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LAND OF SACRED STONES
Armenia, 8 days
Discover hidden gems of Armenia – from the snow-capped silhouette of Mount Ararat to the turquoise waters of Lake Sevan, Armenia offers landscapes of breath-taking contrast. Wander through the lively streets of Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Marvel at the rock-hewn monastery of Geghard, explore the pagan Temple of Garni, and stand among the mysterious stones of Karahunj, Armenia’s prehistoric “Stonehenge.”
This land is a true cultural crossroads, where ancient kingdoms, Silk Road traders, and early Christian saints all left their mark. Travelers are welcomed with legendary Armenian hospitality, where sharing a meal of lavash bread and wine is a timeless tradition. Armenia is considered safe for visitors, with tourism being an important and growing part of national pride.
Currency: The Armenian Dram (AMD / ֏). Credit and debit cards are accepted in major cities, but cash is recommended for smaller towns and rural areas.
SIM Cards: Widely available at the airport and in all cities. Main providers are Viva-MTS, Ucom, and Beeline. eSIM options are also available.
Time Zone: GMT +4.
Visa: Many nationalities (EU, US, Canada, UK, etc.) enjoy visa-free entry. No visa is required for most visitors.
Arrival
Night/early morning flight to Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport. Transfer to hotel, check-in.
Overnight in Yerevan
Day 1 Discovering Yerevan
Free morning to rest after the flight. Visit the Parajanov Museum, a house-museum dedicated to the legendary filmmaker and artist. Explore the Cascade Complex, with its contemporary art installations and panoramic views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat. Guided tour and tasting at the Yerevan Brandy Factory, home of the world-famous Armenian cognac.
Overnight in Yerevan
Day 2 Early Christianity & Sacred Stones
Morning drive to Saghmosavank – black tufa church built on a majestic gorge. Then we move to the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral (7th c., UNESCO), once one of Armenia’s most majestic churches. Continue to St. Hripsime Church (7th century), a masterpiece of early Christian architecture.
Optional: Visit the Metsamor Archaeological Museum, located on the site of an ancient Bronze Age settlement with megaliths; or stop at the Aknalich Yezidi Temple, the world’s largest Yezidi religious complex.
Overnight in Yerevan
Day 3 Pagan Temple & Rock-Cut Monastery
Drive to the Pagan Temple of Garni (1st c.), the only standing Greco-Roman style temple in the entire Caucasus, dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking the Azat River Gorge. A short walk down into the valley to admire the striking basalt column formations known as the “Symphony of Stones”, resembling a giant pipe organ carved by nature. Continue on to the Geghard Monastery (UNESCO), a remarkable complex partly hewn from solid rock, where chapels and caves blend seamlessly with the surrounding cliffs.
Overnight in Yerevan
Day 4 Southward Journey
Morning departure towards southern Armenia. Stop at Khor Virap Monastery, renowned for its stunning panorama of snow-capped Mount Ararat and its significance as a cradle of Armenia’s Christian history. Continue to the Areni-1 Cave, an archaeological treasure where the world’s oldest known wine cellar—dating back 6,000 years—was discovered. Enjoy a wine tasting in Areni village, famous for its winemaking traditions. The journey then leads to Noravank Monastery, a masterpiece of medieval architecture dramatically set among towering red cliffs.
Overnight in Goris
Day 5 The Stones and Caves of South
Morning exploration of Goris, with its old stone houses and rock formations. After we visit ancient Khndzoresk Cave Village, reached by a 160-meter suspension bridge, hanging on aloft the gorge. Moving to take the Wings of Tatev cable car (5.7 km, ~12 minutes), which will take us to a Medieval Tatev Monastery, one of the most stunning architectural complex built within Armenian Kingdom of Syunik. Continue to Zorats Karer (a.k.a. Karahunj), a prehistoric megalithic center of a solar cult, often called “Armenian Stonehenge”.
Overnight in Vayk
Day 6 The Silk Road and Sevan Lake
Stop at the 13th-century Orbeliani Caravanserai, a Silk Road monument, which has been build on a mountain pass. Visit Noratus Cemetery, home to the largest collection of medieval khachkars (stone crosses). After we will continue to Lake Sevan, the “Blue Pearl of Armenia”, the biggest lake of Caucasus. We will climb the peninsula to visit Sevanavank Monastery, built in 9th century.
Dinner and relaxing evening by the lake.
Overnight at Sevan
Day 7 Farewell Armenia
Free morning at Lake Sevan and return to Yerevan. Visit Vernissage Market, an open-air bazaar for souvenirs, crafts, carpets, and art. Free time in the city for shopping or coffee in the center. Farewell dinner in Yerevan.
Evening or a night transfer to airport for departure flight.
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