Arrive at Zvartnots International Airport and transfer to your hotel.

Recommendation:
Organize a picnic for yourself to enjoy the natural surroundings. You can plan interesting meals featuring classic Armenian lavash bread, cheese, herbs, and vegetables. Lavash is a traditional Armenian bread that is perfect for picnics due to its portability and versatility. Pair it with various toppings for a delicious outdoor meal. Here’s a simple idea:

Lavash Rolls with Cheese and Vegetables: Spread out the lavash bread and top it with various types of cheese. Add fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and herbs.

Don’t forget other essentials such as sunscreen and insect repellent.

Overnight in Yerevan. ...read less

We will start our tour in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.

Known as the "pink city" due to the distinctive color of its buildings, Yerevan offers a unique blend of history and modernity. Our tour will include stops at Republic Square, Mashtots Avenue, the House of Opera and Ballet after Aram Khachaturian, and the Cascade complex.

Next, we'll visit Vernissage, a vibrant open-air market in the heart of Yerevan. This cultural hub gathers local artists, craftsmen, and vendors, showcasing a diverse array of handmade crafts, traditional Armenian art, souvenirs, jewelry, carpets, ceramics, and other unique items.

Our final stop for the day will be the Gum Market, one of Yerevan's most lively and colorful places. Located near the Tashir trading center and open daily from morning until late evening, the market features fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, spices, dried fruits, cheeses, traditional Armenian bread (lavash), pickles, and more.

Overnight in Yerevan ...read less

Today, embark on a trip to the Khor Virap Monastery (4th-18th centuries).

This monastery holds significant historical importance as Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia, was imprisoned here for about 13 years. The site of the monastery once served as a prison. From here, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the sacred Ararat Mountain, an enduring symbol of Armenia.

Near the village of Vedi, you will find Angels Canyon. Though relatively small, the canyon is fascinating due to the structure and color of its rock walls. The walls, rising in a clayish red with a striped texture, flank both sides of the narrow path, winding mystically through the gorge. Follow the most picturesque section of the trail, continuing the loop for about 11 kilometers. Keep an eye out for eagles and turtles! Since the area usually gets very hot in summer, we recommend visiting in spring or autumn.

Hiking Duration: 2.5 hours
Distance: 10.9 km

Next, continue the tour to Areni Village and Areni Cave. The cave consists of three rooms, most of which remain unexplored. During excavations, archaeologists have found metal knives, fruit seeds, grain residues, rope, pottery, clothing, grapes, and dried plums dating back to 4200-3500 BC. The world's oldest leather shoe, over 5500 years old, was discovered here. Additionally, the cave contains the oldest known cellar in the world, dating back over 6000 years.

Overnight in Yegheguis. ...read less

Today, you will explore the Gorge of the Gnishik River, part of the Arpa Nature Reserve.

This reserve is home to nearly 900 species of plants and about 525 species of animals, including the majestic Armenian mouflon, a native species renowned for its impressive climbing abilities. As you navigate the gorge, you might spot a herd of these animals if you're not too busy posing for photos against the stunning rocky walls! The Arpa Environmental Foundation, which manages the reserve, has installed informational signs along the hiking trail, detailing the plant and animal species as well as cultural sites in the area.

Duration: 5 hours
Distance: 11.7 km

Next, we will visit Noravank, a 12th-century monastery nestled among striking sheer rocks in a winding gorge. This is the only monastery where you can find a unique sculpture of Father God.

We will then drive to Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world. Known for its sweet, astonishingly blue water, the lake offers breathtaking scenery. Here, we will visit Sevanavank Monastery on the Sevan Peninsula. Although one of the two monasteries is in ruins, the other still stands, both dating back to the 10th century.

Our journey continues to Dilijan, where we will stroll along Sharamberyan Street, exploring various museums, souvenir markets, and small shops. We'll also see two traditional houses built of wood, featuring tiled roofs and intricately carved balconies, which are typical examples of Dilijan architecture.

Overnight in Dilijan ...read less

From Dilijan, you will visit Lastiver, a magical part of the Tavush region located in the Khachakhbyur Gorge.

This enchanting area is known for its stunning waterfalls, picnic spots, and dense forests in the Sarnajur River valley. Unique camping options are available nearby, including treehouses and glamping (luxurious camping with beds and toilets). The region offers various activities such as horseback riding, zip-lining, and other adventure sports, easily accessible from the nearby town of Ijevan.

Hiking Distance: 7 km
Duration: 3 hours

Spend the rest of the day in Yenokavan, where you can enjoy a multitude of activities and explore the beautiful natural surroundings.

Overnight in Yenokavan ...read less

Today, you will visit the Molokan House. Molokans are representatives of a particular branch of Christianity that originated in the Russian Empire in the 18th century.

They lead modest lives, characterized by honesty and hard work. While they do not chase after wealth, they are always willing to help their neighbors and friends. Their homes are small and unpretentious but always clean and tidy. Molokans mainly engage in animal husbandry and agriculture, and they are famous for their sauerkraut.

Next, you will visit Tsover Lake, located about 3 km southeast of the village of Dsegh. The lake is surrounded by dense forest to the south, adding to its scenic beauty. The lake measures approximately 250 meters in length from north to south and about 200 meters in width from west to east at its widest point. Its advantageous geographical location allows visitors to escape urban noise and enjoy the vibrant colors of Lori's nature and stellar nights.

Overnight in Dzoraget. ...read less

Today, we will explore the stunning Arevatsag Gorge.

The Dzoraget, Debed, and Pambak rivers carve the lush Lori region of Armenia into three distinct parts. At their confluence lies a magnificent canyon that, from above, appears as a massive fissure in the landscape. In a curve of the Dzoraget River, a majestic rock towers high above the water. This spot, known as Arevatsag or "Sunrise" Canyon, offers the possibility of hiking down into the valley, although many choose to travel by off-road vehicle. While this is one of the most popular spots, the canyon boasts many other beautiful areas to explore. Visitors can also enjoy whitewater rafting in the region. The best time to visit is in spring, when the grass and vegetation are at their brightest green, or in summer for pleasant temperatures.

Drive to Yerevan

Overnight in Yerevan ...read less

From Yerevan, you will travel to see the Garni Gorge, located just 30 kilometers east of the city.

The Garni Gorge is renowned for its unique topography and cultural significance, featuring the famous hexagonal basalt columns, remnants of volcanic activity. Take a stroll from the ancient Garni Temple, which dates back to pagan times, to the "Symphony of Stones," where you can marvel at the natural collection of columns resembling an organ. If you wish to continue hiking, the trail follows the Azat River, which carries fresh alpine water from the Gegham Mountains to the Azat Reservoir. Note that after the reservoir, there is no outlet, so be prepared to return to the starting point!

Your trip to Garni will include a visit to the Garni Temple, a pagan temple built in the 1st century AD. It is the only temple from pagan times preserved in Armenia and was devoted to the god Mihr, the god of cleanness. The temple was destroyed by an earthquake in 1679 but was restored in 1975.

Next, you will drive to the Symphony of Stones, located near the village of Garni. This stunning basalt rock formation has been shaped by nature over centuries, with the rocks taking on various columnar shapes resembling a natural orchestra of standing stones, hence the name "Symphony of Stones."

The journey continues to the Geghard Monastery, named after the legendary lance that pierced the body of Christ, which has been kept here for centuries. Though the exact foundation date of the monastery is unknown, the present complex was built in the mid-13th century.

Overnight in Yerevan. ...read less

You will be transferred from the hotel to Zvartnots Airport for your departure flight home.