1–7 days · custom itinerary

Your private Armenia

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About this journey

Choose your preferred places below in the Build my tour section. You select the number of days, transport and additional services, and the final route is agreed separately.

Included

Transport along the selected route in an agreed vehicle
Drinking water in every vehicle
Organisation of the visits and stops listed in the programme

Not included

Admission to the sites selected, such as Garni, the Symphony of Stones, Amberd, Zvartnots or Areni-1
Cable cars, boats, horse riding or other activities unless selected and confirmed in the quote
Tastings, tours and museums at selected wineries without separate confirmation
Accommodation unless selected and confirmed in a multi-day package
Khustup or other mountain ascents, mountain guiding and equipment without a dedicated programme
Meals and other drinks along the route; drinking water in the vehicle is included
A separate guide or interpreter unless specifically confirmed in the package
Personal purchases and souvenirs

An additional service is included only when selected and confirmed in your final package. The vehicle, departure and return points, and access to sites are agreed before booking.

Tour itinerary

Garni Temple

Garni introduces Armenia’s pre-Christian heritage through a Greco-Roman-style colonnade overlooking the Azat Gorge. The grounds also contain remains of an ancient fortress and royal baths. Take care on the temple’s tall steps. Explore the grounds of Garni Temple, its stone colonnade and mountain views. There is time to walk around and take photographs.

Look closely at the proportions of the columns and carved cornices, which contrast with the Christian monasteries on this route. Walk around the temple before visiting the gorge viewpoints to appreciate how the building relates to its landscape.

Geghard Monastery

Parts of Geghard are carved directly into the cliff, with sculpted entrances, khachkars and resonant stone chambers. Its name refers to the spear remembered in Christian tradition. Respectful clothing and quiet behaviour are appropriate at this active religious site. Walk through Geghard Monastery and its rock-carved chambers. The stop combines architecture with the scenery of the gorge.

Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley are a UNESCO World Heritage property. Compare the freestanding church buildings with the rock-carved rooms: changing light, the texture of the stone and the acoustics give each space a distinct character.

Symphony of Stones

These polygonal basalt columns formed as volcanic lava cooled, creating shapes resembling a giant pipe organ. The path below the cliffs offers changing views of the Azat River gorge. Comfortable shoes with good grip suit the walk. Visit the basalt columns of the Symphony of Stones in the Azat Gorge. This stop includes a walk and time for photographs.

The columns vary along the gorge, forming vertical, leaning and curved arrangements. Step back from the rock face for a photograph that captures the scale of the stone “organ”. The visit follows the walking path and does not involve climbing the columns.

Echmiadzin

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in Vagharshapat is the spiritual centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Look for the cathedral’s architecture, khachkars and surrounding ecclesiastical buildings. Treasury or museum visits are arranged separately from the grounds visit. Explore the grounds of Echmiadzin’s spiritual centre and the town’s church architecture. Interior visits depend on opening arrangements on the day.

The Mother See is both an architectural landmark and the centre of Armenian spiritual life. Walking through the grounds, entering the cathedral and visiting its museums are separate parts of a visit; interior access and museum arrangements are confirmed individually.

Lake Sevan

Sevan is Armenia’s principal high-altitude freshwater lake, framed by mountain ranges. Its water shifts from blue to greenish tones with the light and weather. A light jacket is useful because the shore can be windy even in summer. Stop by Lake Sevan for views across the water and surrounding mountains. A boat trip can be added separately, subject to weather and availability.

The lake changes colour with the light and weather, from pale blue to deeper shades. A shoreline stop complements the elevated panorama at Sevanavank. Swimming and a boat trip are separate activities rather than automatic parts of a lakeside photo stop.

Haghartsin Monastery

This forest-framed complex showcases medieval monastic architecture. Alongside its churches, the refectory stands out for its stone columns and vaults. The visit offers a relaxed way to enjoy woodland scenery without a long hike. Visit Haghartsin Monastery among forested mountains. Take time to explore the grounds and photograph the surrounding scenery.

Beyond the churches, look for the refectory and its stone tables. The surrounding woodland offers different perspectives on the complex as you approach it. A short walk around the monastery does not include a separate long-distance forest hike.

Khor Virap and Mount Ararat

Khor Virap is associated with Saint Gregory the Illuminator’s imprisonment and Armenia’s adoption of Christianity. Clear days reveal Ararat and the surrounding plain from the courtyard. Entering the underground chamber is optional and involves a narrow passage and ladder. Visit Khor Virap Monastery and its viewpoints. On clear days, the views extend towards Mount Ararat.

Khor Virap is associated with the Christian tradition of Gregory the Illuminator’s imprisonment. Descending into the underground chamber by its narrow ladder is optional. A clear view of Mount Ararat depends on cloud cover and atmospheric visibility.

Noravank

Noravank’s red-cliff setting is linked with the Orbelian princely family and medieval religious and scholarly life. The exterior staircase of the Holy Mother of God church and carved portals are highlights. Climbing the steep, narrow stairs is optional. Travel to Noravank Monastery, surrounded by red cliffs. Explore its grounds and pause at viewpoints in the gorge.

The reddish cliffs frame the carved façades and the church’s narrow exterior steps. Walk around the courtyard to examine the reliefs and the outline of the complex from several angles. Visiting the upper level is optional; much can be appreciated from the grounds.

Tatev Monastery

Tatev was an important monastic and medieval educational centre in Syunik. Its walled grounds reveal church architecture, stone courtyards and a dramatic position above the gorge. Visiting the monastery and riding the cable car are separate experiences; the latter is confirmed separately. Explore Tatev Monastery near Vorotan Gorge. A ride on the Wings of Tatev cable car is an optional paid activity, subject to its operating schedule.

Tatev was an important medieval centre of learning and religious life. Its churches, defensive walls and views into the Vorotan Gorge reveal different aspects of that role. A cable-car journey is a separate service from visiting the monastery itself.

Gyumri

Gyumri is known for black and red tuff buildings, craft traditions and a lively cultural scene. The historic Kumayri district offers old balconies, decorative stonework and city squares. Museum choices are based on guests’ interests and agreed separately. Walk through central Gyumri to discover its stone buildings and local atmosphere. Museum visits can be arranged separately.

In the old town, look at the details of the tuff-built houses, their doors and balconies. Gyumri’s identity is closely tied to crafts, the arts and local humour. Museums and workshops can be added by prior arrangement rather than being automatic parts of the town walk.

Haghpat Monastery

Haghpat was a medieval religious and manuscript centre and shares UNESCO World Heritage status with Sanahin. Its entrance halls, bell tower and khachkars reward close attention. The grounds offer views across Lori’s hills towards the gorge. Explore the churches and stone buildings of Haghpat Monastery. The stop also offers views of the Lori landscape.

Haghpat and Sanahin form a shared UNESCO World Heritage property. Look at the entrance halls, khachkars and passages between buildings: their arrangement offers insight into the everyday life of a medieval monastic community.

Amberd Fortress

Amberd is a medieval defensive complex on the slopes of Aragats, with fortress remains and Vahramashen Church. Its position once commanded the surrounding gorges and routes. The rocky grounds call for careful walking, and access depends on mountain-road conditions. Visit Amberd Fortress and its surrounding viewpoints. Access along the mountain road is confirmed in advance according to season and weather.

The fortress’s position helps explain its defensive role as well as its scenic appeal. Openings in the walls and the surrounding grounds frame broad mountain views. The visit covers accessible parts of the complex, with road conditions depending on the weather.

Tsaghkadzor

Tsaghkadzor is a mountain resort known for wooded slopes and winter sports. A relaxed town walk combines naturally with a visit to Kecharis Monastery. Cable-car rides and skiing services, if wanted, are arranged separately. Explore the resort town of Tsaghkadzor and its mountain setting. An optional cable-car visit can be added separately, subject to operating hours.

Tsaghkadzor combines a resort setting with the heritage of Kecharis. A town walk, a chairlift ride and winter sports are different experiences. Chairlift operation and tickets for the chosen section are checked when arranging the booking.

Khndzoresk Swinging Bridge

Old Khndzoresk is a cave settlement whose rock-cut spaces once served as homes. A suspension bridge connects parts of the old village across the gorge. Access involves long stairways, and the bridge can sway as people cross. Visit the Khndzoresk Swinging Bridge and views across the gorge. Reaching the bridge involves walking and steps, so we agree the pace in advance.

The cave dwellings show how people adapted the rock to everyday life. Crossing the bridge and taking a longer walk through the old settlement involve different levels of effort. Walking distance is agreed beforehand, accounting for the steps and the climb back.

Marmashen Monastery

Marmashen stands in the Akhuryan River valley near Gyumri. Its reddish-stone churches feature arcaded façades and delicate carving. The quiet riverside setting combines architectural interest with natural scenery. Visit Marmashen Monastery in its open landscape setting. There is time to explore the grounds and church architecture.

Marmashen played a role in medieval cultural life. Walking around the courtyard reveals the churches’ exterior arcades. The open setting in the Akhuryan valley makes it possible to appreciate the whole complex and the different shades of its stone.

Angels Canyon

Angels Canyon is a natural gorge in the Ararat region with pale rock walls and narrow passages. Water and wind have shaped formations that make appealing photographic subjects. The visit involves walking, with conditions assessed in advance during hot or wet weather. Walk among the rock formations of Angels Canyon. The walking route and duration are agreed according to the group’s needs.

The narrow passages and coloured layers of rock are best appreciated while walking through the canyon. This is natural terrain rather than a level urban promenade. The walking distance is agreed in advance; completing the entire trail is not mandatory for every group.

Mount Khustup

Khustup is a mountain landmark of Syunik overlooking the Kapan area. A summit ascent is a separate hiking undertaking requiring preparation and mountain guiding, rather than an ordinary driving tour. Access and the quote are planned around the season and the group’s capabilities. Mount Khustup programmes are planned separately according to season, trip length and participants’ experience. A summit ascent is not part of a standard driving tour and requires an individual plan and quote.

The programme is planned as a mountain journey, with a starting point, walking distance and return plan. Summit views and lower viewpoints are different visits. The section accessible by vehicle and any hiking component are agreed separately.

Tsaghkevank

Tsaghkevank is a cave shrine on Mount Ara, also associated with Saint Barbara. Its natural rock setting is intertwined with local pilgrimage traditions. The final approach is on foot, so the route is matched to the group’s walking ability. Visit the Tsaghkevank cave shrine on Mount Ara. Road access and walking conditions are checked in advance according to weather.

This small rock shrine brings together a natural setting and pilgrimage traditions. The approach offers views of Mount Ara’s rocky slopes. Road and walking conditions shape the visit; it is not presented as a stop with guaranteed access directly from a vehicle.

Tegher Monastery

Tegher stands on the slopes of Aragats and exemplifies medieval Armenian church architecture. Two small churches above the entrance hall’s roof distinguish the complex. Outside are mountain views; inside, the proportions of the stone structures invite closer attention. Visit Tegher Monastery to explore its stone church architecture. The stop also includes views of the surrounding upland landscape.

Tegher’s distinctive feature is the relationship between the two small churches above the entrance hall and the main building. Compare their forms from outside. Interior access depends on arrangements on site; the visit does not include climbing onto the roof.

Odzun Monastery

Odzun Church is an important example of early medieval Armenian architecture in an elevated village setting. Its arcades, stone carving and nearby memorial monument reflect early Christian art. The surrounding area offers views towards Lori’s mountains and Debed Gorge. Visit Odzun Church and its grounds. Take time to explore the architecture and views of this part of Lori.

Alongside the church, examine the stone memorial monument and its carved details. The village’s elevated position gives a different perspective on Lori’s scenery. A relaxed walk through the church grounds does not involve descending into the gorge.

Lori Berd Fortress

Lori Berd preserves the remains of a medieval fortified town near Stepanavan. Its defensive position between two gorges is complemented by surviving walls and building fragments. Exploration is on foot, with care needed near exposed edges. Explore the ruins of Lori Berd Fortress and views of the surrounding gorges. The visit includes an outdoor walk.

Lori Berd was also an urban centre: the remains represent parts of a settlement as well as defensive walls. Its position between gorges explains its strategic advantages. Exploring the accessible areas helps visitors imagine the layout of the medieval town.

Bjni Fortress

Bjni Fortress occupies a rocky height above the Hrazdan Gorge. Surviving walls and ruins recall the settlement’s defensive role. The uneven walking ascent leads to views over the village and gorge. Visit the ruins of Bjni Fortress and viewpoints above the village. We agree the walking approach with the group.

From above, relate the ruins to the village and Hrazdan Gorge to understand the fortress’s position. This is chiefly an outdoor archaeological visit. The walking approach and ascent are matched to the group; level access is not assumed.

Jermuk Waterfall · Mermaid’s Hair

Jermuk Waterfall is also called Mermaid’s Hair because of the way its water spreads down the rock. Its setting in the resort town’s gorge makes an appealing landscape stop. Stones near the water may be wet and slippery. Stop at Jermuk’s Mermaid’s Hair Waterfall. There is time to enjoy the view and take photographs.

“Mermaid’s Hair” describes the way the water spreads over the rock. Appreciate the falls both close up and within the wider gorge. The flow changes with the season, so the volume of water seen in photographs may differ from that during a visit.

Jermuk Drinking Water Gallery

Jermuk’s drinking gallery is a recognisable part of the town’s mineral-water tradition. Springs beneath the arcade introduce visitors to mineral water at different temperatures. This is a sightseeing stop, with no treatment programme or medical consultation included. Visit the Drinking Water Gallery, one of Jermuk’s well-known landmarks. Combine the stop with a walk around town.

Walking under the colonnade introduces Jermuk’s spa culture without constituting a treatment. Tasting the water is optional. This is a sightseeing visit, and no therapeutic outcome is promised from drinking mineral water.

Birds Cave · Areni-1

Areni-1, also called Birds’ Cave, is an important archaeological site for understanding ancient winemaking and daily life. Discoveries include wine-production installations and an ancient leather shoe. Visits stay within permitted areas to protect the archaeological remains. Visit the Areni-1 site, also known as Birds Cave. Interior access and guiding arrangements depend on opening hours and admission tickets.

The cave’s discoveries include evidence of ancient winemaking and the famous leather shoe. Visiting provides context for the excavation site; not every original artefact is displayed in the cave itself. Tickets and interior access are checked in advance.

Goshavank Monastery

Goshavank is associated with the medieval thinker and jurist Mkhitar Gosh. Finely carved khachkars complement its churches and entrance halls. The wooded surroundings of Gosh village combine historical interest with natural scenery. Explore the stone buildings of Goshavank Monastery. The visit pairs well with the natural scenery around Dilijan.

Goshavank is named for the scholar and jurist Mkhitar Gosh. The intricate patterns of its khachkars reward a closer look, revealing the precision of the stone carving. Examine these details without touching the stone surfaces.

Lake Parz

Lake Parz is a small woodland lake near Dilijan, known for tree reflections and a peaceful shore. Visitors can walk beside the water and relax in the forest setting. Boats, ziplining and other paid activities are separate from the standard stop. Visit Lake Parz in its forest setting and walk beside the water. Paid activities offered on site are not included in the base package.

Reflections of the forest change with the weather and season. A short lakeside walk suits a relaxed stop, while a longer woodland route is planned separately. A zipline or other activities offered on site are not automatic parts of the visit.

Voskevaz Winery

Voskevaz Winery introduces the Aragatsotn wine region and Armenian wine production. Its castle-inspired architecture also makes an interesting photographic setting. Production-area visits and tastings require a programme agreed in advance. Visit Voskevaz Winery at a prearranged time. Winery tours and tastings require separate reservations and payment unless confirmed in your package.

Choose between viewing the architectural setting and a prebooked production visit with a tasting. These are different formats and may have different prices. Wines, programme duration and group size are confirmed when making the arrangement.

Armenia Wine Winery

The Armenia Wine complex introduces contemporary Armenian winemaking. It also houses a wine-history museum with its own visiting programme. Winery tours, museum admission and tastings are arranged separately according to the chosen package. Visit the Armenia Wine winery by prior arrangement. Tours, museum entry and tastings are included only when separately confirmed.

A winery visit, the wine-history museum and a tasting can be combined, but do not automatically share one ticket or programme. Choose a format focused on production, culture or wine flavours. Specific services are reserved in advance.

Mimino Monument

Dilijan’s Mimino Monument celebrates the three main characters of the film of the same name. The sculptures depict the characters played by Frunzik Mkrtchyan, Vakhtang Kikabidze and Yevgeny Leonov. This recognisable photo stop connects the town with the film’s famous dialogue about Dilijan. There is time to view the sculptures and take photographs.

The monument is a short cultural stop that fits naturally into a Dilijan walk. The characters’ faces and poses appeal both to fans of the film and to visitors taking photographs. This is not a lengthy museum visit.

Momik Winery

Momik is a family-run wine destination in Areni, with vineyards and the WineCube tasting space. A visit introduces Vayots Dzor’s winemaking traditions and wines made from local grapes. The name honours the medieval architect and sculptor Momik. The visit and tasting format are agreed in advance: the custom-tour calculation includes transport, while the tasting cost is confirmed separately.

Momik suits visitors who want to experience a tasting in Areni’s family-winemaking setting. The tasting selection, any accompanying tour and duration are agreed when arranging the visit. Availability and the final tasting price are confirmed separately.

Zvartnots

Zvartnots is the archaeological site of an early medieval cathedral, preserving columns and architectural fragments. These help visitors imagine its exceptional circular design. Exploration is outdoors, with museum visits and admission arrangements agreed beforehand. Explore the ruins of Zvartnots, its surviving columns and architectural remains. Museum admission is additional unless stated in your package.

Zvartnots is included in the UNESCO property with the monuments of Echmiatsin. The arrangement of surviving columns helps visitors imagine the lost building’s plan. Compare individual carved fragments with the outline of the cathedral visible across the site.