Classic Armenia

Begin your tour of Yerevan in Victory Park, which is dominated by a huge statue of Mother Armenia. Continue to the Cascade, a giant stairway made of limestone, before discovering some of the city’s grandest architecture in and around Republic Square. In the afternoon, make a short visit to Matenadaran, a museum and research institute that houses the world’s largest collection of Armenian manuscripts. End your first day in the Armenian capital with an excursion to the celebrated Yerevan Brandy Company, where you will learn about the various stages of brandy production and have an opportunity to sample this renowned alcoholic beverage for yourself. Overnight in Yerevan.

Travelling east of the city today, first visit the gloriously located Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed monastic complex comprising various caves, chambers and chapels. Later, travel the short distance to the Hellenic temple of Garni, which dates back to the 8th century BCE and is not just the only Greco-Roman collonaded structure in Armenia, but in the entire former Soviet Union. Returning to Yerevan in the afternoon, you will be taken to visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, a thoughtful memorial and museum dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide (1915-1923), perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire. Overnight in Yerevan.

Begin the journey south today as you travel through the fertile Ararat Valley to one of Armenia’s most celebrated landmarks, the ancient monastery of Khor Virap. Weather permitting, the views of Mount Ararat are wondrous from this vantage point and after spending time discovering the monastery and taking in the vista, head to Noravank, a centuries-old monastery that is surrounded by imposing brick-red cliffs. At Areni, you will see archaeological evidence of a 6,000-year-old winery, as well as learn about viniculture in the region before travelling to Zorats Karer, a prehistoric site strewn with tombstones that is often dubbed the ‘Stonehenge of Armenia’. Continue to Goris, which will be your base for further exploration of southern Armenia. Overnight in Goris.

Continue your discovery of the region with a visit to Khndzoresk, a now-abandoned and quite remarkable series of cave dwellings inhabited by the indigenous population until as late as the 1950s. There are many extraordinary things to see south of Yerevan, but none surpass the majestic glory of Tatev Monastery. Precariously perched on a large plateau on the edge of the Vorotan Canyon, the monastic ensemble is reached via, purportedly, the longest aerial tramway in the world. Providing unparalleled panoramic views of the canyon, it is a breathtaking journey, but you will only take it one way as the return trip by road is equally as magical. Overnight in Goris.

Heading northwest via the Selim Mountain Pass, the first stop is at Orbelian’s Caravanserai before continuing to Lake Sevan in the country’s east. The lake is Armenia’s largest body of water and the greatest in the Caucasus region. One of its most iconic sights is the small monastic complex of Sevanavank, from where the view across the lake is quite something and stretches as far as the eye can see. En route to Lake Sevan, you will make a slight detour to spend time in the historic village of Noratus, where the fascinating medieval cemetery is home to the largest cluster of khachkars (stone crosses) in Armenia. Overnight at Lake Sevan.

Begin your exploration of the northern part of Armenia with a short stop in the picturesque town of Dilijan, surrounded by alpine forests and often billed as ‘Little Switzerland’. At nearby Parz Lake, there is the opportunity to undertake a 2½ to 3-hour hike through scenic woodland and meadows to Goshavank Monastery, a 12th-century house of worship that is home to one of the finest examples of khachkar artwork in the world. After your visit, drive to the small village of Dzoraget, which will be your base for exploring the monasteries and other places of interest within the magnificent Debed Canyon. Overnight in Dzoraget.

This morning, take in two of the region’s most significant monasteries: Sanahin and Haghpat. Covered in moss, Sanahin is most certainly the more atmospheric of the two, but Haghpat’s location, overlooking the Debed River, provides breathtaking views of the gorge and beyond and together, they have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Driving through the sensational scenery of the Debed Canyon, the final monastery to be visited in the area is Akhtala, which is of particular interest for its fine decorative frescoes and carvings. Armenian food is a mouthwatering mix of influences. During lunch today, you will prepare various traditional Armenian dishes under the guidance of an expert chef before sitting down to enjoy the results. Overnight in Dzoraget.

Starting your journey back toward Yerevan, first explore the sprawling ruins of Amberd, a 10th-century fortress with commanding views of Armenia’s highest peak, Mount Aragats. Then drive to the city of Vagharshapat, where Echmiadzin Cathedral is considered one of the oldest churches in the world and a revered place of pilgrimage for Armenian Christians. Nearby Zvartnots Cathedral, on the other hand, is an evocative ruin that is even more appealing if the weather is clear and Mount Ararat can be seen in the background. Returning to Yerevan, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure, with the option of visiting the informative History Museum of Armenia. Overnight in Yerevan.

A private transfer will take you from your hotel to Yerevan International Airport, where you will check in for your onward flight.