Armenia in 5 Days: Essential Highlights

A compact 5-day private tour covering Armenia's essential sights. Discover Yerevan, the 'pink city', with the Cascade, the Genocide Memorial and the Megerian carpet factory, then visit Garni Temple, the Symphony of Stones, Geghard and Etchmiadzin, Khor Virap with its views of Mount Ararat, the Areni cave and winery, Noravank, the 'fortress in the clouds' Amberd, and Oshakan. Highlights: - Yerevan city tour, Cascade and Genocide Memorial - Megerian carpet factory - Welcome dinner with a folklore show - Garni Temple, Symphony of Stones, Geghard and Etchmiadzin - Khor Virap, Areni cave, wine tasting and Noravank - Amberd Fortress and Oshakan

Availability 1 January 2027 - 31 December 2027

Start | End time: —

Language: English

Duration: 5 days

Start | End point: Zvartnots International Airport, Yerevan | Zvartnots International Airport, Yerevan

Type of tour: Private

Group size: 10

Inclusions

Transport
Hotel
Breakfast
Guide Service
All Entrance Fees

Tour program

Day 1

Stop 1.Arrival

Arrival in Yerevan. Your driver meets you at the airport and transfers you to the hotel. Check-in at 2 p.m., then a short rest before you start exploring the city.

Stop 2.Cascade Monument

Yerevan, one of the oldest cities in the world, is known as the "pink city". Start at the Cascade, the city's main symbol: a giant staircase of 572 steps, 118 metres high and 50 metres wide. From the top, enjoy views of the Opera House, Mount Ararat, Swan Lake, Republic Square and Abovyan Street, which you will also walk past.

Stop 3.Vernissage (weekends)

If it is a weekend, visit Vernissage, Yerevan's biggest souvenir market.

Stop 4.Armenian Genocide Memorial

Continue to the Armenian Genocide Memorial complex on Tsitsernakaberd hill.

Stop 5.Megerian Carpet Factory

Round off the tour at the Megerian carpet factory. Watch how famous Armenian rugs are made, see carpets from different regions of Armenia and learn the hidden meanings of their designs.

Stop 6.Welcome Dinner & Folklore Show

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with a traditional folklore show. Meals: dinner Overnight stay: Yerevan

Day 2

Stop 1.Garni Temple

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Garni, famous for its 1st-century temple, the only pagan sanctuary in Armenia that survived the spread of Christianity in the 4th century.

Stop 2.Symphony of Stones

Descend into the Garni Gorge to see the Symphony of Stones, a monumental basalt rock formation.

Stop 3.Geghard Monastery

Visit Geghard ("spear" in Armenian), framed by towering cliffs. Its rock-cut decorations reflect the art of the Middle Ages, and its history began in the 4th century with a sacred spring inside a cave.

Stop 4.Etchmiadzin Cathedral

Continue to the Holy See of Etchmiadzin and visit the cathedral, the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians, head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Drive back to Yerevan. Meals: breakfast Overnight stay: Yerevan

Day 3

Stop 1.Khor Virap Monastery

Breakfast at the hotel. At 09:00, drive to Khor Virap ("deep pit"), where according to tradition St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before King Tiridates adopted Christianity. It offers the best views of Mount Ararat.

Stop 2.Hin Areni Winery

Stop in Areni for a wine tasting at a local winery.

Stop 3.Areni Cave

Visit the Areni cave complex, where the world's oldest known leather shoe was found in 2008.

Stop 4.Noravank Monastery

Continue to the famous Noravank Monastery, set on a ledge above a deep, winding gorge among dramatic red cliffs. Return to Yerevan. Meals: breakfast Overnight stay: Yerevan

Day 4

Stop 1.Amberd Fortress

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your guide and driver and drive to Amberd, the "fortress in the clouds", at 2,300 metres above sea level on the slopes of Mount Aragats.

Stop 2.Oshakan

Continue to Oshakan, the burial place of St. Mesrop Mashtots, creator of the Armenian alphabet. The church named after him, which houses his grave, was rebuilt by Catholicos George IV in 1875. Return to Yerevan for free time. Meals: breakfast Overnight stay: Yerevan