Stop 1.Ardahan | Border Crossing
We’ll reach the Akhalkalaki–Ardahan checkpoint via Bavra. Armenian driver to Akhalkalaki, then continue with a Kurdish driver and vehicle.
Join our long-awaited journey to Western Armenia and trace the spiritual and historical roots of the Armenian people. ## Discover Ani, Mush, Kars, and Van—cities rich with Armenian soul and heritage. Along the way, we’ll reconnect with our ancestral legacy and reflect on our historical losses and achievements. ## Important to Know: ## After confirmation, participants must send a passport copy and bring the original (valid at least 3 months from tour start) ## Bring USD in advance; currency exchange is only possible in Kars ## Hotels are centrally located; free time for walking after tours (safe) ## Straying from the group is not allowed ## Armenian flags are prohibited to avoid provocation ## Candle lighting is only allowed at Akhtamar’s Holy Cross Church ## At Ani, wear long pants and comfortable closed shoes ## Recommended items: ## ✓ hat, ## ✓ sunglasses, ## ✓ warm clothes, ## ✓ raincoat, ## ✓ sunscreen, ## ✓ first aid kit, ## ✓ flashlight, ## ✓ extra shoes and clothing ## Swimming in Lake Van is allowed (best season: June–September) ## Bus seats are not reserved in advance ## Breakfast is buffet-style; lunches are from a set menu
Guide service (if there are foreign participants, the tour may be conducted in two languages)
Meal (x2)
Bottled water
Two-way transfer
Overnight stay at a 2/3* hotels
Boat tour fee
Van Fortress Entrance fee
Entrance fees: Ani city – 8 EUR, Akhtamar Island – 12 EUR.
Visa fee: for RA (Armenian) citizens – 17 000 AMD, for US citizens – 110 USD. Citizens of European countries and Russia do not require a visa.
Dinners and breakfast on the first day are not included.
We’ll reach the Akhalkalaki–Ardahan checkpoint via Bavra. Armenian driver to Akhalkalaki, then continue with a Kurdish driver and vehicle.
Our first stop in Western Armenia. Known for its freshwater, we’ll have breakfast by the lake. Bring food and water in advance.
Walking tour (~3 hours): Ani Cathedral, Church of the Redeemer, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Church of the Holy Apostles, Abughamrents St. Gregory, Tigran Honents Church, city walls.
Visit Kars Fortress, Church of the Apostles, Vardan Bridge, site of poet Charents’ former home, old Armenian quarter.
Bridge at the junction of Araks and Murts Rivers, near the Erzrum–Mush road. Not in use now.
Overnight stay in Mush.
After breakfast: distant view of old Armenian district, grave of Gevorg Chaush, ruins of St. Marine Church.
Near the Mush–Khnus road, where national hero Gevorg Chaush was killed.
Visit the Church of the Holy Cross, a masterpiece of Armenian architecture.
Formed by lava flows from Mounts Sipan and Nemrut. After the ride, enjoy lunch and taste Van's famous tarekh fish.
Overnight stay in Van.
Urartian fortress (9th–7th c. BC) in ancient Tushpa. 30-minute uphill walk. See royal tombs and the old city of Van.
See endemic cats through glass. For petting/feeding, small entrance fee or purchase of cat food is required.
According to the epic Sasna Tsrer, hero Mher retreated here out of disillusionment with the world.
An active volcanic cone marking the watershed between Aratsani, Euphrates, and Araks rivers.
About 15 meters high, located on the river of the same name.
Short stop for a scenic view of biblical Mount Ararat.
The only river flowing entirely through the Armenian Highlands. Length: 1,072 km.
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