Armenian Odyssey

Armenian Odyssey travel plan discover Armenia’s heartland with our carefully planned 13 days itinerary, offering cultural experiences and stunning landscapes. Start in Yerevan with its iconic landmarks like Mother Armenia and the Cascade. Discover ancient sites like Echmiadzin and Zvartnots, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Republic Square. Venture into Geghard and Garni for more history and natural beauty. Explore southern Armenia for Khor Virap and wine tasting in Areni. In Armenian Odyssey, experience the unique sights of Karahunj and Tatev Monastery. Relax by Lake Sevan and visit Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries. Explore Gyumri’s historic district and end your journey with visits to Byurakan and Amberd. Dive into Armenia’s rich heritage and modern wonders on this unforgettable trip.

Armenian Odyssey Map

Highlights of the Tour

Day 1: Yerevan (Arrival)
After your arrival at the Zvartnots Internation Airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in Yerevan and checked in. Overnight in Yerevan

Day 2: Yerevan
Begin your journey through Yerevan’s cultural core with our carefully planned itinerary. Start your day at Victory Park, where the imposing Mother Armenia Statue provides sweeping views of the city’s scenic beauty. Then, we will visit the artistic ambiance of the Cascade, adorned with cascading staircases and modern artworks. After here you will have a look at the Opera Building. Continue to Echmiadzin, the oldest cathedral in Armenia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where spirituality and history blend harmoniously. Finally, visit the Zvartnots ruins to glimpse into Armenia’s ancient architectural wonders. Later in the day back to Yerevan’s Republic Sq. to experience the mesmerizing spectacle of fountains as they come to life in a captivating dance of water and light. Overnight in Yerevan

Fountains Dance Yerevan

Day 3: Geghard-Garni-Yerevan
Today, we’ll drive for an hour to visit Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO site built into rocks. Instead of the main road, we’ll take a detour through Grani Gorge to see the amazing “Symphony of Stones” natural rock formations. Then, we’ll head to Garni village to see the unique Garni Temple, with its ancient Greek-style columns. After having our lunch, we’ll pay a solemn visit to the Genocide Memorial Complex, serving as a poignant reminder of the 20th century’s first genocide. Conclude the day with a visit to a traditional carpet shop. Overnight in Yerevan

Garni Gorge

Day 4: Khor Virap-Areni-Noravank-Jermuk
On the fourth day, venture into southern Armenia in Ararat Province. Begin by visiting the renowned Khor Virap Monastery. It holds historical significance where Armenia’s Christian legacy began. If weather cooperates, you will have the best view of Mount Ararat as well.
Then, journey to Areni village, celebrated as the winemaking hub of Armenia. Indulge in a wine-tasting experience at a local winery. Also, we will visit Areni-1 cave, which has yielded a wealth of archaeological discoveries, including well-preserved artifacts, ancient human remains, and evidence of early agricultural practices, followed by a scenic drive through a narrow canyon to reach the captivating red rock valley, home to the Noravank Monastery. The monastery is notable for its two-story structure and it’s beautiful location.
The day ends in Jermuk, a charming mountain resort town known for its natural hot mineral springs and breathtaking landscapes. Overnight in Jermuk

Noravank Monastery

Day 5: Karahunj-Tatev-Khndzoresk-Jermuk
Following breakfast, journey to Karahunj, an ancient observatory dating back 7500 years located in Syunik Province, often likened to the Armenian Stonehenge. Proceed to Tatev Monastery, a renowned medieval center of education during the 14th and 15th centuries. Explore the monastery grounds and seize the opportunity to experience the world’s longest cable car ride, spanning 5.7 km across the 320-meter-deep Vorotan River Canyon. En route, make a stop at the natural formation called “Devil’s Bridge” before continuing to Khndzoresk, famous for its historic cave dwellings utilized until the 1950s. These rocky hills once served as residences and storage areas for food. Overnight in Jermuk

Tatev Cable Car (World’s longest non-stop reversible aerial tramway)

Day 6: Selim Pass-Noraduz-Lake Sevan
Start your day by traveling northward, discovering Gegharkunik Province along the historic Great Silk Road. Pause at the Selim Pass to enjoy the scenery and explore the impeccably maintained 14th-century Selim Caravansary—an iconic place along the ancient Silk Road. From here, we will visit Noraduz, famous for its vast collection of khachkars, intricately carved Armenian cross-stones. Following this, proceed to the breathtaking Lake Sevan, recognized as one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes situated at an altitude of approximately 1900 meters above sea level. Overnight in Sevan

Noraduz-carved Armenian cross-stones

Day 7: Lake Sevan-Haghartsin-Dilijan
To kick off your day, make your way to Sevanavank Monastery perched on the Sevan Peninsula. Explore the remains of this old religious place, with the Surb Arakelots and Surb Astvatsatsin temples surrounded by many intricately carved stones called khachkars. The empty temples give a beautiful view of the lake, with tall mountains and snowy peaks in the background.
Continue your journey north to Tavush Province, with a stop in the charming resort town of Dilijan, known for arts and crafts, lush nature, and healing air. Later will have an excursion to the medieval Haghartsin Monastery. Overnight in Dilijan

Dilijan with it’s green nature

Day 8: Parz Lake-Haghpat-Sanahin-Debed Canyon
The day kicks off with a trip to Parz Lake in Dilijan National Park, formed naturally over time due to climate changes. “Parz” means clear in Armenian. At the lake, visitors can enjoy activities like paddle boating, rope courses, and zip lining. Next on the itinerary are the UNESCO-listed monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, built in 976 AD. These ancient Armenian architectural marvels, perched overlooking the Debed River, offer a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. Despite enduring damage from various sources, including a significant earthquake in 1988, both monasteries remain emblematic examples of Armenian architecture. After the tour, return to the village to unwind and enjoy the rest of the day. Overnight in Haghpat.

Haghpat Complex located north of Armenia

Day 9: Stepanavan-Gyumri
Continue our trip, we will drive to Gyumri, the second-largest city in Armenia via Stepanavan, where you will enjoy a leisurely stroll through Stepanavan Dendropark, one of the largest gardens in Armenia. Admire the diverse collection of trees and plants while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Continue our drive to reach Gyumri. Overnight in Gyumri

Day 10: Gyumri
Today we will explore the city center and take a walk-through Gyumri’s historic district with its beautiful old buildings and charming cobblestone streets. We will have a look at the Black Fortress (Sev Berd) which is the remains of this old fort for a great view of Gyumri and the area around it. Next, will pay a visit to Gyumri Kumayri Historic District, where you’ll find lots of museums, art galleries, and interesting places to see. Overnight in Gyumri

Black fortress or “Sev Berd” located in Gyumri

Day 11: Byurakan-Alphabet-Amberd-Yerevan
On this day, we will pay a visit to Byurakan, a small village located at the foothills of Mount Aragats. A picturesque village famous for its historic significance, particularly as the site of the Byurakan Observatory, a prominent astronomical research facility. Then we will have a look at Armenian Alphabet Monument, where it serves as a tangible symbol of national pride and linguistic heritage and to celebrate the 1600th anniversary of the alphabet’s foundation
Next, we will drive to Amberd, a unique historical landmark that has remained well-preserved since the 7th century. The name “Amberd” means ‘fortress in the clouds,’ signifying its elevated position at 2300 meters above sea level. Overnight in Yerevan

Byurakan Observatory founded in 1946 by Viktor Hambardzumyan

Day 12: Yerevan
We start our last day by visiting Matenadaran Museum where you will have a look at vast collection of manuscripts. Then we will visit the Ararat Brandy Company to sample the famous Armenian cognac, steeped in tradition dating back to the 19th century. Finally, we go into a bustling open-air Vernisaj market where visitors can find an eclectic assortment of traditional Armenian crafts, artworks, souvenirs, and local delicacies. Overnight in Yerevan

Vernisaj Open Market

Day 13: Yerevan (Departure)
Transfer to the airport according to your flight time.

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