UNESCO Trail

Armenia’s UNESCO Trail, where this travel itinerary leads through, beginning in Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest cities. Highlights include the Cascade Monument, Matenadaran Museum, and the historic Echmiadzin Cathedral.
Journeying to Lake Sevan and Dilijan, travelers explore monasteries and lush landscapes before visiting the UNESCO-listed Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries. Further excursions encompass Saghmosavank, Karmravor, and Amberd, each steeped in history and cultural significance. The UNESCO Trail itinerary concludes back in Yerevan, providing a comprehensive immersion into Armenia’s rich heritage and natural wonders.

UNESCO Trail Map

Highlights of the Tour

Day 1: Yerevan (Arrival)
Arrival to Yerevan Airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Yerevan

Day 2: Yerevan
Discover the ancient charm of Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest cities, founded in 782 BC. Start your day with a delicious hotel breakfast before exploring the city’s highlights. Known as “the pink city” for its unique pink stone buildings, Yerevan offers a perfect blend of history and character.

Begin your adventure at the impressive Cascade Monument, a giant staircase with stunning city views. Explore the Matenadaran Museum’s rich collection of manuscripts and visit key landmarks like the Opera House, Republic Square, and Abovyan Avenue, adding to Yerevan’s vibrant atmosphere.

Then we will take a short trip to Echmiadzin town, a significant religious hub, and visit the Echmiadzin Cathedral, one of the world’s earliest Christian cathedrals, built in 301 AD. Admire its historical importance as the seat of the Supreme Patriarch of the Catholicos of all Armenians, housing the Holy Lance spear. This UNESCO site is a testament to Armenia’s cultural heritage.

Wrap up your day with a visit to the Zvartnots temple ruins, a 7th-century marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Yerevan for a warm welcome dinner, reflecting on your day’s discoveries. Overnight in Yerevan

Zvartnots Cathedral, a unique structure from medieval Armenia

Day 3: Yerevan-Garni-Geghard-Lake Sevan-Dilijan
Today, we drive one hour to the Azat River Canyon to visit Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO site carved into rocks. Continue to Garni village for the unique Garni temple, the sole surviving Hellenistic-style architecture in the region. This Greco-Roman temple, with 24 Ionic columns, is unparalleled in Armenia and the former USSR.

In the afternoon, we will drive to visit Lake Sevan (the largest body of water in Armenia and the Caucasus region and one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia) and it’s monasteries. From there we will drive to Dilijan, known for arts and crafts, lush nature, and healing air. Later will have an excursion to the medieval Haghartsin Monastery. Overnight in Dilijan.

Khachkars or cross stones located at Geghard Monastery area

Day 4: Dilijan-Haghpat-Sanahin
In the morning, we will have a short visit to the Old Town of Dilijan. The tour continues to the UNESCO-listed monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, dating back to 976. These 10th-century Armenian architectural gems, overlooking the Debed River, showcase the rich heritage of the region.
Despite facing damage from various sources, including a major earthquake in 1988, both monasteries stand as typical examples of Armenian architecture. Return to the village to enjoy the remainder of the day. Overnight in Haghpat

Haghpat Monastery located north of Armenia

Day 5: Saghmosavank-Karmravor-Amberd-Yerevan
In the morning, take a drive to Saghmosavank, a 13th-century Greek-cross style monastery that played a significant role in medieval Armenia’s religious, academic, and cultural development. Head to Karmravour, the well-known historical site in Ashtarak, dating back to the 7th century, constructed from large square stone blocks.
It features a small cross-shaped church with a porch facade, and legend has it that the church’s name represents the dress colors of three sisters who tragically fell in love with the same man.
Next, visit the monument of the Armenian Alphabet, established in 2005 to celebrate the 1600th anniversary of the alphabet’s foundation. Drive to Amberd, a rare historical site that has survived from the 7th century in good condition, or some attribute it to the 11-13th centuries.
The name “Amberd” translates to ‘fortress in the clouds,’ reflecting its location 2300 meters above sea level. Overnight in Yerevan

Amberd fortress located on the slopes of mount Aragats

Day 6: Yerevan (Departure)
Transfer to the airport according to your flight time

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