The Hidden Treasures of Arménie
In the heart of the Caucasus, thousand-year-old monasteries and ancestral traditions of a builder people.
Duration
10 days
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, With friends
The spirit of travel
Discover Arménie, a land of traditions and stunning landscapes.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Arménie, a country of majestic mountains and ancient monasteries. This itinerary invites you to explore Yerevan and its cultural treasures, to admire sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage and to experience unique moments, between hikes through spectacular landscapes and encounters with local artisans.
Along the way, let yourself be seduced by Armenian heritage, from troglodytic villages to the stunning panoramas of the Caucasus mountains. Between historical sites, wine-making traditions, local gastronomy and meetings with locals, each day reveals a new facet of this fascinating destination. A complete itinerary combining culture, nature and immersion, to discover Arménie in all its diversity.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Arménie!
Discovery of Armenian Heritage: Geghard, Garni and the Symphony of Stones
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your English-speaking cultural guide.
Departure in the morning with the driver towards Geghard, (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site) - nicknamed the Lourdes of Arménie. Halfway there, stop at the Tcharents arch to admire the view of the biblical Mount Ararat, weather permitting.
Discovery of the Geghard troglodytic monastery (the name "Geghard" means spear), where one of the precious relics of the Armenian Apostolic Church was preserved: the spear with which a Roman soldier pierced the side of the crucified Jesus.
Option (at additional cost): Concert of spiritual music in the monastery, benefiting from exceptional acoustics.
Route towards Garni and discovery of the Azat canyon, where the famous Basalt Organ is located, also called Symphony of Stones, a natural monument classified by UNESCO. A short walk in the canyon allows you to admire these spectacular geological formations.
Lunch at a local home in Garni, with a demonstration of the preparation of Armenian bread "Lavash", traditionally cooked in an earthen oven (tonir).
Visit of Garni, where the only monument from the Hellenistic period in Arménie is located: the Garni citadel and its pagan temple, dedicated to the sun god. This Roman temple is a rare vestige of the country's pagan past.
Erevan City Tour: History, Culture and Panoramas
After breakfast at the hotel, departure for a full day of discovery of Yerevan's iconic sites.
In the morning, visit to the Matenadaran, an institute housing an exceptional collection of ancient manuscripts, some of which are among the most precious and oldest in the world.
A stroll through the Cascade architectural complex, a unique site of its kind, famous for its original architecture, terraced gardens, fountains and its impressive monumental staircase. Located near France Square, it offers an exceptional panorama over the city and Mount Ararat, at 78 meters in height.
Free lunch in the city
Visit to the History Museum of Arménie, which presents a rich overview of the country's past, through unique collections retracing its cultural and historical heritage.
Then, discovery of the Mother Arménie statue, located in Victory Park, offering a breathtaking view over Yerevan and its surroundings.
Supplement option: Meeting with a duduk musician
At the end of the day, possibility to visit the home of an Armenian musician to discover and listen to traditional wind instruments, particularly the duduk, accompanied by light refreshments.
Free dinner and night in Yerevan.
From Yerevan to Goris: Monasteries, History and Wine Traditions
Erevan → Khor Virap
After breakfast at the hotel, departure for a day of discovery across the Ararat plain, dominated by the imposing silhouette of the mont Ararat.
Visit of the Khor Virap monastery, dating from the 17th century, located behind modest fortifications, in the heart of orchards and vineyards fertilized by the Araxes river. This monastery is built on the site of the "deep pit", where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for thirteen years (288-301), before founding the Armenian Church.
Khor Virap → Aréni
Continuation towards Areni, a village renowned for its wine production.
Visit to Areni 1 cave, also called the Bird's Cave, where archaeologists uncovered in 2007 the world's oldest wine production facility, dating back 6000 years. This discovery includes a wine press, a fermentation system, grape seeds, jars and cups used for wine storage.
In this same cave, researchers also discovered the world's oldest leather shoe, dating back 5500 years.
Optional supplement: Areni wine tasting.
Free lunch near Areni.
In the afternoon, heading towards the Vayots Dzor region, where stands the magnificent Noravank monastery.
The main church of Saint John the Baptist was built between 1216 and 1223 by Prince Liparit Orbelian and Bishop Srkis. In 1261, a narthex decorated with exceptional sculptures was added under the direction of Prince Smbat Orbelian. One of the most remarkable representations is that of the prince on horseback, carved in stone.
Hiking in Khndzoresk, Discovery of Tatev and Zorats Karer
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your hiking guide in Goris.
Departure for the troglodyte town of Khndzoresk, famous for its dwellings carved into the rock and its suspension bridge connecting the two sides of the canyon.
One and a half hour hike through the Khndzoresk canyon, crossing the suspension bridge and its more than 200 steps to descend and climb.
Walking distance: 1.5 km
Duration: 1h30
Elevation gain: 500 m
Difficulty level: EasyDeparture for Tatev, an exceptional site perched on a cliff overlooking the Vorotan River valley.
Discovery of the Tatev Monastery, which was once the main religious center of the Syunik province and one of the largest monasteries in Arménie.
Access the monastery by taking the cable car "The Wings of Tatev", the longest in the world, inaugurated in 2010. This 5,752-meter journey connects Halidzor to the monastery in just 12 minutes, offering stunning views of the Vorotan canyon.
Free lunch near Tatev.
Route vers Zorats Karer, also called Karahoundj.
Visit to this megalithic observatory, often compared to Stonehenge in England. The massive perforated stones are aligned with astronomical precision, allowing the observation of stars from several millennia ago.
Short walk on the site to better appreciate its layout and mystery.
From Goris to Lake Sevan: Heritage, Nature and Traditions
Goris → Selim Caravanserai
After breakfast at the hotel, departure for a day of discovery through the mountains and the historical sites of Arménie.
Route to the Selim Pass and visit of the caravanserai, a small stone shelter built in the 14th century to welcome travelers and merchants of the Silk Road. This site, perched at altitude, testifies to the importance of commerce in the history of medieval Arménie.
Selim Caravanserai → Noradouz
Continuation to Noratous, one of the oldest villages in Gegharkunik.
Visit of the famous Noratous cemetery, which houses 728 khachkars (cross-stones) dating from the 9th to the 16th century, making it the largest collection of khachkars in Arménie. This unique place offers a fascinating insight into khachkar art, a strong symbol of Armenian identity.
Departure towards Lake Sevan, the largest lake in Arménie and one of the highest freshwater mountain lakes in the world, located at 1,950 meters above sea level.
Armenians nickname it the "Blue Pearl", because of its sparkling waters and wild landscape.
Free lunch on the shores of Lake Sevan.
Supplementary option: Boat ride on Lake Sevan.From Noradouz
In the afternoon, visit the Sevanavank monastery, built in the 9th century. Located on a rocky peninsula, this monastery houses two churches, the Holy Apostles and the Holy Mother of God, offering an exceptional panorama over the lake.
Free time at Lake Sevan to enjoy the natural setting.
Driving
At the end of the day, drive to Gosh, a village nestled in nature. Check in to a charming small hotel where you will stay for 2 nights.
Free dinner and night in Gosh.
Cultural immersion and hiking in Dilijan and Goshavank
To Dilidjan
After breakfast at the hotel, departure for a day combining heritage discovery, traditional craftsmanship and hiking in nature.
Morning dedicated to visiting the Old Dilijan complex, located on the historic Sharamberian street, where the city has been restored to its 19th century architecture.
Then, discovery of the Buduart workshop, where you will witness the weaving of traditional Armenian carpets, an ancestral craft perpetuated by local women.
Dilidjan → Lake Parz
Transfer to the Parz Lake (Crystal), starting point of your hike through the Dilijan National Park.
Meet your hiking guide, then set off on a beautiful forest trail that crosses the Areguni Pass, offering spectacular panoramic views of the region.
Lake Parz → Goshavank
The itinerary leads to the Goshavank Monastery, located in the village of Gosh, where the great 13th-century scholar Mkhitar Gosh rests.
Distance: 14 km
Altitude - Lake Parz (Crystal): 1,344 m
Altitude - Goshavank: 1,232 m
Technical difficulty: Moderate
Bird watching: Possibility of spotting morning birds that are particularly active.
Picnic lunch in the natural setting during the hike.
In the late afternoon, return to Dilijan for a free evening.
Free dinner, return to Gosh and night in Gosh.
Picnic lunch in the middle of nature
From Dilijan to Yerevan: Crafts, Monasteries and Industrial Heritage
From Dilidjan
After breakfast at the hotel, departure towards Vanadzor for a day full of cultural and historical discoveries.
In Vanadzor, opportunity to meet Bogdan Hovhannisyan, a master craftsman specialized in the sculpture of khachkars, these stone crosses typical of Arménie. Visit to his workshop, where he perpetuates this ancestral art. (Optional supplement)
To Alaverdi
Continuation towards Alaverdi, a mining town located in the Debed canyon, once known for its copper mines exploited since the nineteenth century.
Visit to the Sanahin monastery, founded in the thirteenth century and once belonging to the Kiurikian lords, then to the Zakarides princes, who made it their family pantheon. This monastery, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was an important cultural and spiritual center.
At Sanahin, visit of the Mikoyan site, paying tribute to Artem Mikoyan, co-founder of the famous Soviet aerospace company MiG. This manufacturer produced some of the most iconic fighter aircraft, including the MiG-29, still used in many air forces.
Free lunch at Haghpat.
Sanahin → Monastère de Haghpat
Continuation of the visit with the Haghpat Monastery, a masterpiece of Armenian religious architecture, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site houses several buildings, including:
Saint-Néchan Church,
Saint-Gregory the Illuminator Church,
Holy Mother of God Church,
A large number of exceptional khachkars, including the famous Holy Savior khachkar, depicting the crucified Jesus.
The monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin were once major intellectual centers, where numerous manuscripts were written, copied and illuminated.
At the end of the day, return to Erevan with a late arrival. Check-in at a charming hotel for 2 nights.
Free dinner and night in Erevan.
Spirituality, Memory and Craftsmanship in Yerevan and Edjmiadzin
After breakfast at the hotel, departure for a day between religious heritage, historical memory and Armenian traditions.
Departure for Edjmiadzin, the Holy See of the Armenian Church.
On the way, stop at the ruins of the Zvartnots Cathedral, an architectural gem from the 7th century, whose remains testify to the grandeur of medieval Armenian architecture.
In Edjmiadzin, visit of the main cathedral, considered the oldest church built in Arménie.
If Sunday: possibility to attend part of the Eucharistic celebration (11:00-13:00), a thousand-year-old ritual of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Option: Armenian Cooking Master Class (additional charge)
Possibility to participate in a traditional cooking course at the charitable organization CAU in Edjmiadzin.
Dish offered: Dolma, an Armenian specialty made with stuffed vine leaves.
Lunch free.
In the afternoon, in Yerevan, visit the Genocide Memorial at Tsitsernakaberd, facing Mount Ararat. This site includes:
The memorial, in tribute to the victims of the 1915 genocide
The museum, retracing the history and memory of this event
Visit to the Vernissage, a large craft market where flea markets, antiques and traditional craftsmanship blend together. A meeting place for locals and visitors seeking unique souvenirs.
Free time for shopping.
Optional additions
Concert and folk dance and song show in Yerevan
Dinner in a traditional restaurant with Armenian Folk Music and Costume Show – An authentic show not to be missed
Dinner on your own and overnight in Yerevan.
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Airplane tickets and insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
- Supplement for Mirhav hotel in Goris instead of Saryan guesthouse: + 15 EUR per person per night in DBL/TWN
- Supplement for Restart Boutique hotel in Dilijan instead of Gosh: + 10 EUR per person per night in DBL/TWN
- Supplement for Best Western Plus Paradise hotel in Dilijan instead of Gosh: + 35 EUR per person per night in DBL/TWN
- Spiritual music concert at Geghard: 130 EUR total for 2 people
- Wine tasting in Areni on day 4: 14 EUR per person including factory visit, 9 EUR per person for tasting only
- All 5 lunches in the regions and 1 lunch in Yerevan: 128 EUR per person
- All 4 dinners in the regions: 74 EUR per person
- All 4 dinners in Yerevan: 105 EUR per person (Please note that a dinner or lunch includes 3 appetizers in salads, cheese, one or two hot dishes depending on the restaurant, dessert, bread, water, coffee or tea)
- 1 x dinner at the restaurant with Folk music and costume show in Erevan: 32 EUR per person
- Folk concert with costume show in Yerevan – from 25 EUR per person
- Boat ride on Lake Sevan – 60 EUR total for 2 people
- Armenian Dolma Master Class in Cau in Echmiadzine on day 9: 85 EUR total for 2 people
- Meeting with duduk musician in Yerevan on day 3: 75 EUR total for 2 people
- Meeting with a khachkar master in his workshop in Vanadzor on day 8: 65 EUR total for 2 people
- Tips for the guide, driver and porters
Included
- Airport / hotel / airport transfers in Armenia
- An air-conditioned sedan with good comfort such as Toyota Corolla or similar for the entire circuit with an experienced driver
- The services of an experienced English-speaking guide throughout the circuit for the cultural visits mentioned in the day 2 to day 9 program
- Accommodation in double or twin rooms at 3* charming hotel Silkroad or Ani Central Inn or similar/ 4* Messier53/ 4* Tufenkian Historic in Erévan (5 nights), 2 nights at Saryan guesthouse or Popock hotel or similar guest house in Goris, 2 nights at Gosh by Arevi hotel in Gosh village
- Meal plan: all breakfasts, 1 x lunch in Garni on day 2, 1 picnic lunch on day 7 in Gosh
- Entrance tickets to the sites, monuments and museums mentioned in the program
- Ticket for the Tatev Aerial Tramway
- Entrance fee for Areni 1 Cave
- Master class of Lavash on day 2 at Garni
- Hiking guide at Gosh on day 7 and at Kndzoresk on day 5
- Carpet Weaving Show in Dilijan
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Arménie dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Arménie, votre passeport doit être valide pendant toute la durée du séjour et comporter au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques en Arménie.
Cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 180 jours par an sur le territoire arménien, sans démarche préalable nécessaire.
Les autorités peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une adresse d'hébergement en Arménie.
Enregistrement auprès des autorités locales
Tout voyageur séjournant en Arménie est en principe tenu de s'enregistrer auprès des autorités locales dans les 20 jours suivant son arrivée. En pratique, cette formalité est généralement prise en charge directement par l'hôtel ou l'établissement d'hébergement, qui procède à l'enregistrement au nom du voyageur.
En cas de logement chez un particulier ou dans un hébergement non professionnel, il convient de s'assurer que cette démarche est bien effectuée, sous peine d'une amende lors de la sortie du territoire.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat d'Arménie de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
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Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
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Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
For a tourist stay in Armenia, no visa is required. A valid passport for at least 3 months after your return date is sufficient. Always check the latest conditions with the consular authorities of your destination before departure.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, expect between 110 and 180 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (400-700 euros round-trip from Paris) are additional. Armenia remains one of the most affordable destinations in the Caucasus.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to suit travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Professional Tourism Solidarity Association) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Yerevan and Ararat Plain
Travel Creator Between Memory and Mountains, based in Arménie
Armenia is a land of memory, but also of life and human warmth. What I love is seeing travelers discover this energy far beyond the ideas they had before coming.
— Lilith
