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Yerevan , Things To Do

12 popular day trips from yerevan that you’ll absolutely love.

It is easy to end up sucked into Yerevan and its exciting cafe scene and pleasant streets. But, there are many amazing day trips from Yerevan that make a trip to Armenia a delight for any traveler.

Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!

Top Experiences and day tours from Yerevan:

• Day trip to Khor Virap, Areni Winery and Noravank Monastery (from $34)
• Armenia: Private Tour to Khor Virap Monastery (from $37)
• Khor Virap, Echmiadzin, and Zvartnots Cathedral from Yerevan (from $62)
• Private Tour: Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Goshavank and Haghartsin (from $90)
• From Yerevan: 4.5-Hour Garni-Geghard Tour (from $39)

Top Hotels in Yerevan:

• The Alexander (a luxury in Yerevan)
• Daniel’s Boutique Hotel (mid-range in Yerevan
• 14th Floor (mid-range in Yerevan)
• Grand Hostel (budget in Yerevan)

Looking for the best way to get around Armenia? Click here to check rental car rates for Armenia!

This is a guide to some of the best Yerevan day trips!

Best Day Trips from Yerevan

I spent many years not realizing the value and offerings of my own country.

We tend to all do that with the place we call home. In recent years, I started traveling around Armenia in search of some of the best places to recommend to visitors (and locals!)

What really struck me as special is that the small size of Armenia allowed for so many opportunities to take day trips from Yerevan, the capital city.

So many of these Yerevan day trips are incomparable to sights you’d find in other parts of the world.

The unique and mesmerizing sights surrounding Yerevan makes the capital city really special.

This day trips guide will showcase UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic monasteries, stunning scenery, adventurous landscapes, and much more.

All of the places listed on this Yerevan day trips guide are within three hours of the capital city and we detail why you should visit.

Many are easily visited with a marshrutka, private car, or by taking an affordable tour.

If you have suggestions of worthwhile day trips from Yerevan, please shoot us an email or leave a comment in the section below.

Do You Need Travel Insurance for Armenia?

We definitely recommend booking travel insurance for Armenia if you’re heading there.  We highly suggest using SafetyWing , a travel insurance made by travelers, for travelers.

The Norwegian company is the one when we use it when on the road and Megan uses them when she is in Armenia.

Their policies offer widespread coverage and affordable rates

>> Click here to get an Armenia travel insurance quote

Renting a Car in Armenia

One of the easiest ways to get around. The roads are slowly taking shape and getting fixed and they are pretty safe to drive on these days.

Yerevan’s traffic can be madness, but outside of the city, you will find the roads pretty easy and never really that congested with traffic.

>> Click here to rent a car in Armenia

Yerevan Card

If you are spending a few days in the capital city, you will definitely want to get your hands on a Yerevan Card .

This pass comes at an affordable price and gives you access to some of the city’s best sights at a fraction of the price, or even free!

We actually use the Yerevan Card around town and enjoy free museum entrances, discounts at our favorite cafes, and more.

It also gives discounts for local Yerevan day trips (some that are even on this guide!) and a free taxi ride from the airport.

>> Click here to purchase the Yerevan Card

Yerevan Day Tours

Are you keen to organize some day tours from Yerevan and not too stoked on the idea of going to these places independently?

Don’t worry… there are some super affordable day tours that you can take from Yerevan.

We will detail them throughout this text, but here are a few we recommend investing in if you want to see the best of Armenia with very little planning:

• Yerevan: Garni Temple and Geghard Tour with Optional Lunch
• Lake Sevan, Selim Pass, Jermuk, Hin Areni Winery, & Lunch
• Armenia Group Tour to Tatev Cable Car and Areni Winery
• From Yerevan: Khor Virap, Noravank, & Areni Winery Day Trip
• Day trip to Khor Virap, Areni Winery and Noravank Monastery
• Private Tour: Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Goshavank and Haghartsin
• From Yerevan: Khor Virap, Etchmiadzin, and Zvartnots Tour

What to Pack for Armenia

Packing for Armenia is pretty easy if you pack for the correct season.  Summer is hot; winter is cold. Here are some other things we recommend packing for your trip to Armenia:

Power adapter (Europe):  If you’re coming from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or somewhere that is not mainland Europe, you will need a European power adapter .

We recommend just purchasing one and then connecting it to a power strip from your home country’s plug type.

Lonely Planet Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan:  Sometimes it is nice to have a tangible book in your hand and the Lonely Planet one for the Caucasus is no exception.

We recommend investing in one for your trip as you will have all the information you need at your fingertips and you won’t have to spend too much time glued to your phone.

Click here to purchase Lonely Planet Caucasus.

Reusable Water Bottle (Klean Kanteen):   Armenia has awesome water and you will want to tote your reusable water bottle with you so that you don’t have to resort to purchasing bottled water.

Armenia is trying to clean up its plastic and trash so be part of the solution, not the problem!

Click here to see the Klean Kanteen we travel with.

Allergy Pills (if you need them):  Megan sometimes struggles with allergies in Armenia during certain times of the year.

The air can be somewhat dusty, particularly if you head down south where the climate is dry and arid and there are not many trees.

If you struggle with dust, be sure to bring some allergy pills to help you out.

Yerevan Day Trips to Other Cities in Armenia

Below, you will find some of our favorite day trips from Yerevan.

We have selected the most popular ones and will continue to add to this in the future with others.

We will also be creating a guide of off-the-path places to visit from Yerevan in the future.

Etchmiadzin

How far is Etchmiadzin from Yerevan? The distance from Yerevan to Etchmiadzin is 19 kilometers, or around 11 miles.

It will take you about 35 minutes to reach by car or taxi.

When is the best time to go to Etchmiadzin? The best time to travel to Etchmiadzin is in the spring.

The flowers begin blooming and the churches are colorful and lively in and around the Easter holidays.

Visiting Etchmiadzin around the New Year is also fun as the city is home to a Pomegranate Festival.

If you’re interested in food festivals, be sure to head out this way during May for a Tolma Festival near the Zvartnots Cathedral.

How to get from Yerevan to Etchmiadzin:  There are a couple of ways to get from Yerevan to Etchmiadzin.

You can take a minibus from Kilikia Bus Station at 6 Isakov Avenue to Etchmiadzin. In addition, there are new minibuses that will take you from Etchmiadzin to Yerevan center and not to the Kilikia Station. This is bus #203.

For the buses that go to Kilikia station, the price is 250 AMD (old minibuses). The new minibuses are 300 AMD back to Yerevan center.  They run from approximately 0800-2000 daily.

You can also take a taxi to Etchmiadzin.  It will take you only 20 minutes and less than 6 USD (2500 AMD) to take a taxi from Yerevan to Etchmiadzin. Use locals online apps like GG, Utaxi, and Yandex.

Click here to view our Yerevan taxi guide .  Also, booking a tour to Etchmiadzin is a great option as it will take the pain of traveling back and forth there!

Why you should visit Etchmiadzin: Also known as the Armenian Vatican, or Holy City, Echmiadizin is actually much older than the Vatican and is the main religious center for all Armenians and many other Christians in the world because the oldest Christian churches can be found there.

The oldest Christian churches in the world date back to the 4th-century AD and are situated in the city of Etchmiadzin, the perfect day trip from Yerevan for those that want to see UNESCO World Heritage Sites or a very important religious site.

Etchmiadzin is located 20 minutes away from Yerevan and is actually my hometown where I grew up.

Things to do in Etchmiadzin:  We have previously written an extensive guide of what to do in Etchmiadzin that you can check out.

For the sake of this day trips post, here are some quick places worth nothing in the Holy City.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Etchmiadzin:   There are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Etchmiadzin- Saint Hripsime Church (built-in 395 AD and completed in 618 AD) and the Etchmiadzin Cathedral (built around 301-303AD).

The mind-blowing construction of these churches was amazing considering the typical architectural techniques that were traditionally used around this period.

Other Etchmiadzin Churches:   There are some other, younger churches worth visiting if you’re in the city.

Saint Gayane, Saint Shogakhat, and Saint Mariam Astvatsatsin (Holy Mary) Churches are a few of note.

Zvartnots Cathedral:   On the way to Etchmiadzin, you will pass the entrance and location for Zvartnots Cathedral, ruins dating all the way back to the 7th-century.

It was previously demolished by an earthquake and is now protected by UNESCO for its unique, circular construction.

>> Click here for our Etchmiadzin travel guide

How far is Garni from Yerevan?   The distance from Yerevan to Garni is 26 kilometers, or around 16 miles.  It will take you about 46 minutes to reach by car or taxi due to the landscapes.

When is the best time to go to Garni?  The best time to visit Garni is, again, in spring.

Armenia really shines during the springtime and May is such an ideal time to take some day trips from the capital city.

The weather is not too hot (July can be really uncomfortably hot) and the flowers are in full bloom.

How to get from Yerevan to Garni: There are a couple of easy ways to get to Garni. The first is by private car.

The second is to take a taxi (we recommend using GG or Yandex).

The third is by minibus.  And the fourth is to take a tour from Yerevan to Garni .

To take a minibus, you will take #266 from the Nor Nork bus station at 14/3 Gai Avenue next to the Mercedes-Benz shop.

The bus station is located outside of Yerevan center. The ride will take approximately 40 minutes and costs about 250 AMD (about $0.50).  A taxi to Garni is about 3500 AMD (about $7).

Why you should visit Garni:   Garni Temple is truly a unique place in Armenia and probably far beyond it. It’s the only Pagan temple in the region and it’s absolutely gorgeous.

Things to do in Garni:  We have a whole guide about all the wonderful things to do in Garni , but here are a few quick notes about why you should visit and what there is to do there.

Garni village has breathtaking nature with a gorge cut apart by a scenic river surrounded by mountains. The Garni Temple, built-in 1 BC, is located on the edge of the gorge and is idyllic.

The protected facility has a garden and other ruins in addition to the ancient, royal bath which is located next to the Garni Temple because the temple used to be the summer house of Armenian kings.

Down in the gorge, you can see the obscure landscape of basalt columns that is also called the Symphony of Stones.

They look like they were handcrafted in such an unusually symmetrical manner!

On the way to Garni, you will have the opportunity to witness such sights like the Arch of Charents, Azat Reservoir, and Caves of Voghjaberd.  This is one of the essential day trips from Yerevan.

>> Click here for our Garni travel guide

Geghard Monastery

How far is Geghard Monastery from Yerevan? The distance from Yerevan to Geghard is 36 kilometers, or around 23 miles.

It will take you about 1 hour to reach by car or taxi due to the landscape.

When is the best time to go to Geghard Monastery?   We are a big fan of visiting Geghard in spring or autumn.  During spring, you will see flowers in bloom and during the autumn you will witness the amazing fall foliage at Geghard.

How to get from Yerevan to Geghard Monastery: The best way to get from Yerevan to Geghard is by taking a taxi.

Using one of the Armenian apps for taxis suggested here, it should cost you around $8 each way (3800 AMD) for a taxi to Geghard.

How to get from Garni to Geghard Monastery: Another option is that you can go directly from Garni to Geghard (they are close to each other).

The ride is about 15 minutes and a taxi will cost about 1800 AMD ($4).

Why you should visit Geghard Monastery:   Geghard is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located super close to Garni, so you can visit both sights in a day, easily.

Things to do in Geghard:   The Geghard Monastery is located 15 minutes away from Garni in between breathtaking mountains and at first glance, you might think that is simply an ordinary, ancient church.

However, what makes Geghard Monastery unique and puts it on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list is that this 4th-century monastery is located 70% in the actual rock of the mountain and was built in an era when there were no special building tools.

Visiting Geghard is one of the top Yerevan day trips, particularly for history enthusiasts.  Click here to take a tour to Geghard where you will also get to see Garni for one price!

>> Click here for our Geghard Monastery travel guide

How far is Khor Virap from Yerevan?   The distance from Yerevan to Khor Virap is 43 kilometers, or around 27 miles.

It will take you about 50 minutes to an hour to reach by car or taxi.

When is the best time to go to Khor Virap?   The best time to visit Khor Virap is pretty much at any time of the year.

Do be aware that it is cold in the winter and hot in the summers.

There is also a risk that Ararat may not be visible if the skies are hazy on the day you go.

Wait for a day with clear skies and try to go early.

How to get from Yerevan to Khor Virap:   There are a couple of ways to get from Yerevan to Khor Virap .

The first is by minibus and the second is via a taxi.  Of course, you can also take an organized tour there.

To take the minibus there, you’ll have to find them behind Sasuntsi David Metro Station.

There is a big parking lot where the bus with a sign ‘Yerevan – Ararat ‘ will be going to Khor Virap.

There might be other buses that go to Khor Virap, you need to ask around if it is necessary.

Please remember that the bus is not going directly to Khor Virap but stopping on the highway at the bus stop.

Tell the driver that you need to stop at that stop he will stop for you then you need to walk approximately 1.5km or pick up a taxi that is waiting there.

The buses are not that frequent, so try to start your journey early in the day.

The price is 500 AMD (approximately $1) and they go at around 0900, 1100, and 1400 daily.

A taxi ride to Khor Vorap is really affordable and one of the best options.

The ride will cost approximately 5000 AMD ($10).

One of the best things you can do to take the pain out of organizing a day trip to Khor Virap is to combine it with other destinations in a tour.  This tour takes you to Khor Virap, Areni, and Noravank .

All amazing spots and all on this guide!

Why you should visit Khor Virap:   It truly is one of the iconic symbols of Armenia.

There is nothing more beautiful than this sight on a clear day!

About Khor Virap:   Located approximately one hour away from Yerevan in the village of Pokr Verdi, Khor Virap is the symbol of Armenian Christianity.

In translation, ‘Khor Virap’ means deep dungeon.

This is the site where the Saint Gregory the Illuminator was prisoned for 14 years and released in order to help Christianity become the state religion in Armenia in 301 AC.

>> Click here for our Khor Virap travel guide

The monastery at Khor Virap is located on top of a rock.  It is a 5th-century Church of the Holy Mother of God and it has an epic view of Ararat Mountain.

Things to do in Khor Virap:  There is not much around there aside from the church and some souvenir shopping opportunities.  But, if conditions are right, the image of it all will take your breath away. Khor Virap is surrounded by vineyards and as a result, the region is famous for its great wine.

How far is Dilijan from Yerevan? The distance from Yerevan to Dilijan National Park is 95 kilometers, or around 60 miles.

It will take you about 1.5 hours to reach by car or taxi.

When is the best time to go to Dilijan National Park?   Dilijan is a stunner no matter what time of the year you go, but we recommend visiting Dilijan during summer.

You will find an abundance of trails there and it is a nice respite from scorching Yerevan.

Alternatively, autumn brings a new array of colors to Dilijan and we can’t help but admire this time of year in Dilijan.

It offers a stunning backdrop to the monasteries, lakes, and charming buildings in the region.

How to get from Yerevan to Dilijan National Park: There are a couple of ways to get from Yerevan to Dilijan.

From Yerevan to Dilijan, you can take regular minibuses from the Northern Bus station that is slightly out of the Yerevan city center.  The price is 1000 AMD ($2) and they go from around 0940-1730 daily.

You can also easily take a taxi to Dilijan.  A taxi ride will cost you approximately 10,000 AMD ($20) and will take only an hour if conditions are good.

This is a great option for those wanting to make a stop at Lake Sevan along the way!

Also, you can book a pretty epic tour to Dilijan combined with Lake Sevan !  It is a great option!

Why you should visit Dilijan National Park: Known as Armenian Switzerland, Dilijan is an eco-paradise with lush, green mountains.

Dilijan is a resort area and one of the popular destinations for locals and visitors.

Things to do in Dilijan National Park: The fauna of Dilijan is truly magical.

You’ll find mountain lakes, wildlife inside of Dilijan National Park, and a cozy city with a mixture of traditional and modern buildings.

The green area also is home to many interesting museums, a Greek-style amphitheater, Armenian hiking opportunities , and much more.

Dilijan is great in any season, but it’s truly magical in the autumn when the forest is covered with mesmerizing colors of foliage.

About 35 minutes away from Dilijan city, through Dilijan National Park, you’ll find Gosh village. This is where it is possible to see the 13-century Goshavank Church that is home to unique khachkars (cross-stones). There are nice little cafes in the area with local food and delights.

How far is Lake Sevan from Yerevan? The distance from Yerevan to Lake Sevan is 60 kilometers, or around 37 miles.  It will take you about 1 hour to reach by car or taxi.

When is the best time to go to Lake Sevan?  The best time to visit Lake Sevan is during the summer, ultimately.

The water is warm enough but the air is refreshing enough to offer a nice getaway from Yerevan.

You can also attend the Sevan International Music Festival.

On the other hand, do consider going to Lake Sevan in the off-season.

Sevan suffers from lack of tourism during other times of the year and you will help the economy a bit by putting your trip off for an alternative time of the year, especially if swimming in the lake isn’t the priority on your list.

We love Sevan all times of the year, however.

How to get from Yerevan to Lake Sevan: There are a couple of ways to get from Yerevan to Dilijan.

You can see the options below or read our getting to Lake Sevan from Yerevan guide.

The minibus from Yerevan to Sevan takes off from the Northern Bus Station and the ride takes around 50 minutes.  Just be sure to ask the drivers.  But, bus #317 goes there.  The price is 500 AMD ($1) and it runs from around 0900-1900 daily.

The train to Sevan is going from Almast Railway Station on weekdays and stops at Sevan Station which is on the opposite side of Sevan Peninsula.

IMPORTANT: Almast Railway Station ins permanently closed.

This gives you an opportunity to discover Sevan Peninsula and its beauty.

The price is 600 AMD (little over $1) and it goes once daily at 0830.

The most comfortable option for getting to Sevan is to take a taxi. It will cost approximately 10,000 AMD ($20).

Also, another comfortable option is this amazing private tour that combines Lake Sevan with Dilijan .

Why you should visit Lake Sevan:  Beautiful Sevan Lake is the biggest lake in the Caucasus and is considered to be one of the largest freshwater, alpine lakes in Eurasia that is located at a high-altitude.

Things to do in Lake Sevan:  The calm waters of the lake make the perfect place to visit in the summer to escape the city heat.  It also gives you the chance to discover the area where is possible to visit Sevan Peninsula.

On Sevan Peninsula, there are two ancient churches with an observation point from where visitors can see a panorama of Lake Sevan which is surrounded by the Geghama Mountains.

During the golden hour, the panorama is mindblowing!

There are also other things that put Sevan on a map beside beaches, ancient churches, and nature.

The freshwater lake is teeming with life and it would be remiss of you to not indulge in a crawfish BBQ when visiting Lake Sevan!

Around Sevan, you will find other cool sights like Noratus Cemetery and the lovely city of Gavar , one of our recommended day trips from Yerevan if you’re keen to explore somewhere off the path.

>> Click here to view our Lake Sevan travel guide

How far is Noravank from Yerevan?   The distance from Yerevan to Noravank is 118 kilometers, or around 74 miles.  It will take you about 2 hours and 10 minutes to reach by car or taxi.

When is the best time to go to Noravank?   The best time to travel to Noravank is during the spring or autumn. This area can get quite hot during the summers and can be a bit dusty.

However, there is no bad time to visit Noravank.  A trip to Noravank is best combined with one to Areni.

How to get from Yerevan to Noravank:  The best way to visit Noravank is by joining an organized tour .  Alternatively, you can take a taxi and it will cost you around 12,500 ($25) one way.

Getting to Noravank by minibus is actually not the most efficient way to get there.  In order to do this, you will need to take one to Yeghegnadzor and then switch over from there.  To read more about this option, go to the next section as we cover it with Areni.

Why you should visit Noravank:   Surrounded by otherworldy, red-colored mountains, Noravank is considered one of the more interesting and unique sights in Armenia and the drive to it is worth going for itself.

Things to see in Noravank:   The sight is located a couple of hours away from Yerevan.

To get there, you will pass the Areni wine region and drive through a narrow gorge where the flowing Amaghu River will reach lead you to Noravank.

It is almost like a secret place that is surrounded by dramatic red-colored rocks.

Next to the rocks, you will find two churches- the Surb Karapet Church and St. Astvatsatsin Church that were erected in the 13th and 14th-centuries.

The ornaments on these churches are masterpieces coming from the ancient times and the triangle stairs on two-story St. Astvatsatsin Church are definitely something to do when you’re there.

Unless you’re Megan… she is scared of heights and attempted anyway.

>> Click here for our Noravank Monastery travel guide

How far is Areni from Yerevan?   The distance from Yerevan to Areni is 110 kilometers, or around 68 miles.

It will take you about 2 hours and 5 minutes to reach by car or taxi.

When is the best time to go to Areni?   We think that the best time to visit Areni is in autumn.

The temperatures are more tolerable and the Areni Wine Festival is in October, making it the ideal time to travel there!

How to get from Yerevan to Areni: There are a few ways to get to Areni.

The most practical is by tour or with a taxi, but they are definitely not the cheapest options.

Areni and Noravank are close to each other and on the way to Yeghegnadzor city.

You will find minbuses going to Yeghegnadzor from Yerevan.

It is necessary to go to the Gortsaranayin Metro Station and you will find minibuses and shared taxis to Yeghegnadzor.

After exiting the metro station, you need to turn right and go all the way until the end of the road.

Then cross the road, go left, and cross it again by going right… you will then see minibuses.

The minibus will stop next to Areni village and the junction of Noravank.

There is an 8 kilometer walk to Noravank, so we advise you to take a taxi from there.

The price is 1200 AMD (less than $3) and they run between 0800 and 1800 (but be there before 1100).

As suggested above with Noravank, taking a taxi is also an option.

The price is around 13500-15000 AMD (about $27-$30)

Why you should visit Areni:   Armenia is not only churches!  We are also home to the oldest known winery in the world.

That winery was located in Areni and now it has become our most famous wine region despite being 6100 years old!

Things to do in Areni: The meaning and role of wine in Armenian history and religion is really monumental and it was widely used in Armenia before Christianity when the country was Pagan.

The Areni region dates back to ancient times and has always produced wine.

Armenia was always famous for wine, but brandy overshadowed the beverage in recent years. But, it is making a comeback these days!

What also puts Areni on a map and makes it one of the visitable locations in Armenia is the Areni Wine Festival which is happening annually at the beginning of October.

More than 100 types of wines from different small and large winemaking companies and family businesses are displayed during the festival and the whole event is covered with positive vibes with music and BBQ ever-present.

Tsaghkadzor

How far is Tsaghkadzor from Yerevan?   The distance from Yerevan to Tsaghkadzor is 56 kilometers, or around 35 miles.  It will take you about 1 hour to reach by car or taxi.

When is the best time to go to Tsaghkadzor?   Well, if you’re into skiing, then the winter is the absolute best time to visit Tsaghkadzor. Do keep in mind that it is the high-season so things will be slightly pricier.

How to get from Yerevan to Tsaghkadzor:   There are a couple of ways to get from Yerevan to Tsaghkadzor.

The first is by minibus and it’s a bit tricky to get to Tsaghkadzor because you need to change two modes of transport to get there.

To get to Tsaghkadzor, you need to take a minibus from the intersection of Azatutyun Avenue and Nersisyan Street.

This will take you to Hrazdan city.

That price is 500 AMD.  From there, you’ll take a minibus for 100 AMD to Tsaghkadzor.

The best option is to take a taxi to Tsaghkadzor. It’s easy, comfortable, and cheap… and the ride will take you only 40 minutes and cost approximately 6000 AMD ($12).

Why you should visit Tsaghkadzor:   Translated from Armenian, the ‘gorge of flowers’ Tsaghkadzor is not really known for its flowers as much as it is for its skiing and winter sports.  It is the premier place to go downhill skiing in Armenia .

Things to do in Tsaghkadzor:   Located 40 minutes away from Yerevan, the resort town welcomes guests all year round. During the summer, Tsaghkadzor is the perfect place for hiking and mountain biking.

The newly renovated park on the hill has a variety of activities from ziplining to green space and more.

In winter, the mountain ropeway will take you to multiple bases, having skiing stations all the way up the mountains.  This is where my “wise” partner Megan once wore transparent tights when the temperature was -10C.

Every base and ski station has cafes, restaurants, and plenty to do!  So, definitely add Tsaghkadzor as the ultimate Yerevan day trip for those excited about winter in Armenia !

>> Click here to view our Tsaghkadzor travel guide

How far is Arzni from Yerevan?   The distance from Yerevan to Arzni is 18 kilometers, or around 11 miles.  It will take you about 30 minutes to reach by car or taxi.

When is the best time to go to Arzni?   We thought Arzni was amazing during autumn, but it was also very quiet then. We recommend spring, summer, or autumn to visit Arzni.

How to get from Yerevan to Arzni:  Aside from a private car, the best way to get to Arzni is by taxi.  There are no minibuses heading that way.  A taxi is 2000 AMD to Arzni (about $4).

Why you should visit Arzni:   Located only 30 minutes away from Yerevan, Arzni is another spa area with healthy mineral water sources, wellness centers, and beautiful green landscapes.

Things to do in Arzni:   Arzni Gorge is one of the most beloved places for locals and visitors to have picnics with friends and family members because the whole area is full of resorts.  Armenians will flock here to have a BBQ and the entire place will smell like it!  It is heavenly!

The gorge is also popular for hiking along the Hrazdan River.

Ara Village (Kotyk Region) for Nairian Tour

There is a very interesting opportunity to take an eco-tour to the factory of Nairian natural cosmetics.

Located in the Kotayk region near Ara Mountain, Nairian cosmetics is producing an eco-friendly and clean natural products for skin, hair, and the body.

Their products’ bases come from the Armenian highlands and mountains where the volcanic minerals offer a richness unlike anywhere else on the planet.

The knowledgeable tour will take you to the charming Ara village where the Nairian eco-factory is located. You will learn and see how natural cosmetics get made and you’ll have the opportunity to touch and smell the plants used in the creation of them.

Also, you’ll have a chance to relax with organic, homemade tea from local herbs and enjoy your connection with Armenian nature.

Click here to learn more about an eco-tour at Nairian .

How far is Byurakan from Yerevan?   The distance from Yerevan to Byurakan is 34 kilometers, or around 21 miles.  It will take you about 40 minutes to reach by car or taxi.

When is the best time to go to Byurakan?   Summer is the best time to visit Byurakan.  Due to elevation, it is not too hot and it is a great launchpad for hikes to Aragats Mountain.

How to get from Yerevan to Byurakan:   There are a couple of ways to get from Yerevan to Byurakan.  There are minibuses going to Byurakan from the Kilikia Bus Station many times daily.  The ride takes about one hour.  The price is 400 AMD (less than $1) and it runs daily between 1030-1950.

Alternatively, you can also take a taxi.  The price is around 3500 AMD ($5).

Why you should visit Byurakan:   Byurakan is a very interesting, albeit obscure place that is located about 40 minutes away from Yerevan. The area is famous because it’s the home of astronomy in Armenia and there are several impressive and observation centers with massive telescopes that were built in the Soviet Union and are still working today.

Things to do in Byurakan:   If you’re looking for a ‘different’ Yerevan day trip, Byurakan offers something that isn’t a monastery or nature (although it does have some sick nature).  It is also only around 5 kilometers away from Aragats Mountain hiking trails.

Aside from that, Byuraken is a little lovely village with hospitable locals and beautiful scenery.

Where to Stay in Yerevan

Yerevan center is lovely and staying there is essential if you’re looking to attend the Yerevan Wine Days festival.  There are a few hotels, guesthouses, and hostels that we recommend depending on the budget you’re traveling with.

The Alexander (Splurge):   For those looking to be spoiled with luxury,  The Alexander  is one of Armenia’s finest hotels that offers class and luxury to visitors.  It is located near Northern Avenue and Republic Square and is a short walk away from Yerevan Wine Days on Saryan Street.

>>  Click here to check rates and availability for The Alexander

Daniel Boutique Hotel (Mid-range):   Located in the center of the city,  Daniel Boutique Hotel  offers affordable accommodation with lovely and cozy rooms for you and your family. The hotel has all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay in the pink capital.

>> Click here to check rates and availability for Daniel Boutique Hotel

Grand Hostel Yerevan (Budget):   Located 10 minutes away from Republic Square is  Grand Hostel Yerevan . It’s a paradise for the budget traveler because you can get spacious, affordable, and clean rooms at whether you’re wanting a private or a dorm.

>>  Click here to check rates and availability for Grand Hostel Yerevan

This was quite the long Yerevan day tours guide and we hope that you have found something suitable to your travel desires!  If you have any questions or suggestions for Yerevan day trips, please reach out to us.  These are just some of the most popular ones… there are hundreds of others you could go on!

PIN IT FOR LATER!

One thought on “ 12 Popular Day Trips from Yerevan That You’ll Absolutely Love ”

Hello! I just read your article on “Day Trips from Yerevan,” and I must say, it’s a fantastic guide for exploring the fascinating destinations surrounding Armenia’s capital city. Your selection of day trips covers a diverse range of experiences, from historical landmarks to breathtaking natural wonders.

I appreciate how you provided detailed information about each day trip, including the highlights, activities, and practical tips. It’s evident that you have a deep knowledge of the region and want your readers to have the best possible experience during their day trips from Yerevan.

The photographs you included are absolutely stunning and give a visual glimpse of the beauty and allure of each destination. They truly complement your writing and make me want to pack my bags and explore these places right away.

I also like how you’ve considered different interests and preferences in your selection of day trips. Whether someone is a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a nature lover, there’s a day trip that caters to their passions.

Thank you for sharing these amazing day trip ideas with us. Your article is a valuable resource for anyone visiting Yerevan and looking to venture beyond the city to discover the hidden gems of Armenia. Keep up the fantastic work on your blog, and I’m looking forward to more travel inspiration from you. Happy travels!

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10 Incredible Day Trips from Yerevan – Armenia Day Tours for 2024

Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Quick Breakdown of the Top Day Trips from Yerevan: 1. Garni Temple Tour 2. Khor Virap Tour 3. Lake Sevan Tour Check out these great places to stay in Yerevan: 1. Budget: Bonvenon Capsule Hostel 2. Mid-range: 4Room Hotel 3. Luxury: Golden Palace Hotel

Armenia’s charming capital Yerevan is packed with fun and interesting things to do from climbing the Cascade for stunning views of Ararat to sipping coffee in one of the many streetside cafes. But there are lots of wonderful day trips from Yerevan too.

The city is perfectly situated for exploring nearby attractions such as Garni Pagan Temple, Khor Virap Monastery, Lake Sevan and Dilijan to name but a few. I spent a few months exploring Armenia in early 2023 and did lots of Yerevan day trips.

It only takes a few minutes to get out into the Caucasus mountains after leaving Yerevan and the scenery is outstanding. You can be in the mountainous wilderness within an hour so for those that like to escape into nature, Yerevan makes the perfect base.

Table of Contents

Best Day Trips From Yerevan

Below you’ll find a selection of Yerevan day trips which include temples, mountains, lakes, Armenian cooking and a lot more. Whatever your interests, one of these great Yerevan day tours is the perfect way to escape the city.

1. Garni Pagan Temple – Best Day Trip From Yerevan

The incredible Greco-Roman temple at Garni is one of the best day trips from Yerevan and is easily reachable from the city within an hour or so. This was one of the absolute highlights for me and the imposing pagan temple overlooking Garni Canyon is one of the most impressive places I’ve been.

The temple is over 2,000 years old and is one of the best preserved anywhere in the world. It’s a like a smaller version of the Acropolis in Athens, but no less impressive. It was constructed by Tiridates as a temple to the Armenian sun god Mihr.

Garni is the only pagan temple that wasn’t destroyed by Christians and legend has it that this was due to a relative of the King of Armenia using the temple as a home. Tickets for the temple cost 1,000AMD ($2.60) and include entrance to the temple, grounds and some archaeological pits.

Location: Garni is around 20 miles east of Yerevan. See the location on Google Maps Getting there: Marshrutka No 266 leaves from the bus depot on Gai Avenue every 30 minutes. The cost is 500AMD and the journey time is around 45 minutes. The bus station is around 3 miles (5km) from central Yerevan so you’ll need to take a taxi or bus. You can also book a tour from central Yerevan with Get Your Guide. Best tour from Yerevan: Garni Temple and Geghard Tour

2. Symphony of Stones

The Symphony of Stones has to be seen to be believed. It’s like a much more impressive version of the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, but instead of coming out of the ground, the basalt hexagonal columns stretch above the cliff face.

I went to the Symphony of Stones after visiting Garni Temple as it’s just a short walk (well, around thirty minutes) down into the impressive canyon. It costs 500AMD ($1.30) to visit and there is a path following the Azat River and canyon.

This is one of the most impressive natural phenomena I’ve seen anywhere and is an absolute must when visiting Armenia. Allow at least an hour to explore, though two would be better. There are benches along the river and it makes a great place for a picnic.

Location: Garni is around 20 miles east of Yerevan. See the location on Google maps Getting there: As with Garni, take the marshrutka from Gai Avenue. 500AMD and 40 minutes. Many tours of Garni also include a side trip to the Symphony of Stones. Best tour from Yerevan: Garni and Geghard Tour

3. Geghard Monastery

The impressive Geghard Monastery is situated in a canyon surrounded by imposing cliffs. The monastery is carved into the mountainside which lends it incredible acoustics. I visited Geghard after Garni as it’s an easy 6-mile (10 km) drive (there are buses/marshrutkas too).

The name “Geghard” means “spear” in Armenian, and the monastery is said to have housed the spear that pierced Jesus Christ’s side during his crucifixion. The monastery’s construction began in the 4th century and continued over several centuries, resulting in a unique blend of Armenian and Hellenistic architectural styles.

The complex includes several churches, chapels, and tombs, all adorned with intricate carvings and decorations. Today, the monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Armenia, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural and religious history.

Location: Geghard is around 26 miles east of Yerevan. Click here for directions . Getting there: As with Garni, take the marshrutka from Gai Avenue. 500AMD and 60 minutes. Many tours of Garni also include a side trip to Geghard Monastery. Best tour from Yerevan: Garni and Geghard Tour

Insider’s Tip: Garni, the Symphony of Stones and Geghard can all be visited on the same day as they are all very close together. Bus 266 leaves from Gai Avenue in Yerevan every 30 minutes and terminates at Geghard via Garni. You can also book a tour that includes all three sites. Click here to find out more .

4. Khor Virap

Khor Virap Monastery was one of the day tours from Yerevan I was looking forward to most and it didn’t disappoint. The monastery sits on a hill in the shadow of mighty Mount Ararat and the views are simply breathtaking.

The current construction dates to the 17th Century but there has been a chapel here since at least 642AD. It’s a popular place of pilgrimage as the founder of the Armenian church was imprisoned in the dungeon here for 13 years by King Tridates III.

The monastery is free to enter and well worth a look, especially the above-mentioned dungeon. You can walk around the grounds for magnificent views of Ararat and the Caucasus Mountains. Don’t stray too far though as the (heavily protected) border with Turkey is only a few miles away.

Location: Khor Virap is around 30 miles south of Yerevan. See the location on Google maps . Getting there: Marshrutkas leave from behind Yerevan Railway Station and the cost is 500AMD ($1.30). I took a taxi as I was running late and it cost 5,000AMD ($12.90) return with 40 a minute wait time. There are also lots of excellent tours to Khor Virap from Yerevan. Best tour from Yerevan: Khor Virap Tour from Yerevan

5. Lake Sevan

Sevan is a high alpine lake 2,000 metres up in the mountains 40 miles from Yerevan. It is one of the top summer day trips from Yerevan but I spent a week here in winter and it was incredibly beautiful. Snow-capped mountains rise majestically above the lake casting incredible reflections.

There is lots to do around Sevan from hiking to exploring lakeside temples, sampling the locally caught fish or having a bbq on the many beaches. There are lots of excellent restaurants around the lake and in summer you can swim and hire boats.

The small town of Sevan a is a mile or so from the lake but is a pleasant place and worth spending a day or two. The town is surrounded by mountains and has a pleasant square and a few cafes and restaurants.

Location: Lake Sevan is just 40 miles from Yerevan. See the location on Google maps . Getting there: Marshrutkas leave Yerevan’s northern bus station every two hours in winter and hourly in summer. The journey takes under one hour and costs 1,000AMD ($1.30). You can also join a tour from Yerevan. Best tour from Yerevan: Lake Sevan Tour from Yerevan

6. Areni Wine Region

The Areni wine region is a picturesque and historic wine-growing region located in the Vayots Dzor province of Armenia. This region is known for producing some of the finest red wines in Armenia, particularly the Areni grape variety which has been grown in the region for over 6,000 years.

Thanks to a favorable microclimate, rich soil, and ample sunshine, it’s an ideal location for grape cultivation. Some of the most popular wines produced in the region include Areni, Voskehat, and Kangun (the Areni dry red is my favorite).

The area is also home to several wineries and vineyards that offer tours and tastings, allowing visitors to experience the unique flavors and rich history of Armenian winemaking and it’s an easy day trip from Yerevan. Click here to book a wine-tasting tour .

I stayed in Areni for a week and had an excellent time hiking through stunning mountain scenery, exploring caves and windswept monasteries, as well as enjoying the odd glass of wine or three from the local vineyards and wineries.

Location: Areni is around 68 miles (110 km) from Yerevan. Click here for directions . Getting there: Marshrutkas leave Yerevan’s northern bus station every two hours in winter and hourly in summer. The journey takes under one hour and costs 1,000AMD ($1.30). You can also join a tour from Yerevan. Best tour from Yerevan: Lake Sevan Tour from Yerevan

7. The Ruins of Svartnots Temple

I recently took this 5-hour day tour from Yerevan to Echmiadzin which included visits to the oldest church in the world (See below) and culminated in a visit to the ruins of Svartnots Cathedral.

8. Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral

Historic Echmiadzin, also known as Vagharshapat, is an ancient city located in the Armavir province of Armenia, about 20 km west of the capital city, Yerevan. Echmiadzin is considered the spiritual center of Armenia, as it is home to the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, the oldest cathedral in the world that has been continuously operating since its founding in the early 4th century.

The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is renowned for its intricate carvings, frescoes, and religious artifacts. Echmiadzin is also home to several other important religious and cultural sites, including the Church of St. Gayane and the Zvartnots Cathedral ruins.

The city offers a unique blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination and one of the top Armenia day tours for anyone interested in Armenian culture and history. Click here to book a tour of Echmiadzin today .

Location: Lake Sevan is just 20 miles (32 km) east of Yerevan. Click here for directions . Getting there: Take bus 202 from Yerevan’s Kilikia Bus Station. The journey takes around two hours and costs 1,000AMD ($1.30). You can also join a tour from Yerevan. Best tour from Yerevan: Echmiadzin tour from Yerevan

9. Noravank

Noravank is a medieval monastery located in the heart of the rugged Vayots Dzor province of Armenia. The monastery was constructed in the 13th century on the site of an ancient cave temple, and it is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.

The monastery is set against a breathtaking backdrop of red cliffs and rugged mountains, adding to its natural beauty. The main church, Surb Astvatsatsin, is an impressive structure with intricate reliefs and intricate stone carvings, while the adjacent bell tower and other buildings offer a glimpse into medieval Armenian architecture.

Today, Noravank is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to admire its stunning beauty and explore the rich history of the region.

Location: Noravank is 75 miles (120 km) southeast of Yerevan. Click here for directions . Getting there: There is no direct link between Yerevan and Noravank so driving (two hours) or taking a tour is the best way to get there. Best tour from Yerevan: Noravank Day Trip from Yerevan

The city of Gyumri is Armenia’s second city (though no bigger than a small town) in northern Armenia very close to the borders with Turkey and Georgia. It was the site of a horrific earthquake in 1989 that destroyed much of the town, and evidence of this is still visible today.

That being said, Gyumri really is a charming place and has quite a European feel to it with long pedestrian streets full of sidewalk cafes. There’s quite a bit to see from the cathedral and churches to the Black Castle, Mother Armenia Monument, city parks and a bazaar.

If your time is limited, then Gyumri can be done as a day trip. However, I recommend spending a couple of days to get the most out of your visit, especially in summer when the town comes alive with outdoor terraces and beer gardens.

Location: Gyumri is 75 miles north of Yerevan. See the location on Google Maps . Getting there: The quickest way to get to Gyumri is by shared taxi which takes around 90 minutes and costs 2,000AMD ($5.00). The train costs 1,000 but takes three to three and a half hours. You can also take a tour from Yerevan. Check out my guide on getting to Gyumri from Yerevan for more info. Best tour from Yerevan: Gyumri Tour from Yerevan

11. Tatev Mountain (and Cable Car)

Traveling to Tatev is one of the best day trips from Yerevan and offers visitors a chance to explore the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The journey begins with a scenic cable car ride across the Vorotan River gorge, which is one of the world’s longest cable car rides in the world.

Explore the impressive Tatev Monastery, which dates back to the 9th century and is one of the most important spiritual and cultural sites in Armenia. The monastery is home to several historic churches and buildings, including the Surb Astvatsatsin Church, which is adorned with intricate stone carvings and frescoes.

The surrounding area is also home to several hiking trails and outdoor activities, including the Devil’s Bridge and the Khndzoresk Cave Village, making Tatev a must-visit destination for nature and history enthusiasts alike. Click here to find out more .

Location: Tatev is 155 miles (250 km) southeast of Yerevan. Click here for directions . Getting there: There is no direct link between Yerevan and Tatev so driving (four to five hours) or taking a tour is the best way to get there. Best tour from Yerevan: Tatev Day Trip from Yerevan

There are lots of amazing day trips from Yerevan. Whether you want to see ancient temples, go hiking in the mountains or see spend time at gorgeous Lake Sevan there’s plenty to do outside of the city. Armenia is an incredible country with a rich history and plenty of untamed wilderness to explore.

So, whichever Yerevan day tour you choose, you won’t be disappointed. I’ve done all of these trips myself and will continue to explore the country for some time.

About the author: Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.

Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World . See the About page for more info.

Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲

One thought on “ 10 Incredible Day Trips from Yerevan – Armenia Day Tours for 2024 ”

I never realized how mountainous Armenia is. Looks like such a beautiful country.

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• Armenia Tours

Armenia Day Tours

Armenia day tours are the best way to see its architectural beauty and traditions of Armenian people even if you have only one day free or even few hours.

Excursion program to cities and its surroundings with a guide and a driver is made up to seize all interesting. You will get a chance to touch the everyday life of Armenians, see beauties of its cities and villages, feel the soul of century long churches and temples and of course, get some original souvenirs to remember.

We offer you to have a look at various options of short tours, excursions and weekend trips.

Khor-Virap, Noravank, Areni

Unforgettable one-day tour to ancient temples of Armenia, geothermal springs and Armenian wine tasting

Details 1 Day | All year round from US$ 110 per person

Tour to Oshakan, Amberd, Karmravor, Saghmosavank

Perfect one-day tour to Oshakan, Amberd, Karmravor, Saghmosavank, centuries long monuments scattered to the north-west of Yerevan. Touch the history of Armenia.

Saghmosavank, Amberd, Karmravor, Oshakan

Details 1 Day | All year round from US$ 105 per person

Tour to Etchmiadzin, Sardarapat, Zvartnots, and Genocide Museum

Short visit excursion to Etchmiadzin, Sardarapat, Zvartnots, and Genocide Museum, ancient Christian temples of Armenia

Etchmiadzin, Sardarapat, Zvartnots, Genocide Museum

Details 1 Day | All year round from US$ 130 per person

Tour to Lake Sevan, Sevanavank, Dilijan, Goshavank, and Haghartsin

One-day tour Lake Sevan, Sevanavank, Dilijan, Goshavank, and Haghartsin, the north-east of Armenia where you can see the pearl of the land – lake Sevan, sights of Dilijan and many other.

Lake Sevan, Sevanavank, Dilijan, Goshavank, Haghartsin

Details 1 Day | All year round from US$ 115 per person

Tour to Lake Sevan, Noraduz, Hayravank, and Sevanavank

One-day tour to Lake Sevan, Noraduz, Hayravank, and Sevanavank along the west shore of the Lake Sevan. Excursion to ancient Christian relics on the shores of the largest lake in Armenia.

Lake Sevan, Noraduz, Hayravank, Sevanavank

Tour to Arutch, Marmashen, Gyumri, and Harichavank

Fascinating one-day tour to Arutch, Marmashen, Gyumri, and Harichavank to the west of Armenia where you will have an opportunity to learn the culture and architecture of the city Gyumri, the second largest city in Armenia.

Arutch, Marmashen, Gyumri, Harichavank

Tour to Garni, Geghard, and Khor-Virap

Fascinating one-day tour to Garni, Geghard, and Khor-Virap is an excursion to unique monuments of Armenia – complex Garni, built in ancient Roman style, and temple of Geghard impressing with its rock architecture.

Garni, Geghard, Khor-Virap

Yerevan City Tour

Yerevan City Tour, in the capital of Armenia – ancient but always young city of Yerevan that can boast with its old monuments and modern architecture.

Armenian Genocide memorial complex, History Museum of Armenia

Details 1 Day | All year round from US$ 90 per person

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Here is a unique travel CONCEPT from FEEL ARMENIA which will take you into deep cultural immersion. CONCEPT 5 will help you to put all the parts of the cultural puzzle into its right place. Find your travel CONCEPT below!  Take one of these one-day tours in Armenia every day and discover Armenia. Make your puzzle of Armenia.

One-day Tours in Armenia: Unique Travel Concept from Feel Armenia

Tour details, have bigger moments choosing the whole concept., what to expect.

• Our highly-skilled Travel Director serving as your experience creator
• Premium travel service thought-out to the smallest detail
• Authentic handmade spiritual experience
• Unforgettable experiences
• It's just very well planned

Departure & Return Location

Departure time, how they believe one-day tours in armenia.

Have an early visit to Khor Virap – to explore the roots of the Christian history of Armenia. Take in the breathtaking view of the Biblical Mount Ararat and catch the whisper of the stones…. Then have an iconic visit to the Holy capital of all Armenians- Etchmiadzin . Stop for a minute and delve into the spiritual purity of this site. Afterwards, on the way back visit the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral dating back to the 7th century (UNESCO heritage sites). The place impresses every single visitor even standing partly in ruins. Take one-day tours in Armenia and make your puzzle.

WHAT THEY VALUE One-day tours in Armenia

Embark on a scenic journey in the capital city Yerevan by Cascade steps up and voila – the Holy peak of Mount Ararat is right in front of you. Then proceed to Matenadaran Manuscript Museum hosting one of the biggest depositories of ancient manuscripts. Immerse into the thousand-year history at the History Museum. Feel the sorrow of these people at Genocide Memorial and Museum . Witness what they passed through but never gave up. And finally, see the small part of these values reflected in their crafts at Megerian Carpet factory. Take one-day tours in Armenia and make your puzzle.

FEEL THE FLAVOURS OF THE COUNTRY One-day tours in Armenia

Have your sweet morning at the local chocolate factory or Food Market to feel the local hospitality. Then enjoy your visit to one of the best vineyards in the Aragatsotn region. Roll up your sleeves! It’s high time to cook with our expert local chefs! Learn about traditional Armenian cuisine during the organized food master class for you. And here is the superb ending of your day- Ararat Brandy Factory. Experience the true flavour of Armenian cognac here. Take one-day tours in Armenia and make your puzzle. Included Service: Food Master Class

HOW THEY SING AND DANCE One-day tours in Armenia

Early morning head to Garni Temple . Right in the heart of nature listen to national Armenian instrument Duduk – touching your hearts through the voice of music. Proceed to Geghard Monastery : an incredible ancient Armenian monastery partly carved out of a rock. Our specially invited singer will perform for you some Armenian sharakan (spiritual song). You will have your authentic Armenian dinner at one of the local restaurants to enjoy the performance of Armenian national dance group and why not join them! Take one-day tours in Armenia and make your puzzle. Included Service: Duduk Concert

FROM RURAL TO URBAN One-day tours in Armenia

Our winding Country Roads program will take you to hidden retreats and unexpected adventures with authentic Farm-to-Table dining. You will pass your “Relaxed morning” at one of the close villages. After the delicious morning head to lake Sevan and indulge into the divine beauty of nature. Head back to Yerevan to explore the night walk in Yerevan. For the gourmands, we offer some superb restaurant, whereas for the lovers of active nightlife the best pub will welcome. Take one-day tours in Armenia and make your puzzle.

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Taste of Armenia

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One-day individual and group excursions in Armenia

Daily trips (one day tours) from yerevan.

ExploreArmenia  tour operator offers you a choice of exciting group and individual one-day tours in Armenia with professional guides. All excursions in Armenia are focused on leaving the capital – Yerevan. Our daily tours in Armenia from Yerevan include comfortable transport, qualified guides, interesting routes. We are sure that positive emotions will remain in your heart for life! Armenia is a country you can fall in love with!

Garni Temple - Symphony of stones - Geghard monastery

Khor Virap monastery - Noravank monastery - Areni - Tatev monastery

Wings of Tatev ropeway - Tatev monastery - Khndzoresk (Cave town)

Saghmosavank - Armenian Alphabet Monument - Amberd - Oshakan

Alphabet’s square – Aragats Mountain (Lake Kari) – Amberd Tower

Sardarapat - Etchmiadzin - st. Gayane & Hripsime churches - Zvartnots

Lake Sevan – Sevanavank monastery

Aruchavank - The Cathedral of Talin - Gyumri - Sev Berd – Harichavank

Garni Temple - Geghard monastery - Lake Sevan

Etchmiadzin Cathedral - Saint Gayane Church - Saint Hripsime Church - Zvartnots Cathedral

Tsaghkadzor (Kecharis monastery) – lake Sevan (Sevanavank)

Akhtala monastery - Haghpat monastery - Sanahin monastery - Odzun church

Lake Sevan - Sevanavank monastery – Enokavan village – hiking in Lastiver

Saghmosavank monastic complex - Lori berd - Stepanavan Dendropark

Khor Virap Monastery – Mount Ararat

Khor Virap Monastery – Areni village – Noravank

Etchmiadzin Cathedral - st. Gayane & Hripsime churches - Zvartnots temple - Khor Virap

Saghmosavank - Hovhannavank - Lake Kari - Alphabet Monument - Amberd fortress

Tatev monastery - ropeway «Wings of Tatev» - Zorats Karer (Karahunj)

Lake Sevan – Dilijan - Haghartsin monastery - Goshavank monastery

Khor Virap monastery - Areni village - Noravank monastery – Jermuk waterfall

Lake Sevan – Noratus - Hayravank monastery

If you still have questions about the tour organization in Armenia, then it is very easy to contact us! You can order a call on the website, send an email or just SMS . We will get back to you shortly

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The Ultimate Armenia Itinerary: 5 to 7 Days (or More!)

Last Updated on February 16, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

As one of the least-visited countries in Europe, Armenia can be viewed as an exotic destination that only the most intrepid of travellers would choose to visit. Because of this, there isn’t a lot of information about this South Caucasus nation available online and it can make planning the perfect Armenia itinerary a difficult task.

Because so many of those who do visit Armenia do it by organised tour, it can be very tricky to find the right information for those who want to visit this underrated country independently. Planning a trip to Armenia is one of the best decisions you could make, especially if you’re combining it with a trip through the other Caucasus countries of Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Armenia

Despite its relatively southern geographic location, Armenia very much experiences four proper seasons and, therefore, there are some times of year to visit this Caucasian nation that are better than others.

Winters in Armenia can be very cold, with high temperatures between the months of December-February barely clocking in above freezing. Luckily, however, the cold weather doesn’t tend to last too long as it will usually begin to warm up in the month of March and temperatures will fall into the low 20s Celcius (70s Fahrenheit) by April.

Because of this, travelling in the springtime is one of the best times of year to plan a trip to Armenia. Besides the tendency for a bit more rain, the temperatures will be mild and pleasant with it rarely getting too hot or too cold.

The Autumn seasons between September-November also see similar temperatures to Spring albeit with less rain, making that the absolute optimal time to visit Armenia.

Summers in Armenia are sunny and hot, with daily high temperatures often clocking in over 40 degrees Celcius (102 degrees Fahrenheit). Though many hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants will be air-conditioned, this becomes less likely the further from big cities or tourist hotspots you venture.

It is also worth noting that public transport (like buses and marshrutkas) rarely are air-conditioned so it can get unbearably hot to travel from point A to B in the summer.

All in all, the best times to visit Armenia would likely be in the shoulder seasons of March-May and September-November.

How Many Days in Armenia?

If you’re wondering how many days in Armenia is sufficient to get a good feel for the country but you’re strapped for time, we would recommend spending five days in this southern Caucasian nation. This will give you time to explore the lively capital of Yerevan, take a day trip into the surrounding area, and spend a couple of nights in a smaller city as well.

Spending 5 days in Armenia will allow you to get beyond the capital and experience the culture of this underrated travel destination without being too exhausting or taking too much time.

If you have longer, spending one week in Armenia is ideal to get a really good grasp of the country and a more well-rounded view of the culture and history of this beautiful nation.

With 7 days, you have time not only to explore the capital city, but you can head quite off the beaten path and take in the city of Gyumri and enjoy some of the beautiful nature that Armenia has to offer.

Getting Around Armenia

Armenia isn’t that highly-visited of a country and those who do venture to this underappreciated nation tend to do so on an organised tour, which means that figuring out how to get around independently can be a confusing and albeit daunting task for tourists.

Luckily, locals in Armenia tend to be extremely helpful and eager to lend a hand to confused visitors, so it is likely that you wouldn’t be stranded for too long if you couldn’t figure something out.

If you only plan to visit Yerevan while you explore Armenia, getting around the city is incredibly easy and manageable as the majority of the city’s main sites can be reached on foot and the city centre is compact and easy to navigate. Anything else that is not within walking distance is easy to get to with either the metro or an affordable taxi ride.

Taxi rides are accessible for most travellers in Yerevan and it can actually be the easiest way to get to some more out-of-the-way attractions within the city. It is worth knowing, however, that taxis throughout Armenia (and the Caucasus in general) don’t tend to have meters, so it is essential to negotiate a price before you get in.

Finding a cab through the Yandex taxi app or the Bolt app is a great option. This operates much in the same way as Uber and will quote you the exact price of the journey before you get in the cab, leaving out any need for stressful negotiations.

If you’re travelling outside of the capital — for example, from Yerevan to Dilijan , Gyumri, or Goris — there are a few options available for independent travellers. The easiest and most common option for inter-city travel in Armenia is by marshrutka, or minibus.

Depending on the popularity of your destination, marshrutkas have a vague schedule and generally depart when full or mostly full.

The destination of the bus will be posted in the front window and it will generally be in the Latin or Cyrillic alphabet if they are popular routes amongst tourists. If you can’t already, it can be helpful to learn the Cyrillic alphabet or learn what your destinations look like printed both in Cyrillic and in the Armenian alphabet.

You can find the most up-to-date bus timetables from tourist information centres or from your guesthouse, hostel, or hotel staff. Often, you might need to book a spot on the bus if there are only a finite number that leave per day. The tourist info centre or your accommodation can call and book these for you as well.

Generally speaking, you pay the driver for the ride, however, there are some routes where you buy a ticket at a counter instead. Don’t worry, they will let you know for your specific route.

Train travel does exist in Armenia, however, it isn’t all that well-developed and not every route is available. While the trains are not the most comfortable mode of transportation in Armenia, they tend to be more comfortable than a marshrutka and can be preferable if there an option for your route. Ticket prices vary, but they are quite affordable.

Another easy way to get around Armenia, especially if you’re on a tight schedule and not travelling on a tight budget, is to rent a car. Though the road quality may not be the best in some areas of the country, having your own car makes it easy to travel independently and to see some out-of-the-way attractions without having to rely on organised tours or being beholden to erratic bus schedules.

If you want to find great prices on car hire, you can rent private cars directly from locals through Local Rent .

5 to 7-Day Armenia Itinerary

Day 1 – yerevan.

Armenia’s dynamic capital city has been continuously inhabited for more than 2,800 years, however, it retains a modern and hip edge that cements itself firmly in the 21st century. With an easy-to-navigate city centre and a streetside cafe culture to rival Paris, Yerevan is one of the most logical places to begin your itinerary for Armenia.

Because it doesn’t have as much information written about as neighbouring capitals like Tbilisi or Baku , many people will ask themselves “is Yerevan worth visiting?” And the answer to this is a resounding “yes,” especially if you are planning a larger Caucasus itinerary and want to see how all three capitals differ.

If you trying to figure out how many days in Yerevan is best to get to know the city, then we would say three. Spend your first day in Yerevan in the city centre, enjoying the main sites and getting the lay of the land.

The current centre of Yerevan was designed in the 1920s by Armenian architect Alexander Tamanian and, as a planned city, it is much easier to navigate than the other two Caucasus capitals, with wide avenues and a logical setup to the streets.

Begin your morning at the impressive Cascade complex , a series of steps spanning seven floors where, from the top on a clear day, you can see spectacular views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat in the distance.

If the 572 steps of the complex seem daunting to you, there are a series of escalators inside that you can take to the top instead. These are free to use and are open every day. There are also some interesting art exhibitions inside to enjoy while you’re riding up. No doubt that visiting the Cascade complex is one of the best things to do in Armenia.

After enjoying the Cascade, walk a few hundred metres to see the imposing Armenian Opera building, also designed by Alexander Tamanian. While the building isn’t as impressive as the one you might find in Tbilisi, it is still a great example of Armenian neoclassical architecture.

The building consists of two concert halls: the Alexander Spendiaryan Opera and Ballet National Theatre and the Aram Khachaturian concert hall which is home to the Armenian Philharmonic.

You can purchase tickets to the opera, ballet, and symphony from ticket offices nearby for very affordable prices and it is a great way to support the arts and culture of Yerevan. Michael and I were able to get very good seats for the ballet for 6000 AMD (about $14 USD) per person.

Armenia is an incredibly Christian nation and it is an important part of the country’s identity, however, one of the most beautiful sites to see is the Blue Mosque , which isn’t a far walk from the Opera building. This Shia mosque is the only functioning mosque in the city and the courtyard and colourful dome are very much worth seeing.

After admiring the mosque, head to Republic Square , the main square in Yerevan. There is a beautiful fountain situated in front of the Armenian History Museum that, during summer evenings, is lit in different colours. The square is also surrounded by beautiful examples of Armenian neoclassical buildings in Yerevan’s iconic rose-hued stone, making it obvious as to why it is known as the “pink city.”

Now wander over to the Vernissage Market , a large open-air souvenir market that is the perfect place to find something unique to bring home to your friends and family.

Contrary to what you might find in tacky souvenir shops full of mass-produced magnets and pomegranate tchotchkes, here you can get local handicrafts like beautiful chess and backgammon boards, intricate silver jewellery, and much more. You will also be supporting local artisans by keeping traditional practices alive.

Your last stop for your first day in Yerevan should be at the St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral . Opened in 2001 to mark the 1700th anniversary of Christianity in Armenia (which is believed to be the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion), this is the largest Armenian Apostolic church in the world and is truly spectacular to see.

Round out your sightseeing at Yerevan’s GUM Market , the central market hall of the Armenian capital. Though it isn’t as lively and chaotic as, say, the Green Bazaar in Kutaisi, Georgia , it is still a great way to see what locals eat and to sample some regionally sourced and produced treats while staying away from multinational supermarket chains.

End your first day in one of the great restaurants, cafes, or wine bars on Saryan Street. In Vino is a good choice if you want to choose from an extensive list of both local and international vintages paired with local meats and cheeses.

If you want something a bit more substantial, Tapastan is a great Armenian fusion restaurant. Alternatively, head over to the Cascade and enjoy some surprisingly delicious Thai food from Wine Republic , which was one of our favourite haunts in Yerevan.

If you want to explore more of the capital’s food scene, consider this food tour of Yerevan .

Where to Stay in Yerevan

Skyline Hotel Yerevan – If you’re looking for a well-located hotel to stay at in Yerevan, then this is a good option for you. This locally-run hotel has a range of clean and comfortable rooms available, is located within walking distance of most of Yerevan’s top attractions, and there is an option to add breakfast to your nightly rate.

Avenue ApartHotel – This aparthotel is an excellent option if you want your own place to stay in Yerevan while still having all of the nice amenities of a hotel. They have a range of both suites and rooms on offer along with plenty of perks to make your stay a great one.

Envoy Hostel – This hostel is one of the best places to stay in Yerevan for backpackers, budget and solo travellers alike. They have a range of dorm beds and private rooms available, helpful staff, clean facilities, and good common areas. They also provide day tours to other areas in Armenia at a discounted rate to their hostel guests.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Yerevan!

Day 2 – Yerevan

Your second day in Yerevan may be a bit more sombre and not quite as busy as the first, but will still give you a great insight into the history of the city and Armenia as a whole.

Begin your day by hopping in a taxi to the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum, which is located a bit outside of the city centre. It will take about 10-15 minutes to get there.

The memorial and museum are free to enter and it is extremely well-curated and an incredibly powerful place to visit. When visiting Armenia, it is important to learn about the darkest part of its history where up to 1.5 million people were murdered.

There is also a garden in front of the museum with a tree planted for each foreign official who has officially recognised the atrocities carried out by the Ottomans in 1915-1923 as a genocide. There is also a plaque honouring the countries and the European Union that have officially recognised the Armenian Genocide.

After visiting the memorial and museum, it is likely you will need a drink and it isn’t an easy place to spend time in. Therefore, take a taxi to Dargett Brewpub , a microbrewery which serves up some fantastic craft beers along with some fantastic western-style bar food.

If you can’t decide which kind of beer to order, we recommend ordering a tasting flight. Our favourites included the American Pale Ale, the Vertigo IPA, and the Belgian Tripel.

Those who aren’t beer drinkers may, instead, be interested in a tour and tasting of Ararat Brandy . This is Armenia’s answer to cognac and it is very delicious.

After a beer and some lunch, head to the History Museum of Armenia at Republic Square. Though, as of May 2019, parts of this museum are under construction, it is still a great place to stop by to learn more about the history of Armenia beyond that genocide.

The museum is famous for being home to the world’s oldest shoe, which was found in a cave in the south of the country called Areni-2, or the “bird’s cave.”

After the history museum, if you’re keen to learn more about Yerevan from a local’s perspective, we recommend going on the Yerevan Free Walking Tour , which meets every day at 4 PM in front of the museum.

The tour is about 3 hours long and advance booking is required, however, it is an excellent way to learn about Yerevan’s history and culture from a friendly and knowledgeable local. There is also this paid walking tour if this schedule suits you better.

Finish your day with dinner at one of the restaurants recommended on Day 1.

Day 3 – Yerevan

On your third day, it is time to get out of Yerevan and see some of the surrounding area. There are a number of day trip options from Yerevan that are all fairly easy to organise, whether independently or via organised tour.

Two of the most popular day trips from Yerevan include heading to the nearby town of Garni , home to the ancient Garni Temple – the only surviving pagan temple in the country that’s datesw ot pre-Christian times.

You can also view the bizarre rock formations known as the Symphony of Stones and the beautiful Geghard Monastery – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nature lovers will also love seeing the Garni Gorge.

It takes about 30 minutes to get there via marshrutka. You can also visit these places on this day tour or this day tour .

The city of Etchmiadzin (Vagharshapat) is also an easy-to-do independent day trip from Yerevan. This town is known as the “Vatican of Armenia” and is the home of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which is a separate church from the Catholic, Orthodox, or Anglican churches.

It is also home to the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, which is believed to be the oldest cathedral not just in Armenia, but in the entire world. You can also view the ruins of the Zvartnots Cathedral here.

Bus 203 from the Central Bus Station will get you there and back with limited expense and hassle. Those who would rather visit with a guide will like this guided day tour .

If you’re keen to explore more of Armenia beyond just the areas near to Yerevan, then the easiest way to do this is by organised tour. Some popular places to visit in Armenia as day trips from Yerevan include the Khor Virap Monastery , the Noravank Monastery , the Hin Areni Winery , or even Tatev Monastery .

We were altogether happy with our full-day tour to Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni, and the Bird’s Cave. Different tours depart on different days, so make sure to shop around and see what suits your schedule and what you want to see in Armenia if you’re keen to take a tour.

Day 4 – Dilijan

After spending a busy three days in Yerevan, it’s time to head to the next destination on your Armenia itinerary: Dilijan.

Known as the “Switzerland of Armenia,” Dilijan is located just a 90-minute marshrutka ride from Yerevan, however, it feels like a different world. Dilijan is a great escape from the city and a fantastic place to spend a couple of days enjoying the laid-back mountain atmosphere, going for a few hikes, or taking a trip to some nearby monasteries.

While there aren’t a lot of traditional sites to see or things to do in Dilijan, it is still a great place to visit to see a different side to Armenia and to enjoy the pastoral side of the country. The town itself is delightful, with a lovely lake and plenty of great restaurants and cafes to enjoy.

Plan to spend an hour or two exploring the town itself and then take the rest of your day to go for a hike in Dilijan National Park. The tourist information centre in the town outlines several hiking trails of varying difficulties where you can really get out and enjoy the pristine nature of Armenia regardless of your general fitness level.

If you’d rather stay in Yerevan but still experience the highlights of the next two days of this itinerary, then this day tour and this guided tour will take you from the capital to both Dilijan and Lake Sevan.

Where to Stay in Dilijan

Green Dilijan B&B – This family-run guesthouse is an excellent choice for budget travellers. They have a few rooms available, a cosy common area for guests, and a lovely balcony with views of the mountains. It is kept very clean and the extremely friendly and helpful owners also offer an excellent breakfast for an additional charge.

Chalet Dilijan Hotel – This hotel is a great option if your budget accounts for a bit more than a family-run guesthouse. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available for all types of travellers and breakfast is also included in the nightly rate.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other places in Dilijan!

Day 5 – Lake Sevan

Using Dilijan as a base, use the fifth day of your time in Armenia to head to beautiful Lake Sevan. As one of the largest alpine lakes in the entirety of the Eurasian continent and certainly the largest in the region, Lake Sevan is a gorgeous place to visit that is steeped in history.

It’s only a little bit over 30 minutes to reach Sevan town from Dilijan – if you don’t have your own car, you can organise an affordable taxi to reach the area. Your accommodation can often arrange this for you.

One of the highlights of visiting this area is the beautiful Sevanavank Monastery, located on a small peninsula just north of the town. Sevan is also a popular resort area for Armenians to holiday in and there are several beaches along the shore of the lake where you can take a dip in the water.

Another thing you must do is try the famed Sevan trout – an Armenian delicacy. There is a lot of trout fished from the lake and lots of restaurants feature the fish prominently on their menus.

If you’re only spending five days exploring Armenia, then you can easily end your time by heading back to Yerevan and flying out or continuing onward to Tbilisi if you’re interested in exploring neighbouring Georgia.

Day 6 – Dilijan to Gyumri

Your sixth day exploring Armenia is going to be a bit of a travel day as you make your way from Dilijan to Armenia’s second-largest city of Gyumri.

There are no direct bus connections between these two towns so you have a couple of options. From Dilijan, hop on a marshurtka to the town of Vanadzor or Spitak and catch a connecting mini bus to Gyumri. Alternatively, you can travel south back to Yerevan and then either grab a marshrutka or, our preference, a train to Gyumri.

The train from Yerevan to Gyumri is especially fun for fans of old Soviet transport as they haven’t been updated in decades and can offer quite an insight into the past. The scenery you will pass is also simply delightful as you travel through the Armenian countryside.

Once you arrive in Gyumri, no matter how you’ve arrived, spend your evening simply getting your bearings and exploring a bit of the city centre before finding a great place for dinner.

Where to Stay in Gyumri

Lind Hostel & Guesthouse – This family-run guesthouse is one of the best places to stay in Gyumri if you’re travelling on a budget. They have a range of comfortable rooms available, a fully equipped kitchen for guests to use, and impeccably clean facilities. It is located an easy walk from the city centre and breakfast is available and an affordable additional cost. The owners are also incredibly friendly and ready to help.

Tomu’s Hotel – If you’re looking for a more traditional hotel rather than a guesthouse, then this is an excellent option for you. Centrally located, this hotel has a range of rooms available, helpful staff with 24-hour reception, and a restaurant and bar on site.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Gyumri!

Day 7 – Gyumri

In the past, Gyumri has been known as both Alexandropol (when it was part of the Russian Empire) and Leninakan (during Soviet times) and was once the largest city in Armenia — at its peak being home to over 500,000 people. However, the city was absolutely devastated by the Spitak Earthquake in 1988, which killed at least 25,000 people.

More than 30 years later, Gyumri is still recovering and rebuilding from the devastation and can seem a bit “rough around the edges,” meaning it isn’t the most popular tourist attraction in Armenia. However, if you want to see how people live in Armenia and venture where few tourists tend to go, Gyumri is an excellent addition to your Armenia itinerary.

Though it is lacking in traditional tourist sites, it is still worth strolling to the Black Fortress , through the Central Park , and enjoying one of the wonderful cafes on Pushkin Street (we recommend Herbs & Honey ).

Depending on if you’re only visiting Armenia or if you’re travelling onwards, you may want to return to Yerevan to fly out of the country. Alternatively, there is a marshrutka that can take you from Gyumri to Tbilisi if you’re heading to Georga or elsewhere in the Caucasus.

Alternatively, if you weren’t able to see some of the sites in the Armenian countryside, you could take this transfer tour from Yerevan to Tbilisi which includes several great stops along the way.

Have More Time?

If you have more than five or seven days in Armenia, there are numerous places that you could add to your itinerary. For one, if you’re keen to spend maybe 10 days in Armenia, it is logical to add the town of Goris and Tatev Monastery to your itinerary.

At Tatev, you can embark on one of the world’s longest cable car journeys and take in some truly gorgeous natural scenery.

You could also opt to spend longer in Yerevan, explore more of the city or go on a couple more day trips or tours from there. If you want to do more hiking in Armenia, then spending longer will allow you to do that as well without sacrificing any of the cultural and historical sites on this itinerary as well.

As an independent traveller, planning a trip to Armenia doesn’t have to be a difficult task. With enough prior research and planning, you are sure to piece together the optimal itinerary for your own travel style!

Are you spending some time in Armenia? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

How to Get From Yerevan to Dilijan & Things To Do In Dilijan

The Perfect Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan Itinerary

Georgia vs Armenia vs Azerbaijan: Which Country to Visit?

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Excellent and explained in simple language. Thanks

hi, thank you for this informative piece, im also planning on visiting Georgia, would u happen to have any knowledge of Georgia too tia

Hi Daniel! Yes, we’ve spent quite a bit of time in Georgia and have a lot of information written. You can find everything here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/georgia-travel-guide/

brilliant thank you very much indeed

Hi Maggie, Nice article written on Armenia… I am on my vacation with my family to Georgia in May. Planning 7 days in Georgia and and 5 days in Armrnia.. Is it possible to cover the nb best of Armenia

Thanks for your comment! Yes, you can definitely see some highlights in Armenia in just 5 days 🙂

Hello Maggie, thanks for this post. I am heading to Armenia and Georgia late September/early October. I already have a plan for Georgia, but for Armenia not so much. In particular, there are 4 free days after spending the weekend in Yerevan that I am not sure how best to plan for. I would like to visit Tatev, so really that limits me to the south. What would you recommend? I’m probably going to stick with public transport, renting a car is a possibility but I’m a bit nervous about that when I’m traveling on my own.

Hey David, thanks for your comment! If you want to visit Tatev and you have 4 days to play around with, then I think it could be worth it to head down to Goris. It isn’t necessary to hire a car as Goris is accessible by public transit, it can just be tricky to find up-to-date information online. I would recommend heading to a tourist info centre or asking your accommodation about transit options if you don’t want to self-drive, often they can call and book you a seat as well. Hope this helps and you have a great trip!

Thanks Maggie for the swift reply. I was wondering what else you would recommend between Goris and Yerevan , in that 4 day timeframe? What would be realistic, if only using public transport? At the end of the 4th day I’d need to be back in Yerevan, for a tour that takes me through to Georgia that starts the following day (with Envoy Hostel).

Realistically, if you’re relying on only public transport, I would recommend staying one extra day in Yerevan and doing a day tour to some attractions in Southern Armenia (Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni, etc) and then taking three days for your Goris/Tatev leg. It can be really hard to visit those attractions independently if you don’t have your own vehicle and it’s also not very easy to break up the journey between Yerevan and Goris.

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7 Day Armenia Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 7 day Armenia tour with TourRadar. Choose from 18 trips with 13 customer reviews, that range from 4 up to 7 days.

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18 armenia 7 day tour packages with 13 reviews.

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Tours to Armenia - every Friday

Saw amazing views of Mount Ararat, really enjoyed the beautiful bus ride through the snow-covered landscapes. Our guide Tigran was wonderful and very knowledgeable. I'm recommending this tour to anyone looking to see more of Armenia beyond Yerevan.

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Classic Armenia - 7 days (Private Tour)

My wife and I spent 11 days on a private tour of Armenia with Mariam and our driver Karo. We enjoy private tours because it allows us the ability to customize our trips, change on the fly, if need be, and ride in comfortable vehicles. From the get-go when I contacted Mariam, the communication was excellent and timely despite a 9-hour time difference. We enjoy history, cultural experiences, and the natural beauty a place has to offer. We worked together on an itinerary and trip during late April/early May before the weather turned exceedingly hot. The whole experience exceeded our expectations. We felt like premium clients and were treated extraordinarily well by Mariam. Besides having a great personality that is fun and caring, Mariam is a walking knowledge vault not only providing history but sharing cultural incites of Armenia. She is also an avid hiker guide and wine guide, so we got the complete package and then some. We wanted to meet other Armenians during our travels, and she did not disappoint. Her connections are vast, and we met so many delightful people, ate wonderful foods, drank excellent wine, learned so much about Armenia, and did a bit of getting close to nature. We can’t say enough except that she created a memory that will stay with us forever. Be aware that her services are in demand so plan accordingly. There is only one of Mariam and we were thrilled that she was our private guide who we can now call our friend. If you are planning a trip to Armenia, you should definitely contact her.

The Taste of Armenia - Private Tour (5 days)

We had an amazing tour to Armenia which offers a lot of history, fantastic landscape and tasty food. We really encourage each traveler to visit this wonderful country. We really loved this country and thanks to Mariam our guide and the team of The Caucasus Tours.

5 days in Armenia

What an amazing adventure I experienced in Armenia with Central Tour. For me personally, a big part of being in any new country is meeting the people, trying the food, and getting to experience the atmosphere in the cities and also the countryside. Nvard who is an exceptionally experienced guide and her team ensured I had a fantastic tour. The accommodation was always well-situated, clean, and comfortable. Our driver and transportation were also excellent. I will definitely be going back to Armenia. Yerevan is also a wonderful capital city. I can absolutely recommend Nvard and the rest of the team at CentralTour.

A Deluxe Tour of Armenian Treasures

Armenia : Cultural Tour In 5 Days

This tour was quite rich in visiting places of its history and culture. Our guide was very knowledgeable and did everything to make our tours interesting.

Tailor-Made Best Armenia Tour with Daily Departure & Private Guide

Without Lexi TravChinTour/AgateTrvl consultant my way of doing business will be different locally and totally Most of the destinations have been luckily already for years and many time visited … so She is and all of them are so much important by keeping in touch for each questions, details and much more as well ..so quickly

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6 days in Armenia

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Saw amazing views of Mount Ararat, really enjoyed the beautiful bus ride through the snow-covered landscapes. Our guide Tigran was wonderful and very knowledgeable. I'm recommending this tour to anyone looking to see more of Armenia beyond Yerevan.

My wife and I had an incredible ten-day trip to Armenia, with the help of Mariam from The Caucasus Tours. Our guide gave us an authentic, non-touristy, flexible, safe, fun, and educational visit around Armenia. We visited Yerevan, Armenia's small towns, its amazing historical churches, its spas, and its incredible landscapes. Nour (the guide) was extremely knowledgeable about all things Armenia and he was able to offer us a unique look at his beloved country and its diverse history. The guide was so personable, had excellent command of English, and was more than willing to answer any and all questions as we traveled along. Our nightly accommodations and the restaurants were also fantastic. We are already planning another trip to Armenia and want to go with him again.

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The Essential 4-Day Armenia Itinerary

//  by  Kristin

This Armenia itinerary shows off the country’s remote monasteries, the centuries old wine making tradition, you will see more Ladas from the 1970s than you ever thought existed and explore the capital, Yerevan, which is full of cosy cafes and interesting Soviet architecture.

Armenia is a destination with a distinct culture that looks and feels different to anywhere else. It is overlooked as a holiday destination but is a hidden gem. In other words, it is the perfect place for a unique 4-5 day long weekend or an add-on to a Georgia trip .

This post assumes some knowledge of the main tourist sights and their locations. So if you are just starting to research your holiday I suggest reading some of my other blog posts first:

Armenia Travel Guide

When travelling in Armenia, the standards drop as you get outside of Yerevan but it is possible to find clean-but-basic en-suite accommodation. Most meals will be best taken in your hotel (outside of Yerevan) and I was surprised at how good the food and homemade wine was.

I recommend hiring a car and driving yourself to give you the greatest flexibility. Public transport is limited and although taxis can be hired, negotiating a price would require some Russian unless it is arranged through your hotel or a travel agency.

Day trips from Yerevan is another option, which would enable you to stay in western-style hotels every night.

This post covers the following topics:

How Many Days to Spend in Armenia?

A trip to Armenia is even better combined with hiking in Svaneti and Kazbegi in Georgia and, if you have time, Azerbaijan . The three countries are surprisingly different.

Is It Safe to Drive/ Should I Drive?

Yes is the short answer. If you have rented a car in Italy you will be fine driving here. To know what to expect if you rent a car read my post on 7 Things to Know Before Driving in Armenia, georgia or Azerbaijan .

Outside Yerevan the roads are in poorer condition, mainly suffering from pot holes which have been refilled many times and as a result the ride can be quite bumpy. This means that driving can be tiring so keep this in mind if you want to add Tatev Monastery.

You should avoid driving when it is dark. My Armenia itinerary is designed so you will be at your accommodation, with time to spare, before it gets dark (also in the winter).

Ease of Independent Travel and Should You Pre-Book?

In Yerevan young people, and anyone involved with the tourist trade, speak some English. As you get further out, Russian is the main foreign language spoken.

In the summer months hotels fill up and, unless you speak Russian, negotiating a price is difficult so make a reservation in advance. Booking.com has good coverage of the smaller villages. Where you see a recommended hotel below, I have stayed here.

For directions download the maps.me app or rent a SIM to allow you to have a cost-effective internet connection in your car. Hotels and tourist sites are often not clearly signposted so this will help with navigation.

In conclusion, my view is that if you are comfortable not speaking the local language, independent travel is safe and easy to arrange using the tips in my Armenia itinerary.

What If I Have Been to Azerbaijan? Or I’m Planning on Going to Azerbaijan Later in my Trip?

Although the two countries have no diplomatic relationship, you can enter Armenia if you have an Azerbaijani visa in your passport (and vice versa). You are likely to get questioned on where you went so keep your hotel receipts and bookings as proof.

There have been reports of Armenia being more lenient than Azerbaijan at the border. We went to Armenia first and, except for a bottle of wine getting confiscated (which was entirely our fault as we didn’t know you can’t bring anything produced in one country into the other), we had no problem. Therefore I don’t think it matters which country you go to first.

Considering going to Azerbaijan? Read my Azerbaijan Travel Guide

Is It Better to Start in Yerevan or Tbilisi?

Most tourists arrive overland from Tbilisi or fly into Yerevan. The below Armenia itinerary describes a trip starting in Yerevan but the trip can be done in either direction. The deciding factor for me was flight times.

It is also possible to cross the border in the south of the country to/ from Iran but this is a less-travelled route due to the difficulty in getting an Iranian visa.

The Essential 4-day Armenia Itinerary (Self-drive or Private Driver)

Day 1 – Arrival Overnight in Yerevan

Day 2 – To Geghard Monastery , Garni Temple , Noravank Monastery and Mother of God Church. Overnight in Areni

Day 3 – To Khor Virap Monastery and Wine Tasting at ArmAs Vineyard . Overnight at ArmAs Vineyard

Day 4 – Return to Yerevan, Sightseeing and Departure With 15.30 Train to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi

For more information on all of the sites described below, read my post on the Top 10 Tourist Spots .

Day 1 of Armenia Itinerary– Arrival in Yerevan

Assuming you land at Yerevan airport, getting a taxi into the city centre has become easier than it used to be since there is no longer any bargaining involved. As you enter the arrivals hall, just before the doors leading out of the airport, there is a small yellow stand with “taxi” written on it. Tell the attendant which hotel you want to go to and they will give you the price and liaise with the taxi driver. It cost us 2,500 AMD to get to our hotel, Opera Suite Hotel, close to the Cascade Complex.

Finding a taxi and agreeing the price has become easier. Finding your hotel might be another matter. Although we were staying at a large hotel in the city centre, the taxi driver did not know where it was.

The driver told us that it was outside a shop. We knew it wasn’t and he ended up driving around the block 3 times before he found it. At no point was the driver aggressive or did it feel uncomfortable. Just make sure you do not get out of your taxi until you are outside your hotel.

Alternatively, book an airport pick-up with your hotel. This should cost 10,000 AMD and can be easily arranged through the chat function, if you use booking.com.

Yerevan Hotels : All the way up to western standard. We stayed at Opera Suite Hotel. The hotel had large comfortable rooms with a modern bathroom (no bathtub). The location is convenient being less than 5 minutes walk to the Cascade Complex.

Insider Tip : Go to the Cascade Complex for dinner.

Day 2 of Armenia Itinerary – Geghard Monastery, Garni Temple, Noravank Monastery. Overnight in Areni

Our top tips before you set off in your hire car.

Pick up your hire car in the morning. We rented from Caravan and were happy with the service provided. Out of office hours pickup can be arranged for a fee and the roads were quiet as we left Yerevan on a Sunday morning.

When renting a car in more adventurous destinations, I purchase car hire excess insurance from insurance4carhire. It is much cheaper to buy this in advance than from the car rental agencies. I have had to claim (more about that when I get to writing about winter driving in Iceland) so can testify that this is a good policy with a relatively painless claims process.

I decided to pay for internet access in the car (2,500 AMD per day) since there was no Armenia map available for my tomtom.

At this stage I had not discovered the maps.me app which allows you to download and use maps for directions. You can use this app when you are hiking or driving without internet access since it uses the GPS on your phone – this has become my new favourite app while travelling!

Make sure you have either an app or internet access to help with navigation since following road signs can be difficult.

Morning Day 2 – Visit Geghard Monastery and Garni

The first stop is Geghard Monastery, one hours drive from Yerevan.

This walled-church was built in the 12 th Century and every Sunday morning there is a service. Walking around the dark rooms carved into the cliff, listening to the choir, is magical.

It is a short drive (10 minutes) to Garni, the Hellenic pagan temple built in the 1 st Century AD. The parking lot in front of the temple is small and the road leading down to it is narrow.  As a result the traffic can be chaotic. Parking along the road, a few hundred meters before the temple, and walking down to the temple entrance, is a good option.

Garni is small and will only take 15-30 minutes to look around. This is one of the few places you will find restaurants so consider having lunch here, unless you have brought something to eat in the car.

For further information on how to visit read my Complete Guide to Geghard and Garni .

Afternoon Day 2 – Visit Noravank Monastery and Areni Church

The drive to Areni takes you south for 2.5 hours. Choose a route on the smaller roads, away from Yerevan. The drive time might end up being a little longer, but it will be much quieter.

As the roads are bumpy and winding your average speed is likely to be no more than 50km/h.

Arrive in Areni in the early afternoon and after some tea at the hotel drive the 15min to Noravank Monastery. Going at around 4pm in the summer (go earlier at other times of year) means that the sand coloured stones of the monastery will be glowing in the afternoon sun. It also makes parking more straightforward since the car park is small.

This is one monastery you should not miss. Being a bit further from Yerevan it is less crowded than others and the location is spectacular. For further information on how to visit read my Noravank Guide .

Stop at Areni church on the way back to your hotel. It is another beautiful church built in sand coloured stone and late afternoons or early mornings are the perfect time to visit to see the stone shine like gold in the sun.

Areni Hotel : We stayed at Areni Wine Art which was basic but clean with en-suite bathroom (no bathtub) and air-conditioning. The traditional barbecue dinner at the hotel was delicious and you should also try their home pomegranate wine – we have been converted!

Insider tip : When you get offered tea or coffee at hotels say yes since this usually comes with a big plate of fresh fruit.

Day 3 of Armenia Itinerary – Khor Virap Monastery to ArmAs for Wine Tasting. Overnight at ArmAs

Morning day 3 – visit khor virap monastery.

After a filling breakfast of homemade jams and local cheese, drive the 1.5 hours to Khor Virap Monastery. This will see you backtrack the way you came the previous day.

The views are what makes Khor Virap Monastery one of the best churches in the country. As you approach Khor Virap, stop along the road to get “that photo” of the Monastery with Mt Ararat in the background.

For sweeping views of Mt Ararat and the no-mans land that separates Turkey and Armenia, walk up the hill behind the Monastery. The Turkish border has been closed since 1993. The reason for the poor relations between the two countries is due to 1.5m Armenians dying in 1915 at the hands of the Ottoman government. This has been recognised as genocide by 28 countries and there is a Genocide Museum in Yerevan where you can learn more.

Afternoon Day 3 – Visit ArmAs Vineyard

The drive to ArmAs takes 1.5-2 hours, taking the smaller roads to avoid Yerevan. Finding somewhere to eat lunch along the road is difficult, so plan ahead.

Life outside Yerevan can be hard with 25% of the population living below the poverty line. Passing through smaller towns and villages feels like stepping back in time. The Ladas from the Soviet Union must be well built since it is the most common car on the road!

When you put ArmAs into your phone for directions make sure you stop at the winery and not the estate. We ended up with a bit of extra sightseeing after driving all the way to the estate.

An overnight stay includes a wine tour with a drive around the estate before moving on to production and wine tasting. The tour felt authentic and intimate and I think this is one of the better wine tours I have been on.

If you are staying overnight, wine tasting will be with dinner. The wines were good and the food accompanying it was some of the best we had on our trip. This was where we bought the bottle of wine that got confiscated when we entered Azerbaijan. Don’t make the same mistake as us!

Vineyard Hotel : The rooms were comfortable, clean, had en-suite bathroom (no bathtub) and air-conditioning. This was one of the highlights on our 2.5 weeks trips through the Caucasus. Read my full review of our stay at ArmAs Vineyard .

Insider tip : Go for a walk around the vineyard in the afternoon. We had the whole vineyard to ourselves and Ben enjoyed imagining what it would be like to own and run a vineyard (I am still not convinced).

Day 4 of Armenia Itinerary – To Yerevan, Afternoon Train to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi

Morning day 4 – return to yerevan.

After another big breakfast set off for Yerevan, an hour’s drive away. Traffic increases as you get closer to the city centre.

Many rental car companies make you clean the car before it is returned or there is 3,000 AMD fine. We found that all the car washers in central Yerevan knew this and therefore charged the same.

If using Caravan, check for a promotion giving you a free car wash in return for posting an Instagram photo of the car in a nice location. If this is not available, I would pay the fine rather than wasting time getting the car cleaned.

The car rental company was happy to look after our bags and we went to do some sightseeing.

A walk to the top of the Cascade Complex should be your first stop. On a clear day you can see Mt Ararat in the distance, but it was not visible on the day we visited.

Afternoon Day 4 – Traveling From Yerevan to Tbilisi or Fly Home

To Tbilisi : From mid-June to late-September trains depart at 15.30 every day, arriving in Tbilisi at 00:12. During the rest of the year they leave Yerevan every second day (on even-numbered days) at 21:30, arriving in Tbilisi at 07:50.

Traffic often stands still in Yerevan so the best way to get to the train station is by metro. It is also an interesting way to travel with the city centre stations being works of art, just like the stations you see in Moscow.

Underneath the train station there are a few shops but otherwise there is nothing in the area so arriving 30 minutes before the train departures is plenty of time.

The train does not have a buffet car or samovar (hot water dispenser often found on Russian trains) so bring food and water. The trains are often hot so bring more drinks than you think you will need.

Tbilisi hotels : Stay in the old town and check that reception is staffed at the time you will arrive (00:30-1:00 am). Given the time the train arrives it might be worth booking a pickup with your hotel so you don’t need to deal with the taxi drivers at the station. 

Insider tip: If you have an extra day in your Armenia itinerary, consider spending day 4 in Yerevan and taking the train to Tbilisi on Day 5. I was surprised at how nice Yerevan was.

You might also be interested in

7 Things to Know Before Driving in Armenia, Georgia or Azerbaijan

Top 10 Tourist Spots in Armenia

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Choose your tour to the Caucasus. Whether you are a culture & history lover, keen hiker, or delicious food hunter you will find your favorite Caucasus tour. We design and continuously improve tours to Armenia & Georgia. Both countries are rich in historical and cultural heritage and the same time provide excellent opportunities for adventure lovers. Our hiking and trekking tours to the Caucasus are highly demanded as nature and landscapes are just stunning. Both Armenia and Georgia provide a large variety of activities such as hiking , cycling , river rafting, paddle boarding , kayaking, off-road driving , and many more. These two small countries will amaze you with their delicious cuisines, fresh sun-flavored fruits and vegetables, and excellent wines and brandies. 

Customer Reviews

Your words, not ours.

Transcaucasus trails I recently went on the ‘Walking The Transcaucasian Trail Armenia’ tour and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The amazing landscapes and rich culture of Armenia were highlighted in this hiking adventure. Our guide Vahag, was knowledgeable and passionate about the country, which made the tour even more enjoyable. I took this tour with my friends and by the help of Vahag we shortened the tour duration into 5 days trying not to miss the most important places for hiking. The hikes were challenging but cool, offering stunning views of the mountains and valleys. I highly recommend this tour for anyone who loves hiking and wants to explore Armenia. April 26, 2023

This tour was one of the most amazing trips I’ve ever had. It was my second trip to Armenia (first one was for my business) and this time I came with my family and we had a great time in both Armenia and Georgia. Riding the Tatev cable car was especially thrilling, and the view of Mount Kazbek was breathtaking. However, the highlight of this tour was the impressive Prometheus. I highly recommend this tour! Thank You!

April 14, 2023

Enjoyable trip The tour was good, I enjoyed it fully. Though I took it solo and I got new acquaintances in our small group of 5. The guide Ani was really good and the places I visited were fascinating. Thank you Rima for all your support and quick answers to my messages.

April 12, 2023

The way to know a small country like Armenia This was my first trip after the pandemic, so I booked a tour to be in nature, out from buildings, museums etc, and I was not wrong. I travelled to Armenia in October 2022 and based on the reviews and thorough feedback, took a Hiking trip to Armenia. I booked a guaranteed date trip as I didn’t want to travel alone but rather be in a small group. I was happy to share a room with Cheryll from the UK. There were 5 of us from NZ, The Netherlands and The UK. A full itinerary, but a relaxing pace and beautiful hotels (don’t really think you need to upgrade unless you are terribly choosy!) A satisfying mix of history, culture, landscape and wildlife and we appreciated the hikes. If you feel comfortable in 18-23 degrees C, do book tour in fall as the sceneries look just amazing. Lastiver waterfall trail was the absolute highlight, as the hike goes through forest and trees are of hundred colours from green to yellow, orange, fair red, purple. Guide Arthur was friendly and funny with a lot of jokes. Kaghni Hotel in Dsegh village provides outstanding wild views. Thanks Cascade Travel, especially Nune for this amazing trip, always know you have a friend in NZ :).

December 15, 2022

Great small group tour

I was looking for a guaranteed group tour to Armenia and checked a couple of UK travel websites, which do not guarantee that the tour will be organised on all the dates they published on the website. As I wanted to travel in the second half of October I couldn’t find an appropriate company, so I started to check local ones and chose Cascade Travel based ont he recommendation rankings and reviews, too. We booked a small group tour to Armenia and then it turned out some people in our group would travel to Georgia the day we were close to the Georgian border. We started in a group of 10 and ended up 4. It was a lot of fun and very comfortable to travel in a group especially when the group members are good to hang out with in the evenings. Yeghevnut hotel in Goris has a nice terrace to sit in the evening. In Kaghni hotel we organised farewell dinner with all group members, those who would continue the next day tour to Georgia. There are a couple of small issues to mention, the cable car to Tatev Monastery was overcrowded and if you are not close to the window you are risking to see nothing when passing the canyon, which is impressive. Berlin Art Hotel in Gyumri is located very close to the hospital but it is still in the city centre, freshly renovated and has fine breakfast. We travelled in a 20 seater minibus but when some part of group continued to Georgia our car was changed to a smaller 6 seater one which was ok for 4 of us but we didn’t expect that. Overall no specific concerns we are satisfied with the tour.

November 17, 2022

More than expected

We had a thoroughly enjoyable varied trip, every detail was well thought out and designed to give us a good insight of local culture, cuisine and beverages. We visited the wine factory Voskevaz which was impressive due to its architecture built in the old castle style. Ararat Brandy is a real pride for Armenia as the guide told Churchill was fond of Armenian Brandy produced in this factory. We had a couple of cooking classes, which we truly loved. The duduk play in an underground man made cave hall was touching, this is the sweetest and saddest musical instrument I have ever heard. Guys in Cascade travel did everything possible to make us comfortable, we were unsatisfied with the vehicle, the air conditioning was working bad and ended up broken on the third day when we had an overnight stay 150 km away from Yerevan. We connected to the office and unexpectedly they were responsive at 10 pm. Morning our car was changed to, so we continued the trip with an air conditioned car, otherwise it would be terrible as we travelled in August and in some regions we had almost 37 degrees C. Guys are real professionals in what they do and really work hard to get us satisfied. The thorough reviews stand for their hard work. 

November 16, 2022

We booked a family trip to Armenia and Georgia, my mother was with us and she was 83 and felt bad from long drives and elevation changes. I wish I could check the itinerary better to see such high altitudes and long drives. My agent from Cascade travel should have notified us. If we were without mom we would have a better time.

October 19, 2022

A well designed private tour Armenia and Georgia with very reasonable price

Cascade travel planned and organised a wonderful 10 day tour of Armenia and Georgia. We customised the tour to our preferences, to take out some monasteries and visit more nature related places. We discussed and came into the final program through a couple of emails. Nune did everything fast and price was very reasonable compared to a couple of other companies we communicated with. We really were impressed with the responsiveness and quickness of Nune, who didn’t miss any single detail in my emails. She surprised us with a birthday cake in a regional hotel. That day was my friend’s birthday and they organised a cake though guide Anna, who is a funny knowledgeable lady, University professor who freelanced as a guide. The Georgian part was organised with the same care but of course service level is different in Armenia and Georgia. Georgians are more relaxed and maybe less caring, they talk too loud and very often it feels like they fight but from the smile we understood that they just used to talk loudly. We would advise to travel to Armenia and Georgia for sure.

Wine and food of Caucasus

Our experience during the gastro tour was unusual with lots of good vibes. We travelled in September 2022. We tried lots of tasty traditional dishes like tolma, ghapama which is a pumpkin filled with rice, dry fruits, honey and nuts and of course Georgian dumplings called khinkali. We didn’t expect to taste such delicious local wines. There is a lot to see in both countries. The program was well balanced, we saw a lot and managed to enjoy local restaurants and cafes. I would definitely recommend Cascade Travel as the trip was like a visit to friends, everything was smoothly organised.

October 13, 2022

I did this tour in September 2022 and would highly recommend it. The reflected reviews were very supporting and helped to choose the correct agent. The agency organized it in a way that you will not be feeling overwhelmed with difficult trails, though the last days hike to Aragats Southern peak is not that easy. Anyway I liked it much. Its Northern peak is the highest point of country and though we hiked to the Southern still views were just breathtaking. Overall tour is well balanced and a good thing that all lunch boxes are cared for and no hustle with that. Diners we offered at the hotels quite cheap and tasty.

Food and wine as a great way to experience countries

This is a fantastic way to experience and compare the cuisine, landscape and culture of 2 different countries in Caucasus. Wines were delicious both in Armenia and Georgia. Cooking classes were a lot of fun and the most enjoyable parts of the tour. We travelled in September and were lucky enough to participate in grape harvest randomly on the road in Areni village. We saw the vineyards and asked the driver to stop the car. When we got to the vineyards, we were invited to participate in the harvest process. Areni, the local endemic sort of grapes a lot of local wines are made from, is sour for eating. True enjoyable stop was Tsaghkunq Guesthouse, where chef Yura showed how he makes local fish from Lake Sevan. Another highlight of the trip is Alazani valley, Georgian wine region. We made Georgian dumplings Khinkali and Khachapuri (dough and cheese cookies) in Georgia. Just a thing, be prepared to gain a couple of kilos during this trip because it is not possible to eat the portion you used to do :). This was an amazing trip and the countries’ cuisine tell one more than a long history and sometimes boring museums.

October 5, 2022

This was our first time booking a tour with Cascade travel, and next year we plan to travel to Armenia with them again. It was quite simply outstanding – from start to finish. We took a guaranteed trip to Georgia September 2022. Kazbegi was the most wonderful day of this tour, the road was amazing. Prometheus cave was wonderful as well, Tbilisi is a nice city for walks and evening dining, drinking.

Great organization, no concerns. Just read the reviews before travelling. 

September 15, 2022

Our trip through Armenia and Georgia was organized with great care by Nune from Cascade Travel. We enjoyed the days and the diverse impressions very much and were taken care of very thoughtfully by our drivers in both countries, though Georgians drive like crazy, Irakli was calm and didn’t pay attention to other drivers tricks and fast driving. We can highly recommend Cascade travel without any reservations!

I would highly recommend booking your trip to Armenia and Georgia with Cascade Travel. The tour managers are really good with great customer care, Nune, the founder, personally was my contact person. My emails were responded quickly. I travelled with my wife who’s vegetarian, and all the restaurants had a note to have veggie food for her. When passing the border our driver drove us to the Georgian side, though there were some travelers passing the approximately 200 m bridge by foot. No kind of problem emerged during the tour and I just simply wondered if something more could be done for us.

September 13, 2022

We had a thoroughly enjoyable varied trip, every detail was well thought out and designed to give us a good insight of local culture, cuisine and beverages. We visited the wine factory Voskevaz which was impressive due to its architecture built in the old castle style. Ararat Brandy is a real pride for Armenia as the guide told Churchill was fond of Armenian Brandy produced in this factory. We had a couple of cooking classes, which we truly loved. The duduk play in an underground man made cave hall was touching, this is the sweetest and saddest musical instrument I have ever heard. Guys in Cascade travel did everything possible to make us comfortable, we were unsatisfied with the vehicle, the air conditioning was working bad and ended up broken on the third day when we had an overnight stay 150 km away from Yerevan. We connected to the office and unexpectedly they were responsive at 10 pm. Morning our car was changed to, so we continued the trip with an air conditioned car, otherwise it would be terrible as we travelled in August and in some regions we had almost 37 degrees C. Guys are real professionals in what they do and really work hard to get us satisfied.

August 30, 2022

To say that we left Armenia satisfied to say nothing! Armenia is so small country but absolutely amazing and different. We did rock climbing, caving, kayaking, hiking. The terrain changes so quickly, just a couple of kilometers drive brought us to totally different place and views. Antuan our guide – driver was maybe the best guide we have every had during 10 years of traveling. Hotels were well chosen, Tufenkian at lake Sevan was just amazing with an open air heated pool. Make sure you have hat and sun protection cream as Lake Sevan where you do kayak ride is almost 2000 m above sea and it is very easy to get burnt, also Mount Aragats is almost 4000 m., long sleeve jacket is needed. The trip was absolutely stunning thank you Cascade travel and especially Antuan.

August 25, 2022

Beautiful trekking! Geghama mountains are incredible, with lakes, age-old dragon stones, green meadows and absolute silence. The area is not crowded right when you start hiking from Sevaberd village to the route end. A few hikers can be met. All was organized well, make sure to take your own sleeping bag, the company provides other camping gear, tents, mats. Hot dinner and tea is provided in the evening. The logistics team takes everything, all you need to carry is a raincoat, water and warm jacket. Aragats mount is amazing, seeing the inside of the volcano crater and the other side of the mountain is fantastic. Thanks guys for organizing this trip.

July 20, 2022

Nice trip to unknown world

I first read about these countries on Lonely Planet and never would think they are this worth to see. I found a small group tour which I booked as they offered a discount and there was a possibility to find a travel mate and share a room with. Patrick from Canada was my roommate but we became good friends and decided to travel together further. Countries are really nice, the food is very tasty, and there are lost of excellent cafes, bars and pubs in both capitals. Pity this company organizes tours only in Armenia and Georgia otherwise I would use them again, so highly recommended.

July 6, 2022

We booked this tour private for our family to Armenia with some changes. We were traveling with kids who would get bored with sightseeing only. So we added a zipline, river rafting and paddle-boarding activities in the tour. The last one paddle-boarding was just amazing. we rode boards in Azat reservoir, very close to Garni temple, it was evening time and sunset was astonishing, all surrounding hills and rocks where red as the water itself. Karen, the instructor is very skillful and sweet guy, we simply enjoyed a couple of hours ride. This was definitely the highlight of the tour.

The week was absolutely amazing and perfect from start to finish. We had a great group mixed from US, Australia and Canada. Every day hike was absolutely different from each other, from red rock canyon to a forest lake and waterfall, terrain was absolutely amazing and thanks to its difference we didn’t get tired as every day we were amazed by fantastic landscape. The accommodation was chosen thoroughly, we stayed in a family run guesthouse in Yegeghnadzor, the owner was also a winemaker, who joined us for the dinner. We tasted a couple of wines and enjoyed an evening chat with Armen. Our guide Arthur was very knowledgeable not only in hiking trails but also told us a lot about the country. We were especially interested in how the country lives nowadays, taxes, labour market etc. I would definitely recommend Cascade travel as we had the most hustle free travel in the last 10 years.

June 9, 2022

A young but promising company

When I started the research of an agency to travel to Armenia and Georgia I came up with the Cascade travel website. Everything was clear and well described but I couldn’t find any information online besides their web page. When I went into details I saw the founder Nune led another agency for 8 years so understood she is professional in her job and the communication with her showed that. I chose this agency and was not mistaken. I booked Armenia Georgia tour for May. Both countries are very beautiful, nature was just blooming in flowers and we even experienced snow in Stepantsminda when travelling to Gergeti Trinity Church. Tour itinerary is balanced, drives are not too long, around 3 hours with stops and it doesn’t feel that long as the views are amazing. Every day we asked about several photo stops and were not refused. Sites are interesting, landscapes leave speechless, food is amazing. What I saw exceeded my expectations, these small countries are worth seeing.

June 7, 2022

A true Armenian experience! This trip was an outstanding experience as well as a great value. For me it was the perfect combination of engaging conversations, historic and cultural background and endless mountains cascading in the horizon. We did and saw a lot, but had time to explore on our own as well as just relax. The variety of the itinerary was also a plus – visiting age-old monasteries, small towns and remote rural areas. I was surprised to see a small cheese farm, producing delicate cheeses aged in wine and brandy. Hikes were moderate and each day was absolutely different from the previous. We walked along the water reservoir and saw the monastery which is half a year old and covered with water. Aragats southern peak was also an impressive hike. Clean, comfortable, and cosy hotels definitely added value to our trip. Staff everywhere was very friendly, true Armenian style. I read a lot about Armenian hospitality before travelling but never thought people would be this open. Overall Armenia is a heaven for hikers and we were happy enough to choose a right travel agency, to really enjoy and not worry about anything. Cascade travel is highly recommended.

May 31, 2022

Everything was well organized, thank you guys for that quick and simple booking process and meeting me and my girlfriend with flowers at the airport as I wrote our arrival day was her birthday. That was a nice surprise.

Good organised private tour to Georgia

I found the Cascade Travel website and along with other companies contacted them for a private tour to Georgia in early May 2022. It was an easy and clear booking process with quick response and information from the staff. I did very little prepayment 100 EUR per person, and full amount we paid on the spot, which made us feel comfortable, besides they guarantee refund of prepayment if something happens and we refuse to travel. On the day, it was a perfect start with an airport meeting with a polite driver and clean comfortable car. We met Keti, our guide. She was very knowledgeable, polite and helpful. This trip was good organised.

May 20, 2022

I am happy to be the first to write a customer review for this agency. Whether this trip is outstanding or usually good depends on your expectations. You will definitely not see the Eiffel Tower or BigBen but there are lots of historical and cultural sites along with absolutely breathtaking landscapes. Georgian Military Highway was an amazing drive on the edge of a deep bottomless canyon. We were lucky enough to see Mount Kazbek, which left us speechless. Armenia amazed us as well. Selim pass is very impressive, one of the highest in the region, Lake Sevan. Both capitals are lovely and very different, Yerevan with more canonical streets, with pink buildings, Tbilisi is in the opposite, colourful buildings are scattered on the hills along the river Kura. Both local guides were kind and knowledgeable, we experienced truly local homemade food, met winemakers, lavash bread bakers and farmers. The trip was absolutely flawless thanks to our local tour operator Cascade Travel.

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Wander-Lush

Armenia Day Trip from Tbilisi: Is It Worth It?

‘Is it worth doing an Armenia day trip from Tbilisi?’ This is a question I get asked all the time.

Many visitors to the South Caucasus will dedicate time to all three countries, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan .

But for those who are on a tight schedule, popping into Armenia for a few hours to get another stamp in your passport is tempting, especially since the border is under two hours by road from Tbilisi .

Having previously visited from inside the country, I know just how special the northern part of Armenia is. But I also know it’s a long way to travel in just one day. 

When I was recently given the opportunity to join a day trip to Armenia , I thought I should revisit this part of the country ‘from the other side’ and find out for myself whether or not it’s worth the time and expense.

A big thank-you to Gamarjoba Georgia Tours for hosting me on their ‘One Day Trip to Armenia from Tbilisi’. As always, all opinions, recommendations and criticisms are 100% my own.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

In a hurry?

If you don’t have time to read this whole guide, here are 4 different options for seeing the best of Northern Armenia from Tbilisi.

Transport from Tbilisi:

• Day Trip to Northern Armenia (Haghpat & Sanahin Monasteries plus Alaverdi). The most popular choice, organised daily by Gamarjoba Georgia Tours (this is the same tour I describe in this guide). Check prices here on Viator ).
• Alternative Day Trip to Dilijan & Lake Sevan. Prefer nature over monasteries? Visit Armenia’s ‘Little Switzerland’ and the beautiful Sevan Lake on this private tour with Friendly.ge. Book here through Viator or book direct through the website – use the code WANDERLUSH for 10% off.
• One-way Transfer from Tbilisi to Yerevan with GoTrip. Travel in comfort with your own private driver and do all your Northern Armenia sightseeing along the way. See an example itinerary I created GoTrip (from 160 USD/car).
• Multi-day Armenia tour from Tbilisi. Enjoy 2 full days of sightseeing in Armenia with transfers to and from Tbilisi. Check prices here on Viator .

What can you see on an Armenia day trip from Tbilisi?

The Armenian border (Bagratashen-Sadakhlo checkpoint) is around 1.5 hours’ drive south of Tbilisi. Taking distances and road conditions into account, a single day only gives you enough time to see the far-northern part of Armenia, the Lori region and Debed river canyon.

I’ve travelled around most of Armenia and consider this to be one of the country’s most magical landscapes. It’s certainly enough of a visual contrast to make you feel like you’ve left Georgia and entered into a different country.

And with the number of Ladas on the road and the old Soviet infrastructure sprinkled around, perhaps even a different era!

This area is a combination of badlands-like rock formations, craggy hills and flat plateaus punctuated with the ruins of old copper smelting factories, small working mines, tiny villages – and of course some stunning Armenian churches .

Yes, monasteries are definitely the focus of this day trip. If you’re not interested in history or religion, you might want to consider one of the many alternatives available from Tbilisi .

There is a trio of Armenian monastic complexes close to the Georgian border: The twin UNESCO World Heritage Listed monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin , and Akhtala Monastery further north. While not as popular as the other UNESCO monasteries near Yerevan (Geghard, for example), all three are very important sacred sites.

Additional stops at the Mikoyan Brothers Museum , Sanahin Bridge , Alaverdi town and at a traditional Armenian restaurant for lunch break-up the itinerary so you don’t get monastery fatigue.

→ Check prices & availability for the same tour I did: One Day Tour to Armenia from Tbilisi .

Important things to consider before you book

Driving time: The first thing to know is that this day trip does involve quite a lot of driving. The roads in this part of Armenia are a bit rough (not much has changed since my last visit in 2019) with plenty of potholes, which makes it slow going at some points.

After the 1.5 hour drive to the border, it takes around 45 km or 60 minutes to reach the farthest monastery. Therefore you’re looking at a total of 4-5 hours in the car.

(This actually isn’t too bad when you consider other popular day trips such as Kazbegi involve 6 hours of driving at a minimum.)

Personally I found the distance quite comfortable – especially when you have a guide who will keep you occupied talking on the way down and let you rest on the way back!

Visas & immigration: Any day trip that involves crossing an international border requires some pre-planning. Whichever tour agency you go with, they will give you all the required information – but at the end of the day, it’s your responsibility to make sure you have your documents in order. Many nationalities still require a tourist visa for Armenia (Armenia does not consider residency when granting visa-free entry, only nationality).

Border crossing process: Bagratashen-Sadakhlo is the most popular and busiest border control point between Georgia and Armenia. The immigration process is quite straightforward and your guide will chaperone you through. When you arrive at the border, you’ll disembark the car and exit Georgia by foot. You then get back in the car and drive across the river to the Armenian checkpoint, where you again cross by foot (this time you have to take your luggage with you). The driver will clear customs with the car then pick you up on the other side, ready to drive into Armenia.

Currency exchange: Armenia uses a different currency to Georgia – dram (AMD). The monasteries are free to visit but since most tours don’t include lunch, you’ll need a small amount of cash. You should budget around 3000 AMD for lunch plus a few thousand extra dram for any souvenirs. I suggest exchanging 30-50 GEL (I couldn’t see a meaningful difference between exchanging lari, Euro and USD when I travelled). After the border crossing, the tour stops at a supermarket/currency exchange desk where you can buy dram.

Mobile & internet: Remember your Georgian sim card won’t work in Armenia unless you activate roaming before you leave. This is very easy to do on Magti: just open up the app and purchase a roaming package (I used the 25 MB option for 5 GEL when I travelled), then turn roaming on when you enter Armenia. If you don’t have a sim or you don’t want to bother with roaming, there is WIFI available at the restaurant where you stop for lunch.

My Armenia day trip experience with Gamarjoba Georgia Tours

→ Check prices & availability for this tour: One Day Tour to Armenia from Tbilisi .

Because of the border crossing procedures and the logistics involved with visiting another county, you really want to do this day trip with a well-organised company. I was very impressed with Gamarjoba Georgia Tours – from the moment my reservation was locked in I was in contact with one of their office staff, Lana, via Whatsapp.

The day before the tour Lana sent me a detailed PDF with a break-down of our schedule for the day. Without going into too much detail, Gamarjoba has a number of systems in place to make sure every tour runs smoothly and that every customer is satisfied.

Lana was in touch a few times during the tour to get my feedback and ask if I needed anything. In case you don’t feel comfortable talking directly to your guide, there is always someone else you can communicate with.

My guide for Armenia was Tamuna. Most Gamarjoba guides are young students or recent graduates who have a background in international relations, politics or law. I’ve attended one of their training sessions and know how much work they put into cultivating a professional, friendly work culture.

Tamuna definitely typifies this: She gave us information and answered questions consistently throughout the day, never sitting back and leaving us to our own devices (and the only time she used her phone was to take photos for the group, which Lana sent us at the end of the day).

Tamuna gave us an in-depth explanation at all the stops and shared some really terrific information beyond just the Wikipedia script. She also got us behind the scenes access to some ‘secret’ places, including the library at Sanahin Monastery, where the oldest surviving book in Armenian language was found.

After showing us the library, the monastery caretaker made a point of thanking Tamuna for explaining things to our group in such detail – most other guides, she said, ask her to unlock the door then just walk through without saying a word.

The itinerary allows for about an hour at each monastery. This might sound like a lot of time but the complexes are so big, you really do need every minute. At each stop we had about 20 minutes of free time at the end to walk around, soak up the details and take more photos.

As well as the three monasteries, we also stopped at the Mikoyan Brothers Museum to see the MiG plane, at Sanahin bridge, and for views of the copper factory and Alaverdi town. We ate lunch together with Tamuna and our driver, Zaza, at a local restaurant. Lunch is not included but prices at the restaurant they have chosen are very fair – and the food is super tasty.

As you might already know, road safety is one of my biggest priorities in Georgia. Unfortunately not all tour companies have the best track record when it comes to safe driving. As a larger company, Gamarjoba Georgia has a fleet of new vehicles and a team of professional, trained drivers who are held to high standards.

Normally the Armenia day trip is done with a minivan or car depending on the group size. We had a larger group, so we travelled by minibus.

Final words: Is it worth it to do a day trip from Tbilisi to Armenia?

Yes, as long as you do it right. And as long as you come in with realistic expectations.

As I mentioned earlier, the landscape is quite a contrast and there are plenty of little things you’ll notice in Armenia that set it apart from its neighbour.

But I’ll be honest here: I think it’s impossible to get a good feel for Armenia in such a short period of time, covering such a small part of the country.

It’s also important to remember that Lori and the border regions have been part of both Armenia and Georgia at various points, so there is naturally a lot of overlap in the history and style of architecture. That’s not necessarily a con – it can be something to embrace.

If you’re not so keen on monasteries and you would prefer to see nature, this alternative day trip from Tbilisi to Lake Sevan and Dilijan National Park is definitely worth considering. It is organised by Friendly.ge, another of my favourite tour companies in Georgia.

I think a day trip to Armenia from Tbilisi is a great opportunity to learn about Georgia’s and Armenia’s shared history, and to observe the differences between the two nations’ Orthodox and Apostolic traditions.

Given how important a role religion plays in culture and society in this part of the world, it’s a great segue into broader discussions about the region’s history and politics.

For this reason having a knowledgeable, open, attentive guide makes all the difference. Fascinating as the monasteries and surrounding landscapes are, you really want someone who will expand the conversation beyond just what you see in front of you. If you travel with Tamuna or another Gamarjoba guide, I think you’ll be in very good hands.

Check prices and availability for Gamarjoba Georgia’s Full Day Trip to Armenia here on Viator or here on Get Your Guide .

Georgia essentials

Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend for Georgia. Check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Search for affordable flights to Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi on Skyscanner .

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance (get 5% off when you book with my link).

SIM CARD: Magti is my preferred provider, with prices starting from 9 GEL/week for unlimited data. See this guide for all the details about buying a Georgian SIM card .

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Most flights into Georgia arrive in the early hours. For ease, pre-book a private transfer from Tbilisi Airport to your hotel (from $17) or from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi (from $90) with my partners at GoTrip.ge.

ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is the most widely used platform in Georgia. Use it to find family guesthouses, private apartments, hostels and hotels around the country.

CAR HIRE: Find a great deal on a rental car in Georgia – use the Local Rent website to book through a local agent (prices start from $20/day).

DAY TRIPS & CITY TOURS: Use Viator or Get Your Guide to browse a range of day trips and city tours. For off-beat programs, I recommend Friendly.ge (use the promocode wanderlush for 10% off). For in-depth day trips to Georgia’s wine regions, I recommend Eat This! Tours (use the promo code wanderlush for 5% off).

PRIVATE TRANSFERS: GoTrip.ge is a terrific service for booking a private professional driver and car for the day. Use it for A-to-B transfers, a customised round-trip itinerary, or a multi-day trip. You can stop wherever you like for as long as you like without the fixed price going up.

NEED SOME HELP?: Need feedback on your itinerary or personalised travel tips? I offer a one-on-one consultation call service for Tbilisi and Georgia. More information and bookings here .

You might also be interested in…

• The ultimate Georgia itinerary : Four detailed & custom-designed itineraries
• Georgia Travel Guide : All of my 200+ posts plus my top travel tips
• Georgia travel tips : 25 essential things to know before you go
• Places to visit in Georgia : 50+ unique & underrated destinations around the country
• The best things to do in Tbilisi : Favourites, hidden gems & local picks
• 35+ best restaurants in Tbilisi : Where to eat Georgian food
• 15 best day trips from Tbilisi : With detailed transport instructions
• The best time to visit Georgia : Month-by-month guide to weather, festivals & events

Armenia Travel Guide

Discover insider tips, itinerary inspiration, and all the best things to see, do and experience in Armenia!

Armenia Essentials

My favourite resources and tools for planning a trip to Armenia.

Find affordable flights to Armenia

Yerevan Airport transfer

Save on museums & transport

Hire a car in Armenia

Get an e-visa for Armenia

Find the perfect accommodation

Book city tours & day trips

Order the latest Lonely Planet

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• The Ultimate Armenia Itinerary
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• Tips for being a responsible tourist in Armenia
• The best day trip from Yerevan
• Guide to Gyumri , Armenia’s second city
• Guide to visiting the UNESCO monasteries, Haghpat and Sanahin
• How to travel between Armenia and Georgia by overnight train
• 12 things you should know before travelling to the Caucasus

Hi Emily, Planning a trip to the region and your site is my go-to for the planning of the trip. I have an Indian Passport with a valid US Visa. As per the guidelines, I have Visa free entry to Georgia and Armenia. If I plan to do a day trip to Armenia, do you think I should get a multiple entry e-visa done for Georgia and an e-visa done for Armenia? Or it will be okay to show my US Visa at the border to cross over to Armenia and be back to Georgia again?

Thanks Sasha

Hi Sasha, unfortunately I can’t give visa advice. But I can recommend that if you require a visa, you get an evisa to save time at the border. I suggest contacting your nearest embassy/consulate for specific advice.

Thanks for understanding and happy travels in Georgia and Armenia!

Thanks for a insightful post. I just wanted to know if I can get a visa on arrival in Armenia if I am travelling from Georgia. I am an Indian National with GCC (Qatar) Residency Permit. In Georgia, it is a visa on arrival.

Thanks Sahil

Hi Sahil – you can get a VOA for Armenia, yes, as long as you are eligible. The desks are open and working. Have a safe and fun trip!

Hi Emily, thank you for the detailed post! This is so helpful! Just wondering, do the monasteries include a lot of hiking/climbing up a lot of steep stairs? Cuz I’m thinking of taking my mom on this day trip. Thanks a lot!

Hi Remy! Not really, no – it’s not a physically demanding tour at all. There are a few stairs and walking paths but nothing strenuous. I’m not sure when you’re planning to visit but it was quite slippery in the snow, just so you’re aware. Enjoy!

hi Emily! thanks a lot for your blog post. It is very informative

I read that visa on arrival is not available at the land border when you wrote this article. Do you by any chance now if it is now available in 2023? I’m considering to travel from Tbilisi to Yerevan by car. Thanks a lot in advance!

happy traveling

Hi Debs – apologies for the outdated information. Yes, visa on arrival for Armenia was reinstalled last year. I have updated the article.

Thanks and happy travels!

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7 Day Tour through Armenia

• Entry/Admission - ARARAT Museum
• Entry/Admission - Vagharshapat
• Entry/Admission - Zvartnots Temple
• Entry/Admission - Monastery Sevanavank
• Entry/Admission - Haghartsin Monastery
• Entry/Admission - Goshavank Monastery
• Entry/Admission - Gyumri Main Square
• Entry/Admission - Marmashen Monastery
• Entry/Admission - Harichavank Monastery
• Entry/Admission - Garni Temple
• Entry/Admission - The Monastery of Geghard
• Entry/Admission - Tsiranavor Church
• Entry/Admission - Karmravor Church
• Entry/Admission - Spitakavor Church of Ashtarak
• Entry/Admission - Ashtarak Bridge
• Entry/Admission - Saint Gevorg Church
• Entry/Admission - Saghmosavank Monastery
• Entry/Admission - Saint Mesrop Mashtots Cathedral
• Entry/Admission - Amberd Fortress
• Entry/Admission - Parajanov Museum
• Entry/Admission - Erebuni Museum
• Zvartnots International Airport, 592X+QPJ, Yerevan, Armenia
• Wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• The Monastery of Geghard
• Garni Temple
• Haghartsin Monastery
• Parajanov Museum
• ARARAT Museum

Similar experiences

• lnazarko 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Experience Armenia with people who love their country and know how to make you fall in love in Armenia too! I was on a business trip to Yerevan and used the services of this agency to enrich my experience of Armenia. It was an excellent choice! Knowledgeable guides, well oriented and with good connections to local communities. Adaptive to your needs, caring and generous. I wish I had more time to explore beautify Armenia with them! Read more Written November 29, 2019

More to explore in Yerevan

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

7 Day Tour through Armenia provided by Ari Tour

• Travel Planning Guide

The Best 2-Week (14-Day) Tours in Armenia

Are you craving an unforgettable 2-week trip to Armenia that strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure? Look no further than our carefully curated selection of 14-day guided tours that are perfect for a two week getaway. We've analyzed these tours based on key criteria such as price, comfort, service, guest ratings, and activities in order to find the top 14-day tours in Armenia for your next trip. Whether you're yearning for thrilling excursions, mouthwatering cuisine, or simply a chance to unwind, these tours offer the perfect amount of time to immerse yourself into the local culture and activites. Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey that will leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime.

• Caucasus Tour 13 Days, $6000.00
• Georgia and Armenia Holidays 14 Days, $1990.00
• Azerbaijan - Georgia - Armenia Tour - 14 days / Small Group Tour 14 Days, $4400.00

Which 14-day tour options are available in Armenia?

Here are the important factors:

• 4 trip options analyzed
• $317 average price per day (USD)
• 13 to 14 days in length
• 4.98 of 5 average rating
• 10 people or less on average

Curious about the diverse range of tours lasting 2 weeks? Prepare to be amazed by the array of options available to suit every traveler's preferences. It comes as no surprise that visitors adore these tours, given their exceptional average guest rating of 4.98 out of 5 stars. When it comes to group sizes, the average maximum capacity stands at 10 people, allowing for a comfortable and sociable experience. The shortest tour is 13 days, while the longest is 14 days. With a comprehensive analysis encompassing 4 tours lasting 2 weeks, you can rest assured that Armenia has something tailored to your interests and preferences, promising an unforgettable experience for all.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 4 Best 2-Week Tours in Armenia

Caucasus tour.

Check out this incredible trip that has received a 4.9 out of 5 rating from previous guests, visiting Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. With a duration of 13 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 10 people, and is good for travelers aged 55 to 85 years old. This itinerary covers 17 captivating destinations, with stops in Gobustan, Shaki, Telavi, and Sighnaghi, among others. Baku marks the starting point, while Yerevan stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. This fantastic option, organized by East Site Inc , presents an unbeatable value at just $462 per day.

• Sightseeing
• In-depth Cultural

Georgia and Armenia Holidays

• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours lasting 2 weeks.
• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Spanning over 14 days, this voyage, visiting Georgia and Armenia, has a maximum size of 15 individuals. Welcoming people of any age, it is organized by Georgia Country Tours LLC , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 13 destinations, featuring Borjomi, Kutaisi, Batumi, and Martvili Canyon. Beginning in beautiful Tbilisi, you'll have a terrific journey that ends in Yerevan. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around local culture and family-friendly activities. Available at an unbeatable price of only $142 per day, this option also has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

Azerbaijan - Georgia - Armenia Tour - 14 days / Small Group Tour

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional voyage, visiting Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia, that has garnered a 5 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 14 days, this jouney will have 10 participants, and it warmly welcomes travelers aged 30 to 75 years old. Expertly organized by The Caucasus Tours , this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $314 per day.

Grand Caucasus Tour (Azerbaijan - Georgia - Armenia) - 14 days / Private Tour

This memorable trip, visiting Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia, is offered by The Caucasus Tours which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 5 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $350 per day. Traverse through 21 enchanting destinations, with Garni, Shamakhi, Shaki, and Gremi among the must-see stops along the route. Baku marks the starting point, while Yerevan stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. The maximum group size is 6 people, welcoming travelers aged 30 to 75 years old.

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Armenia , The Best Historical Tours in Armenia , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Armenia , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Armenia , The Best Adventure Tours to Armenia , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Armenia , The Best Cultural Tours in Armenia , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Armenia , The Best Tours Under $1000 in Armenia , The Best Luxury Tours to Armenia , The Best Budget Tours to Armenia , or The Best Tours for Seniors to Armenia for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Yerevan or The Best 10-Day Tours from Yerevan for more package tour options.

How much do 14-day tours to Armenia cost?

Visitors will find a large range of terrific options for tours lasting 2 weeks when planning a visit to Armenia. The price of these specific trips can vary according to length, destinations, and travel style. The average price of tours lasting 2 weeks in Armenia based on data from 4 options is an affordable $317 per day. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in Armenia .

And for more information on Armenia, see Armenia Travel Costs and Armenia Hotel Costs .

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