Intensive Tour around Armenia

Upon arrival at Yerevan Airport at early morning hours, your guide and driver will greet you and head directly to the Ararat Valley. Marvel at the sunrise over the gorgeous biblical Mount Ararat shining with its two majestic white peaks.

Next, visit Khor Virap Church, that is built atop a small dungeon, a significant Christian site where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for spreading Christianity in Armenia. Venture down into the dungeon where he was held captive for 13 years, one of Armenia’s holiest Christian sites.

The hills adjoining Khor Virap were once the site of the ancient capital of Armenia, Artashat, established around 180 B.C. by King Artashes I, the founder of the Artashesid dynasty. Notably, Artashat is one of the few ancient towns designed by the renowned Carthaginian general Hannibal, who sought refuge in Armenia after his defeat in a war against Rome.

After Khor Virap, enjoy a scenic drive through stunning red rocks canyons to Noravank Monastery (13th century), where a delicious breakfast awaits at a local tavern. Wander this historic monastery, surrounded by dramatic red rock cliffs. The interplay of sunlight on these rocks creates a vivid natural spectacle.

Next, stop at the Areni Winery for a wine tasting experience in one of Armenia’s historic wine regions, known for the discovery of the world’s oldest winery.

Conclude your day with a ride on the “Wings of Tatev” Ropeway—the world’s longest non-stop double track reversible aerial tramway. Spanning 5.7 km (3.5 miles), this extraordinary ride takes you soaring over the breathtaking Vorotan Gorge to Tatev Monastery, a historical site and former intellectual center from the 9th–13th centuries. Nestled in a dramatic gorge, Tatev was once a vital center of Armenian culture and learning, where philosophers, musicians, painters, calligraphers and monks lived. Tatev used to be a religious and political center of Syunik princedom.
Drive to Goris town. Check in hotel and dinner.

After breakfast, journey through Selim Pass, visiting the historic Selim Caravanserai, once a resting point for Silk Road travelers towards Lake Sevan. Lake Sevan is one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes, where you’ll visit Sevanavank Monastery on the peninsula, offering sweeping views over the lake.

Continue to the charming town of Dilijan, often referred to as “Armenian Switzerland” for its lush forests and diverse wildlife. During the drive one can enjoy the unbelievable change of the surrounding environment and landshaft from the mountainous lake to the green and rich forest mountains.

Stroll through Dilijan’s artisanal quarter, visiting local artisans crafting traditional souvenirs, made from wood, stone and ceramics.

Drive to Haghartsin Monastery complex (11th–13th centuries), nestled in a secluded forest. Appearing unexpectedly, out of the dense forests, in front of the visitors, the Monastery creates a magical impression of a lost world. Haghartsin represents a magnificent piece of history, culture and architecture.

Check in hotel.

Travel north to the medieval architectural treasures Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, set amid lush green landscapes. Explore the intricate architecture and rich history, including the well-preserved structures from the medieval era.

Next, visit Akhtala Monastery, famous for its stunning frescoes.

Then, proceed to Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city, located 130 km from Yerevan, Shirak Marz, famed for its unique cultural traditions and hospitable atmosphere. Stroll through the historic Kumayri district, with its charming 18th- and 19th-century architecture, that creates cozy atmosphere of a typical Armenian city of those times. Check in hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Etchmiadzin town, the ancient capital of Armenia and the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Visit the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, founded in 301 A.D by St. Gregory the Illuminator and thus being one of the ancient churches in the Christian world. Later it was rebuilt and currently it stands as a complex including the Cathedral, Spiritual Academy, residency of the Catholicos of all Armenians, Synod of Armenian Church and a library. The museum of the Cathedral, located behind the Altar, has collection of religious artifacts about Holy Mass, subjects made of gold, silver, precious stones, decorations, colossal silver boiler for making the myrrh and legendary Holy spear.

Continue one of the architectural wonders of Armenia – Zvartnots Temple (641-661), that got its name from the word “Zwart”, meaning “joyful and beautiful”. The remaining ruins give an idea of the rare beauty of this temple. The temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2000). Continue to Yerevan. Check in hotel.

Discover Yerevan with a guided city tour, including Republic Square, Northern Avenue, the Mother Armenia Monument, Opera House, Swan Lake and Genocide Memorial, dedicated to the Victims of 1915 and the Genocide Museum. Visit Matenadaran, home to one of the world’s largest collections of ancient manuscripts. Explore Cascade Complex, the hub of contemporary art in Yerevan with art pieces displayed throughout the whole area: the boulevard and up the stairs. From top of Cascade the marvelous panoramic view on the city and Mountain Ararat is open. Cascade is home to Cafesjan modern art museum. This place becomes even more charming in the evenings, when it is full of people, both locals and tourists from all over the world, enjoying the magic and the warmth of the capital. It is also a popular place for open air concerts at summer season. Visit to Armenian central market.

Optional: Very interesting one hour tour around Armenian brandy factory offers tourists familiarization with the history of the plant, process of brandy preparation, showrooms and halls of storages. Visitors will also have degustation of 2 types of brandy in degustation hall. Brandy shop at the factory territory will be available for purchasing of these famous Armenian brandy directly from the factory.

After breakfast, head to Garni Temple, the only remaining pagan temple in Armenia, devoted to the God of Sun – Myrth, in Garni, built in 77 AD by King Trdat (Arshakid Dynasty). On the way enjoy a photo stop at the Charentc Arc with a nice view on Ararat Mountain.

Visit to the ruins of Royal Palace and Royal bath-house next to Garni temple, then visit the scenic Garni Canyon – magnificent and outstanding scene, which
creates the image of falling crags. It obtained the name “Symphony of Stones” due to its view. The fantastic landscape of Garni canyon shakes the human imagination.

Optional: Small performance of Armenian national musical instrument ,,Duduk’’ (Tsiranapogh- means Tsiran- abricot, pogh- trumpet). After the local musician will describe the origin, nature, symbolism of Duduk and fully experience its rich and versatile music. One of the most famous performance of it was in the movie “Gladiator’ Experience a traditional flat bread – lavash baking demonstration and enjoy a familyhosted lunch.

Journey to the extraordinary Geghard Monastery, a stunning 12th–13th-century temple partially carved into the rock. Named “Geghard” or “Holy Spear,” it honors the sacred relic believed to have pierced the body of Christ during the crucifixion, now housed in the museum of Etchmiadzin Cathedral. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, this architectural gem showcases Armenia’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

Optional: Enhance your visit with a mesmerizing concert of liturgical songs. Experience the monastery’s remarkable acoustics, where the crystal-clear harmonies resonate beautifully within the ancient stone walls.

Drive back to Yerevan.