Armenia
Discover the Timeless Monasteries & Ancient Traditions
Sample Itinerary - 10 Days & 9 Nights
This Customizable Journey is Available Year-Round
Best Travel Seasons: March - May & August - October
Tour is led by a Licensed English Speaking Local Guide
Tour Introduction & Journey Map
Armenia is situated between Western Asia and Eastern Europe. This little-visited nation has a great heritage and a fascinating past, despite being frequently overlooked. Armenia became the world's first Christian nation in 301 A.D., when it adopted Christianity as its state religion. Garni Temple is one of the period's most distinctive landmarks and a must-see for travelers. The architecture, culture, and customs of the capital of Yerevan are a beautiful blend of the old and the new. When strolling through Yerevan, you will discover both newly erected buildings with modern architectural style and 19th-century structures with exquisite decorations. You will visit the Khor Virap and Noravank monasteries, as well as the cave settlement of Khondzoresk and the Tatev Monastery via the world's longest cable car ride. Join us on this fascinating journey of discovery and adventure to explore ancient monastries, delectable cuisine, and unique UNESCO sites.
Tour Itinerary
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Welcome to Armenia! Arrive in Yerevan and proceed to Passport Control for immigration followed by baggage collection and clearing customs formalities. After baggage collection, walk towards the arrival lounge where you shall be met by our representative who will assist you while transferring to a comfortable 4-star hotel for check-in. Enjoy your free evening at leisure.
Note: Hotel is available for check-in on day 01 at 3:00 pm. -
Following the delicious breakfast, we will begin the city tour of Yerevan. The City Tour includes a stop at a vantage point overlooking the city and other important stops like City Park, Abovyan street, Republic Square, and more. Our first stop will be the Cafesjian Centre of Art which is committed to bringing the finest examples of modern art from around the world to Armenia and showcasing the finest examples of Armenian culture to the rest of the world. Our next stop is Matenadaran, a Museum and Scientific Institute of Ancient Manuscripts that is home to the achievements of Armenian science and 20,000 ancient manuscripts, the greatest collection in the world. The brief tour of Matenadaran will be led exclusively by the Institute's most distinguished experts. Enjoy Armenian lunch at one of the city center's restaurants. After we visit the open-air souvenir shop at Vernissagge. Continue with the tour of Brandy Factory where we will tour the facility and enjoy a tasting of brandies at the distillery. Enjoy an overnight stay at a comfortable 4-star hotel.
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The first stop of the day is the Erebuni fortress and its museum. Scholars belive that ancient Yerevan was located here, and the year 782 B.C. can be considered the foundation date of the current capital of Armenia. The museum displays unique artifacts found by archaeologists during the excavations of the ancient city. We continue to Echmiadzin, the holy city of Armenia and seat of the Catholicos of All Armenians, the highest patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Echmiadzin Cathedral is the world's oldest Christian church. Construction began in 301, the same year that Christianity became the official religion of Armenia. We will also visit the Echmiadzin museum, which houses the most revered relics of the Armenian Apostolic Church. This day, we will have the opportunity to dine at an actual nineteenth-century refectory with medieval Armenian cuisine. After we will return to Yerevan to visit the exquisite Zvartnots Temple constructed in the 7th century and one of the most prized treasures of Armenian medieval architecture. Moreover, It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is visited annually by tens of thousands of people. Enjoy an overnight stay at a comfortable 4-star hotel.
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After breakfast, travel to the Khor Virap monastery (4th–17th century), a pilgrimage site for all Armenians and the cradle of Christianity, as St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned there for almost 13 years. Then, we take a brief detour on a narrow road that winds its way through a narrow rocky valley and emerges into a stunning landscape of rocky mountains. We will visit the village of Areni which is known for its wine culture. This region of Armenia is home to one of the world's oldest wineries, as a winery dating back over 6,500 years was recently found. We will enjoy a unique tour of the wine caves. As the road ascends into this incredible valley, we will stop at the Noravank Monastery and its remarkable structure encircled by red cliffs. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and monastery which was constructed in such a remote position in the 13th century. Enjoy an overnight stay at a comfortable 4 -star hotel.
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After breakfast, visit the 19th- and 20th-century Syunik-style private home in Goris where the brilliant prose writer Aksel Bakunts was born and raised. Continue your drive to Tatev Monastery (9th to 14th century). We will use one of the longest cable cars to enjoy the sightseeing of this unique monastery. Enjoy your lunch at the local restaurant. Our next stop is the village of Khondzoresk, situated on the steep slope of a gorge, and if time permits we will explore some of the caves in the area. The Khndzoresk Bridge is among the most fascinating sites in the province of Syunik. This bridge joins the two banks of the settlement, known as Old and New Khndzoresk. Old Khndzoresk is famed as a cave community, where the village is situated on both slopes of the mountain and inhabitants have used both natural and man-made caves as homes. After our long day adventures, we will return to Goris and spend the night at a comfortable 4-star hotel.
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After breakfast, travel to the Caravanserai of Selim which dates back to 1332 and is one of the many buildings constructed in medieval Armenia to provide lodging for merchants who traveled along the Silk Road. Enjoy lunch at the Mikaelyan family farm in Noratus. The next stop is the historic Cross-stones –Noraduz cemetery which is known for a collection of tombs and tombstones carved in the traditional Armenian style. After our next stop is a monastic complex Sevanavank which was originally comprised of three churches and located on a peninsula at the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan. We will take a boat on Lake Sevan to reach the peninsula. The journey will last approximately forty-five minutes. Upon arrival, we will explore the monastery. After sightseeing, we will continue our drive to Dilijan. Enjoy an overnight stay at a comfortable 4-star hotel.
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After breakfast, we will depart from Dilijan for a trip to the Haghartsin monastery nestled in the heart of the forest, a remarkable example of medieval architecture. We will continue to Lake Parz, one of Dilijan's most stunning natural beauties. After our lunch, we will travel to the well-preserved Monastery of Goshavank (12-13th century), which was founded by Mkhitar Gosh, a well-known scientist and author of medieval Armenia. Return to your hotel for a comfortable an overnight stay.
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Gyumri is the second-largest city in Armenia and is home to many famous poets, writers, and composers. On the way to Gumri, we will stop at Harichavank monastery which was founded in the 7th century. Visit the Dzitoghtsyants museum where you can find yourself in the house of the 19th century with the elements of daily urban life and the local cultural and architectural characteristics of the city. We will enjoy lunch in the old town. Walk through Vardanants square where the Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God is located, also known as Our Lady of the Seven Wounds. There, you will also stop by a brewery to get a feel for the area's rich brewing heritage. Then continue to Amberd to visit Armenia's most well-preserved medieval castles, before finally reaching Yerevan. Enjoy an overnight stay at a comfortable 4-star hotel.
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Your final adventure in Armenia will take you to the pagan temple of Garni, which dates back to the first century AD and is inscribed on the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Garni is the only pagan temple that survived in Armenia following the adoption of Christianity. Inside Grani temple an extremely touching duduk (national musical instrument) performance will be demonstrated. After we will enjoy a special lunch treat at the house of an Armenian rural family with a demonstration of Armenian Bread “Lavash” baking. Continue to the Geghard Cave Monastery, which consists of the "Mother of God" Cathedral and two chapels carved out of the rock over time. Return to Yerevan for a time at leisure.
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After breakfast in the morning, transfer to the airport for your international flight returning home. End of the service.
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We offer Tailor-Made Itineraries & Custom Quotes for Your Journey to Armenia
All itineraries can be tailored to match your interests and budget for a truly personalized experience. Pricing is based on solo or double occupancy. The pricing listed below is for 2025 travel dates and may vary depending on your preferred itinerary and seasonality. Contact our travel consultant today to receive a personalized quote and begin designing your ideal Armenia journey!
Land Tour Price Only (International airfare, taxes & fuel surcharges are not included)
Solo Traveler: From $4,250 (Single Room Occupancy)
Two Travelers: From $2,700 per person (Double Room Occupancy)
Single Room Supplement: $450 per person (Applies to all nights of the tour for those opting for a single room.)
Tour Includes:
One-on-one virtual tour briefing before the trip.
Final documents tour packet will be mailed.
Group arrival/departure transfers between airports and hotels at the destination for tour participants.
Nine (9) nights of accommodation at 4* hotels as per itinerary.
Air-conditioned transportation for sightseeing days as per itinerary.
Service of a licensed local English-speaking guide throughout the itinerary.
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites are as per the itinerary.
All meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Local taxes for hotels, meals, and tour services overseas.
Mineral Water during the tour.
Tour Does Not Include:
International Air.
Expenses due to excess baggage charges, flight delays or schedule changes, strikes, bad weather, or other reasons.
Personnel expenses such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, mineral waters, photo/video camera fees, telephone, laundry bills, &, etc.
Any expense for a ’la carte meal items not included in preplanned menus.
Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
Refunds for hotel accommodations, meals, or any other tour services not used.
Baggage handling at airports in the USA and overseas.
Increase in tariffs or dollar exchange rate after publication.
Porterage at the hotels.
Tips to the local guides, drivers, and waiters.
Tour Fitness Level:
Moderate: Suitable for travelers of all ages in good health, with a moderate level of fitness and a spirit of adventure. The tour will include some long walking days and periods of standing while exploring various sites. Some attractions may involve walking on uneven terrain or navigating steep staircases. Expect a few elevation changes, a well-paced but busy schedule, and several long overland drives. If you have any questions or would like more details about the trip, we’re happy to discuss it with you.
Lodging Level:
Comfortable (3/4-stars): Stay in cozy lodges and hotels with comfortable rooms and en-suite bathrooms. While the services may be more straightforward, you’ll still enjoy a welcoming atmosphere, with essential amenities and on-site facilities that provide a comfortable, hassle-free experience, all meeting international standards.
Visa & Passport:
U.S. citizens are allowed visa-free entry to Armenia for up to 180 days per year. Further details related to the visa-free entry will be sent out sixty (60) days prior the trip. Ensuring that correct & valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client. Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from the last day of the trip & include empty pages for visas.
What to Expect on This Journey:
This journey through Armenia will guide you across a rich mosaic of ancient monasteries, historic towns, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and vibrant cultural traditions. You’ll experience both the timeless and contemporary facets of Armenia—from the lively boulevards of Yerevan to the serene, centuries-old monasteries of Tatev, Noravank, and Haghartsin. Travel between regions will be primarily by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, with scenic drives offering views of Armenia’s rugged beauty and picturesque villages. While road conditions are generally good, occasional winding mountain roads and varying infrastructure in rural areas are to be expected.
Daily sightseeing typically includes 2 to 3 miles of walking through historical sites, uneven terrain, village streets, and natural landscapes. Some visits, such as Khndzoresk’s suspension bridge and cave village, or the rocky paths around monasteries, may involve moderate physical activity. We recommend comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and layered clothing to ensure comfort throughout the trip.
Armenia’s climate during the touring season is generally warm and dry, but can vary greatly between the mountains, lakes, and valleys. Some days may involve early starts, longer travel durations, or exploration of remote areas such as the Selim Caravanserai or Old Khndzoresk caves. The itinerary features a balance of guided sightseeing with knowledgeable local experts and free time for independent exploration.
Participants should be in good physical health, open to flexible travel schedules, and ready for a dynamic cultural experience. While we strive to keep the itinerary seamless, adjustments may occur due to local conditions or operational factors. In rare instances of Force Majeure, changes may be necessary to prioritize your safety and comfort. By joining this tour, you confirm that you have read and understood all terms and conditions and are ready to experience Armenia’s legendary hospitality, historic grandeur, and timeless landscapes.
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