Gasro tour in Armenia

Discover Armenia through its rich flavors, ancient heritage, and warm hospitality on this immersive gastro-cultural journey. Based in Yerevan, the tour combines iconic landmarks with authentic culinary experiences, including wine tastings, traditional masterclasses, and farm-to-table dining. ## Explore Yerevan’s highlights, visit the lively Gum Market, and enjoy a guided tour with tasting at the legendary Ararat Brandy Factory. Travel to Armenia’s most famous sites such as Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Khor Virap, Noravank, Lake Sevan, Amberd Fortress, and Tegher Monastery, all set against breathtaking natural landscapes. ## Hands-on experiences include lavash baking, wine tasting in Areni, ishkhan fish and dried fruit masterclasses, and visits to local family farms and countryside restaurants. This tour offers a perfect balance of history, culture, nature, and gastronomy—ideal for travelers who want to truly taste Armenia. 🍷🥖⛰️

11 February, 11 February
Start | End time:
Language: English, Russian, Armenian, French, German
Duration: 7 days
Start | End point: 1a Sayat-Nova Ave, Yerevan 0001, Armenia | 1a Sayat-Nova Ave, Yerevan 0001, Armenia
Type of tour: Private
Group size: 12

Inclusions

  • Breakfast Breakfast
  • Guide Service Guide Service
  • Bottled water Bottled water
  • Transportation services with hotel pick up and drop off Transportation services with hotel pick up and drop off
  • Entrance tickets according to the program Entrance tickets according to the program
  • Master classes and tastings according to the program Master classes and tastings according to the program
  • Airport transfers (arrival & departure) Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
  • Accommodation (Twin/Double room) Accommodation (Twin/Double room)

Exclusions

  • Flight tickets & visa fees Flight tickets & visa fees
  • Travel insurance Travel insurance
  • Single room supplement Single room supplement
  • Lunch & dinner Lunch & dinner
  • Any additional fees Any additional fees

Tour program

Day 1

Stop 1.Arrival in Yerevan - Arrival Dinner

You will arrive at Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, where you will be greeted by your driver. From the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city center. In the evening, you will be taken to a traditional Armenian restaurant for a welcome dinner. You will experience the rich flavors of Armenian cuisine, with dishes such as lavash, fresh salads with local herbs, grilled meats or vegetarian specialties, dolma, and seasonal accompaniments. A tasting of local wine or Armenian brandy may also be included, and some venues offer live music or cultural ambiance to make your first evening in Yerevan truly memorable.

Stop 2.Gum Market

Following the city tour, you will visit the famous Gum Market, a vibrant and colorful local bazaar. Here you can experience everyday Armenian life while exploring stalls filled with dried fruits, nuts, spices, sweets, fresh produce, and traditional treats. This is an excellent place to interact with locals, taste samples, and purchase authentic Armenian products. Overnight stay in Yerevan.

Day 2

Stop 1.Yerevan City tour

You will begin a guided city tour of Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited capitals. The tour highlights the city's main attractions, blending ancient history with modern life. You will visit Republic Square, the heart of Yerevan, known for its impressive architecture and government buildings. The tour continues past the Opera House and through the lively streets and parks that reflect the city’s cultural spirit. A stop at the Cascade Complex allows time to admire its monumental stairway, contemporary art installations, and panoramic views of Yerevan with Mount Ararat in the distance.

Stop 2.Ararat Brandy Factory

In the afternoon, the tour continues to the legendary Ararat Brandy Factory. During the visit, you will learn about the history of Armenian brandy production, the traditional distillation process, and the global reputation of Ararat brandy. The experience includes a guided tour of the cellars and a brandy tasting, offering insight into one of Armenia’s most celebrated symbols. After the tour, you will return to your hotel or have free time in the city. Overnight stay in Yerevan.

Day 3

Stop 1.Garni temple

The tour begins with a departure from Yerevan toward the Kotayk region. The first stop is Garni, where you will visit the famous Temple of Garni, a 1st-century Greco-Roman monument dedicated to the sun god Mithra and the only preserved pagan temple in the Caucasus. The temple is beautifully situated on a plateau overlooking the Azat River Gorge, offering impressive panoramic views and a glimpse into Armenia’s pre-Christian history.

Stop 2.Geghard Monastery

The journey continues to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geghard Monastery, a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture. Partially carved into the surrounding cliffs, the monastery complex is renowned for its unique rock-cut churches, ancient khachkars, and remarkable acoustics. Geghard is one of Armenia’s most spiritual and historically significant sites.

Stop 3.Lavash Masterclass

After the sightseeing, you will take part in a traditional lavash masterclass. Lavash is Armenia’s iconic flatbread and is included on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. During the masterclass, you will observe the traditional baking process in a tonir oven and learn about the cultural importance of lavash in Armenian daily life and celebrations.

Stop 4.Lunch The tour

The tour concludes with a delicious local lunch, where you can enjoy authentic Armenian dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients, providing a perfect ending to a culturally rich and memorable day.

Day 4

Stop 1.Khor Virap

The first stop is Khor Virap Monastery, one of Armenia’s most iconic religious sites, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Ararat. The monastery is closely connected with the adoption of Christianity in Armenia, as Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned here for 13 years.

Stop 2.Areni – Lunch and Wine Tour at Matevosyan Winery

Continue to the village of Areni, a region famous for its ancient winemaking traditions and unique grape varieties. Here you will enjoy lunch followed by a wine tour at Matevosyan Winery. During the visit, you will learn about local winemaking techniques, explore the winery, and taste a selection of Armenian wines while gaining insight into the history of viticulture in the region.

Stop 3.Noravank Monastery

Afterwards, proceed to the spectacular Noravank Monastery, located in a narrow gorge surrounded by dramatic red rock cliffs. The 13th-century monastery complex is renowned for its intricate stone carvings, unique two-story Surb Astvatsatsin Church, and stunning natural scenery.

Day 5

Stop 1.Sevan - Sevanavank

Travel toward Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world and one of Armenia’s most beautiful natural landmarks. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and scenic views before visiting Sevanavank Monastery, located on a peninsula overlooking the lake. The monastery, founded in the 9th century, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and insight into Armenia’s medieval religious heritage.

Stop 2.Selim Pass

Continue the journey through the Vardenyats mountain range, crossing the historic Selim Pass. Here you will have the opportunity to stop near the Selim (Orbelian) Caravanserai, a well-preserved 14th-century monument that once served as a resting point for travelers and merchants along the Silk Road.

Stop 3.Mikayelyan Family Farm

Visit the Mikayelyan Family Farm, where you will be introduced to rural Armenian life and traditional farming practices. The visit offers a warm, authentic experience and a chance to learn about local products and traditions.

Day 6

Stop 1.Tsaghkunq Restaurant and Guest House

The day concludes at Tsaghkunq Restaurant and Guest House, known for its farm-to-table concept and use of organic, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a delicious meal in a cozy countryside setting, making this a perfect end to a day filled with nature, history, and authentic cultural experiences. I have an Ishkhan fish masterclass in Tsaghkunq and will be back in Yerevan.

Stop 2.Amberd Fortress

Continue to Tegher Monastery, a well-preserved 13th-century monastic complex located in a quiet rural setting. The monastery is known for its harmonious architecture and peaceful atmosphere, providing insight into Armenia’s medieval spiritual and cultural life.

Stop 3.Tegher Monastery

Continue to Tegher Monastery, a well-preserved 13th-century monastic complex located in a quiet rural setting. The monastery is known for its harmonious architecture and peaceful atmosphere, providing insight into Armenia’s medieval spiritual and cultural life.

Stop 4.Dried Fruits Making Masterclass at Chir’s House

After the sightseeing, visit Chir’s house to take part in a traditional dried fruit-making masterclass. You will learn about Armenian methods of drying and preserving fruits, observe the process firsthand, and discover how these natural sweets play an important role in local cuisine and traditions. After the masterclass, return to Yerevan, concluding a culturally rich and memorable day.

Day 7

Stop 1.Departure

Departure