Armenia Tours
Discover Armenia
A journey through the heart of Armenia, from bustling Yerevan to the serene shores of Lake Sevan and the breathtaking Khor Virap and Geghard monasteries.
Tour Overview
This tour will take you on a journey through the heart of this ancient and fascinating country. You'll visit the bustling capital city of Yerevan, the serene shores of Lake Sevan, the awe-inspiring Echmiadzin Cathedral, and the breathtaking Khor Virap and Geghard monasteries.
Armenia's modern and vibrant capital, Yerevan is a city of contrasts. Old meets new in its bustling streets, where ancient ruins and modern skyscrapers stand side by side. You'll start your tour with a visit to Republic Square, the heart of the city and home to some of its most iconic landmarks. Next, you'll head to the idyllic Lake Sevan, Armenia's largest lake and one of the highest lakes in the world. Here, you'll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and crystal-clear waters, and have the opportunity to visit the Sevanavank Monastery, a 9th-century monastery perched on a peninsula overlooking the lake.
Echmiadzin Cathedral is the spiritual centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church and one of the oldest Christian cathedrals in the world. Built in the 4th century, the cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for any visitor to Armenia. During your visit, you'll have the chance to explore the cathedral's impressive architecture and learn about its rich history.
Any tour to Armenia must visit the Khor Virap Monastery. Located on the Ararat Plain, it has stunning views of Mount Ararat, the sacred mountain of the Armenian people. The monastery is also home to the Khor Virap dungeon, where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years. Geghard Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive cave monasteries in the world, carved into the hillside and home to several beautiful churches and chapels.
Throughout this short tour of Armenia, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Armenia's rich history and culture, from its ancient past to its vibrant present. You'll also have the chance to sample delicious Armenian cuisine, meet friendly locals, and create unforgettable memories.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Armenia
On arrival at Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, you will be met by our representative and then transfer to the hotel for your first night in Armenia.
Overnight in Ani Plaza Hotel, Yerevan
DAY 2
Yerevan
We will start our tour of Yerevan in Republic Square, a masterpiece of architecture by Alexander Tamanian. Then, we will go to the Cascade Complex, an open-air museum of modern art, connecting downtown with Victory Park and the monument to Mother Armenia. Our next stop is the Opera House, with Freedom Square just behind it, before lunch at a local restaurant. After a short break, we visit the Matenadaran, home to historic manuscripts including the first copy of the Armenian Bible, and finally the famous Yerevan Brandy Factory, founded in 1887, with its own bar and tasting room.
Overnight in Ani Plaza Hotel, Yerevan · Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
Sevan, Dilijan & Haghartsin
This morning, after breakfast we will set off to Lake Sevan, Armenia's emerald and the second largest alpine lake in the world, with plenty of time to admire the picturesque views. We continue north to the spectacular forested region of Dilijan, a resort town known as "Armenian Switzerland," with quaint streets lined with well-preserved 19th-century buildings. We will have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Haghartsin Monastery, located high in the wooded mountains – its oldest building, St. Gregory the Illuminator's Church, was built between the 9th and 10th centuries and was also the site of Armenia's first musical university.
Overnight in Ani Plaza Hotel, Yerevan · Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
Echmiadzin & Zvartnots
Visit Echmiadzin Cathedral, one of the oldest standing churches in Christendom and the Mother Church of all Armenia, built in 303 AD. Then visit the UNESCO-listed remains of Zvartnots Cathedral, a perfect example of 7th century Armenian architecture. We drive to Tasty House for a delicious lunch and a dolma-making lesson, then visit Alluria Winery, a small family-owned winery producing unique wines with traditional methods, followed by the Armenia Wine Factory, a modern winery balancing tradition with new technology – both with tastings included. In the evening, enjoy dinner at Nazani Restaurant.
Overnight in Ani Plaza Hotel, Yerevan · Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
Khor Virap, Garni & Geghard
Take a trip to Khor Virap Monastery, set against the backdrop of biblical Mount Ararat, significant for its connection to Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia. We proceed to the village of Garni, home to the Hellenistic citadel and pagan temple of Garni, built in the first century AD and dedicated to a pagan god, possibly Mithra. Enjoy lunch at a local house in Garni, watching Armenian lavash bread baked in a traditional tonir oven. After lunch, visit Geghard Monastery, another incredible ancient Armenian monastery partly carved out of a mountain, with the chance to witness a duduk performance. We head back to Yerevan for a farewell dinner at Keghar Restaurant, followed by a walk around Vernissage, a market of handcrafted goods and trinkets.
Overnight in Ani Plaza Hotel, Yerevan · Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
Departure from Armenia
The day is free to relax or explore until, at a suitable time, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight from Yerevan.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
5 nights accommodation as described throughout the tour
Professional English speaking guide
Transportation (vehicle type will depend on the group size)
Wine tasting and entrance fees (museums are closed on Mondays and on public holidays)
Meals as described in the itinerary – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
1 bottle of water per person per day
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Drinks at meals not mentioned
Any photography and video fees
Items of a personal nature
Tips for drivers and guides
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Price & Availability
This is a private tour and can be arranged for any departure date. The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather conditions, and can be tailor-made to your exact requirements.
From £1,395 per person
Based on two people travelling and sharing a room. £175 single supplement.
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Armenia.
Your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months from the date you arrive in Armenia. British citizen passport holders can stay in Armenia without a visa for up to 180 days per year.
It is advisable to carry a photocopy of your passport as identification at all times. The use, possession or trade of illegal drugs (including marijuana, CBD and THC products) carries stiff penalties, including long prison terms, even where used or prescribed for medical purposes elsewhere. Homosexuality was decriminalised in 2003 but is still viewed with disapproval by many Armenians, and LGBT+ people tend to be discreet about their sexuality. Don't photograph military bases, equipment or installations – these are considered sensitive areas.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. The reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and Armenia terminated in 2016, and medical facilities are generally poor outside Yerevan, so make sure you have adequate travel health insurance. For emergency medical assistance, dial 103 and ask for an ambulance.
What to Bring
Lightweight, casual, non-synthetic clothing (cotton and natural fibres are best) which appropriately covers the body when in the company of local communities – please understand local customs and religious requirements relating to dress codes. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it needs to be respectful. Walking shoes or boots and sandals are the ideal footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack – you're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself; a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, suncream, a torch, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, a power adapter for phones and laptops, and earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
While You're There
The Armenian currency is the dram (AMD). Cash can be changed at banks and exchange bureaux – British pounds may be less readily accepted outside Yerevan than US dollars or euros. Most major credit cards and UK debit cards are accepted in Yerevan but far less so outside the capital, though there are many ATMs in the city accepting Maestro/Cirrus or Visa cards.
The best time to visit the Caucasus is generally spring or autumn – Georgia's Greater Caucasus Mountain range is closed to visitors (except skiers) from November to April. July and August are the hottest months in the cities, so spring (when valleys fill with wildflowers) or autumn (when weather is slightly more reliable) are ideal. Electrical supply is 220V/50Hz, with two round-pin plugs.
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