Luxury Armenia Tour - 8 days (AM-06)

Welcome to Armenia. We’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your centrally located hotel in Yerevan. Settle in and prepare for your adventure to begin at the aptly named Grand Hotel Yerevan. This well-appointed hotel is one of the finest in the country, a stellar five star property that’ falls under of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World umbrella. Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.

Let’s get acquainted with Armenia’s enchanting capital today. Alongside the usual Soviet-era architecture, Yerevan has some interesting sights. You can watch the singing fountains of Republic Square, shop for handicrafts at the Vernissage market and admire the many ancient manuscripts housed in the Matenadaran. In the afternoon, visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial, a touching tribute to the victims of the 1915 genocide and a crucial aspect of the nation’s history. Echmiatsin, Armenia’s fourth largest city, is around a half hour drive west of Yerevan and is our first excursion. It’s a treasure trove of UNESCO sites, with five monuments holding the prestigious status. We’ll concentrate on the oldest cathedral in the country, and then move on to Zvartnots. The cathedral there was abandoned in the 7th century and rediscovered after archaeological excavations at the beginning of the 20th century. The reasons for its unexpected demise remain a mystery. Breakfast and dinner; overnight in Yerevan.

Driving distance: 55 km / 34 ml.

Today's excursion invites you to experience two historic, yet contrasting, religious landmarks along with the stunning natural beauty of Garni Gorge. Our journey begins at Garni Temple, a unique pagan monument in Greco-Roman style-unlike anything else in Armenia. Rebuilt after an earthquake, its elegant colonnades are a striking sight for any visitor. Following our time at the temple, we’ll stop at Garni Gorge, known for its dramatic basalt columns, often called the “Symphony of Stones.” Next, we’ll visit the nearby Geghard Monastery, named for Gregory the Illuminator, the founder of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The monastery’s acoustics are renowned for amplifying a single voice to sound like a choir, creating a mesmerizing experience. You’ll also have the chance to look through a small peephole to view the church from above and visit the sacred spring within the original cave. Before we return to Yerevan, we’ll enjoy a traditional lavash-baking experience, sampling freshly baked lavash with local cheese and herbs for a taste of Armenia. Afterward, we’ll head back to Yerevan just in time for dinner. Breakfast and dinner; overnight in Yerevan.

Driving distance: 75 km / 47 ml.

Many of Armenia’s monasteries are located in extraordinary settings, and today’s pair is no exception. We’ll begin with Khor Virap, where the story of Gregory the Illuminator unfolds; he was imprisoned here for a time. Perched on a small hill, the monastery offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, with Mount Ararat visible in the distance across the border in Turkey. Noravank is equally delightful. This monastery is nestled along the steep-sided Amaghu River gorge, and its stone walls are adorned with intricate carvings depicting Biblical scenes, including an image of Jesus with his apostles, Peter and Paul. Be prepared to wait in line if you wish to climb the stone staircase along the outside of Noravank’s two-storey church for an incredible view of the valley. Before concluding the day, we’ll visit Birds' Cave in Areni, an important archaeological site. We’ll round off the day with a tasting at the renowned Areni winery. Breakfast and dinner are included; overnight in Yerevan.

Driving distance: 245 km / 153 ml.

It’s time to move on from the capital so we’ll check out of the Grand Hotel Yerevan this morning, our sights set on Lake Sevan. On a hill overlooking the lake shore you’ll encounter Sevanavank. This remarkable monastery is one of Armenia’s prettiest, particularly on a sunny day when cloudless skies and the vivid blue of the lake set off the colour of its stonework to perfection. You’ll need to climb a long flight of steps to reach it, but with panoramic views out over the water and graveyard full of khachkars (carved stones) it’s well worth the effort. Next stop today is Dilijan. This is a popular spa town but it’s also home to a fascinating museum in which you’ll find a diverse array of objects covering topics like geology, history and art. The town is also known for its handicraft shops where you can browse for a suitable souvenir to bring home. Our base will be the delightful Best Western Plus Paradise Hotel Dilijan. This four star property is surrounded by forested slopes which you can see from the outdoor pool and terrace. Breakfast and dinner; overnight in Dilijan.

Driving distance: 98 km / 61 ml.

Today we’ll focus on a trio of monasteries. First up is a drive over to the Debed Canyon where we’ll tour Haghpat and Sanahin. These monasteries are a heritage double act thanks to their proximity to each other. Both date from the 10th century and have earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Haghpat in particular has a stunning location up on the hill, where its monks could benefit from solitude and privacy. After we’ve explored a little, we’ll move on to another monastery. Goshavank is thought to date from the 12th or 13th century and its cluster of churches is in good condition; all but one are connected to each other. Breakfast and dinner; overnight in Dilijan.

Driving distance: 238 km / 149 ml.

It’s around a two hour drive to get back to Yerevan, which means there’s plenty of time for you to see a bit more of the Armenian capital when we return. We recommend you visit the haunting but fascinating Genocide Memorial and Museum, where you can pay your respects beside the eternal flame. The old quarter of Kond, often overlooked by visitors, has a dilapidated charm; you’ll often see wool drying on the ground outside its historic houses. The Cascades, in contrast, teems with visitors who climb its staircases to take in the views over the city. However you choose to spend this additional time, we’re sure you’ll relish getting to know Yerevan a little better. Breakfast and dinner; overnight in Yerevan.

Driving distance: 96 km / 60 ml.

All that remains is for us to accompany you to the airport for your flight home and wish you a pleasant and safe journey. We trust you have enjoyed your tour and hope to see you in Armenia again very soon. (Breakfast)