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Best Tourist Spots Of Armenia On A 13-Day Tour From Yerevan
  • Tour Category

    Private Tour

  • Tour Types

    Nature, History, Sightseeing

  • Duration

    13 Days

  • Activity Level

    Medium

  • Language

    Arabic, Armenian, English, Persian, Russian

Description

Interested in discovering Armenia's culture, heritage, and history?  Take this tour to see the Echmiadzin Church, Khor Virap Monastery, Sisavan Church, Amaras monastery, Yeghegis Church, Oshakan, Tsaxkadzor, and many more sites that give Armenia its distinct charm. 

Highlights
  • Yerevan
  • Garni Canyon
  • Vernissage art and craft market
  • Echmiadzin mother cathedral
  • Areni Winery
  • Jermuk Waterfall
  • Tsaxkadzor
  • Khor Virap
  • Sevan Peninsula
  • Lori Region
  • Khndzoresk cave village
  • Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsax)
  • Stepanakert
  • Day 1: Arrival and transfer to hotel expand_more
    • Meet at the Zvartnots International airport.

    • Transfer to the hotel or rented house in Yerevan.

    • Get an introduction of the tour walking in Yerevan with your travel guide.

  • Day 2: Echmiadzin - Zvartnots - Sardarapat - Metsamor expand_more
    • Visit the Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral (built in 301 A.D ), a must for all Christians. Here you will have an opportunity to visit three churches: Mother Cathedral of Echmiadzin, St. Hripsime, and St. Gayane churches. 

    • See the Sardarapat Memorial. Here you will visit the Ethnological Museum of Armenia where you will see a special performance introducing some Armenian national dishes and tools. 

    • Go to Metsamor.

    Breakfast in the hotel; lunch-package in Sardarapat yard; overnight stay in Yerevan.

  • Day 3: Khor Virap - Noravank - Areni - Jermuk expand_more
    • See the Khor Virap monastery.

    • Go to an Areni wine factory.  

    • See the famous Noravank church monastic complex.

    • Visit Jermuk city.

    Breakfast in the hotel; lunch in a cave small restaurant; dinner in a hotel at Jermuk; overnight stay in Jermuk.

  • Day 4: Sisavan - Tatev - Xndzoresk - Nagorny Karabagh expand_more
    • Visit the St. Grigor Church of Sisian built at the end of the 6th century. Inside the church,  you will see the Armenian alphabet, Bible and the church carved on a piece of hair with three layers, using a microscope. 

    • Go to the Tatev monastery.

    • Visit the Khndzoresk cave village.

    • Go to Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsax) region.

    Breakfast in the hotel; lunch in a traditional restaurant of Karabagh; dinner in the hotel; overnight stay in Stepanakert.

  • Day 5: Stepanakert - Shushi - Gandzasar - Ancient tree - Amaras monastery expand_more
    • Proceed for a tour of Stepanakert, which is the capital of Nagorny Karabagh. Here, visit parks, museums, and markets, some of which you will visit.

    • See the Shusi church. 

    • Visit the Gandzasar monastery. 

    • See one of the most ancient trees in the world. It has more than three thousand years of history, as told by its impressive roots. The admiration of this tree is in that fact, that it is open and  20 people can enter inside the tree at the same time.

    • The next stop is the Amaras monastery.

    Breakfast in the hotel; lunch in a traditional Karabagh cuisine; dinner in the hotel; overnight stay in Stepanakert.

  • Day 6: Askeran fortress - Yeghegis - Selim - Sevan expand_more
    • Begin today's tour at the Askeran fortress, a half-ruined 18th-century fortress. The enormous walls will astonish you with their strength and will make you wonder about the intelligence of the architectural minds who designed them.

    • Go to the Yeghegis Church.

    • View the Selim Caravanserai.

    • See the beautiful Lake Sevan.

    Breakfast in the hotel; lunch in a restaurant; dinner in the hotel; overnight in Sevan

  • Day 7: Sevanavank - Noraduz - Hairavank - Dilijan - Haghartsin - Goshavank expand_more
    • Visit the Sevanavank church. From here, wonderful views of Lake Sevan can be seen.

    • Go to Noraduz for its world-wide famous Khachkar (cross-stone) cemetery of  Armenia. Get acquainted with the special Armenian art: xachkar-making. The oldest khachkars date back to the 10th century. Here, there used to be approximately 1000 items of this incredible art.

    • Visit the Hairavank Temple. 

    • Go to the Haghartsin complex.

    • Visit the Goshavank monastery.

    Breakfast in the hotel; lunch in a good open-air restaurant; dinner in the hotel; overnight stay in Sevan

  • Day 8: Tsaxkadzor - Bjni expand_more
    • Tour the spa town of Tsaxkadzor. If you get on a cabin, you will have an opportunity to have a look at the whole of Armenia. You will visit the architectural and artistic complex of Kecharis (13th century).

    • Visit the Bjni village. This is a village of famous Armenian mineral water. See St. Sargis church, St. Astvatsatsin church.

    Breakfast in the hotel; lunch; overnight in Yerevan

  • Day 9: Garni - Geghard and Yerevan city tour expand_more
    • Visit the Garni Temple. 

    • Go the Geghard monastery. 

    • Yerevan City Tour. You would've have already got acquainted with some sights of Yerevan on the day of your arrival (City centre-Republic Square, Cultural centre-Opera house, city centre streets, Victory Park with the statue of Mother Armenia etc.). This day, you will visit some museums, factories, and various sights of Yerevan taking into account your age, interests and preferences.

    Breakfast in the hotel; lunch in an Armenian traditional restaurant; overnight stay in Yerevan

  • Day 10: Oshakan - Letters Park - Amberd - Harichavank - Gyumri expand_more
    • Travel to Oshakan, the site of the grave of Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet.

    • Letters park - this park of Armenian letters was founded in 2005 on the slope of Mt. Aragats (the highest mountain in the Republic of Armenia, 4090m) dedicated to the 1600th anniversary of the invention of the Armenian alphabet.

    • Visit the Amberd fortress.

    • See the Harichavank Temple. 

    • Go for Gyumri city tour.

    Breakfast in the hotel; lunch in nature or in a small restaurant; dinner in the hotel; overnight stay in Gyumri

  • Day 11: Marmashen - Dsegh - Haghpat - Sanahin expand_more
    • Visit the Marmashen church complex 

    • Go to Dsegh, the birth-place of worldwide famous Armenian poet-writer Hovahannes Tumanian. Visit his memorial house and after getting acquainted with his biography and works, you will rest at Anush solemn canyon, admiring the lyric nature of this village and listening to some of his poems in English. 

    • Check out the Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries. 

    Breakfast in the hotel; lunch; dinner in the hotel; overnight stay in Lori

  • Day 12: Odzun - Vanadzor cross-stone maker - Aparan - Saghmosavank - Mugni - Yerevan expand_more
    • Explore Odzun for a large, wonderful longitudinal cruciform church that dates back to the 13th century. 

    • See the Vanadzor cross-stone maker studio. 

    • Go to Aparan village and visit the memorial monument (Bash Aparan) devoted to the battle of Bash Aparan (1918). This was one of the most important battles for the Armenians.

    • See the Saghmosavank monastery.

    • Visit the Mugni village and see the church St. Georgy, a cross-winged domed basilica.  

    Breakfast in the hotel; lunch; overnight stay in Yerevan

  • Day 13: Departure expand_more
    • Transfer to Zvartnots International Airport.

What's Included
  • Skilled Armenian guide's services

  • Entry visa to Nagorno-Karabagh (for foreigners)

  • Arrival and departure

  • Tours by car in Armenia and Artsax

  • Meals 

What's Excluded
  • Hotel accommodation in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh

  • Lunch packages

  • Entrance fees for some museums and some sights included in the tour program

Know before you go
  • Echmiadzin is one of the first Christian churches in the world.  Here you’ll get acquainted with the adoption of Christianity in Armenia- the first Christian country in the world. This is the only 7-domed church of Armenia and Holy Seat of all the Armenians. 

  • St. Hripsime is a unique church included in the list of UNESCO. This is the first cupola-domed church of worldwide architecture built in 618.  

  • St. Gayane was built in the 7th century and Zvartnots temple ruins (Temple of angels) of the 7th century and is worth visiting to admire the architectural talent of ancient Armenians.          

  • Sardarapat Memorial: due to this memorial complex (devoted to the Bash-Aparan battle in 1918), the Armenians didn’t lose their religion and their country. Visiting this complex, you will get acquainted with the eternal and unbelievable history of Armenia. 

  • Metsamor: this is one of the ancient settlements of the Armenian nation. An investigation has proved that in the Early Bronze Age (4-3 millennium B.C.) Metsamor was the cradle of civilization. Almost 22,000 objects which were discovered during the investigations are shown in the museum which is situated next to the ruins of the settlement.

  • Khor Virap: this is the church where Grigor the Illuminator stayed for 13 years without any food and proved that Christianity is a very powerful religion. After it, the Armenians adopted Christianity. From here opens the wonderful view of the Armenian pride: Mt.Ararat. 

  • Areni wine: Armenia is famous as a winemaking country and the first grapevine was planted in Armenia by Noah after the Great Flood Noravank.

  • Noravank: You will appear in Wonderland as the church-complex is situated on the top of the rocks and surrounded with the miraculous rocks and cliffs that change their color depending on the sun rays and weather. This complex dates back to the 12th-13th century.

  • Jermuk welcomes you to one of the most picturesque resort areas of  Armenia, famous for its hot mineral springs and picturesque gorges. It is 173 km south-east to Yerevan. A small roadside will bring you to a picturesque waterfall. Armenian worldwide famous mineral water is gained from these springs. Be sure you will not get sick and tired of the long road, as along the way you will admire its unique nature which changes after each meter. Here is a special medical resort area where you will discover your illnesses and remedies to treat them. The chemical content of the Jermuk mineral water is very close to the famous Karlovy Vary water in the Czech Republic.

  • The monastery of Tatev is situated in the territory of Goris in the Syunik region. This is one of the richest monarchial complexes of Medieval Armenia. The profitable strategic position and inaccessibility created suitable conditions to construct strong buildings and ramparts in defiance of the complex. This complex consists of several churches, living rooms, oil-making reservoir,s and buildings of economic importance. The stick or swinging column of the monastery is of great interest. It is 6 metres high and by the strides of the detachment, it moved and warned the monks about the danger. 

  • Khndzoresk is a cave village. Since the slopes have no flat spaces fit for building, the people have dug terraces in the rocks in such a way that the roof of the lower house served as the courtyard floor for the one above it. The tomb of Mkhitar Sparapet, a confederate of David Bek is here. Presently the Old Xndoresk possesses the status of a historical landmark under public protection.

  • Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsax) – Every Armenian feels proud and gets excited about happiness when he enters his historical land Artsax. For the citizens of Armenia, the entrance is free, but the foreigners need a visa for entrance, which they can get in Yerevan or at the border. Nowadays it is quite a safe and wonderful place for traveling. The people of Karabagh are very hospitable, and proud of their origin. The area is rich with wonderful architectural, natural, and historical places.

  •  Shoushi is considered to be the most ancient spiritual and cultural center of the Caucasus. The city is known for its strong fortress and different historical places of interest. A mosque of the 18th century and St. Ghazanchetsots church is situated here. Due to Shushi battle for Armenian land, Artsax is reachable for the Armenians.

  • Gandzasar monastery has its particular place in the rows of Artsax monuments. It is considered to be one of the gems of Armenian medieval architecture. It consists of a church, hall, friary cabins, and other economic buildings. The part of the main church architectural ornaments are the high-relieves of the dome's polygonal drum. The monastery is built on a woody hill named  Gandzasar from which it gets its name.

  • Amaras monastery was built in the 4th century and this is the first place where Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet opened the first school of Armenia.

  • Yegheis: is a historical city sprinkling of antiquates. Here, there is the St. Astvatsatin Basilica dating back to the 18th century, a small church of St. Karapet (13th century) and St. Zorats cathedral built in the 14th century. St. Zorats (in Armenian means) is a pretty unique church. Its name comes from the custom of consecrating arms and horses there before the battle.

  • Selim Caravanserai and pass: According to the Armenian inscription on the right inside the door, prince Chesar Orbelian and his brothers built this in 1332 in the reign of Abu Said the Second Xan. This is the best-preserved caravansary in Armenia. There is a little spring just uphill beyond the caravansary.

  • Lake Sevan: This is undoubtedly one of the most exciting sights in  Armenia. It is the pearl of Armenia. This wonder is situated at almost 2000m  above sea level. Its beauty is austere and majestic. The pure air and sandy beaches attract holidaymakers. This is the largest lake in the Caucasus and one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world.

  • Hairavank Temple: This temple dates back to the 9th-12th centuries. Dilijan is one of the forest-rich cities of Armenia.  This resort area is famous for its unique architectural and historical sights. This is an icon of Armenia with its picturesque nature.

  • Goshavank - was founded by the Armenian famous fabler Mkhitarosh in the 13th century. Here is the most famous masterpiece of carved-cross stones (khachkar). The carving is so perfect that it looks like an openwork lace. The distinctiveness and richness of the church’s decoration evidence the artistic taste and consummate skill of the craftsmen who created it.

  • Haghartsin: This complex was built in the 13th century and appearing here you seem to appear in a  miracle land, as the natural and architectural beauty is very harmonic and impressive. This sight inspired and attracted an Arab shayx so much that he donated a great sum for the reconstruction of this complex. In 2011, it was wholly repaired and equipped with all modern technologies for church protection.

  • Tsaxkadzor- this is translated as the gorge of flowers. It has a unique beauty in each season. It is known for both its winter and summer attractions.  Here, there are hotels, restaurants, resorts, and guesthouses. The Olympic Training Center here is used for winter and summer sports, consisting of various sports facilities (swimming pools, skating rinks, ski trails, tennis courts, etc.). This is a world-famous winter resort. Come here for a good climate, picturesque scenery, forest-covered mountain slopes, and blossoming valleys.

  • Bjni village: This is a village of famous Armenian mineral water. Here are two churches: St. Sargis-built by pink tuff on a high rock in the 7th century. It is the smallest among cross-domed type churches St. Astvatsatsin built by Grigor Magistros in the 11th century. It is assumed that the church was used to preserve the manuscripts copied in the monastery. The church was restored in the 20th century.

  • Geghard monastery: This is the only rock-curved church of Armenia and one of the masterpieces of the world dating back to the 13th century. This church complex is built inside a huge rock and the acoustics are unbelievably impressive. Here you will have one of the unique opportunities of your life getting rid of all evils and bad thoughts as listening to live Armenian spiritual songs inside this church, you will become as honest as a little child. Each sound will touch the bottom of your heart. 

  • Gyumri is Armenian's second-largest city and the cultural center of Armenia.  This is the only place in Armenia where you can see an authentic historic Armenian city. Though this city saw the terrible earthquake of Spitak, today it is a modern country and the most lovely place for everybody.

  • Oshakn: This is the place where the creator of the Armenian alphabet: Mesrop Mashtots is buried. This is a 19th-century building but his grave was erected in the 5th century. Here you will be introduced to the Armenian alphabet and the creative work of it. When you get accounted with the Armenian language, you’ll realize that Armenian was the base of many languages. The Armenian alphabet is one of the most phonetic alphabets. It can be used for the translation of words from any other alphabet without changing the initial pronunciation of sounds.

  • Letters Park: this park of Armenian letters was founded in 2005 on the slope of Mt. Aragats (the highest mountain in the Republic of Armenia, 4090 m) dedicated to the 1600th anniversary of the invention of the Armenian alphabet.

  • Amberd - Amberd fortress is the only well-surviving fortress of Armenia dating back to the Bronze age. The castle ruins of Amberd comprised an area of 1,500 square meters. Its walls are constructed of roughly hewn basalt blocks set in place with mortar.  

  • Harichavank - this temple is situated on the west foot of mountain Aragats on a rocky cape. According to investigators, it was founded in the 7th century. This monastery is very impressive with its architectural ornaments and a huge dome. The main church was built in the 13th century. In the 19th century, the monastery became a summer residence for patriarchs. The small chapel which is not far from the complex built on a piece of rock is of great attention, as during an earthquake it was separated from the main rock and was got to our times almost harmless.

  • Marmashen –This church complex is situated on a picturesque plateau on the high coast of the Akhurian river. It is a huge obelisk dating back from the 10-11th century. The complex is built by tuff limestone and it makes a great impression on a visitor.

  • Haghpat-Sanahin- Those are architectural masterpieces of Armenia in the Lori region which is the greenest region of Armenia with its breath-taking panoramas, deep gorges etc. Both of these churches are in great harmony with nature and it seems they are part of nature themselves. They date back from the 10th-13th century included in the list of UNESCO Architectural Treasures.

  • Odzun- this is a large, wonderful longitudinal cruciform church. This is also notable for its figural relief sculpture. This looks like a miracle in the spot of nature. This church dates back to the 13th century. This is one of the unique churches, which is on the top of the canyon, and half of it now is covered with moss and it looks like a part of nature.

  • Vanadzor cross-stone maker studio - Armenia is worldwide famous with its unique architectural talented monuments –xachkars. You will visit one of the studios where you will get acquainted with this art in detail.

  • Mugni: standing on an elevation, it is the architectural dominant of a vast settlement. The church St. Georgy was built in the 17th century. It is a cross-winged domed basilica.  Architectural details emphasize the artistic expressiveness of the building. The finely carved decoration of the southern portal is the most interesting.

Meeting Point

Zvartnots International Airport (EVN), Yerevan, Armenia

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price Details
Per Person
1 To 4 USD 1100 Per Person

This is a private tour

Starting From

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USD 1100 / person