Armenia small group tour

After breakfast, you will explore the Armenian capital Yerevan, one of the oldest cities in the world and an ideal starting point for a trip through Armenia with its exciting buildings, vibrant squares and places steeped in history.

Various squares and districts in Yerevan invite you to take a stroll. The heart of Yerevan beats in Kentron, the city center, where the two main squares, Republic Square and Peace Square, are connected by a lively pedestrian zone. You will visit Matenadaran (Armenian for "library", also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a unique repository of ancient manuscripts of great sentimental value to Armenia. Here you will have the opportunity to see the largest book weighing 28 kg and the smallest weighing only 19 grams. Afterwards you will visit the Tsitsernakaberd memorial complex, where you will see the genocide memorial.

The evening is at your leisure. We recommend an evening stroll through the Northern Avenue in the direction of Republic Square, where you can admire the dancing water fountains (start from 21.00 hrs).

After breakfast, drive through picturesque mountain villages and vineyards to Khor Virap Monastery, which rises not far from the foot of Mount Ararat. The location of the monastery is a unique opportunity to enjoy a beautiful view of the biblical Mount Ararat, where Noah's Ark dropped anchor. The tour continues to the village of Areni, which is best known for its wine-growing and its range of outstanding wines. Here you will have the opportunity to taste some of the regional wines made from local grape varieties. The tour then continues to Norawank Monastery, which is perched on a rock at the end of a narrow gorge. Enjoy the harmony with nature and architecture and admire the three-storey church and the princely tomb monuments. Return to Yerevan.

The city of Echmiadzin, also known as the "Armenian Vatican", is located just a few kilometers from the capital. It is the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the seat of the Armenian head of the church. On the way there, you will make a stop at the ruins of the first Armenian round church Zvartnots, which was badly damaged and only excavated over 1000 years later. Afterwards, you will visit the main cathedral of Echmiadzin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Note: the cathedral is closed due to new excavations, so you can only visit the cathedral from the outside). On the way back to Yerevan, you will visit the Hripsime Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is considered a true jewel of Armenia. At the end of the day, a visit to the "Gumi Shuka" is on the program, where a hand-picked selection of local products is offered: Fruits, vegetables etc. Return to Yerevan.

Continue to Garni, the summer residence of the Armenian kings with the only preserved pagan temple in the Caucasus. Here you can watch the preparation of the traditional bread, Lavash. Lunch is reserved for you in a local house/restaurant. Afterwards, take a trip to the Azat Gorge of Garni to see the magnificent basalt formations known as the "Symphony of Stones". Visit the Geghard Monastery, built in the 4th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a large number of churches and tombs, the majority of which were carved directly into the stone. The monastery is considered the absolute highlight of Armenian architecture in the Middle Ages. The building complex lies in the middle of a landscape of great natural beauty, lined by towering cliffs at the entrance to the Azat Gorge. Return to Yerevan.

After breakfast, we first head to Sevanavank Monastery, which was built on the Sevan peninsula. This is probably the best place to get an idea of the immense beauty of the great lake. The journey then continues to Dilijan, where you take a tour of the town. Dilijan is known for its scenic and architectural beauty. In the old town, the unique balconies and terraces typical of the 19th century give an idea of the locals' enthusiasm for fine woodwork. Return to Yerevan.

Your round trip ends after an early breakfast.

You can optionally book a transfer to the airport for an additional charge.