8 Day Self Drive Tour in Armenia: Explore Fascinating Sites with SUV Rental Car
4.0
1 Rating
Embark on an exciting 8-day self-drive tour in Armenia, exploring fascinating sites with a rental SUV. Discover Yerevan, Khor Virap, Arpa Valley, Dilijan National Park, Lake Sevan, and more!
Duration: 8 days
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

The vibrant capital Yerevan

Cascade Complex - 10.00 a.m. Meeting with your English-speaking guide at your hotel and walk through the world-famous city of Yerevan including a visit to a famous factory (surprise!)with a small tasting.

The first stop is at the famous Cascade complex with the marvelous views over Yerevan with the Sculpture park of famous international artists.

The Armenian National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet named after Alexander Spendiaryan - You stop around the famous Opera building of Yerevan and listen to the history of this lively city.

Mesrop Mashtots Avenue - You walk along the main boulevard of Yerevan and see the street life, shops, Cafe’s and parks.

Republic Square - At the Republic Square you reach the heart of the city with the parliament and the National Museum of Fine Art

Vernissage Market - You visit the wonderful Open Air Antique Market called “Vernissage” where you can find a great variety of arts and crafts products, souvenirs, carpets, books, art and charming Cafe’s

Noy Yerevan Brandy Factory - Visit of a famous Brandy factory with your guide

The fertile Ararat valley

Khor Virap - Your Self-drive tour starts at 9.00 a.m. with delivery of the rental car to your hotel. South of Yerevan in the Ararat Plain lies your first destination, the beautiful Khor Virap Monastery at the foot of Mount Ararat. You can visit this holy place with the Church of Saint George and enjoy the grandiose views to the two mountains of the Ararat, which is located on the territory of Turkey.

Areni - You continue South to the famous Wine region around the village of Areni and may visit one of the local wineries.

Noravank Monastery - At the junction of the road to Noravank you can stop and see the famous Areni-1 cave with stunning insights into the life of the early Armenians. You continue to Noravank Monastery with it’s breath taking location in a rocky gorge.

Day trip to the Spa of Jermuk

Jermuk - Day trip with your car to Jermuk. Jermuk is a famous resort in Armenia known for it’s Spa’s and the healthy Mineral water of different temperatures. Have an exciting walk to the hot water springs with it’s exciting Soviet Armenian architecture and enjoy the parks around.

Djermouk Waterfalls - Visit the Yermuk waterfalls and take fantastic photos here.

Drive over the Selim Pass to Lake Sevan

Vardenyats Pass (Selim Pass) - Close to the pass stands the famous Orbelian’s Caravanserai from the 14th century at a height of 2,410 metres (7,910 ft) above sea level.

Orbelian’s Caravanserai is the best preserved caravanserai in the entire country.

Have a photo stop here.

Noratus Cemetery - You drive along the beautiful shore of Lake Sevan to one of the biggest cemeteries in Armenia to Noratus, where you can see lots of awesome cross stones and engraved pictures that tell stories about the Armenians throughout the centuries.

Monastery Sevanavank - You continue north and turn right onto the peninsula and visit the beautiful monastery of Sevanavank with its fantastic views over Lake Sevan and the mountains around. You can buy local souvenirs like precious stones or taste the local dishes of fresh fish from the lake. The most famous fish is “Ishkhan”, a trout species.

Dilijan - You cross another pass today on your road to Dilijan, that is a touristic center in the heart of the Dilijan National Park. Have a walk in the beautiful old town and continue to your guesthouse in Dilijan.

In Dilijan National Park

Lake Parz - Today you have several options for hiking tours in the National Park. Maps can be found at the Tourist Information Center in the heart of Dilijan.
You can have a hiking tour from lake Parz to the village of Gosh of approx. 3.5 km one way.

Goshavank Monastery - Visit famous Goshavank monastery, dated to the 12th - 13th century. This impressive monastery which has remained in relatively good condition also houses one of the world’s finest examples of a khachkar. (Cross stones)

In Gyumri and a visit at a local Armenian family

Vanadzor - Today you drive westwards to the second biggest town of Armenia, Gyumri. You pass the city of Vanadzor and may visit the Vanadzor Museum of Fine Arts at the Tumanyan Square.

Gyumri - You continue to the city of Gyumri, which developed very favorable in the last 15 years. It has a charming Old town and boulevard and some healthy Vegan Cafe’s with herbal teas and honey from the mountains. Continue to your hotel, where our guide will pick you up at 16.00 for a Culinary afternoon in a typical Armenian family. Enjoy!

To Garni and Gehard

Garni Temple - Today you drive past the massive Aragts mountain via Yerevan bypass to the famous temple of Garni. Garni is famous for its fortress complex containing the 1st-century AD Garni Temple. This is a unique architectural landmark in the region of the South Caucasus.

The Monastery of Geghard - Only 7 kilometers from Garni you should see the the medieval monastery complex of Geghard, one of the most impressive sites in Armenia. For many Armenians it’s a very holy place as it holds the spear which had wounded Jesus at the Crucifixion.

Yerevan - You continue back to the center of Yerevan to your hotel, where your rental car will be picked up in the evening.

Departure day

Zvartnots International Airport - According to your departure time from Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport we organize your airport transfer from your hotel.

What's Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
What's Not Included
  • Fuel on your trip. We deliver the rental car with a full tank and you return it with a full tank
Additional Information

Experience the enchantment of Armenia in this meticulously planned 8-day self-drive tour with an SUV rental car. Explore Yerevan, the country’s capital, marvel at the majestic Khor Virap monastery with its iconic Mount Ararat view and immerse yourself in the wine-producing areas of Arpa valley and Areni.

Travel through some of Armenia’s loftiest passes and avail the option to embark on hiking adventures in Dilijan National Park.

Witness the legendary Lake Sevan and indulge in an authentic culinary experience with an Armenian family in Gyumri.

Your transport from the airport to the hotel is arranged on your arrival day.

The first day is spent touring the city of Yerevan with our amicable local Armenian guide.

She will provide any additional information needed for your upcoming Self Drive Tour.

On the second day at 9:00 am, the SUV rental car, complete with insurance and a full tank of fuel, is delivered to you.

Kindly ensure to return the rental vehicle on the 7th day with a full fuel tank.

Finally, your transport back to the airport from the hotel is organized on the 8th day.

  • Not recommended for travelers with altitude problems. You travel on altitudes between 900 and 2400 meters.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.0
(1 Rating)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Anastasiav993
Jul 30, 2023
Adventurous self-drive and 4WD tour - We did this self-drive tour in Armenia and can highly recommend it. While knowledge of the Russian or Armenian language is extremely helpful, it is possible to get by with English. In addition to Armenian monasteries/churches we saw an old Soviet-era telescope, a canyon of basalt columns, an abandoned village in caves on a cliffside, a cemetery full of old khatchkar, a Greek style temple, and enjoyed dinner with an Armenian family. The car we were given was old and scratched up, but that was just fine by us. It was a 4WD vehicle and we took it off roading. We drove up steep dirt roads to churches, and hiked to some. Armenian food is heavy but tasty... also salty. The churches were quite different and most we were able to be there without too many other tourists there at the same time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 5 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today