Arrival

Yerevan - Arrive at Zvartnots International Airport and transfer to the hotel in Yerevan.

Yerevan - City Tour

Yerevan - Begin the journey in Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, famously known as the “pink city” due to the unique color of its stone. Visit Republic Square, Mashtots Avenue, the Aram Khachatryan Opera House, and the Cascade complex. Continue with a visit to the Matenadaran, the renowned museum of manuscripts. The tour proceeds to the Armenian Genocide Memorial Museum, Tsitsernakaberd. Overnight stay in Yerevan.

YEREVAN - GARNI – SYMPHONY OF STONES - GEGHARD - YEREVAN

Garni - Travel to Garni (approximately 30 km from Yerevan), a significant site of Hellenistic and Roman culture in Armenia, and the ancient royal residence of the Arshakuni dynasty. Visit the magnificent Garni Temple, dedicated to the Sun God Mihr, a rare example of preserved pagan architecture in Armenia. Built in the 1st century AD, this temple symbolizes the blend of Armenian culture and Greco-Roman influence.
Vahagn and Astghik Waterfalls - Begin the walk to the waterfalls, set in a stunning natural landscape. These waterfalls are named after two prominent figures in Armenian mythology.
• Length: 21 km
• Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours (excluding rest, meals, and travel by SUV or horseback)
• Difficulty level: medium
• Minimum elevation: 1,291 meters
• Average altitude: 1,549 meters
• Maximum elevation: 1,945 meters (6,381 feet)
• Maximum gradient: 32.7%-32.6%

The Monastery of Geghard - Continue to Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its extraordinary spirituality and beauty. The monastery’s name, meaning “monastery of the spear,” is associated with the spear that, according to tradition, pierced Christ’s body during the crucifixion. Nestled in a spectacular canyon carved into volcanic tuff, the monastery is partly hewn into the rock and exemplifies medieval Armenian architecture. Tradition dates the complex to the 4th century, but most structures visible today are from the 12th-13th centuries. Overnight stay in Yerevan.

YEREVAN – KHOR VIRAP – AMAGHU - NORAVANK – KARAHUNJ – GORIS

Noravank Monastery - Khor Virap Monastery - photo stop
Travel to the Ararat region to visit the impressive Khor Virap Monastery, a significant pilgrimage site in Armenia, also noted for Pope John Paul II’s visit. From the monastery, enjoy a breathtaking view of the biblical Mount Ararat, a symbol of Armenia, dominating the region with its majestic presence.
Amaghu - Noravank
The trek begins from Nor Amaghu village (Vayots Dzor region) and leads to Noravank Monastery (Vayots Dzor region), traversing moderate terrain surrounded by high cliffs and deep gorges. For the last 30 minutes of the trek, walk parallel to the Gnishik River.
Length: 3.5 km
Duration: 2 hours (on foot)
Altitude: min 1390 m, max 1558 m, uphill difference in altitude 187 m

Noravank Monastery - Noravank Monastery
This masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture is perched on the edge of a precipice, surrounded by majestic mountains. Noravank is renowned for its intricately carved stone decorations, including reliefs of elaborate crosses, floral motifs, and holy figures, crafted by the famous architect and sculptor Momik. The monastery, once an important spiritual and cultural center, retains a unique atmosphere and enduring charm, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring this region.

Syunik Province - Karahunj
Karahunj, also known as Zorac Karer, is an archaeological site dating back approximately 3,500 years before Stonehenge and 3,000 years before the Egyptian pyramids. This ancient megalithic complex is located in the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia and consists of large stones arranged in circles, some featuring holes and carvings.

GORIS –TATEV – SHUNHAYR – KHOT - YEGHEGIS

Tatev Monastery - Continue the journey to the Tatev Monastery Complex (9th-13th centuries). Tatev Monastery is one of Armenia’s most important and impressive monastic complexes, known as a significant religious and cultural center since the Middle Ages. Access the monastery via the Tatev cable car, which holds the record for the longest continuous cable car in the world.
Shinuhayr - Khot
Embark on a trek from Shinuhayr village to Khot village (Armenian Machu Picchu). The trek from Shinuhayr village to Khot village is a true adventure, offering exploration of some of Armenia’s most remote and fascinating areas. Khot village, also known as “Armenian Machu Picchu.”
Length– 11 km
Difficulty level – moderate
Duration: 5-7 hours

YEGHEGIS - SMBATABERD - TSAKHAC KAR – SELIM PASS - SEVAN - DILIJAN

Smbataberd Fortress - Smbataberd – Tsakhkac Kar
Start the route from Yeghegis village, first visiting Tsakhats Qar monastery, then continue to Smbataberd fortress, with the final stop at Yeghegis village. This route is renowned for its historical sites and the surrounding area, offering breathtaking views of the mountainous landscape of Vayots Dzor. Smbataberd is one of the Armenian fortresses that has been preserved to this day. Tsakhats Qar monastery (13th century) is nearby. Both are worth visiting.

Length – 10 km
Difficulty level – moderate
Duration – 3.5-4 hours

Selim Caravanserai - Travel the ancient routes once used by travelers on the Great Silk Road. The journey leads to the Selim Caravanserai, a crucial stop for merchants, traders, and travelers over the centuries. Located in Armenia and built in 1332 by order of Prince Chesar Orbelian, this caravanserai is a significant example of medieval architecture along the historic route between East and West. Strategically positioned along the Selim Pass (also known as the Vardenyats Pass), the caravanserai provided a safe haven for traders transporting valuable goods, such as silk, spices, and precious metals, across the Eurasian continent.

Lake Sevan - Depart for Lake Sevan, one of the largest and highest freshwater lakes in the world, situated about 1,900 meters above sea level. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Lake Sevan is often referred to as the “blue pearl” of Armenia for its stunning beauty and crystal-clear waters that mirror the blue skies. Here, enjoy a splendid panorama, admiring the contrast between the turquoise waters of the lake and the surrounding peaks. After taking in this magnificent landscape, head to the Sevan Peninsula, one of the lake’s most iconic areas.

Dilijan - Depart for the city of Dilijan. En route, pass through the city, enjoying a journey through the mountains. Here, breathe deeply the fresh mountain air, filled with natural and revitalizing scents. Dinner at a local restaurant.

DILIJAN - HAGHARTSIN – MOUNT DIMATS- YEREVAN

Haghartsin Monastery - Visit Haghartsin Monastery, a 12th-century monastery near the city of Dilijan in Tavush Province, Armenia. The church is topped with a cone-shaped dome on an octagonal drum. Towards the end of the second half of the 12th century, a small church of blue basalt and porch was added to the temple. In 1244, a small church of St. Stephanos was built, a miniature copy of the main church of St. Gregory.
Mount Dimats
Begin the hike to Mount Dimats from Haghartsin. At the trail’s start, admire the waterfall nestled in the forests of Dilijan. The Ijevan Mountains are distinguished by their unique landscapes. Mount Dimats (2378 m) is located within the Dilijan National Park and is one of the highest points of the Ijevan mountain range. From the summit, enjoy a breathtaking view of the rocky walls of the Ijevan Mountains.
Location: Tavush Province
Length: 20 km
Elevation: 1000 m
Difficulty Level: moderate

YEREVAN - AMBERD - ARAGATS - YEREVAN

Amberd Fortress - Depart for Amberd fortress. The medieval Amberd fortress (7th–13th centuries AD) is situated on the southern slope of Mount Aragats (4091 meters above sea level).
Packed lunch
Mount Aragats
Trek to the southern peak of Mount Aragats (3887 m). Aragats is an extinct volcano, and its eruption resulted in four peaks, the lowest being the southern one. The route starts at Lake Kari, located at an altitude of 3200 m. A rocky path leads to the mountain’s summit. During the hike, from the south, the mysterious Ararat accompanies the trekkers, though it sometimes disappears into the fog. From the summit, there is a beautiful view of the crater and the other three peaks.
Length: 10 km
Duration: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 3887 m
Elevation: 600 m
Difficulty Level: Moderate

Departure

Yerevan - Breakfast and transfer to the airport.

• Professional English speaking guide for all cultural tours
• Eco-conscious water provision in reused plastic bottles
• Full board meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• All entrance fees to monuments included in the tour itinerary
• Comfortable transportation suitable for small or large groups
• Dedicated professional trekking guides for a personalized experience
• Supportive escort car available throughout the tour
• Quality accommodation in double rooms at hotels

• Travel insurance;
• Alcoholic beverages;
• Air Tickets;
• Visits outside the program;
• Other meals not mentioned in the program

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.