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)

Discover the allure of Yerevan, the captivating capital of Armenia, where Soviet-era architecture harmonizes with a rich historical tapestry and a vibrant café scene. Your day begins with a city tour that highlights the stunning Singing Fountains of Republic Square, the lively Vernissage market brimming with antiques and crafts, and the esteemed Matenadaran, home to invaluable ancient manuscripts that tell the story of Armenia’s heritage. Ascend the famous Yerevan Cascade for breathtaking views, where, on clear days, you may spot the magnificent Mount Ararat in the distance. In the afternoon, pay a visit to the poignant Armenian Genocide Memorial, a heartfelt tribute to the lives lost during the 1915 genocide and a vital part of Armenia’s identity. Next, journey to Echmiadzin, where you’ll find the oldest cathedral in the country, serving as Armenia’s spiritual nucleus. After that, explore the ruins of the 7th-century Zvartnots Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its stunning architecture. As the day comes to an end, return to Yerevan for a delightful dinner in the heart of the city. Overnight in Yerevan. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 55 km / 34 ml.

Garni and Geghard are typically combined into one excursion due to their close proximity, yet each offers a unique experience. Garni boasts a rare Ionic Greco-Roman pagan temple, originally constructed in the 1st century AD and carefully restored in the 1970s after a devastating earthquake in the 17th century. Before visiting Geghard, we’ll take a scenic walk through the breathtaking Garni Gorge, known for its striking basalt columns, famously called the “Symphony of Stones.” Afterward, we’ll head to Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site founded by Gregory the Illuminator in the 4th century. Although the structures you see today date back to the early 14th century, the sacred spring is still nestled within Gregory’s original cave. Before we return to Yerevan, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a traditional lavash-baking experience, sampling fresh lavash with local cheese and herbs for an authentic taste of Armenia. Overnight in Yerevan. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Driving distance: 75 km / 47 ml.

Khor Virap’s location is pretty special - situated close to the Turkish border, it often offers breathtaking views of Mount Ararat in the distance. The monastery itself is incredibly photogenic and fascinating to explore up close. Noravank’s setting is even more spectacular. As we drive down a narrow canyon, the anticipation builds until the monastery complex, famous for its intricate carvings, comes into view. If you don’t mind heights, you can climb the steep, open-air steps on the front of the church for incredible views back along the valley from the first floor. Our final stop today is Areni, renowned for its winemaking. Before heading to the winery for a tour and tasting, we’ll visit the famous Birds' Cave, an archaeological site where some of the world’s oldest artifacts 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)