Great Armenian Discovery - 10 days (AM-03)

Today your Armenian adventure begins as you arrive in the capital Yerevan. The transfer to your hotel is included. Overnight in Yerevan. (Dinner)

Yerevan, the captivating capital of Armenia, harmoniously fuses Soviet-era structures with a rich historical backdrop and a vibrant café scene. Your morning begins with an exploration of the city's key attractions, including the lively Singing Fountains at Republic Square, the eclectic Vernissage market brimming with antiques and crafts, and the esteemed Matenadaran, which houses ancient manuscripts that reflect Armenia's storied past. You’ll also ascend the famous Yerevan Cascade, where breathtaking views unfold, allowing you to spot the iconic Mount Ararat on clear days. In the afternoon, pay a visit to the poignant Armenian Genocide Memorial, a heartfelt homage to the victims of the 1915 genocide and an integral part of the country’s history. Your adventure continues with a trip to Echmiadzin, the site of the oldest cathedral in Armenia and its spiritual hub. Next, marvel at the remnants of the 7th-century Zvartnots Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning architectural beauty. Conclude your day with a return to Yerevan, where a delicious dinner awaits in the city center. Overnight in Yerevan. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 55 km / 34 ml.

Garni and Geghard are often paired in one excursion due to their close proximity, yet they offer distinctly different experiences. The Temple of Garni is a remarkable Ionic Greco-Roman pagan temple built in the 1st century AD. It was restored in the 1970s after being devastated by a 17th-century earthquake. Before heading to Geghard, we’ll take a scenic detour to the breathtaking Garni Gorge, famous for its impressive basalt columns, often referred to as the “Symphony of Stones.” After our visit to the gorge, we’ll proceed to Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site founded by Gregory the Illuminator in the 4th century. While the main structures you’ll see today were built in the early 14th century, you can also visit the sacred spring located in Gregory’s cave, which has been revered for centuries. After exploring these remarkable sites, we’ll return to Yerevan, where the rest of the day is yours to discover the city at your own pace. Overnight in Yerevan. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 75 km / 47 ml.

Khor Virap offers a truly unique experience, with its stunning location near the Turkish border providing excellent views of the majestic Mount Ararat in the distance. The monastery itself is a remarkable sight, well worth a closer look. Even more impressive is Noravank, set within a dramatic narrow canyon. As you approach, the monastery complex reveals its beautifully detailed carvings. For those up for a challenge, a steep set of steps built into the church’s façade leads to the first floor, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views down the valley. Today’s journey ends in Areni, famous for its rich winemaking tradition. Before visiting a top winery for a tasting session, we’ll explore Birds' Cave, an ancient site where the world’s oldest known winery and artifacts like the oldest leather shoe were discovered. Overnight in Yerevan. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 245 km / 153 ml.

Sevanavank monastery is built on the top of a small hill. You’ll climb 243 steps to the top and the reward, once you’ve caught your breath, is the incredible view across the lake. The monastery itself is very pretty and in its churchyard you’ll be wowed by the beautifully carved khatchkhars which look a little like gravestones. It’s a short drive to Dilijan, a spa town and our base for the next couple of nights. You can amuse yourself in the local Geological Museum and Art Gallery which exhibits archaeological pieces and works of art or perhaps visit one of the craft workshops that are dotted about the town. Overnight in Dilijan. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 98 km / 61 ml.

This morning we set off for the Debed Canyon. Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries face off against each other and when built, there was a rivalry between them. In fact, Sanahin’s name means “older than that one”. Haghpat itself was built back in the 9th century; check out the holes in the floor designed to keep wine at a cool temperature. Inside Sanahin, don’t be too concerned about showing a lack of respect if you walk over the gravestones on the floor - it’s actually considered good luck as it’s believed the act of stepping on them frees the dead from the burden of sin. The village of Lermontovo, named after the Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov, who’s often called "the poet of the Caucasus" is our next stop and we fit in a visit to the 12th century monastery of Goshavank before returning to Dilijan in time for dinner. Overnight in Dilijan. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 238 km / 149 ml.

It’s time to depart Dilijan this morning and our first stop is at Noratus Cemetery. This mediaeval graveyard has the largest concentration of khatchkhars in the entire country. Large and small, embellished with carvings of crosses and weathered with moss and lichen, they are fascinating to explore. Legend has it that when Tamerlane planned an attack, locals placed helmets on top and propped swords up to make them appear like soldiers from a distance. Departing Noratus, we will cross the Selim Pass, calling in at the 14th century Orbelian's Caravanserai and head for Jermuk. This attractive mountain spa town is our base for the next two nights. Overnight in Jermuk. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 211 km / 132 ml.

Continuing on, Tatev is our destination today. This hilltop monastery is reached via a flight on the Wings of Tatev, the world’s longest cable car. The journey across the valley is spectacular and the monastery’s remoteness is reinforced as you approach. In the complex itself, seek out a column tucked away in one of the courtyards which historically has helped to predict earthquakes and approaching enemy armies. Departing Tatev, we’ll soon reach the town of Goris from where we visit the nearby Khndzoresk Caves. Until relatively recently, these caves were inhabited. Once we’ve had a good look we’ll set off back to Jermuk. Overnight in Jermuk. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 296 km / 185 ml.

Today we journey back to Yerevan. We’ll make a stop after about an hour at the church of St Jacob in a village called Vernashen. Inside there’s a small museum whose exhibits are devoted to education, art, mediaeval science and the history of the ancient Gladzor University which it’s thought was located at Tanahat Monastery about three miles away. It was also an important centre for calligraphy and hundreds of manuscripts were created there. Afterwards, we’ll depart for Yerevan, where you’ll spend your final evening. Overnight in Yerevan. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 176 km / 110 ml.

Today’s departure day and it’s time to return to the airport in good time to catch your flight home. (Breakfast)