Round Trip in Armenia

Numerous cultural treasures await us in the fascinating region of Lori, known as the land of fairy tales. The nature and fresh air of this region will take us far away from the hustle and bustle of city life and give us a sense of freedom.

Our day programme takes us to two abandoned but beautiful monasteries. In the morning, we will be greeted by our hiking guide and set off. Our first stop is the picturesque monastery of Horomayr in the middle of the Debet Gorge.

After that, we will explore the Kobayr Monastery and enjoy the breathtaking view of the deep Debet Gorge and the majestic rocks. After the sightseeing, we will return to the hostel.

Hiking route: moderately difficult

Hiking time: approx. 3 hours

Meals: breakfast, picnic, dinner

Accommodation: Odzun / in a guesthouse

After a relaxed breakfast, we say goodbye to the village of Odzun and make our way to the village of Arewatsag, which translates as ‘sunrise’. We park the car here, as we will continue our journey on foot. From here, we look down on our hiking trail, enjoy the magnificent panorama from above and slowly descend into the gorge.

We follow the path to the Dzoraget river, take a short break there, enjoy the breathtaking view and then return to the car. Our next stop is the Dendropark, a botanical garden from the Soviet era. Here we take a short tour, marvel at the different plant species and then continue to Gyumri.

After arriving at the hotel and resting a little, we will explore the second largest city in Armenia. Despite its tragic history, it welcomes its visitors with a smile and a warm embrace. The ‘Father City’, as it is called by the locals, has a lot to offer us. During our city tour, we will discover the life and unique charm of this city, which was once known as a centre of culture, humour and art.

Route: easy

Walking time: approx. 1 hr 30 mins

Catering: breakfast, dinner

Accommodation: Gyumri/in hotel

Today’s drive will take us along the Armenian-Turkish border, which has been guarded by Russian peacekeepers since Soviet times. Tomorrow we will continue to the Marmashen Monastery on the Akhuryan River, which acts as a natural border between Armenia and Turkey.

We continue our journey south and will be thrilled by the breathtaking panorama. On the way, we will pass the ruins of the Djjarpi caravanserai, which used to serve as a resting place for traders.

Another church along the border awaits our visit and enchants us with its architecture and harmonious integration into the environment. Before we reach Yerevan, we will explore the partially destroyed medieval fortress of Amberd at the foot of Mount Aragats. There we will take a tour around the fortress before continuing our journey to Yerevan and arriving at the hotel. Time to relax.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Accommodation: Yerevan / at the hotel

On our tour of Armenia, we will of course also visit the country’s capital. Yerevan welcomes us warmly and is happy to show us its treasures. First, we will visit the Matenadaran: the repository for ancient manuscripts and manuscripts. After the tour, a nice walk through the city awaits us, during which we will discover the old and new face of Yerevan.

Afterwards, we will visit the Mergelian Carpets Museum, where numerous carpets with beautiful patterns and colours are on display, introducing us to the long history of Armenian carpet-making. After a guided tour of the carpet museum, we will be invited to a delicious lunch of typical Armenian dishes.

Afterwards, we will continue to Ararat Brandy Cellars, where we will be initiated into the secrets of the famous brandy and, of course, be allowed to taste it. After this eventful day, we will return to the hotel and the evening will be at your leisure.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Accommodation: Yerevan / at the hotel

Today is all about religious discoveries. Tomorrow we will travel to Etchmiadzin, the holy place of all Armenians. On the way there, we will visit the 7th-century Hripsime Church and the round cathedral of Zvartnots, which is set against the backdrop of the holy mountain of Ararat, where, according to the Bible, Noah’s Ark is said to have landed.

The tour continues to the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, which fascinates with its imposing Christian symbolism. The cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Christendom. After that, it’s back to Yerevan.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Accommodation: Yerevan / at the hotel

Today we explore the region around Kotayk, which is home to two unmissable attractions. We start with the drive to the pagan Garni Temple, making a brief stop at the Charents Arch on the way. Then we continue to the Garni Temple.

Here we will immerse ourselves in the picturesque surroundings and explore the traces of Armenia’s pagan history. After a guided tour of the temple complex, we will head to the Garni Gorge to admire the fascinating basalt columns.

Afterwards, we will visit the Geghrad Monastery, an impressive monastery carved into the rock and adorned with numerous cross stones. This place takes us to another world. We will then return to Yerevan.

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Yerevan / at the hotel

The wine-growing region of Wajoz Dsor attracts visitors with its unspoilt mountain scenery and promises a wonderful time. The area borders historically on Armenia. Just a few steps from the border fence, the Khor Virap monastery sits enthroned on a hill. Many legends surround this monastery, which seems close enough to touch against the backdrop of the biblical Mount Ararat.

During the drive, we can observe how the flat landscape gradually transforms into a mountainous landscape. Our next stop is the Bird Cave, a karst cave where we will receive a guided tour. Afterwards, we will explore the monastery of Noravank, which is surrounded by fascinating red and apricot-coloured rock formations.

Fascinated by the beauty of the natural and cultural landscape, we continue to the wine village of Areni. There we will taste local wines and enjoy our lunch. Afterwards, we will continue to the colourful city of Goris, where we will reach our hotel and have time to relax.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Goris / in the hotel

The Syunik region is characterised by majestic mountain ranges, deep gorges, barren plateaus and dense forests. In the morning, we will drive to the old cave village of Khndzoresk, where sandstone rocks rise up like bizarre pyramids.

In the past, people dug their dwellings into these rocks. Afterwards, we will take one of the longest cable car rides to the Tatev Monastery. Not only the imposing monastery complex awaits us there, but also a picturesque setting that will inspire you. On the way back to Goris, we will experience one of the highlights of this round trip through Armenia.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Accommodation: Goris / in a hotel

What an exciting day lies ahead of us with the sunrise! A long but impressive journey lies ahead of us. The winding road through the mountainous landscape is accompanied by the beauty of nature. We pass the Vardenyants Pass (2410 m), where the Orbelyans caravanserai on the Silk Road was built in the 14th century. This medieval architecture set against the backdrop of towering mountain ranges is simply impressive.

Our next stop is Noratus, a cemetery with countless cross stones. Here we discover the roots of the cross stones, which represent the pure Armenian culture and spiritual world view. In the village of Noratus, we visit the Mikaelyans cheese factory, taste the unique cheeses and enjoy our lunch.

Afterwards, we are welcomed by the ‘blue pearl’ of Armenia, Lake Sevan. On the peninsula, we will visit the Sevan Monastery and enjoy the view of the lake from above. With these wonderful impressions, we will continue to the Tavush region, which is also called ‘Armenian Switzerland’ because of its similarity to the Swiss landscape. We will reach the resort town of Dilijan and have time to relax.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Accommodation: Dilijan / guest house

What an impressive final day of our tour of Armenia! Today we explore the famous Dilijan National Park, which is located in the Tavush region and is home to a variety of cultural treasures. In the park’s forests are two abandoned churches that we will explore today. Our guide will carefully lead us through the forest to reach these destinations.

Once there, we will have the opportunity to light candles and enjoy the silence before heading back to the car. On the drive back to Yerevan, we can reflect on the impressions of this last hike of our tour. The rest of the day is free.

Meals: breakfast, dinner

Accommodation: Yerevan / at the hotel

Our wonderful round trip in Armenia ends with the transfer to the airport at the agreed time. End of the trip.