The 8-day Armenia Nature Tour stands out among our Armenia tours for its combination of history, culture and ancient legends with outdoor activities amid spectacular mountain scenery. The cultural highlights include a tour of Yerevan, where historic architecture stands alongside modern buildings, and a visit to Areni, where you will learn about the region’s ancient winemaking history and sample local wines.
Ancient churches and monasteries are another highlight of the journey, including Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Haghpat and Geghard, all part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will admire views of Mount Ararat from Khor Virap Monastery and visit the medieval Tatev Monastery, reached by the famous Wings of Tatev cable car, recognised by Guinness World Records.
The tour also offers plenty of opportunities to discover Armenia’s natural beauty. You will visit Lake Sevan, one of Eurasia’s largest high-altitude freshwater lakes, hike along the forest trails of Dilijan National Park and admire deep mountain gorges and the striking basalt columns known as the Symphony of Stones. You will also explore the ancient cave village of Khndzoresk and visit the mysterious megalithic site of Karahunj, often called the "Armenian Stonehenge".

Tour itinerary:

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Day 1: Yerevan – arrival

Arrival in Yerevan. Transfer to hotel. Check-in after 15:00. Free time in Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Yerevan city tour – Echmiadzin – Yerevan

After breakfast, drive out of the city Echmiadzin (Etchmiadzin Cathedral). According to many scholars it was the first cathedral built in ancient Armenia. We will visit the main Cathedral (it is the residence of the Catholicos, the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church). Return to explore Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest cities. Yerevan is often referred to as a “Pink City” and impresses visitors with its grand Soviet architecture. Our first stop in Yerevan will be at the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex on Tsitsernakaberd Hill. Next, we will visit the modern symbol of Yerevan – Cascade Monument. The Cascade is a giant stairway (572 steps) linking the downtown area of Yerevan with the Monument neighborhood. From the top of the monument you can capture the best panorama of Yerevan and the mountain Ararat. Continue exploring the city by walking along the beautiful streets, past Opera House, Republic Square, and Abovyan Avenue. Transfer to the hotel for overnight.

Day 3: Yerevan – Khor Virap – Areni – Noravank – Goris

After breakfast, head to Khor Virap Monastery. According to the legend, St. Gregory the Illuminator (who is credited with converting Armenia to Christianity) had been kept in the basement here for 13 years for disseminating of Christianity, until King Tradt decided to adopt the new religion. The monastery’s location allows you to enjoy superb views of Mount Ararat. Drive to the Noravank complex, which is situated on a ledge of a deep, winding gorge. Noravank stands among bizarrely shaped, precipitous red cliffs. Visit the Areni Cave complex where, in 2008, the world’s oldest leather shoe was found. Visit a local winery to taste wines made from local grape varieties. Arrival in Goris in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Goris – Khndzoresk – Karahunj (Carahunge) – Tatev – Jermuk

In the morning, enjoy hiking to Khndzoresk. It consists of natural and manmade caves. Since many of the dwellings were carved out over and around each other, a complex system of ropes and ladders were required for people to reach many corners of the community. Right up until the 20th century Khndzoresk Cave Village was the biggest village in Eastern Armenia. Make a stop at Karahunj (Carahunge) – also known as Zorats Karer, prehistoric monument consisting of hundreds vertically set rocks – Menghirs - with through holes in the top part. The heights of the stones range from 0.5 to 3 meters and they weigh up to 10 tons. Armenians name it the “Armenian Stonehenge”. Then we will visit Tatev Complex. The 9th-century monastery, standing on the edge of a deep gorge of the Vorotan River attracts many visitors each year. In order to reach the monastery, we need to ride a cable car “Wings of Tatev”, the longest aerial tramway in the world. It is included in the Guinness World Records book (5700 m. length, 12 min. duration). Tatev used to be the religious and political center of the region and the remote location of the monastery was chosen strategically, to protect the complex from the constant invasions. Drive to mountain spa town Jermuk for overnight.
Duration of hiking: 2-2.5 hours

Day 5: Jermuk – Kechut – Sevanavank – Dilijan

Breakfast at the hotel. After a cable car ride in Jermuk, enjoy a hike to Kechut Reservoir. Located just outside Jermuk, Kechut Reservoir is nestled amidst lush greenery and scenic mountain views. Its tranquil waters provide a picturesque setting perfect for leisurely strolls, photography, and relaxation. Continue to Sevanavank Monastery. It stands on a narrow rocky peninsula, in the northwest part of the Lake Sevan – one of the largest freshwater alpine lakes in Eurasia. The road passes through the coastline of the lake, surrounded by beautiful nature. Lake Sevan attracts many locals and tourists throughout a year. Reach Dilijan for overnight.
Duration of hiking: 2-2.5 hours

Day 6: Dilijan – Parz Lake – Goshavank – Haghpat – Yerevan

In the morning, enjoy the short hike in Dilijan National Park. The starting point of our hike – Lake Parz. From the lake, we will embark on an easy to moderate hiking trail which will lead us through the forest to beautiful Goshavank Monastery (~ 7 km, 2-3 hours). Drive to the Lori region and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Haghpat Monastery. This stunning example of traditional Armenian architecture was erected between the 10th and 13th centuries. Standing on a hillside, Haghpat beautifully overlooks the Debed River Canyon. The monastery’s location was chosen to protect the peace and seclusion of the monks. Enjoy a short hike around Haghpat to explore Debed Gorge. Drive to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of hiking: 2-3 hours

Day 7: Yerevan – Garni – Azat Reservoir – Geghard – Symphony of Stones – Yerevan

Depart Yerevan and drive to Garni, the only pagan temple in Armenia that survived the introduction of Christianity in the 4th century. Here, you will have a hike Garni - Azat reservoir. Descend Garni Gorge to explore a monumental rock formation called Symphony of Stones. Next stop is the monastery complex called Geghard (“spear”). The beautiful landscape of Geghard is framed by towering cliffs. Decorative art cut into the rocks reflects and explains Medieval development in this part of the world. The complex appeared in the 4th century around the sacred spring inside of the cave. Return to Yerevan for an overnight at the hotel.
Duration of hiking: 6-7 hours

Day 8: Yerevan – departure

Check out from the hotel till noon. Transfer to Yerevan International Airport. Departure. End of Armenia Nature Tour.

Price includes:

All transfers (1-2 pax by sedan, 3-4 pax by Mercedes Vito or similar, 5-10 pax by Mercedes Sprinter passenger van);
Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
Sightseeing tour program in Armenia with a local English-speaking guide;
Entrance tickets to sights as per itinerary;
Wine tasting in Areni;
Bottled drinking water.