Classic Armenia
Suggested Itinerary
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10 Days From $2,373
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.
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.
Under the towering gaze of Mount Ararat you will have a chance to explore Yerevan, the Armenian capital, and its surrounding treasures including Echmiadsin, the spiritual home of the Armenian Church. You’ll visit the important monastic settings of Khor Virap and Noravank, explore the cave village of Khondzoresk and take the longest cable car ride in the world to Tatev Monastery.
Crossing the ancient Selim Pass, you then head into the gorges and valleys to seek out the hidden monastery of Haghartsin, before paying visits to Gyumri and Amberd, site of one of the finest preserved fortresses in the country. Throughout your journey you will have the opportunity to meet local chefs, musicians and historians, all of which will give you a greater insight into Armenia’s fascinating history and culture.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Drive over the 2400m-high Selim Pass and visit the Selim Cavaranserai, an old relic from the Silk Road
- Visit the cave village of Khondzoresk, home to more than 400 ancient dwellings
- Discover the beauty of Armenia’s historic monasteries, hidden in remote valleys and gorges
- Meet a duduk musician who will perform for you in the atmospheric Garni temple
- Visit a small wool factory dedicated to teaching local women wool spinning, washing and carpet making
- Enjoy a traditional cooking masterclass in the home of an Armenian television celebrity
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.
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.
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.
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.
DAY 4: YEREVAN - KHOR VIRAB - ARENI - NORAVANK - GORIS
DAY 4: YEREVAN - KHOR VIRAB - ARENI - NORAVANK - GORIS
This morning depart Yerevan and first of all 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Mirhav Hotel, Goris
Mirhav Hotel is a centrally located, newly built hotel designed according to Goris' traditional architectural style. Its nineteen rooms are simply but stylishly furnished with local carpets and furniture. All are a good size with an en-suite shower room, and some have balconies overlooking the tree lined streets of Goris. The hotel has its own restaurant with a large pleasant garden overlooking the river and it is centrally located for nearby amenities. It comes recommended as one of the best hotels in the region.
Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel, Yerevan
Close to the centre of Yerevan, this newly opened hotel has the delightful blend of modern and traditional Armenian decor that the Tufenkian brand does so well. Rooms are a good size and are decorated in natural colours with each offering modern amenities and many with panoramic city views. The large open plan lobby opens in to a restaurant and bar and another restaurant will open next door.
B&B Armenia, Dilijan
Stay at the B&B Armenia in Dilijan, known as Armenian Switzerland, popular with skiers and mountain bikers. This three-star bed and breakfast has stunning mountain views which can be enjoyed from the terrace. On top of a terrace, each room has a satellite television, private bathroom and kitchen. The bar, lounge and garden areas are shared, and a continental and vegetarian breakfast is served in the morning in the main building. Bike hire is available from the property.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
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.
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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.
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Natalie is our Causcaus expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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