Classic Armenia: The Essential Treasures

Experience the very best of Armenia in four unforgettable days.

This carefully crafted journey takes you through 6,000 years of

history — from the only surviving Greco-Roman temple in the

Caucasus to the world's oldest winery, from the crystal-blue

waters of Lake Sevan to the lush forests of Dilijan National Park.

This is not just a tour — it is an immersion into Armenian

civilisation, nature, and flavour. Every stop has been chosen to

give you the full picture: ancient monasteries carved into living

rock, dramatic canyon landscapes, hands-on lavash and wine

masterclasses with local families, and the legendary panorama of

Mount Ararat rising above the Ararat Valley.

Suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Private transfers,

expert guides, and boutique accommodations are included

throughout, so you can focus entirely on the experience.

Garni Temple — the only Greco-Roman pagan temple in the Caucasus

Geghard Monastery — UNESCO World Heritage carved into the mountain

Khor Virap — iconic panoramic view of Mount Ararat

Areni-1 Cave — the world's oldest known winery (6,100+ years old)

Wine tasting at a family winery in Vayots Dzor

Noravank Monastery — 13th-century masterpiece in a red-rock canyon

Lake Sevan & Sevanavank — one of the world's great high-altitude lakes

Dilijan National Park — the "Armenian Switzerland"

Haghartsin Monastery — hidden in ancient beech forest

Lavash masterclass in a traditional underground tonir oven

DAY 1 — Heart of Yerevan & Ancient Heritage

Morning

Authentic Armenian breakfast at your hotel or a cozy café in

central Yerevan.

09:00 — Garni Temple

The only surviving Greco-Roman pagan temple in the Caucasus,

built in the 1st century AD. Perched on a dramatic cliff above

the Azat River gorge, it offers sweeping views of the surrounding

valley.

10:30 — Symphony of Stones

A short walk into the Garni Gorge reveals one of Armenia's most

striking natural wonders — thousands of perfectly formed basalt

columns rising like the pipes of a giant organ from the riverbed.

12:30 — Lavash Masterclass & Lunch

Join a local family for a hands-on experience making lavash —

Armenia's ancient flatbread — in a traditional underground tonir

clay oven. Served fresh with aged cheese, herbs, and cold

matsun (yoghurt).

14:30 — Geghard Monastery (UNESCO)

A medieval monastic complex of extraordinary beauty, partly

carved directly into the cliff face. The interior chambers,

spring-fed fonts, and carved khachkars create an atmosphere

unlike anywhere else in the region.

Evening

Return to Yerevan. Sunset walk around the Cascade Complex and

Republic Square. Welcome dinner at a restaurant serving

traditional Armenian cuisine — dolma, khorovats, and local wine.

Overnight: Yerevan

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DAY 2 — Views of Ararat & Wine Country

Morning

Breakfast at your hotel in Yerevan.

09:00 — Khor Virap Monastery

Armenia's most iconic image — the ancient monastery set against

the vast white cone of Mount Ararat. Descend into the underground

dungeon where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for

13 years before converting King Tiridates III and making Armenia

the world's first Christian nation.

11:00 — Areni-1 Cave

Drive into Vayots Dzor province to visit the archaeological site

where scientists discovered the world's oldest winery, dating

back over 6,100 years — complete with fermentation vats, storage

jars, and a wine press.

13:00 — Wine Tasting & Lunch

A private tasting session at a family-run winery featuring

indigenous Areni Noir grape varieties. Paired with local cheeses,

dried fruits, and a homestyle lunch.

15:30 — Noravank Monastery

Set inside a dramatic narrow canyon of deep red cliffs, this

13th-century two-storey monastery is one of Armenia's most

photographed landmarks. The intricate stone carvings and the

play of light in the canyon make it unmissable at this hour.

Evening

Return to Yerevan. Free evening for leisure, shopping on

Abovyan Street, or a visit to the Vernissage market.

Overnight: Yerevan

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DAY 3 — The Blue Eye of Armenia & Armenian Switzerland

Morning

Breakfast at your hotel (check-out with luggage).

09:00 — Lake Sevan & Sevanavank Monastery

Drive northeast to Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude

freshwater lakes in the world. Climb the rocky peninsula to the

9th-century Sevanavank monastery for breathtaking views across

the vast blue expanse.

12:30 — Lakeside Lunch

Fresh Sevan ishkhan (trout) or grilled sig (whitefish) at a

restaurant right on the lake shore. A true local experience.

14:30 — Drive to Dilijan

Scenic drive through the mountains into lush Dilijan. Stroll

along Sharambeyan Street — Old Dilijan's beautifully restored

historic quarter — and explore local artisan workshops making

ceramics, carpets, and jewellery.

16:30 — Haghartsin Monastery

A short forest drive leads to this quiet 13th-century monastery

hidden deep within the dense beech and oak forests of Dilijan

National Park. The atmosphere is serene and almost otherworldly.

Evening

Dinner at a cozy forest-side restaurant in Dilijan, featuring

northern Armenian dishes — fresh herbs, local mushrooms,

home-baked bread, and herbal teas.

Overnight: Boutique hotel or guesthouse in Dilijan

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DAY 4 — Green North & Farewell

Morning

Breakfast at your hotel in Dilijan.

09:00 — Lake Parz or Craft Studios

A gentle morning walk to the serene Lake Parz (Clear Lake)

through the forest, or a final visit to local artisan studios

to pick up handmade souvenirs.

12:00 — Farewell Lunch

Northern regional dishes featuring wild mountain herbs, local

mushrooms, and herbal tea.

14:00 — Return Transfer to Yerevan

Scenic drive back with an optional stop at the Armenian Alphabet

Monument (Matenadaran Alphabet Park), where 39 giant stone

letters of the Armenian script stand against a backdrop of

mountain panoramas.

16:00 — Arrival in Yerevan city centre or

Zvartnots International Airport (ZVA)