Explore the charming capital city of Yerevan, starting with a visit to the Cascade Complex featuring an open-air museum, sculpture garden, and indoor art spaces. Stop to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the Opera House and ending the day exploring the Vernissage Market, a lively outdoor market featuring local art and crafts.
Visit the spectacular Hellenistic Temple of Garni, an impressive piece of architecture dating back to the first century AD. Continue to the nearby Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of partially carved rock churches and chapels. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Armenian restaurant nearby.
Explore Lake Sevan, the largest body of water in Armenia, before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. Continue on to Dilijan, a picturesque town known as the "Switzerland of Armenia," where you can visit the 10th century Haghartsin Monastery and enjoy a leisurely walk through the historic old town.
Visit the impressive Tatev Monastery, one of the oldest and most significant monastic complexes in Armenia. Take a ride on the Wings of Tatev, the world's longest aerial tramway, to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before stopping at the Areni Winery to taste some of the region's renowned wine.
Begin the day with a visit to the Khor Virap Monastery, known for its stunning views of Mt. Ararat. Continue on to Etchmiadzin, the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and visit the Church of Saint Gayane, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Cathedral of Etchmiadzin. End your trip with a leisurely walk through the charming town of Zvartnots before departing for the airport.
Total Estimated Costs: $40-$80 per person
To travel between locations, renting a car or hiring a private driver is highly recommended. The estimated cost for a private driver is approximately $80-$100 per day, and rental car prices vary depending on the type of vehicle and rental period. Travel times between locations are estimated based on the most direct routes and may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Noravank Monastery, a stunning complex of churches and chapels located in a scenic gorge. If you have less time, consider skipping Dilijan and the Areni Winery and spending an extra day in Yerevan or visiting the Khor Virap and Etchmiadzin sites in one day.
Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) is the primary airport in Armenia, located approximately 10 miles west of Yerevan. The airport offers flights to various destinations in Europe and Asia, with frequent connections to major hubs such as Moscow and Istanbul.