni Temple

Visit Garni Temple, built in the 1st century AD during the reign of King Tiridates I and dedicated to Mihr, the sun god.

Stop 3.Lunch with Lavash Baking

Lunch at a local restaurant with a lavash baking presentation.

Stop 4.Symphony of Stones

Visit the Symphony of Stones, basalt columns in the Garni Gorge formed by volcanic activity and arranged like organ pipes. Drive to Yerevan. Meals: breakfast, lunch Distance: ~80 km Overnight stay: Yerevan