Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
A Classic Tour of Armenia Monasteries, Monuments and Mountains
Armenia - Yerevan - Goris - Dilijan
Begin in Yerevan, the country’s buzzing capital. Here, you’ll be immersed in Armenia’s past and present with visits to dazzling squares, pretty parks and bustling markets, as well as a trip to the Sardarapat Memorial, built to commemorate Armenia’s victory against the Turks in 1918.
Then, it’s onto Goris – but not before taking in some temples en route. Once you arrive, it’s time for two days of hiking and scenic views before you set your sights on Dilijan, stopping at Lake Sevan for even more Instagram-worthy landscapes along the way.
Round off your trip with a hike up Mount Dimas and a visit to Garni, where you can take in the vast Symphony of Stones and watch traditional lavash bread being baked in a clay oven. Then, it’s back to Yerevan – via one final monastery for good measure – for an overnight stay before you return home, armed with a pretty impressive camera roll and a newfound knowledge of this underrated gem.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Passports at the ready: your classic tour of Armenia begins today. Head to the airport, speed through security and spend some time relaxing in the lounge before boarding your seven-and-a-half-hour flight to Yerevan, connecting through Paris.
When you land, you'll be met and privately transferred to your hotel, just a short drive away in the city centre. Check in, drop your bags and spend the evening settling in with a delicious meal before heading up to bed for an early night – the real exploring begins tomorrow.
After a leisurely breakfast, kick off your Armenia trip in style with a tour of the country's buzzing capital, Yerevan. Overflowing with flower-filled parks, tree-lined shopping avenues and trendy jazz bars, there’s a lot to love about this city.
Meet your guide and begin in Republic Square, designed by Alexander Tamanian as Yerevan’s centrepiece. Then, it’s onto the Cascade Complex, an open-air art museum complete with a sprawling stairway and fantastic views.
After snapping a few scenic shots, wander down the staircase to Victory Park, where a towering statue of Mother Armenia guards the city from above. Then, visit the Opera House before a quick stop in Freedom Square – the perfect place to refuel with a cup of coffee.
Later, step back in time at the History Museum of Armenia, which reveals the country’s heritage through a collection of over 400,000 objects, before ending the day at Vernissage Market, lined with rows of handcrafted goods and fresh herbs. Time for a spot of souvenir shopping…
After a hearty breakfast, meet your driver-guide for another jam-packed day of history and culture.
Begin at the Sardarapat Memorial, an architectural complex designed to honour the Armenian victory over the Turks in the 1918 Battle of Sardarapat. The main monuments here are the impressive tomb bell tower and large grave, flanked by sculptures of winged bulls that symbolise those who survived and watch over those who didn’t.
Then, continue to Echmiadzin Cathedral. Built in 303AD, Echmiadzin is the spiritual centre of Armenia, symbolising the country’s transition from paganism to Christianity. Take in its ancient exhibits and architecture before continuing on to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, a seventh-century gem offering views over Mount Ararat.
Finish the day in Musaler, where you’ll visit a local home for a cooking class. After learning how to prepare traditional Armenian sujuk (walnuts coated in sweet molasses) and gata (a buttery cake), sit down for a tasting, complete with steaming mugs of tea and local stories told by your host.
Wave goodbye to Yerevan and grab your bags this morning as you meet your driver-guide for the journey to Goris via the Vayots Dzor region, Armenia's agricultural heartland.
First on the agenda is the Khor Virap Monastery. Set within the spectacular Ararat Valley and backdropped by Mount Ararat, this monastery is famous as the site where St. Gregory the Illuminator – known for introducing Christianity to Armenia – was imprisoned for 14 years. Be sure to snap plenty of shots of its cinematic surroundings as your guide fills you in on its rich religious and cultural history.
Then, continue to Noravank Monastery, nestled between rocky mountains and red cliffs. As your guide regales you with tales of the site, which dates back to the 12th century, admire its intricate details and carvings – an ornate contrast to its rustic surroundings.
Suitably wowed, hop back in the car and head to Goris, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights.
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast and lace up your walking boots this morning as you set off for a guided hike in Khndzoresk, a historic cave village known for its dramatic landscapes. Set in the Vorotan River gorge and surrounded by steep cliffs and striking rock formations, this village is famous for the ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock, as well as remnants of medieval fortifications and churches.
Once you’ve racked up an impressive step count, hop aboard a cable car to reach the remote monastic complex of Tatev, an architectural masterpiece dating from the ninth century. Often referred to as 'the monastery built on the edge of nothing', Tatev stands scenically on the edge of a deep gorge – cameras at the ready…
Come evening, head back to your hotel for a tasty dinner and a peaceful evening. Goris dolma (bean leaves stuffed with meat and vegetables), anyone?
Today, leave Goris in the rearview as you’re driven along the Selim Pass into the mountains. After soaking in the dramatic scenery, stop at Orbelian's Caravanserai, an inn built in 1332 by Prince Chesar Orbelian and an important stop along the Silk Road trade route.
Then, head to Lake Sevan, which offers picturesque views (and an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity). If the weather allows, you could also set off on a relaxing boat trip across the lake, taking in its rich ecosystem and scenic shores.
Finally, continue north to the forest-surrounded village of Dilijan, known as the 'Little Switzerland' of Armenia. Dilijan is chock-full of quaint streets lined with 19th-century buildings, museums, shops and cafés, so take the opportunity to visit a ceramics workshop and woodcarver’s studio before heading to your hotel for a tasty dinner and well-deserved rest.
Bucket lists at the ready: today, you’ll be hiking Mount Dimats, considered one of the Tavush Province’s most picturesque peaks.
Alongside an expert guide, begin from the road leading to Haghartsin Monastery, winding through lush meadows dotted with pretty wildflowers. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the Aghstev Valley and Ijevan Range, as well as a tasty picnic lunch in the fresh mountain air (yes, please).
All tired out, head back to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon of admiring your now-full camera roll or diving into your holiday read.
Grab your bags, check out and meet your guide for one last day of exploring.
First up is the village of Garni, home to an impressive first-century temple. Here, you can visit the Symphony of Stones, a natural monument formed by collapsing volcanic rock. Wander among striking basalt columns, which rise up to over 160ft high and resemble the pipes of a giant organ.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to a local home, where you can watch traditional lavash bread being baked in an underground clay oven before tucking into a lavish (get it?) feast.
Finally, head northeast to the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery. Translating to ‘Monastery of the Spear’, the spectacular structure is named after the lance that pierced Christ during his Crucifixion, which was once believed to be housed here.
Continue to Yerevan, your home for the night. Then, head out for dinner in a local restaurant – our clued-up Concierge can recommend the perfect place to toast to your trip.
It’s sadly time for your classic Armenia trip to come to an end. This morning, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your early flight back to the UK via Paris. All in all, the journey will take around eight hours, and you’ll touch down in the early afternoon, ready to regale your friends and family with tales of this underrated gem.
Why visit Armenia with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Armenia
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
