Classic Armenia

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

Set amongst the mountains of the Southern Caucasus, Armenia lies at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. Often overlooked, this little visited nation-state can boast an impressive lineage and a tragic history. The first country in the world to adopt the new Christian religion, its mountains are filled with a dazzling wealth of churches, monasteries and rock-cut chapels.

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

Day 1 ARRIVE YEREVAN

Day 1 ARRIVE YEREVAN

On arrival into Yerevan you will be greeted by your Wild Frontiers representative and transferred directly to your hotel for check in.

Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel

Day 2 YEREVAN

Day 2 YEREVAN

Spend the day exploring the Armenian capital, a city whose history stretches back to before the founding of Rome. See, among other things, the Matenadaran Manuscripts Museum - a huge depository of ancient manuscripts, the Memorial of the 1915 genocide, and the old Urartian Fortress of Erebuni, the first capital of Armenia. The Blue Mosque makes an interesting visit in this Christian country and the doors to the brandy distillery are open to all visitors interested in trying for themselves this popular local tipple, famous for being Winston Churchill’s favourite drink.

Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel
Breakfast

Day 3 ETCHMIADZIN, ZVARTNOC AND PARAKAR WITH COOKING CLASS

Day 3 ETCHMIADZIN, ZVARTNOC AND PARAKAR WITH COOKING CLASS

Today is a full day's excursion to some of the most important sites surrounding Yerevan. Start with a visit to Echmiadsin, the spiritual home of the Armenian Church, before continuing on to the ruins of the glorious 7th century Zvartnots Cathedral. From here you will be welcomed into the local house of an Armenian television celebrity, who will introduce you to some local culinary delights in a cooking masterclass.

Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 YEREVAN - KHOR VIRAB - ARENI - NORAVANK - GORIS

Day 4 YEREVAN - KHOR VIRAB - ARENI - NORAVANK - GORIS

This morning depart Yerevan and visit the monastery of Khor Virap, stunningly located with Mount Ararat towering above it. This was where St Gregory the Illuminator who brought Christianity to Armenia was imprisoned for thirteen years. Next continue to Areni in the heart of Armenia's wine growing region where you will be able to visit a winery and sample some of the local produce. Later visit the Noravank Monastery before arriving to Goris.

Mirhav Hotel
Breakfast

Day 5 TATEV, KHONDZORESK AND AXEL BAKUNTS

Day 5 TATEV, KHONDZORESK AND AXEL BAKUNTS

The first stop today will be one of the highlights of Armenia - Tatev Monastery, which is reached by the longest cable car in the world. You will then spend some time at the cave village of Khondzoresk, before discovering the museum of Axel Bakunts, an Armenian writer and public activist who was tragically murdered during Stalin’s 1937 assassinations.

Mirhav Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 GORIS - SELIM - NORATUS - LAKE SEVAN - DILIJAN

Day 6 GORIS - SELIM - NORATUS - LAKE SEVAN - DILIJAN

This morning leave Goris and head towards the ancient Selim Pass. It is a steep walk up to Smbataberd fortress but it is spectacularly located at the southern end of the ridge with steep cliffs on three sides. Continuing on, cross the Selim Pass (2410m) stopping at the Selim Caravanserai - a reminder of the region's role in the Silk Road. Next visit perhaps one of Armenia's most surreal sights - the field of approximately 900 khachkars (carved memorial stones) at Noratus, on the shores of Lake Sevan, before reaching Dilijan.

B&B Armenia
Breakfast

Day 7 HAGHARTSIN, LAKE PARZ AND GOSHAVANK

Day 7 HAGHARTSIN, LAKE PARZ AND GOSHAVANK

Today leave Dilijan and first of all visit the very unique, medieval monastery of Haghartsin, before moving on to Lake Parz, one of Dilijan's most attractive natural sites. Then head to the Monastery of Goshavank (12-13cc), established by Mkhitar Gosh, the famous scientist and author of medieval Armenia.

B&B Armenia
Breakfast

Day 8 DILIJAN - GYUMRI - AMBERD - YEREVAN

Day 8 DILIJAN - GYUMRI - AMBERD - YEREVAN

This morning depart Dilijan and visit Gyumri, the second largest city in Armenia famous for its poets, writers and composers. Here you can visit its museum and also the 7th century monastery of Harich, as well as a local brewery to gain an insight into the historical roots of beer production in the region. Afterwards continue onto Amberd, one of the best-preserved fortresses in Armenia before arriving in Yerevan.

Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel
Breakfast

Day 9 GARNI AND GEGHARD EXCURSION

Day 9 GARNI AND GEGHARD EXCURSION

Your final day of explorations will first take you through a scenic route into the mountains to visit the pagan temple of Garni, dating back to the 1st century AD. Here you will meet a duduk musician who will give you a beautiful performance within the atmospheric Garni temple and tell you more about Armenia’s national instrument, called “duduk”. Continue to Geghard Cave Monastery, which consists of the "Mother of God" Cathedral and two chapels carved deep into the rock. Complete the morning with a bread making masterclass in the company of a local expert who will teach you about Armenia’s national bread, called “lavash”.

Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 DEPART YEREVAN

Day 10 DEPART YEREVAN

Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED

10 days from £1,950

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 4502 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the expert, Natalie

Natalie is our Causcaus expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Natalie by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258

Armenia has such a wonderful feel to it; a resilient, charming and peaceful country with plenty of activities to interact with locals - their welcome and warmth will definitely make your trip

OTHER ITINERARIES IN ARMENIA