Highlights of Armenia

Overview:

2025 Departure Dates: 

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Yerevan

Upon arrival at Zvartnoc Airport in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, you will be transferred to the hotel.

Day 2: Yerevan City tour

Breakfast at the hotel. We will start the tour with the tour in the capital of Armenia: Yerevan. For ages this city has been known as a “pink city” because of the color of the stone it has been built with. So we will visit Republic square, Mashtoc Avenue, the House of Opera and Ballet after Aram Khachatryan, the park “Cascade”.

Visit Vernissage; a vibrant open-air market and cultural phenomenon located in the heart of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.  Vernissage gathers local artists, craftsmen, and vendors who display and sell a diverse array of handmade crafts, traditional Armenian art, souvenirs, jewellery, carpets, ceramics, and other unique items.

Visit fruit market "Gum": One of the most vivid places in Yerevan is Gum Market near the Tashir trading center, which opened during former the Soviet Union years. It operates every day from morning until late evening. Here you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, spices, many types of dried fruits, cheeses, traditional Armenian bread (lavash), pickles, and more.

Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 3: Yerevan - Symphony of Stones - Geghard - Yerevan

Breakfast at hotel before starting today's adventure.

Garni Temple: Take trip to Garni. This Pagan Temple was built in the 1st century AD. It is the only temple that has been preserves from the Pagan times in Armenia. It was devoted to the god Mihr, who was the god of cleanness. In 1679 it was destroyed by earthquake. In the 1975 the Temple was restored.

Symphony of Stones: Drive to the Symphony of Stones,  located near the village of Garni, not far from the ancient Garni Temple. It is a stunning basalt rock formation that has been shaped by nature over centuries. The rocks in the gorge have taken on various columnar shapes, resembling a natural orchestra of standing stones, which has led to the name "Symphony of Stones".

Lunch at the local house - Abelyan house

Afterwards we will visit a local house for lunch where you will have the chance to see and participate in the preparation of Armenian national bread: lavash. It is very thin, usually sold in very large forms. It is usually cooked in a ground oven: “tonir''. In 2015 it has been inscribed in UNESCO Heritage list. Here we will enjoy the “Armenian fast food” with lavash and cheese.

Geghard Monastery: Then we will continue our trip to Geghard Monastery. Its name came from the legendary lance that was used to pierce the body of Christ. It has been kept here for centuries. Though the exact foundation of the monastery is unknown, the present complex was built in the mid – 13th century.

Return to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 4: Yerevan - Khor Virap - Areni - Noravank - Momik Winery - Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel.

Khor Virap: Take trip to Khor Virap Monastery (4-18th cc.). This monastery is very prominent because of its history; Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia, has been imprisoned there about 13 years as at that time there was a prison in the place of the monastery. Here we can enjoy the spectacular view of the sacred Ararat Mountain - an immortal symbol of Armenia.

Noravank: We will continue our tour to Noravank - a monastery of XII century situated among amazing sheer rocks on the bench of a twisty gorge. This is the only monastery where we may find a unique sculpture of Father God.

Areni Cave: Continue the tour to Areni Village and Areni Cave. The cave consists of 3 rooms, most of which are not yet explored. During the studies of the cave, metal knives, fruit seeds, grain residues, rope, pottery, clothing, grapes and dried plums attributed to the years 4200-3500 BC were found. The oldest leather shoe in the world (which is more than 5500 years old) was found here. Here has been found the cellar which is considered to be the oldest cellar in the world (dating back over 6000 years ago).

Momik Winery: Visit  Momik winery tasting of local wines  and  a stop for lunch just in the vineyards.

Return to Yerevan for overnight stay. 

Day 5: Yerevan - Sevan - Noraduz - Dilijan - Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel.

Sevan: We will drive to Lake Sevan which is one of the largest lakes in the world. It stands out with its sweet and astonishingly blue water. Here you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful lake. Then we will visit Sevanavank Monastery which is situated on Sevan Peninsula. There were two Monasteries but only one survives and dates back to the 10th Century.

Noratus: Visit Noratus; a village located on the western shore of Lake Sevan in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. It is particularly known for its historic cemetery, Noratus Cemetery, which is one of the largest collections of Armenian khachkars (cross-stones) in the country. 

Mikaelyan's cheese farm: Our next stop is Mikaelyan Family Farm, where the unique Armenian cheese has been producing for several years by Mikaelyan's family. This family-run company is specialized in the production of wine-cheese, cognac-cheese, “horac” and parmesan-type cheeses.

Dilijan: Then we will drive to Dilijan. Walking along the Sharamberyan Street we will come across with many museums, souvenirs’ markets, small shops. We will also pass two traditional houses built of wood, with tiled roofs and balconies with meticulously carved being typical examples of Dilijan.

Return to Yerevan.

Day 6:  Yerevan - Zvartnots - Echmiadzin - Yazidi Temple - Yerevan

Breakfast at the hotel.

Ejmiatsin Cathedral - Zvartnots Cathedral: We will start the excursion to centuries-old monuments Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots. These sites are listed on UNESCO World Heritage list. The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin, founded in 303, is the official residence of the Catholics of Armenia. Echmiadzin is a sacred place for Armenian people and a spiritual heart of Armenian Apostolic Church. We’ll continue the trip to Zvartnots Temple, which was built on 7th century by Nerses Builder. Currently there are only ruins of Zvartnots, but which has not lost its mystery over the years.

Yezidi Ziarat Temple of Aknalich: Visit Yezidi temple "Ziarat of Aknalich". This temple is the biggest Yezidi temple in the world. Since ancient times, the Yezidis -biggest minority in Armenia - have been engaged in cattle breeding on the Caucasian plateau. Yezidis have guarded their religion for nearly three millennia. The Yezidi do not have a Holy Book and their religion is based on the knowledge of their priests. The right to become a priest is recognized after having achieved sufficient knowledge.

Return to Yerevan.

Day 7: Choice of optional tours: 

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have a choice of two tours. Please let you specialist know which one you'd prefer:

Optional Tour 1: Gyumri- Amberd-Alphabet Park 

Transfer to the city of Gyumri. This city has changed its name several times throughout its long history: initially it was called Kumayri, then Alexandropol, then in the Soviet era Leninakan and finally Gyumri. The city is the second largest in Armenia, it is located on the banks of the Akhurian River and is about 120 km from Yerevan. It is the capital of the Shirak province. Departure to the Aragatsotn region. Lunch in a local house and tasting of homemade wine. Visit to the Alphabet Park. Departure to the Amberd fortress and church. The medieval Amberd fortress (7th-13th centuries AD) is built on the southern slope of Mount Aragats (4091 meters above sea level).

Optional Tour 2: Sanahin-Haghpat 

Visit Sanahin Monastery, which is an ancient Armenian monastery complex located in the Lori Province of Armenia. Founded in the 10th century, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, intricate khachkars (cross-stones), and a rich history of scholarly and cultural contributions.

Continue to Haghpat Monastery, situated in the Lori Province of Armenia, is a medieval religious complex dating back to the 10th century. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monastery features impressive ecclesiastical architecture, intricate stone carvings, and a unique fusion of Armenian religious art. 

Today's excursion will take you to the Pagan Temple of Garni, built in the 1st century AD. The Temple was a devotion to the God of cleanness, Mihr. After its destruction in 1679 due to an earthquake, it was beautifully restored in 1975. You will then continue to Geghard Monastery, built in the 13th century. You will then have the chance to make the national Armenian bread, lavash, at a local house. This delicacy is even on the UNESCO Heritage list. After preparing it you will eat this type of Armenian fast food with local cheese for lunch, before returning to Yerevan for your last night in this amazing country.

Day 8: Departure from Yerevan

If returning to the UK, the flight home may be in the early hours. A transfer is included and you can request a breakfast box from the hotel.

Package Includes:

• Return flights between London and Yerevan (other airports available upon request)
• Airport transfers in Yerevan 
• 7 nights' accommodation in Yerevan - Ani Central Inn 4* or similar
• Daily breakfast 
• 2 x lunches 
• 1 x dinner
• Professional English speaking guide service during the tour
• Transportion throughout the tour 
• All excursions and entrance fees to monuments as indicated in the itinerary
• One of the optional tours on Day 7
• Masterclass on Lavash preparation
• Wine tasting
• Cheese tasting

• 24 hour emergency service
• ATOL protection
• All taxes