Armenia by Foot

Breakfast at the hotel.

Your walking tour of Yerevan begins at the iconic Mother Armenia monument, perched on a hill in Victory Park. From here, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city below. Beneath the statue lies a small military museum and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — a solemn tribute to Armenia’s fallen heroes.

Next, visit the Matenadaran, one of the world’s richest repositories of ancient manuscripts. This remarkable collection includes works dating back to the 7th century and is a must-see for anyone interested in history, art, and Armenian heritage.

Continue to the striking Cascade Complex, a monumental stairway and open-air art museum featuring contemporary sculptures along its terraces and gardens. From the top, take in another stunning view of Yerevan and the majestic Mount Ararat. The Cascade is also home to the Cafesjian Center for the Arts.

The walk continues past the Opera House, down the stylish Northern Avenue, and into Republic Square, the heart of Yerevan. Designed by renowned architect Alexander Tamanyan, the square is framed by five elegant pink tuff buildings — including the Government House, Central Post Office with its large clock, the National Gallery, the History Museum, and the Small Philharmonic Hall. In the evening, enjoy the magical performance of the Dancing Fountains in front of the museum.

The tour concludes with a visit to Tsitsernakaberd, the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum. Meaning “Fortress of Swallows,” this site is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the 1915 genocide — a place of reflection and national remembrance.

Optional:
Take a guided tour of the world-renowned Yerevan Brandy Company “Ararat”, which has upheld the legacy of Armenian cognac-making since 1887. During the one-hour visit, you’ll explore the brandy production process, tour the factory museum, and enjoy a guided tasting of different aged varieties. A boutique on-site allows you to purchase genuine Ararat brandy directly at the plant.

O/n in Yerevan. (B/L/-)

Today’s adventure begins with a drive to Garni, home to the only surviving pagan temple in Armenia. Dedicated to Mihr, the ancient god of the sun, the temple was built in 77 AD by King Trdat of the Arshakid Dynasty. Perched on a rocky plateau, it offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and gorge.

From the temple, begin your trek through the Azat Gorge, a stunning natural wonder famous for its dramatic basalt columns known as the “Symphony of Stones”. These towering rock formations resemble an organ, creating a surreal and unforgettable landscape.

Continue your hike to the Havuts Tar Monastery, dating back to the 12th–13th centuries. Nestled in the Khosrov Nature Reserve, on the left bank of the Azat River, the monastery offers a peaceful contrast to the rugged terrain and breathtaking views of the valley below.

Trekking Stats:

• Walking time: approx. 4 hours
• Distance: 11 km
• Minimum elevation: 1,234 m
• Maximum elevation: 1,610 m
• Elevation gain: 389 m
• Elevation loss: 480 m

After the hike, enjoy a home-cooked lunch hosted by a local family in a village home. Watch the traditional lavash (Armenian flatbread) being baked in a stone oven, taste authentic Armenian dishes, and get a feel for village life and hospitality.

In the afternoon, visit the extraordinary Geghard Monastery, a 12th–13th century complex partially carved into solid rock. The name Geghard means “Holy Spear,” referring to the legendary spear that pierced Christ’s side, once kept here and now housed in the Etchmiadzin Cathedral Museum. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true spiritual and architectural gem.

Return to Yerevan in the evening.

Overnight in Yerevan. (B/L/-)

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning drive to Ararat valley, visit to Khor Virap  – the place of imprisonment of St. Gregory the Illuminator, who stayed here in the small dungeon for 13 years without any food, accused by the Armenian King of preaching Christianity. It is one of the holy places for the Christian world. It is also the best point to enjoy the most spectacular view of the gorgeous biblical mountain Ararat shining with its two white peaks.

Continuation of the road to Vayots Dzor region, famous for win yards and worldwide famous a 6,100-year-old 5 winery and wine cellar in Areni discovered by archeologists.

Trekking from old settlement Amaghu through incredibly beautiful scenery till Noravank Monastery.

• Walking time: 1-1.5 Stunde
• Distance: 2.8 km
• Min elevation: 1390 m
• Max elevation: 1560 m
• Elevation gain: 206m
• Elevation loss: 267 m

Visit Noravank monastery complex  (XIII- XIV cc.). Stop at Areni winery, winetasting.

Drive to Sisian town.

O/n in Sisian. (B/L/-)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today begins with a transfer to Ltsen village, the starting point for a scenic trek to Tatev Monastery, one of Armenia’s most iconic religious and cultural sites. The trail passes through the Shamb Reserve, winding through forests and highland meadows before reaching Tatev — a masterpiece perched dramatically on the edge of a deep gorge.

Dating from the 9th to 13th centuries, Tatev was once a renowned intellectual center, home to philosophers, musicians, painters, scribes, and monks. Its striking cliffside setting and spiritual history make it a must-see destination in southern Armenia.

After the hike, descend by the Tatever Ropeway — the longest reversible aerial tramway in the world (5.7 km), officially recognized by the Guinness World Records. The ride offers stunning aerial views of the Vorotan Gorge.

Trekking Option 1: Ltsen to Tatev

• Walking time: ~6.5 hours
• Distance: 16 km
• Minimum elevation: 1,500 m
• Maximum elevation: 2,100 m
• Elevation gain: 807 m
• Elevation loss: 840 m

Alternative Option:
Instead of the long hike, you may choose a shorter and equally scenic trek from the village of Tandzatap to the natural wonder known as the Devil’s Bridge. This trail offers a close-up view of the Vorotan Gorge and the surrounding rock formations. It’s an adventurous, memorable route connecting nature and legend in a compact experience.

Trekking Option 2: Tandzatap to Devil’s Bridge

• Walking time: 2–3 hours
• Distance: 4.5 km
• Minimum elevation: 970 m
• Maximum elevation: 1,411 m
• Elevation gain: 605 m
• Elevation loss: 206 m

After the hike, transfer to the charming town of Goris, known for its unique architecture and dramatic rock formations — a natural stone fortress that surrounds the city like ancient guardians.

Overnight in Goris. (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Start the day with a hike through the Khndzoresk Cave Village, located on the steep slopes of a mountain gorge. This historic site is famous for its ancient cave dwellings, where people lived for centuries. A highlight is the 160-meter-long hanging bridge, offering stunning views over the gorge and surrounding cliffs.

Hiking Stats:

• Walking time: approx. 1.5 hours
• Distance: 3 km
• Minimum elevation: 1,263 m
• Maximum elevation: 1,435 m
• Elevation gain: 84 m
• Elevation loss: 167 m

Next, visit Zorats Karer (also known as Karahunj or Digdig Karer), one of the oldest known astronomical observatories in the world — over 7,500 years old. Often called the “Armenian Stonehenge,” it consists of aligned stone monoliths, some with circular holes thought to have been used for stargazing and celestial tracking.

In the afternoon, drive to the tranquil Yeghegis Valley (1,600 m), surrounded by scenic mountains and rich in cultural heritage.

Overnight in Yeghegis village. (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Start the day with a drive to the mountain village of Artabuynk (1,680 m), the starting point for today’s scenic and culturally rich trek.

Begin hiking toward Tsakhats Kar Monastery (2,100 m), a beautiful and atmospheric complex now mostly in ruins, overlooking the Yeghegis Valley. The trail continues to Smbataberd Fortress (1,970 m), dramatically located on a mountaintop southeast of Artabuynk. Protected by cliffs on three sides, it was one of the most impenetrable strongholds in the region — offering commanding views of the surrounding landscape.

From there, the route leads to the Church of Zorats, a unique medieval site. Recent excavations have uncovered several well-preserved architectural remains, adding historical depth to this already impressive area.

Trekking Stats:

• Walking time: approx. 6 hours
• Distance: 13 km
• Minimum elevation: 1,550 m
• Maximum elevation: 2,100 m
• Elevation gain: 798 m
• Elevation loss: 750 m

Return to Yeghegis village for the night.

Overnight in Yeghegis. (B/-/D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Route by Selim pass (1900-2410 meters), an ancient route, long used for caravans of the merchants. En route stop to visit the Caravanserail built in 1332 by Prince Orbélian.

Transfer to the village Madina (2220 m), trekking to volcano Armaghan (2810 m), from where a very nice view opens on on Lake Sevan. Enjoying the small lake in the crater and a small basalt church built instead of the ancient chapel.

• Walking time:  7 hours
• Distance: 14 km
• Min elevation: 2200 m
• Max elevation: 2810 m
• Elevation gain: 575 m
• Elevation loss: 584 m

After take the vehicle to continue  to Noradouz, an exceptional site of medieval tombs, an ancient cemetery with hundreds of khachkars, a representation of the unique Armenian Christian art that has no other equivalent in the whole world. Drive to the village Tchkalovka.

O/n in Chkalovka. (B/-/D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Begin the day with a scenic drive to Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in Eurasia, located at 1,900 meters above sea level. Surrounded by mountain ranges, the lake’s turquoise waters and panoramic views make it one of Armenia’s natural treasures.

Continue to the forested resort town of Dilijan, often called the “Armenian Switzerland” thanks to its cool climate, alpine scenery, and rich biodiversity.

From Dilijan, begin a hike to Parz Lake (1,300 m), also known as “Clear Lake.” The trail winds through rolling hills, meadows bursting with wildflowers, and the dense, green forests of the Dilijan National Park. At the end of the trail, the serene Parz Lake appears like a hidden gem among the trees.

From Parz Lake, continue hiking through the forest to Goshavank Monastery, a 12th-century religious complex famed for its finely carved khachkars (cross-stones). After a short cultural stop and a guided visit to the monastery, continue the trail to the tranquil Gosh Lake, nestled deep in the forest.

Hiking Stats:

• Walking time: approx. 5 hours
• Distance: 12 km
• Minimum elevation: 1,189 m
• Maximum elevation: 1,562 m
• Elevation gain: 531 m
• Elevation loss: 665 m

After the hike, return to Yerevan by vehicle.
Overnight in Yerevan. (B/L/D)

End of tour — departure from Yerevan.
(B/-/-)