A 10-day journey through the treasures of Armenia

A 10-day journey through the treasures of Armenia

Discover Armenia with this private journey. We relieve you completely so that you can get the most out of your journey. Contact with locals, activities, culture, nature and history. That is what this journey stands for.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Armenia

Pass By: Hotel Silachi in Yerevan, Armenia, 20 Tigran Mets Avenue, 20/2 building, Երևան 0018, Armenia
You arrive at night or during the day at Zvartnots International Airport in Armenia. At the airport you will be met by our local representative. Our local representative will guide you to the centrally located hotel.


Stop At: Yerevan, Yerevan
Yerevan city tour.

Tour through "The Pink City" where you will see the Republic Square - one of the ten most beautiful squares in the world, Opera House, National Assembly, National Academy of Sciences and Lovers park.

At 2800 years, Yerevan is one of the oldest cities in the world, but you will soon find that you have now landed in a modernized, vibrant city. Decorated with inviting squares, beautiful museums, galleries, many theaters, universities, restaurants, cafés and parks. Walk up the Cascade to "Mayr Hayastan" for a beautiful panoramic view of Yerevan.

Visit 'Vernissage' - a center for contemporary art and culture - and the well-known Gum market for a variety of fresh, dried and marinated fruit and vegetables. Due to the climate of Armenia, fruit tastes much juicier and sweeter than the fruit you are used to in the Netherlands. You will also find many different types of fruit on the market that are not available in the Netherlands.

A cognac excursion is planned at the end of the day. Experience the process of producing cognac yourself at the Ararat Brandy Company and taste the delicious and famous Armenian cognac here. Armenia is known for its high quality cognac. It is the pride of Armenians, no party goes by without a bottle of cognac.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Silachi hotel Yerevan

Day 2: Yerevan - Geghard - Garni - Yerevan

Stop At: The Monastery of Geghard, Geghard Armenia
On the way to Geghard you make a short stop at "Charents Arch". From here you have a breathtaking view over the Ararat valley and the Ararat mountain.

Continue to the Geghard Monastery. That is also known as the wonder of Armenian architecture that was built in the 13th century. Hundreds of Khachkars (cross stones) and caves have been built in the rocks around the monastery. It is a unique complex of cave structures, situated in a picturesque valley. You will hear a beautiful choir in the monastery.

The Geghard Monastery is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery Road H3, Garni Armenia
Continue to the Pagan Temple of Garni. The temple was built in 77 AD and is the only Hellenistic temple in the country. View the "Temple of the Sun" and the ancient royal baths, situated on the edge of the picturesque valley. The details of this temple demonstrate the high degree of development of sculpture in Armenia.

After your visit to the Temple of Garni you will visit locals for a master class to bake Armenian bread. This bread is also called lavash. View the baking process of the bread and help yourself.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Matenadaran - The Museum of Ancient Manuscripts, Mashots Av 53, Yerevan 0013 Armenia
Be the last to visit Matenadaran. Matenadaran is one of the oldest and richest book stores in the world. The collection of around 17,000 manuscripts covers almost all areas of ancient and medieval Armenian culture and sciences. Mashtots Matenadaran Ancient Manuscripts Collection is included in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Silachi hotel Yerevan

Day 3: Yerevan - Khor Virap - Areni - Noravank - Goris

Stop At: Khor Virap, Artashat, Lusarat Armenia
Visit the monastery of Khor Virap in the morning. Khor Virap is one of the shrines of the Armenian Apostolic Church and a place of pilgrimage. At this monastery you are the closest to Mount Ararat from Armenia. The beautiful view makes it seem like you are standing at the foot of the mountain.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Areni, Areni, Vayots Dzor Province
After this you continue to the famous Areni Wine Factory in Areni for a wine excursion. Sample delicious Armenian wines here and visit the world's first winery in the Areni-1 cave. Areni is known for its rich vineyards.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Noravank Monastery, Areni Armenia
Finally you visit a beautiful monastery from the 12th century, called the monastery of Noravank. Noravank is also referred to as a masterpiece with its unique architectural solutions and design. The surrounding landscape of red-colored rock completes the picture.
Duration: 45 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Mirhav Hotel Goris

Day 4: Goris - Tatev - Khndzoresk - Shaki - Goris

Stop At: Tatev Monastery, Tatev Armenia
You start the day with a visit to the medieval monastery of Tatev that dates from the 9th century. In the Middle Ages this was one of the most famous spiritual and educational centers. You take the longest cable car in the world that is 5.7 km long to get to the monastery. During the ride you enjoy the spectacular view of the breathtaking valleys and mountains surrounding the old Tatev monastery. It is one of the most spectacular moments that you will experience during your trip. Nature here is both mysterious and wonderful.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Khndzoresk Swinging Bridge, M12, Yerevan 0032 Armenia
Then travel to one of the most interesting sights of Armenia, Khndzoresk. Khndzoresk is a cave village located on the steep slope of a gorge. The village has man-made and natural caves and the houses are carved around each other in such a way that a system of ropes and ladders was needed to navigate through the community. To reach the caves you have to cross a 160 meter long suspension bridge that is 36 meters above the ground.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Shaki Waterfall, Sisian Armenia
Then visit the beautiful Shaki waterfall. Located in the southern part of Armenia, close to Sisian. The waterfall can be found in one of the nicest and most beautiful corners of Syunik.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Mirhav Hotel Goris

Day 5: Goris - Selim pass - Sevan

Stop At: Selim Caravanserai, Vardenyats Pass, Aghnjadzor Armenia
Visit the Selim Pass. The road passes through the Vardenyats passage, famous for its beautiful nature and the Orbelyan caravanserai.
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Lake Sevan, Lake Sevan, Gegharkunik Province
Continue on to the blue pearl of Armenia called Lake Sevan. It is the largest lake in the country and one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world with an altitude of 1950 meters above sea level. Nearly 28 rivers and streams flow to Lake Sevan. Sevan is famous for its many delicious fish species. Also visit the monastery Sevanank, built in the year 874 AD and located on the peninsula of Lake Sevan.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Best Western Bohemian Resort Sevan

Day 6: Sevan - Dilidjan - Jukhtak - Matosavank - Alaverdi

Stop At: Dilijan, Armenia
Visit the forested resort of Dilidjan. Dilidjan is called "Little Switzerland of Armenia" because of its beauty. The warm sun, fresh air and natural spas have a healing influence on people. Walk along one of the most beautiful and oldest streets in Dilidjan. Visit the Haghartsin monastery. The Haghartsin Monastery in the forests of the Tavush region represents an indescribable example of a combination of nature and architecture. It was founded in the 10-11th century, although new buildings were added in the 12-13th century. It consists of 3 churches and a few other buildings. The huge oak tree, almost at the age of the monastery, completes the whole scene.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Jukhtakvank Monastery, Abovyan Street, Dilijan Armenia
You continue walking to the Jukhtak Monastery, located 3 km away from Dilidjan. Also visit the St. Grigor church here. The half-destroyed Matosavank monastery from the 13th century is located near the Jukhtak monastery. The monastery can be found deep in the forested area of the Dilidjan National Park.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Gayane Hotel Alaverdi

Day 7: Alaverdi - Haghpat - Sanahin - Alaverdi

Stop At: Monastery of Sanahin, Alaverdi 1705 Armenia
Visit the monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat. These monasteries are within walking distance of each other. Numerous valuable manuscripts and miniature paintings have been produced in Haghpat's scriptorium for many centuries. In the 18th century, the famous Armenian singer Sayat-Nova lived in this monastery. The Sanahin Monastery is located on the right bank of the Debed River. This architectural complex consists of different churches, a seminar and a book storage place. Both monasteries are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Gayane Hotel Alaverdi

Day 8: Alaverdi - Amberd - Byurakan - Yerevan

Stop At: Mount Aragats, Aragats Road Armenia
This day will take place on the mountain Aragats, the highest mountain in Armenia (4090 meters). First walk to Fort Amberd, which means "fort in the clouds". The fort is located at 2,300 meters above sea level on Mount Aragats. Then visit Tonacuyc National Theater on Byurakan, where you will become acquainted with Armenian traditions and customs through dance and songs.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Yerevan, Yerevan
In the evening you are free to enjoy the lively city of Yerevan.

Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Silachi Yerevan

Day 9: Yerevan - Echmiadzin - Zvartnots - Yerevan

Stop At: The Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots, Manushyan St, Vagharshapat Armenia
In the year 301 AD, Armenia was the first country in the world to accept Christianity as a state religion. You travel further and visit Echmiadzin, the spiritual and administrative center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Visit the pearls from Armenian architecture, one of which is the church of Saint Gayane. You will also visit the world's first Christian cathedral built in the year 303 AD. This cathedral is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Excursion to the unique museum of the Echmiadzin Cathedral.

The ruins of the Zvartnots temple, which was built in the 7th century, are 5 km away from Etsjmiadzin. In the 10th century the temple collapsed due to an earthquake. Zvartnots is a three-part dome construction with striking elevation and is considered to be one of the wonders of Armenian architecture. The temple is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Silachi Yerevan

Day 10: Departure home

Stop At: Zvartnots International Airport, Yerevan, Armenia
Your trip to the most beautiful sights of Armenia is coming to an end today. You will be taken to the airport for your return flight. We hope you enjoyed this journey full of history, culture and overwhelming nature. We hope to see you again soon!
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Silachi Yerevan