Grand Armenia: 9-Day Cultural Expedition

Go beyond the capital on this comprehensive 9-day journey.

Experience the contrast between the pink stones of Yerevan and the black volcanic architecture of Gyumri (Armenia's cultural capital).

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Included: 4* Hotels, Private Driver, English-speaking Guide, All Breakfasts.

Not Included: Flights.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Yerevan

• Arrive at Yerevan International Airport.

• Meet your private driver and transfer to the hotel.

• Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 2: City Highlights & History

• Morning: See the panoramic view from Mother Armenia and visit the ancient manuscripts at Matenadaran.

• Afternoon: Walk through the Cascade Complex (open-air art center) and visit the Genocide Memorial.

• Evening: Free time to explore the city center.

Day 3: The Spiritual Heart (UNESCO Sites)

• Morning: Visit Echmiadzin, the "Vatican of Armenia" and the world’s oldest cathedral, along with the 7th-century St. Hripsime Church.

• Afternoon: See the ruins of Zvartnots Temple and the History Museum at Republic Square.

• Shopping: End the day at Vernissage, the famous open-air market for local crafts.

Day 4: Gyumri & The Black City

• Departure: Travel to Gyumri, the second-largest city, famous for its arts and unique black tuff architecture.

• Culture: Visit the Gyumri Ethnography Museum to learn about local traditions and crafts.

• Architecture: Explore the historic city center and the serene Marmashen Monastery on the riverbank.

• Overnight: Stay in a boutique hotel in Gyumri.

Day 5: Ancient Basilicas & Canyons

• Morning: Depart Gyumri and stop at the 5th-century Mastara Church and the massive Aruch Cathedral.

• The Gorge: Visit the dramatic Kasagh River Gorge to see two masterpiece monasteries: Saghmosavank and Hovhanavank, perched right on the cliff edge.

• Return: Drive back to the capital. Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 6: Mount Ararat & The Wine Route

• Morning: Visit Khor Virap Monastery for the iconic view of the biblical Mount Ararat.

• Discovery: Explore Areni-1 Cave, where the world’s oldest leather shoe and winery (6,000 years old) were found.

• Afternoon: Drive through a dramatic red canyon to visit Noravank Monastery, a masterpiece of medieval architecture.

• Return: Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 7: The Blue Pearl & Green Forests

• Morning: Head to the forested town of Dilijan (often called "Little Switzerland") and visit the hidden Haghartsin Monastery.

• The Lake: Travel to Lake Sevan, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, and climb the peninsula to see Sevanavank Monastery.

• History: Stop at Noratus, famous for its field of ancient khachkars (Armenian cross-stones).

• Return: Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 8: Temples, Canyons & Culinary Traditions

• Photo Stop: Visit Charents Arch for a spectacular frame of Mount Ararat.

• The Temple: Explore Garni Temple, the only standing pagan temple in the entire region, built in the Roman style.

• The Monastery: Visit Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO site partially carved out of the solid mountain rock.

• Experience: Participate in a traditional Lavash baking master class. Watch how the national bread is made in an underground oven and taste it fresh.

• Local Flavor: Visit a traditional food market before returning to the hotel.

Day 9: Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel.

• Check-out: Meet your driver for a private transfer to Yerevan International Airport.

• Farewell: End of services. Safe travels home!