armenia travel blog

Armenia Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 22, 2024

Straddling the divide between Asia and Europe , Armenia might be one of the final travel frontiers left on the planet for adventurous backpackers. Visiting Armenia isn’t often on a traveler’s to-do list, despite its beautiful snowy mountain peaks and many perfectly preserved medieval monasteries.

But their loss is your gain as the country is virtually untouched by mass tourism.

Armenia’s history is complicated and often tragic, marked with countless years of warfare and the infamous Armenian Genocide in which the Ottoman government murdered 1.5 million Armenians in the early 1900s.

Learn more about the country’s past by visiting the many historical monuments and religious structures scattered around the country, including the 4th-century Etchmiadzin Cathedral and the Greco-Roman Temple of Garni.

Armenia’s dramatic landscape of jagged mountains and deep, rugged valleys — especially in the Geghama mountain range — is perfect for trekking, biking, and off-roading.

Moreover, Armenians love chatting with visitors. You don’t have to try hard to meet the locals here as they’re going to want to know why you are visiting since so few people do!

This travel guide to Armenia will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this underrated gem!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• How to Stay Safe
• Where to Stay
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• How to Get Around
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Armenia

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in armenia.

1. See Mount Ararat

This dormant volcano is technically a part of Turkish territory and is believed to be the final resting spot of Noah’s Ark. While you can’t hike the mountain from Armenia, you can certainly admire it up close from the Khor Virap monastery, located just 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Yerevan!

2. Visit Yerevan

Known as Armenia’s “Pink City” for the rose-colored volcanic material used for much of the city’s buildings, Yerevan is home to wide tree-lined boulevards, busy town squares, and a thriving cafe culture. Try the city’s famous dark coffee; it’s rich, sweet, and packed with caffeine.

3. Go Skiing in Tsaghkadzor

Thanks to its mountainous terrain, Armenia has become a hit with extreme sports lovers. During the winter, Armenia is transformed into a ski and snowboarding haven. Tsaghkadzor ski resort in the Marmarik river valley is the most popular place to go. A day ticket costs 12,000 AMD.

4. Visit Dilijan National Park

Dilijan National Park is easily one of the most scenic destinations to visit in Armenia, boasting wide swatches of forested hills and green meadows home to thousands of plant species. Hike the well-marked trails to springs and monasteries or spend some time at scenic Parz Lake.

5. Visit the Genocide Museum

The Armenian Genocide Memorial & Museum stands as a powerful reminder of the genocide that took place in Armenia between 1915-1922 at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. Inside is a collection of photographs, documents, newspaper reports, and films curated to tell the story of this tragic event in Armenian history. Admission is free but donations are welcomed.

Other Things to See and Do in Armenia

1. take the cable car to tatev monastery.

This medieval monastery was built between the 9th-13th centuries and is unique thanks to its position on the edge of a deep gorge. The inside is covered in 10th-century frescoes and vaulted stone ceilings, while the exterior has many pointed domes and is surrounded by tall stone fortress walls that drop off immediately into the gorge below. There are stunning views and photography spots all around the complex as well. The only way to visit the monastery is by taking the cable car across a 5,752-meter cableway (the longest in the world) suspended 320 meters (1,049 feet) above the River Vorotan. The cable car ride takes around 15 minutes, and a round-trip ticket is 5,000 AMD. Tatev is about 3.5 hours from Yerevan.

2. Visit Shikahogh State Reserve

Shikahogh State Reserve is the second largest forest in Armenia and is home to some diverse wildlife including leopards, bears, wild goats, and vipers. There are lush mountain hiking trails (although they are not always well maintained) that lead you to Iron Age tombs, medieval churches and monasteries, waterfalls, crystal-clear springs, and even abandoned towns. The 11-kilometer (7-mile) route from Mount Khustup to Shishkert village is tough but incredibly scenic.

3. Swim in Lake Sevan

Also known as the “Armenian Sea,” Lake Sevan is a massive lake (it covers 5% of the country) located high in the Caucasus mountains. Known for its incredible biodiversity and stunningly stark landscapes, Lake Sevan is a popular destination for domestic and foreign travelers alike. Come here to relax in one of the lakeside villages, visit medieval monasteries, and swim in the lake (if it’s warm enough or you’re brave enough!). The lake is so high in altitude (1,900 meters above sea level) that if you sit on the riverbank, it almost looks like the river is running into the sky. You can wild camp here for free as well. Lake Sevan is around 65 kilometers (40 miles) from Yerevan. The most common way to get here is by marshrutka (minibus), which takes around an hour.

4. See Geghard Monastery

Geghard Monastery is a World Heritage-listed complex named from the lance that pierced Christ’s side at the crucifixion. The buildings are partially carved out of the mountains and surrounded by cliffs along the Azat River Gorge. Inside the 13th-century Avazan Chapel is a sacred spring that runs through the monastery, and the original reason for the founding of the area as a religious site back in the 4th century. Today, visitors fill up bottles to take the holy water home. Admission is free.

5. Visit the Echmiadzin Cathedral

Located only 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Yerevan, no visit to Armenia would be complete without seeing the Echmiadzin Cathedral. The cathedral was built following the country’s adoption of Christianity in 301 CE, making it the first country in the world to do so. The cathedral is the oldest in Armenia and is often cited as the oldest cathedral in the world. The cathedral’s museum has some fascinating artifacts, including a supposed piece of the cross on which Jesus was crucified, the spear that pierced Jesus’ side, and a piece of Noah’s Ark. Admission to the museum is 1,500 AMD.

6. Explore Gyumri

The city of Gyumri is one of Armenia’s most ancient settlements, dating back nearly 3,000 years. Starting from the busy Vardanants Square at the center of town, walk to the Kumayri Historic District, a sort of open-air museum filled with historic buildings like the Sev Ghul fortress and the Paris Hotel (used as a maternity hospital during Soviet times). Be sure to visit the Dzitoghtsyan Museum of Social Life (1,000 AMD entry), which showcases life in the area from the 19th century to the 1920s, or the Aslamazyan Sisters House-Museum (300 AMD entry), with works from two sisters who helped bring equality to Armenian women through their art.

7. Experience the healing waters of Jermuk

With over 40 natural thermal springs, Jermuk is the most popular spa town in Armenia, with a variety of resort hotels and spas (rooms start at 15,000 AMD). Get a free sample of healing mineral water from the Gallery of Water, where natural mineral water flows into 5 different stone urns, each with different healing properties and temperatures (be careful as some are very hot). While you’re there, make sure you venture to the Jermuk waterfall, which, at 70 meters tall (230 feet), is Armenia’s second-largest waterfall. Jermuk is about 3 hours from Yerevan.

8. Visit the Army of Stones

Karahunj, otherwise known as Zorats Karer (or Army of Stones in English), is Armenia’s oldest and most popular megalithic site. Located at an altitude of 1,770 meters (5,800 feet) on a rocky plateau, no one knows how these 200 stones got here. Even stranger is the fact that each stone has 5-centimeter holes in it. There are many different theories on how and why the stones are here, but the most popular theory is that the site was constructed in the 6th century BCE for stargazing.

9. Take a wine tasting tour

With over 500 unique and native varieties almost unknown to the world outside Armenia, taking a wine tour is a must for any wine lover. In fact, the oldest wine cave in the world (it’s 6,000 years old!) is near Areni. Sadly, during Soviet rule, many of the wineries were shut down. It is only in the last decade that Armenia has begun to reconnect with its winemaking roots. Wine tours from Yerevan start from 37,000 AMD for a tour of one winery and go up to around 75,000 AMD for a full-day tour.

10. Go to the Erebuni Historical & Archaeological Museum-Reserve

This archaeological site encapsulates the ancient Erebuni Fortress, which dates to 782 BCE, a whole three decades before Rome was even established, and after which the city of Yerevan was named. The entire complex is now an outdoor museum, with an indoor component as well. The museum contains more than 12,000 artifacts offering insights into Armenia’s ancient history and the establishment of the city of Yerevan. You’ll also learn about what daily life was like in the palace of Argishti I, one of the greatest kings of ancient Urartu. Admission is 1,000 AMD or 2,500 AMD with a guide.

11. See Noravank

Built in the 13th century, legend has it that when the Mongols conquered Armenia hundreds of years ago, it was God himself that saved the Noravank monastery. Delicately carved stonework and religious reliefs (including depictions of God) decorate the three churches here. Unlike the many other Armenian monasteries that are located on top of mountains and gorges, Noravank is set on the floor of a deep valley, with towering red cliffs rising up on either side of the complex. Visiting the site is free, though the museum is 500 AMD. The monastery is around 122 kilometers (76 miles) from Yerevan.

How to Stay Safe in Armenia

Armenia is a very safe country to travel around — even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crime here is rare.

There aren’t any specific scams to look out for either, though sometimes taxi drivers will try to overcharge you. You can avoid this by agreeing on a price before entering the taxi (ask your hotel/hostel staff for a price estimate if you’re not sure what to pay).

If you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Petty theft and pickpocketing are rare but can occur so always keep your valuables (specifically your wallet and phone) secure and out of reach. This is especially important in crowds or on busy public transportation.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (never accept drinks from strangers, don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk around intoxicated at night, etc.).

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

There’s often political turmoil with neighbors so keep an eye out on that and avoid protests or demonstrations while in Armenia. Avoid the Nagorno-Karabakh region on the border with Azerbaijan due to armed conflict.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Where to Stay in Armenia

There are very few hostels in Armenia, and the few they have are in Yerevan and Tsaghkadzor. My suggested places to stay are:

• Hostel Tsaghkadzor (Tsaghkadzor)
• Envoy Hostel (Yerevan)
• MGA Hostel and Tours (Yerevan)
• Kantar Hostel (Yerevan)

Armenia Travel Costs

Accommodation

• Hostel Dorms – 3,000-7,500 AMD per night
• Hostel private rooms – 10,000-15,000 AMD per night
• Budget hotels – 8,000-9,850 AMD per night
• Airbnb private rooms – 10,000 AMD per night
• Airbnb apartments – 25,000 AMD per night
• Campsite – 4,000 AMD per night
• Street food – 1,000 AMD
• Sit-down restaurants – 1,250-2,750 AMD
• Western restaurant – 6,000-8,500 AMD
• Casual take-out places – 3,800 AMD
• Beer – 600 AMD
• Glass of wine – 700 AMD
• Cocktails – 1,000-1,500 AMD
• Cappuccino/latte- 800-1,200 AMD
• Groceries for a week – 12,000-16,000 AMD

Armenia Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 17,500 amd per day.

On a backpacking budget, you can stay in a hostel dorm (or camp), eat street food or at inexpensive restaurants, cook some of your meals, and use public transportation. You’ll need to limit your drinking and stick to mostly free or cheap activities though, like hiking and museum visits.

Midrange – 43,000 AMD Per Day

On a mid-range budget, you can stay in a private hostel or Airbnb, eat any budget restaurant meals you want, enjoy a few drinks, take some taxis to get around, take intercity trains, and do more paid activities like ride the cable car to Tatev Monastery and do a winery tour.

Upscale – 77,000 AMD Per Day

On a “luxury” budget, you can stay in a hotel, eat anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Armenia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Armenia isn’t going to break your bank. There are so many free activities here, especially if you’re enjoying the outdoors, that it’s hard to spend a lot. Throw in cheap food, beer, and accommodation, and you can really stretch your budget here. However, if you’re looking to lower your expenses even more, here are some ways to save money in Armenia:

• Pack a water bottle – The tap water here isn’t really safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce your reliance on plastic bottles. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw because it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Take a free walking tour – Yerevan Free Walking Tour is a great way to get familiar with the city and the culture. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Hitchhike and wild camp – If you really want to save money in Armenia, it is one of the easiest countries in the world to hitchhike. You will likely never wait long. Wild camping is also legal, and it is very common for friendly Armenians to invite you to their home for food so bring a tent when you visit.
• Cook your own meals – Some hostels here don’t include kitchen facilities, so if you want to save money, make sure you book accommodation that does so you can buy cheap groceries and cook some meals.
• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host that can provide free accommodation and share their insider tips with you. It’s the best way to save money and meet locals.
• Enjoy the free spaces – There are plenty of free parks as well as many free hiking trails around the country. Save your budget and enjoy the outdoors!

How to Get Around in Armenia

Public transportation – Public transportation isn’t the best in Armenia. The public transport websites aren’t translated into English, so it is much better to ask at your hostels for guidance to help you use the local and intercity buses. In the cities, it is easy to walk from place to place.

Yerevan has five trolley bus routes with a ride costing around 50 AMD. There’s also a subway with one line and ten stations, and public buses. A one-way fare on the bus and subway is around 100 AMD.

If you’re flying into Zvartnots International Airport, you can reach the center of Yerevan by bus or taxi. Aerotaxi is the official airport taxi but be aware drivers often won’t turn on the meter, so you need to negotiate a price, which should be around 3,000 AMD. A bus is around 300 AMD.

Bus – Intercity transport in Armenia is best done by bus and minibus (marshrutka). Intercity buses are relatively inexpensive but navigating the bus stations can be tricky as English isn’t widely spoken. Ask in your hostel the day before for someone to help you work out which bus you need and then you will just have to look for that bus when you arrive at the station.

Bus fares average about 716 AMD per hour of travel, but even a short route can end up taking quite a while with lots of stops.

Trains – There are daily trains connecting Yerevan to Gyumri (3 hours), Yeraskh (1.5 hours), Araks (1 hour), Ararat (1 hour), and Hrazdan (1.5 hours). In the summer months, the Hrazdan line gets extended to Lake Sevan. One-way tickets cost between 3,500-12,500 AMD.

Train tickets to nearby cities outside of Armenia, such as Tbilisi, cost around 9,800-12,000 AMD for a one-way ticket. You can purchase tickets online at the official railway website, Railway.am .

The trains that run most regularly are slow trains that are Soviet-era relics, meaning they are uncomfortable and lack the usual amenities you might expect from trains. The express trains, however, are modern and air-conditioned. Unfortunately, these cost more and run less frequently.

Flying – There are only two international airports in Armenia so although air travel is possible, it is far from cost-effective. Often you don’t save much time due to layovers. A flight from Gyumri to Yerevan starts at 95,000 AMD. Only fly if you are short on time and flush with cash.

Car Rental – Driving is definitely the most convenient way to get around Armenia. Car rentals can sometimes be as low as 12,000 AMD per day, and the more days you book, the better the price. If you’re driving, make sure to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in advance as you’ll need one for any vehicle rental.

Hitchhiking – It is very common to hitchhike in Armenia, and you won’t have to wait long for a ride. Hitchwiki is the best website for additional hitchhiking info and tips.

When to Go to Armenia

The best time to visit Armenia is at the beginning or end of summer (May-June or September-October). During these months, the weather is mild, making it perfect for outdoor explorations. The temperature hovers around 20°C (68°F) but be aware that it can be very rainy throughout May and thunderstorms are common.

Summers are hot, with temperatures soaring as high as 35°C (95°F). Things tend to cool down in the evenings, however, with a gentle mountain breeze providing some welcomed relief after a long, hot day.

If you are visiting for skiing, December is the best winter month for hitting the slopes. Temperatures drop below freezing, and the northern regions receive a lot of snowfall. Cities like Yerevan get a lot quieter during these months as everyone hides from the cold.

You don’t have to worry about inflated prices or crowds even during the summer peak season. Armenia isn’t a very touristy destination, and you often have whole sites all to yourself.

Armenia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Armenia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Armenia and its neighbors and continue planning your trip:

19 Easy Ways to Save Money in Armenia

Is Azerbaijan Safe to Visit?

My 15 Favorite Things to See and Do in Georgia

Get your  free travel starter kit.

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

The Ultimate Armenia Travel Guide // An Essential Break Down

 In an era where a single Google search will pull up thousands of blog posts and magazine worthy photos for any given destination, I was surprised at how few Armenia travel tips and guides I could find online. This posed a unique situation where we actually had to jump in feet first and really explore for ourselves. We divided the country in thirds, rented a car, and just drove. Of course, there was some trial and error, but this was one of the most exciting trips I’ve taken in a while.

In this complete Armenia travel guide, pick up some of the helpful tips we learned along our journey, discover the best time to visit, get an idea of how much things cost, what foods you have to try, plus much more.

BASIC ARMENIA TRAVEL INFORMATION

The ideal time for Armenia travel is late May to early June, or late September to early October.

RAINFALL November is the wettest month. March and April historically have a good amount of rain but the weather was beautiful (with no rain) when we were there in late March. HOTTEST/COLDEST MONTHS The hottest months are July and August, with highs in the 90’sF (around 35C). The coldest months are December to February, with highs in January topping 2F ( 35C) and lows dipping down to 19F (-7C). DAYLIGHT HOURS June and July have the longest amount daylight (around 13 hours), with December through February offering up only 7 hours of daylight each day.

Whether or not you need a visa to enter Armenia will depend on your passport.

• All European Union citizens as well as citizens of the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom do not need a visa prior to arrival.
• Canadian citizens do require a visa but can obtain it upon arrival for 15,000AMD ($30CAD).
• Citizens of Africa (except South Africa) cannot obtain a visa upon arrival . They can only apply at an Armenian diplomatic or consular post, and only with an invitation.

To view the visa requirements for all countries, click here. 

CURRENCY Armenia operates on the Armenian Dram. Credit cards are widely accepted in the city and ATMs are relatively easy to find.

$1 USD = 487AMD $1 AUD = 367AMD $1 CAD = 381AMD £1 = 580AMD €1 = 658 AMD For current exchange rates, or if your country is not listed above click here.

RESTAURANTS  I had a difficult time finding an accurate Armenia travel guide regarding tipping. From what I understand, tipping is common in Yerevan restaurants. My Armenian friend Val (who I’m so grateful to for all of her tips) says that there is no minimum and no expectation, however it’s “greatly appreciated regardless of the percentage.” So anywhere from 5% (on small bills) to 10-20% for restaurants with great service. TAXIS  When taking a taxi, you can round up on the fare. HOTELS  Nick was in Armenia for business so we were lucky to get the opportunity to stay at the Multi Grand Hotel. When ordering room service, we attempted to tip several times and our efforts were denied.

ELECTRICITY

220V / 50 Hz

POWER SOCKETS

The most comment power socket in Armenia is Type C – Non Grounded. You might also run into Type F – Grounded. (We brought only a Type C converter and had no issues).

WiFi is readily available (fast and free!) in Yerevan, and you’ll find it in every restaurant, hotel and coffee shop. Outside of the city, WiFi is a little harder to come by, but we didn’t have a problem finding some when we really needed it.

WHAT THINGS COST

One of the best things about Armenia is how inexpensive it is. Typically, things will cost more in Yerevan and much less in the rest of the country. During our road trip to the North, we stopped by a market to pick up some snacks. We bought homemade bread bigger than both of our faces combined, 2 beers, 2 baklava desserts and some sheep’s cheese for a grand total of less than $6 USD. Here are some approximate Armenia travel expenses to give you an idea of how to budget your trip.

FOOD Inexpensive meal: 1,500 to 3,000AMD ($3-6USD) Dinner for 2 (appetizers, meals + drinks): 10,000-15,000AMD ($20-30)

HOTELS  Hostels 4,800-9,700AMD ($10-20USD) Mid-Range 25,000-60,000 ($50-$120USD) Luxury: 85,000-150,000AMD ($175-300 USD)

DRINKS Cappuccino 600-1,400AMD ($1.20-2.75USD) Domestic Beer -Restaurant: 1,058AMD ($2) Domestic Beer – Grocery Store: 380AMD ($0.76USD) Wine – Restaurant: 700-800AMD ($1.5-$2USD) Bottle of Wine – Grocery Store: 1450AMD ($3USD) Cocktails: 2,432 ($5USD)

TRANSPORTATION Taxis meters start at 600AMD ($1.20USD) and cost 160.93 per mile ($0.33USD). Bus Tickets are 100AMD ($0.20USD)

WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK

Armenia’s food won me over.. big time. Just about every traditional restaurant has a massive menu with tons of options, so it can get a little overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the cuisine. Here is a list of some of the most popular and traditional Armenian dishes that you have to try.

BASTURMA is a highly seasoned, air-dried cured beef, and it’s a common appetizer in Armenia. We were served basturma as part of the cold plate during several of our breakfasts. My friend Val recommends trying it in an omelet. KHOROVADZ  is Armenian barbecue, and it’s one of the most typical foods you’ll find in Armenia. Pork is the most common meat, but you can also order chicken, lamb, beef and fish BBQ. If you don’t eat meat, there are tons of vegetable barbecue options. I fell in love with the the mushroom BBQ and ordered it at every meal. DOLMA  is a traditional Armenian dish made of grape leaves, ground beef, rice, plus herbs and spices.  Dolma can also be ordered without meat.

BUREG (also known as Borek or Borag) is a staple in Armenian food. It’s a baked pastry made with thin flakey dough and filled with cheese. LAVASH is a thin unleavened flatbread.. and you cannot leave Armenia without trying it. Not to worry though because if you forget to order it, the waiter will always remind you. At Lavash and Sherep restaurants in Yerevan, you can watch the lavash making process which only adds to the level of appreciation you will have for it once it hits your table. BRANDY (COGNAC) Armenian Brandy is considered to be some of the best in the world and for a short period of time, they were even allowed the prestigious honor of calling their product “cognac.” Armenian brandy was most famously known as the drink of choice for Winston Churchill and they boast gold medals in spirits competitions around the world.

RELATED POST : THE BEST YEREVAN RESTAURANTS // WHERE TO EAT IN ARMENIA’S CAPITAL

10 ARMENIA TRAVEL TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VACATION

ASK TAXIS TO USE THEIR METER  During our time in Yerevan, the only taxi drivers who voluntarily turned on their meter without us having to ask were the ones who were called by our hotel. If the meter does not get not turned on, the driver will quote you his own price at the end of the ride. A few times we forgot to ask about the meter, and the fare was triple what it normally was. We didn’t argue about it as it was only a few dollars difference, but I still hate getting up-charged for being a tourist.

TAXI DRIVERS  Speaking of taxi drivers.. very few spoke English. I recommend having the name of your destination written in Armenian so that they understand where you want to go (you can ask your hotel to help you). When we wanted to go to the Ararat Brandy Factory, our driver thought we asked him to take us to Mt. Ararat… in Turkey. Another time, on the the way back to our hotel, we had to pull up our Google Maps and navigate for him using hand signals. Luckily, they were all very sweet and willing to work with our lack of knowledge about the local language.

PAY ATTENTION TO SPEED LIMITS  If you will be renting a car in Armenia, make sure to follow the speed limits! There are speed camera everywhere and we not only got pulled over, but we saw dozens of others fall prey to the cameras each day.

• In towns, villages and cities– 60 km/h
• Outside of towns, villages and cities – 90 km/h
• On highways– 110 km/h
• Residential areas – 20 km/h

For a huge list of tips about driving in Armenia, including what to expect if you get pulled over, check out my post below:

RELATED POST: ARMENIAN TRAVEL TIPS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RENTING A CAR 

CREDIT CARDS  In the US, our credit cards don’t usually have pin codes. Apparently this is not the norm and we inadvertently caused extreme confusion when we didn’t have a pin to enter during credit card purchases. A few people assured us that they wouldn’t steal our money ( they must’ve though that didn’t want to give them the code for security reasons haha). To their surprise, the sale did eventually go through, but it took about 30 seconds.

FREE PHONE CHARGING IN YEREVAN  If you find yourself running out of phone battery in Yerevan, head towards the Cascade Complex. There’s an open air bus/tourist information center parked out front with free phone charing.

CHECK OUT THE GROCERY STORE Walking through foreign grocery stores is one of my favorite things to do when I travel, and it was even more fun in Armenia because everything is cheap. While beer in your hotel mini bar might seem inexpensive ($2-3USD), you can find it in the grocery store for less than $1USD! Also stock up on fresh bread, homemade cheese and Armenian snacks.

HOW TO TIP Unlike in the US, you tip when paying your bill. If you are paying by card,  let the server know how much extra to add to the bill. If you’re paying with cash, hand the tip over with your total.

SAFETY & SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL  Armenia is extremely safe and I would definitely feel comfortable returning here as a solo (female) traveler. They have a very low crime rate even in their biggest city, Yerevan.

If you don’t know anything about Armenia, you might look at where it’s located on a map, and group it in with high-risk countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan. However, Armenia is rated “low-risk” on the Global Terrorism Index  at #75 (for reference, the US sits much higher at #32). Also, the United States Government rates Armenia as “Level 1” – the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk.

Even though Armenia is safe, it’s advised to stay clear of the Azerbaijan border as relations between the two countries remains hostile. And as with any place you travel, always stay conscious of your surroundings.

TALK TO THE PEOPLE  I’ve never been looked at as strangely as I have in Armenia. We would drive through these tiny towns on our road trip throughout the country and people would not drop their gaze. At first I was a little uncomfortable but then I realized, they just don’t see that many tourists.

We started initiating contact first, and quickly discovered that the Armenian people are SO friendly. One of our taxi drivers called his daughter on speakerphone because she spoke better English than him, and he wanted us to talk to her. If we had a problem, people would go out of their way to help us.. like the time we got lost and a very nice man drew directions for us in the dirt. If you find yourself traveling in Armenia, I highly recommend trying to make a connection with the people. They played a big role in my fondness for this country.

ARMENIA TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTS // WHERE TO GO

Northern armenia.

DILIJAN A town in Northern Armenia also known as “Little Switzerland” because of it’s dense forests and snowcapped mountains. Dilijan is a good jumping off point for Haghartsin and Goshavank Monasteries.

HAGHARTSIN MONASTERY A 13th century monastery located in the Tavush province. Haghartsin is one of the most visited monasteries in Armenia and is known for it’s incredible location tucked amongst the trees, on the top of a hill.

RELATED POST: HAGHARTSTIN MONASTERY // ARMENIA’S HIDDEN MOUNTAIN GEM

LORI PROVINCE One of the most beautiful provinces in Armenia. It includes towns such as Stepanavan, Alaverdi and Spitak. In Lori Province you can visit the Lori Berd Fortress, Haghpat Monastery and Sanahin Monastery.

RELATED POST: AVAN DZORAGET HOTEL // A PEACEFUL RETREAT IN LORI PROVINCE

LAKE SEVAN   The largest body of water in Armenia and one of the highest altitude lakes in the world. Lake Sevan is a popular Armenia travel getaway for those looking to escape the Summer heat and relax on some sandy beaches. Also be sure to visit Sevanavank Monastery, located right on the shore of the Lake.

GOSHAVANK  Located 15km from Dilijan, Goshavank is a 12th century monastery that used to be one of the leading spiritual and educational-cultural centers of medieval Armenia.

SOUTHERN ARMENIA

JERMUK  A mountain spa town located in the Vayots Dzor Province of Southern Armenia. Most of the country’s mineral water comes from here and it’s a popular destination for those seeking out mineral spa treatments and hot springs.

ARENI  Armenia’s wine region which was said to have been founded by Noah and his sons (from the Christian Bible). The world’s oldest winery was discovered here in the Areni-1 cave, which you can tour.

As you drive through the village, you’ll pass dozens of stands with vendors selling homemade wine out of old water jugs and coke bottles. Or you can visit Hin Areni winery for a tour and tasting. We ended up buying 4 bottles of Hin Areni wine (including their reserve) and it cost less than $30USD.

NORAVANK MONASTERY A 13th century monastery located within a deep gorge created by the Amaghu River. Noravank is definitely worth visiting because the scenery is breathtaking. You can combine your visit with a stop in Areni as it’s only 10km (6 miles) apart.

RELATED POST: NORAVANK MONASTERY // A MUST VISIT SITE IN SOUTHERN ARMENIA

TATEV MONASTERY I highly regret not   making it to this monastery. It was a little too far away to turn into a day trip, and we just ran out of time. Tatev Monastery’s location looks breathtakingly gorgeous, situated on a basalt plateau in the Syunik Province. To reach the monastery, you have to travel on the world’s longest cable car, the Wings of Tatev.

Google it. Trust me.

CENTRAL ARMENIA

KHOR VIRAP Armenia’s most visited pilgrimage site. Khor Virap is said to have been the site where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before successfully converting King Trdat to Christianity, thus making Armenia the world’s first Christian nation. In addition to it’s religious significance, Khor Virap also offers one of the best views of Mount Ararat (granted that it’s not covered by the clouds … like when we visited 🙁 ).

GEGHARD MONASTERY Located in the Kotayak Province, Geghard Monastery was founded in the 4th century by Saint Gregory the Illuminator. It’s partially carved out of the mountain stone and is named after the spear that wounded Jesus during his crucifixion. The spear is said to have been housed here until it was moved to Armenia’s Ejmiatsin Cathedral.

TSAKHKADZOR  Located in the Kotayak Province, Tsakhkadzor is a popular ski resort town only only one hour from Yerevan. Kecharis Monastery and Makravank Monastery are nearby.

YEREVAN Armenia’s capital and the largest city in the country. Yerevan is also known as The Pink City because it’s buildings are made out of pink lava stone.

RELATED POST: 6 THINGS TO DO IN YEREVAN, ARMENIA 

 ARMENIA TRAVEL GUIDE  // WHAT TO WEAR

Despite being sandwiched between Muslim countries, Armenia is a Christian nation so there is no specific dress code to adhere to. Still, it appeared to be somewhat conservative as far as clothing goes, so airing on the side of modesty will help you fit in.

The women in Yerevan had great style; I’d describe it as casual chic with some funky touches here and there. I noticed a lot of blacks and neutrals, with subtle pops of color, cool shoes and of course, designer bags.

The climate changes throughout the country, so packing Armenia travel outfits with a few different layers is recommended. Even in the hot Summer, nights can get a little chilly.

BISHOP + YOUNG TANK | JUNK FOOD GRAPHIC TEE | TOPSHOP STRIPED TEE | FRAME HIGH RISE SKINNY JEANS | TOPSHOP DENIM SKIRT | J.CREW CROP PANTS | TOPSHOP CROPPED STRIPED JUMPSUIT  | T ORY BURCH FLATS | SAM EDELMAN MULE | GUCCI PURSE | FRANK & EILEEN CARDIGAN

Did I miss anything? Leave any of your Armenia travel tips in the comments!

Pin it // the ultimate armenia travel guide.

5 thoughts on “The Ultimate Armenia Travel Guide // An Essential Break Down”

What a great post! I totally agree with you, I very rarely see posts about Armenia and think you’ve done a great job of introducing me to the country, it sounds lovely 🙂

Hi Helena, Thank you so much!! Armenia was such a cool country, I hope you make it over there soon 🙂

We are 4 pax planning to visit armenia in mid october (total 7 days travel plan for ) from dubai. travel date oct 14 .

Request to provide a rough itinerary so that we could cover important tourist spots in important towns.

We are nature lovers..then we wish to experience fall season,snow & a daytime .We have to book accommodations at various places as per the itinerary.

please help.

Minju shikin

Hi Minji! I’ve written several posts about Armenia which can hopefully give you some ideas for your trip. https://hellojetlag.com/category/armenia/

I recommend consulting with a travel agent for a more personalized itinerary as they will be able to give you more suggestions beyond what I saw during my trip.

Hope this helps! Lindsey

I have been dreaming on traveling Armenia from long time back. Great sharing of the needed information.

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Wander-Lush

Visit Armenia: The Ultimate Armenia Travel Guide

• The Caucasus

I think that Yerevan, which is built from volcanic tuff and is harmonic like a rose, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Pablo Neruda

The Land of Apricots

From the Pink City, Yerevan , to the charcoal-and-gold Gyumri ; the emerald Debed Canyon to the sapphire Lake Sevan – Armenia is a country of vivid colours. The smallest of the three Trans-Caucasus nations, it holds its own in terms of history, hiking, food and wine.

Forged in the fires of a tumultuous past, Armenian culture is one of the most fascinating on earth. Every day in Armenia is a brush with history, from the Khachkar cross stones that sit proudly in Yerevan’s city park and mark the way to monasteries across the country, to Armenian cuisine, costume, music, and the alphabet itself.

Travelling around Armenia with snow-capped Mount Ararat as your North Star is truly one of life’s great privileges. This is one country I’ll keep coming back to for the rest of my days.

Armenia travel essentials

Please note: Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more .

April/May (spring) or September/October. Summer for trekking.

How long in Armenia?

2 full days for Yerevan; 10 days for the highlights; 2-3 weeks to see everything.

Daily budget

35-50 USD per person per day (mid-range hotel; local meals; day tours; museum tickets).

Getting there

Fly into Yerevan or Gyumri; marshrutka/train from Georgia or Iran.

Armenia visa

Visa-free or e-visa (90-180 days) for most passports.

Getting around

Hire a car; use marshrutka vans and trains.

Where to stay

Hostels, family-run guesthouses or hotels.

Tours & experiences

City walking tours, wine tastings and monasteries.

Where to go in Armenia

The perfect Armenia itinerary starts with a few days in Yerevan , a lively city of outdoor cafes, sculpture gardens and buzzing squares. Watch the lavash ladies at work at the GUM Market , and rifle through carpets and antiques at the Vernissage as you hunt for the perfect Armenian souvenir .

There’s a good chance this will be your first real encounter with the Armenian Genocide – an unspeakable atrocity that much of the world seems to have forgotten. Tsitsernakaberd , the national Genocide Memorial and museum, is a must-visit.

Contrast Yerevan with the nation’s second-largest city, Gyumri , known for its lofty architecture and house museums. Visit Vanadzor in the north and Goris in the south, both gateways to incredible nature. Spend a day on sparkling Lake Sevan , Armenia’s jewel, spend a night at the Soviet-era Sevan Writers’ House , find solitude in Dilijan National Park , home to the country’s best hiking trails.

The world’s first Christian nation, Armenia boasts dozens of monasteries and churches, each one more impressive than the last. Khor Virap , Noravank , Geghard and the mighty Tatev , accessed by soaring cable car, can all be visited on day trips from Yerevan. UNESCO-listed Haghpat and Sanahin are my personal favourites.

Along with neighbouring Georgia, Armenia is the cradle of viniculture, so a wine tasting in the Areni Region should also be on your agenda. The Armenian table is one that has been laid over the course of many centuries. Every city, town and small village offers its own incredible cuisine , making this country a real treat for foodies.

Explore Armenia

Get to the heart of Armenia with my latest travel guides.

A Night at the Sevan Writers’ House: What It’s Like to Stay at Armenia’s Iconic Soviet Hotel

How to Travel by Overnight Sleeper Train from Tbilisi to Yerevan (or Vice Versa)

10 Things to Do at Lake Sevan in Armenia

30 Awesome Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia

12 Things to Do in Gyumri, Armenia’s Historic Second City

The Ultimate Armenia Itinerary for 3-10 Days of Travel

My armenia favourites.

The Transcaucasian Trail in Dilijan National Park.

Must-eat meal

Dolma , lavash and a Ponchik (filled donut) to finish.

local experience

Shopping for apricots at the GUM Market in Yerevan.

best souvenir

An Armenian carpet from the Vernissage market.

The Ultimate Armenia Itinerary: 5 to 7 Days (or More!)

Last Updated on February 16, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

As one of the least-visited countries in Europe, Armenia can be viewed as an exotic destination that only the most intrepid of travellers would choose to visit. Because of this, there isn’t a lot of information about this South Caucasus nation available online and it can make planning the perfect Armenia itinerary a difficult task.

Because so many of those who do visit Armenia do it by organised tour, it can be very tricky to find the right information for those who want to visit this underrated country independently. Planning a trip to Armenia is one of the best decisions you could make, especially if you’re combining it with a trip through the other Caucasus countries of Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Armenia

Despite its relatively southern geographic location, Armenia very much experiences four proper seasons and, therefore, there are some times of year to visit this Caucasian nation that are better than others.

Winters in Armenia can be very cold, with high temperatures between the months of December-February barely clocking in above freezing. Luckily, however, the cold weather doesn’t tend to last too long as it will usually begin to warm up in the month of March and temperatures will fall into the low 20s Celcius (70s Fahrenheit) by April.

Because of this, travelling in the springtime is one of the best times of year to plan a trip to Armenia. Besides the tendency for a bit more rain, the temperatures will be mild and pleasant with it rarely getting too hot or too cold.

The Autumn seasons between September-November also see similar temperatures to Spring albeit with less rain, making that the absolute optimal time to visit Armenia.

Summers in Armenia are sunny and hot, with daily high temperatures often clocking in over 40 degrees Celcius (102 degrees Fahrenheit). Though many hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants will be air-conditioned, this becomes less likely the further from big cities or tourist hotspots you venture.

It is also worth noting that public transport (like buses and marshrutkas) rarely are air-conditioned so it can get unbearably hot to travel from point A to B in the summer.

All in all, the best times to visit Armenia would likely be in the shoulder seasons of March-May and September-November.

How Many Days in Armenia?

If you’re wondering how many days in Armenia is sufficient to get a good feel for the country but you’re strapped for time, we would recommend spending five days in this southern Caucasian nation. This will give you time to explore the lively capital of Yerevan, take a day trip into the surrounding area, and spend a couple of nights in a smaller city as well.

Spending 5 days in Armenia will allow you to get beyond the capital and experience the culture of this underrated travel destination without being too exhausting or taking too much time.

If you have longer, spending one week in Armenia is ideal to get a really good grasp of the country and a more well-rounded view of the culture and history of this beautiful nation.

With 7 days, you have time not only to explore the capital city, but you can head quite off the beaten path and take in the city of Gyumri and enjoy some of the beautiful nature that Armenia has to offer.

Getting Around Armenia

Armenia isn’t that highly-visited of a country and those who do venture to this underappreciated nation tend to do so on an organised tour, which means that figuring out how to get around independently can be a confusing and albeit daunting task for tourists.

Luckily, locals in Armenia tend to be extremely helpful and eager to lend a hand to confused visitors, so it is likely that you wouldn’t be stranded for too long if you couldn’t figure something out.

If you only plan to visit Yerevan while you explore Armenia, getting around the city is incredibly easy and manageable as the majority of the city’s main sites can be reached on foot and the city centre is compact and easy to navigate. Anything else that is not within walking distance is easy to get to with either the metro or an affordable taxi ride.

Taxi rides are accessible for most travellers in Yerevan and it can actually be the easiest way to get to some more out-of-the-way attractions within the city. It is worth knowing, however, that taxis throughout Armenia (and the Caucasus in general) don’t tend to have meters, so it is essential to negotiate a price before you get in.

Finding a cab through the Yandex taxi app or the Bolt app is a great option. This operates much in the same way as Uber and will quote you the exact price of the journey before you get in the cab, leaving out any need for stressful negotiations.

If you’re travelling outside of the capital — for example, from Yerevan to Dilijan , Gyumri, or Goris — there are a few options available for independent travellers. The easiest and most common option for inter-city travel in Armenia is by marshrutka, or minibus.

Depending on the popularity of your destination, marshrutkas have a vague schedule and generally depart when full or mostly full.

The destination of the bus will be posted in the front window and it will generally be in the Latin or Cyrillic alphabet if they are popular routes amongst tourists. If you can’t already, it can be helpful to learn the Cyrillic alphabet or learn what your destinations look like printed both in Cyrillic and in the Armenian alphabet.

You can find the most up-to-date bus timetables from tourist information centres or from your guesthouse, hostel, or hotel staff. Often, you might need to book a spot on the bus if there are only a finite number that leave per day. The tourist info centre or your accommodation can call and book these for you as well.

Generally speaking, you pay the driver for the ride, however, there are some routes where you buy a ticket at a counter instead. Don’t worry, they will let you know for your specific route.

Train travel does exist in Armenia, however, it isn’t all that well-developed and not every route is available. While the trains are not the most comfortable mode of transportation in Armenia, they tend to be more comfortable than a marshrutka and can be preferable if there an option for your route. Ticket prices vary, but they are quite affordable.

Another easy way to get around Armenia, especially if you’re on a tight schedule and not travelling on a tight budget, is to rent a car. Though the road quality may not be the best in some areas of the country, having your own car makes it easy to travel independently and to see some out-of-the-way attractions without having to rely on organised tours or being beholden to erratic bus schedules.

If you want to find great prices on car hire, you can rent private cars directly from locals through Local Rent .

5 to 7-Day Armenia Itinerary

Day 1 – yerevan.

Armenia’s dynamic capital city has been continuously inhabited for more than 2,800 years, however, it retains a modern and hip edge that cements itself firmly in the 21st century. With an easy-to-navigate city centre and a streetside cafe culture to rival Paris, Yerevan is one of the most logical places to begin your itinerary for Armenia.

Because it doesn’t have as much information written about as neighbouring capitals like Tbilisi or Baku , many people will ask themselves “is Yerevan worth visiting?” And the answer to this is a resounding “yes,” especially if you are planning a larger Caucasus itinerary and want to see how all three capitals differ.

If you trying to figure out how many days in Yerevan is best to get to know the city, then we would say three. Spend your first day in Yerevan in the city centre, enjoying the main sites and getting the lay of the land.

The current centre of Yerevan was designed in the 1920s by Armenian architect Alexander Tamanian and, as a planned city, it is much easier to navigate than the other two Caucasus capitals, with wide avenues and a logical setup to the streets.

Begin your morning at the impressive Cascade complex , a series of steps spanning seven floors where, from the top on a clear day, you can see spectacular views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat in the distance.

If the 572 steps of the complex seem daunting to you, there are a series of escalators inside that you can take to the top instead. These are free to use and are open every day. There are also some interesting art exhibitions inside to enjoy while you’re riding up. No doubt that visiting the Cascade complex is one of the best things to do in Armenia.

After enjoying the Cascade, walk a few hundred metres to see the imposing Armenian Opera building, also designed by Alexander Tamanian. While the building isn’t as impressive as the one you might find in Tbilisi, it is still a great example of Armenian neoclassical architecture.

The building consists of two concert halls: the Alexander Spendiaryan Opera and Ballet National Theatre and the Aram Khachaturian concert hall which is home to the Armenian Philharmonic.

You can purchase tickets to the opera, ballet, and symphony from ticket offices nearby for very affordable prices and it is a great way to support the arts and culture of Yerevan. Michael and I were able to get very good seats for the ballet for 6000 AMD (about $14 USD) per person.

Armenia is an incredibly Christian nation and it is an important part of the country’s identity, however, one of the most beautiful sites to see is the Blue Mosque , which isn’t a far walk from the Opera building. This Shia mosque is the only functioning mosque in the city and the courtyard and colourful dome are very much worth seeing.

After admiring the mosque, head to Republic Square , the main square in Yerevan. There is a beautiful fountain situated in front of the Armenian History Museum that, during summer evenings, is lit in different colours. The square is also surrounded by beautiful examples of Armenian neoclassical buildings in Yerevan’s iconic rose-hued stone, making it obvious as to why it is known as the “pink city.”

Now wander over to the Vernissage Market , a large open-air souvenir market that is the perfect place to find something unique to bring home to your friends and family.

Contrary to what you might find in tacky souvenir shops full of mass-produced magnets and pomegranate tchotchkes, here you can get local handicrafts like beautiful chess and backgammon boards, intricate silver jewellery, and much more. You will also be supporting local artisans by keeping traditional practices alive.

Your last stop for your first day in Yerevan should be at the St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral . Opened in 2001 to mark the 1700th anniversary of Christianity in Armenia (which is believed to be the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion), this is the largest Armenian Apostolic church in the world and is truly spectacular to see.

Round out your sightseeing at Yerevan’s GUM Market , the central market hall of the Armenian capital. Though it isn’t as lively and chaotic as, say, the Green Bazaar in Kutaisi, Georgia , it is still a great way to see what locals eat and to sample some regionally sourced and produced treats while staying away from multinational supermarket chains.

End your first day in one of the great restaurants, cafes, or wine bars on Saryan Street. In Vino is a good choice if you want to choose from an extensive list of both local and international vintages paired with local meats and cheeses.

If you want something a bit more substantial, Tapastan is a great Armenian fusion restaurant. Alternatively, head over to the Cascade and enjoy some surprisingly delicious Thai food from Wine Republic , which was one of our favourite haunts in Yerevan.

If you want to explore more of the capital’s food scene, consider this food tour of Yerevan .

Where to Stay in Yerevan

Skyline Hotel Yerevan – If you’re looking for a well-located hotel to stay at in Yerevan, then this is a good option for you. This locally-run hotel has a range of clean and comfortable rooms available, is located within walking distance of most of Yerevan’s top attractions, and there is an option to add breakfast to your nightly rate.

Avenue ApartHotel – This aparthotel is an excellent option if you want your own place to stay in Yerevan while still having all of the nice amenities of a hotel. They have a range of both suites and rooms on offer along with plenty of perks to make your stay a great one.

Envoy Hostel – This hostel is one of the best places to stay in Yerevan for backpackers, budget and solo travellers alike. They have a range of dorm beds and private rooms available, helpful staff, clean facilities, and good common areas. They also provide day tours to other areas in Armenia at a discounted rate to their hostel guests.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Yerevan!

Day 2 – Yerevan

Your second day in Yerevan may be a bit more sombre and not quite as busy as the first, but will still give you a great insight into the history of the city and Armenia as a whole.

Begin your day by hopping in a taxi to the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum, which is located a bit outside of the city centre. It will take about 10-15 minutes to get there.

The memorial and museum are free to enter and it is extremely well-curated and an incredibly powerful place to visit. When visiting Armenia, it is important to learn about the darkest part of its history where up to 1.5 million people were murdered.

There is also a garden in front of the museum with a tree planted for each foreign official who has officially recognised the atrocities carried out by the Ottomans in 1915-1923 as a genocide. There is also a plaque honouring the countries and the European Union that have officially recognised the Armenian Genocide.

After visiting the memorial and museum, it is likely you will need a drink and it isn’t an easy place to spend time in. Therefore, take a taxi to Dargett Brewpub , a microbrewery which serves up some fantastic craft beers along with some fantastic western-style bar food.

If you can’t decide which kind of beer to order, we recommend ordering a tasting flight. Our favourites included the American Pale Ale, the Vertigo IPA, and the Belgian Tripel.

Those who aren’t beer drinkers may, instead, be interested in a tour and tasting of Ararat Brandy . This is Armenia’s answer to cognac and it is very delicious.

After a beer and some lunch, head to the History Museum of Armenia at Republic Square. Though, as of May 2019, parts of this museum are under construction, it is still a great place to stop by to learn more about the history of Armenia beyond that genocide.

The museum is famous for being home to the world’s oldest shoe, which was found in a cave in the south of the country called Areni-2, or the “bird’s cave.”

After the history museum, if you’re keen to learn more about Yerevan from a local’s perspective, we recommend going on the Yerevan Free Walking Tour , which meets every day at 4 PM in front of the museum.

The tour is about 3 hours long and advance booking is required, however, it is an excellent way to learn about Yerevan’s history and culture from a friendly and knowledgeable local. There is also this paid walking tour if this schedule suits you better.

Finish your day with dinner at one of the restaurants recommended on Day 1.

Day 3 – Yerevan

On your third day, it is time to get out of Yerevan and see some of the surrounding area. There are a number of day trip options from Yerevan that are all fairly easy to organise, whether independently or via organised tour.

Two of the most popular day trips from Yerevan include heading to the nearby town of Garni , home to the ancient Garni Temple – the only surviving pagan temple in the country that’s datesw ot pre-Christian times.

You can also view the bizarre rock formations known as the Symphony of Stones and the beautiful Geghard Monastery – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nature lovers will also love seeing the Garni Gorge.

It takes about 30 minutes to get there via marshrutka. You can also visit these places on this day tour or this day tour .

The city of Etchmiadzin (Vagharshapat) is also an easy-to-do independent day trip from Yerevan. This town is known as the “Vatican of Armenia” and is the home of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which is a separate church from the Catholic, Orthodox, or Anglican churches.

It is also home to the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, which is believed to be the oldest cathedral not just in Armenia, but in the entire world. You can also view the ruins of the Zvartnots Cathedral here.

Bus 203 from the Central Bus Station will get you there and back with limited expense and hassle. Those who would rather visit with a guide will like this guided day tour .

If you’re keen to explore more of Armenia beyond just the areas near to Yerevan, then the easiest way to do this is by organised tour. Some popular places to visit in Armenia as day trips from Yerevan include the Khor Virap Monastery , the Noravank Monastery , the Hin Areni Winery , or even Tatev Monastery .

We were altogether happy with our full-day tour to Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni, and the Bird’s Cave. Different tours depart on different days, so make sure to shop around and see what suits your schedule and what you want to see in Armenia if you’re keen to take a tour.

Day 4 – Dilijan

After spending a busy three days in Yerevan, it’s time to head to the next destination on your Armenia itinerary: Dilijan.

Known as the “Switzerland of Armenia,” Dilijan is located just a 90-minute marshrutka ride from Yerevan, however, it feels like a different world. Dilijan is a great escape from the city and a fantastic place to spend a couple of days enjoying the laid-back mountain atmosphere, going for a few hikes, or taking a trip to some nearby monasteries.

While there aren’t a lot of traditional sites to see or things to do in Dilijan, it is still a great place to visit to see a different side to Armenia and to enjoy the pastoral side of the country. The town itself is delightful, with a lovely lake and plenty of great restaurants and cafes to enjoy.

Plan to spend an hour or two exploring the town itself and then take the rest of your day to go for a hike in Dilijan National Park. The tourist information centre in the town outlines several hiking trails of varying difficulties where you can really get out and enjoy the pristine nature of Armenia regardless of your general fitness level.

If you’d rather stay in Yerevan but still experience the highlights of the next two days of this itinerary, then this day tour and this guided tour will take you from the capital to both Dilijan and Lake Sevan.

Where to Stay in Dilijan

Green Dilijan B&B – This family-run guesthouse is an excellent choice for budget travellers. They have a few rooms available, a cosy common area for guests, and a lovely balcony with views of the mountains. It is kept very clean and the extremely friendly and helpful owners also offer an excellent breakfast for an additional charge.

Chalet Dilijan Hotel – This hotel is a great option if your budget accounts for a bit more than a family-run guesthouse. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available for all types of travellers and breakfast is also included in the nightly rate.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other places in Dilijan!

Day 5 – Lake Sevan

Using Dilijan as a base, use the fifth day of your time in Armenia to head to beautiful Lake Sevan. As one of the largest alpine lakes in the entirety of the Eurasian continent and certainly the largest in the region, Lake Sevan is a gorgeous place to visit that is steeped in history.

It’s only a little bit over 30 minutes to reach Sevan town from Dilijan – if you don’t have your own car, you can organise an affordable taxi to reach the area. Your accommodation can often arrange this for you.

One of the highlights of visiting this area is the beautiful Sevanavank Monastery, located on a small peninsula just north of the town. Sevan is also a popular resort area for Armenians to holiday in and there are several beaches along the shore of the lake where you can take a dip in the water.

Another thing you must do is try the famed Sevan trout – an Armenian delicacy. There is a lot of trout fished from the lake and lots of restaurants feature the fish prominently on their menus.

If you’re only spending five days exploring Armenia, then you can easily end your time by heading back to Yerevan and flying out or continuing onward to Tbilisi if you’re interested in exploring neighbouring Georgia.

Day 6 – Dilijan to Gyumri

Your sixth day exploring Armenia is going to be a bit of a travel day as you make your way from Dilijan to Armenia’s second-largest city of Gyumri.

There are no direct bus connections between these two towns so you have a couple of options. From Dilijan, hop on a marshurtka to the town of Vanadzor or Spitak and catch a connecting mini bus to Gyumri. Alternatively, you can travel south back to Yerevan and then either grab a marshrutka or, our preference, a train to Gyumri.

The train from Yerevan to Gyumri is especially fun for fans of old Soviet transport as they haven’t been updated in decades and can offer quite an insight into the past. The scenery you will pass is also simply delightful as you travel through the Armenian countryside.

Once you arrive in Gyumri, no matter how you’ve arrived, spend your evening simply getting your bearings and exploring a bit of the city centre before finding a great place for dinner.

Where to Stay in Gyumri

Lind Hostel & Guesthouse – This family-run guesthouse is one of the best places to stay in Gyumri if you’re travelling on a budget. They have a range of comfortable rooms available, a fully equipped kitchen for guests to use, and impeccably clean facilities. It is located an easy walk from the city centre and breakfast is available and an affordable additional cost. The owners are also incredibly friendly and ready to help.

Tomu’s Hotel – If you’re looking for a more traditional hotel rather than a guesthouse, then this is an excellent option for you. Centrally located, this hotel has a range of rooms available, helpful staff with 24-hour reception, and a restaurant and bar on site.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Gyumri!

Day 7 – Gyumri

In the past, Gyumri has been known as both Alexandropol (when it was part of the Russian Empire) and Leninakan (during Soviet times) and was once the largest city in Armenia — at its peak being home to over 500,000 people. However, the city was absolutely devastated by the Spitak Earthquake in 1988, which killed at least 25,000 people.

More than 30 years later, Gyumri is still recovering and rebuilding from the devastation and can seem a bit “rough around the edges,” meaning it isn’t the most popular tourist attraction in Armenia. However, if you want to see how people live in Armenia and venture where few tourists tend to go, Gyumri is an excellent addition to your Armenia itinerary.

Though it is lacking in traditional tourist sites, it is still worth strolling to the Black Fortress , through the Central Park , and enjoying one of the wonderful cafes on Pushkin Street (we recommend Herbs & Honey ).

Depending on if you’re only visiting Armenia or if you’re travelling onwards, you may want to return to Yerevan to fly out of the country. Alternatively, there is a marshrutka that can take you from Gyumri to Tbilisi if you’re heading to Georga or elsewhere in the Caucasus.

Alternatively, if you weren’t able to see some of the sites in the Armenian countryside, you could take this transfer tour from Yerevan to Tbilisi which includes several great stops along the way.

Have More Time?

If you have more than five or seven days in Armenia, there are numerous places that you could add to your itinerary. For one, if you’re keen to spend maybe 10 days in Armenia, it is logical to add the town of Goris and Tatev Monastery to your itinerary.

At Tatev, you can embark on one of the world’s longest cable car journeys and take in some truly gorgeous natural scenery.

You could also opt to spend longer in Yerevan, explore more of the city or go on a couple more day trips or tours from there. If you want to do more hiking in Armenia, then spending longer will allow you to do that as well without sacrificing any of the cultural and historical sites on this itinerary as well.

As an independent traveller, planning a trip to Armenia doesn’t have to be a difficult task. With enough prior research and planning, you are sure to piece together the optimal itinerary for your own travel style!

Are you spending some time in Armenia? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Armenia to Georgia: Gyumri to Tbilisi & Dilijan to Tbilisi

Yerevan to Dilijan: How to Get There & Things To Do

The Perfect Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan Itinerary

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Excellent and explained in simple language. Thanks

hi, thank you for this informative piece, im also planning on visiting Georgia, would u happen to have any knowledge of Georgia too tia

Hi Daniel! Yes, we’ve spent quite a bit of time in Georgia and have a lot of information written. You can find everything here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/georgia-travel-guide/

brilliant thank you very much indeed

Hi Maggie, Nice article written on Armenia… I am on my vacation with my family to Georgia in May. Planning 7 days in Georgia and and 5 days in Armrnia.. Is it possible to cover the nb best of Armenia

Thanks for your comment! Yes, you can definitely see some highlights in Armenia in just 5 days 🙂

Hello Maggie, thanks for this post. I am heading to Armenia and Georgia late September/early October. I already have a plan for Georgia, but for Armenia not so much. In particular, there are 4 free days after spending the weekend in Yerevan that I am not sure how best to plan for. I would like to visit Tatev, so really that limits me to the south. What would you recommend? I’m probably going to stick with public transport, renting a car is a possibility but I’m a bit nervous about that when I’m traveling on my own.

Hey David, thanks for your comment! If you want to visit Tatev and you have 4 days to play around with, then I think it could be worth it to head down to Goris. It isn’t necessary to hire a car as Goris is accessible by public transit, it can just be tricky to find up-to-date information online. I would recommend heading to a tourist info centre or asking your accommodation about transit options if you don’t want to self-drive, often they can call and book you a seat as well. Hope this helps and you have a great trip!

Thanks Maggie for the swift reply. I was wondering what else you would recommend between Goris and Yerevan , in that 4 day timeframe? What would be realistic, if only using public transport? At the end of the 4th day I’d need to be back in Yerevan, for a tour that takes me through to Georgia that starts the following day (with Envoy Hostel).

Realistically, if you’re relying on only public transport, I would recommend staying one extra day in Yerevan and doing a day tour to some attractions in Southern Armenia (Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni, etc) and then taking three days for your Goris/Tatev leg. It can be really hard to visit those attractions independently if you don’t have your own vehicle and it’s also not very easy to break up the journey between Yerevan and Goris.

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Travel to Armenia – Tips and Information Guide (2024)

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

From enjoying the world’s longest cable car ride through the mesmerising landscapes of Vorotan canyon to admiring some of the oldest monasteries on record, these are just some of the reasons you should travel to Armenia .

When you travel in Armenia you will often wonder, how come more people aren’t placing Armenia higher on their bucket list?

Not a lot of nations can boast to have preserved their rich cultural heritage dating far back as the ancient times. The perfect examples being the town Yerevan, that is 28 years older then Rome or, their 6,000 year old wine making tradition!

This small country will draw you in with it’s capturing landscapes, ancient monuments and unparalleled hospitality. If you’re up for discovering one of Europe’s best kept secrets travel to Armenia!

Table of Contents

Things To Do In Yerevan

Accommodation in yerevan, restaurants in yerevan, nightlife in yerevan, things to do in tatev, accommodation in tatev, restaurants in tatev, accommodation in garni, accommodation in dilijan, an introduction on travel to armenia.

Armenia is not a country that often rings a bell with tourists, which is actually surprising given that it is such an interesting country with an incredibly old, rich and eventful history, fascinating culture and beautiful nature.

The hospitable inhabitants, delicious food and cheap prices, together with a lack of (western) tourists make it a wonderful destination.

The history of Armenia has been nothing short of eventful. It has seen countless invasion as its strategic position was the reason for constant fights over this territory, especially during the Ottoman-Persian wars (from the 16 th century).

Over the course of history numerous major conflicts afflicted the country. Already centuries ago Armenia was battling the Roman Empire (62), invading the Byzantine empire (1145) and losing west Armenia to Turkey while the rest of the country was being Sovietized (1920) to name a few.

Armenia has also been the subject of many mythical stories, like the stranding of the ark of Noach on Mt Ararat, the holy mountain of Armenia, or the conversion to Christianity.

Nowadays the country is mostly known for the horrors of the Armenian genocide and as the first country in the world that adopted Christianity as its state religion.

More presently, the current poor relations with Turkey stem from their role in the genocide and there is a still unresolved conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory operating as a de facto state that is an unrecognized ethnic Armenian enclave within Azerbaijan.

So over the centuries much has happened in Armenia, which is why it is so interesting in a cultural sense. Not only for culture buffs though, as the small country packs a great variety in magnificent landscapes that will surely satisfy nature lovers.

General Advice For Travelling In Armenia

If you’re thinking about travelling to Armenia, here are the general things you need to know before you go.

Outside of the capital you can easily assume that nobody speaks English. The language that is spoken is Armenian with its own alphabet.

You can get by fairly well with Russian though as it is the most common foreign language in the country and many Armenians understand it. Road signs are usually in English and in Armenian.

Try to learn a few words like hello (barev) and thank you (mersi), which is much appreciated by the locals. Most accommodation and tour providers speak just enough English to be able to sort things out (if not, try some self-invented sign language which usually works. Or not).

Armenians are very friendly and will try their hardest to help you out, even when they don’t speak a word of English. It’s not uncommon to attract a group of about 10 Armenians when asking for directions, everyone weighing in with one or two words in English and their take on the directions you should have.

Armenia has an interesting, varied and delicious cuisine, with some dishes being well known even beyond Armenia like Shashlick and Dolma.

A lot of the dishes are meat based and they throw everything on grills and barbecue, including vegetables. Soon you’ll notice that the delicious barbecue smell is present basically everywhere you go.

You will eat a lot of Lavish, thin flatbread that is made in a traditional ‘tonir’ oven and is complimentary with almost every dish but doesn’t bore easily.

Common ingredients in Armenian dishes are lamb, eggplant, yoghurt, cottage cheese, grape leaves and many fragrant spices.

There are too many dishes to list and specify if they are delicious or not. I recommended to just try out a lot of different dishes and ask the person who is selling the food what they like.

Armenians appreciate tourists taking an interest in their culture, including food, and asking questions about it usually gets you an excited Armenian and something tasty to eat.

In that way you get to try some new things and there aren’t any exceptionally weird dishes anyway so it is rather safe to do.

Most of the local beer is nothing special, except in Yerevan where there is a very new craft brewery called Dargett. They make absolutely delicious craft beer and the place is packed with young locals on the weekend.

But in terms of drinks the real speciality lies in wine and cognac. Armenian cognac is world famous, thus the Yerevan Brandy Company is proudly presented as a major attraction of the city with tasting tours and a museum (Ararat Museum).

Armenia and Georgia are one of the oldest wine producing countries in the world, with grape cultivation going back to ancient times. Well recognised within the wine world and producing some of the best quality wines there are, make sure to try out a few.

There are a lot of vineyards and factories throughout the country, the most famous one that is open to visitors is the Areni factory. I wouldn’t say it is really worth a visit unless you are passing by anyways, you can take a tour and taste some wines here.

Tap water is generally safe to drink, but as you’re in a different country there can always be different bacteria’s than that you are used to that upset your stomach.

In mountain areas (like Tatev) there are often many tap fountains in streets etc. providing delicious water from the mountains.

The currency is the Armenian Dram. It is very well possible to have a low budget holiday, whilst it is also tempting to splurge on food and stuff because it is all quite cheap.

For accommodation we paid on average 15 dollars per person a day which gets you rather nice accommodation. Food is inexpensive as well, in restaurants we paid around 6-8 dollar for a meal plus drinks.

Gas is around 0.86 dollar per litre.

Travelling in Armenia is completely safe. Never once did we feel unsafe somewhere. The only area prone to unrest is the Nagorno Karabakh border due to the before mentioned conflict.

The border between Azerbaijan and Armenia is closed and it is best to avoid the border area all together. Other than that the border with Turkey is closed (due to conflicts between the two countries) so you can’t cross it anyway.

Use your common sense and general precautions for petty crime etc. like you would anywhere.

Buses and share taxis (marshrutkas) get you to most of the major places for cheap but I always prefer to have my own car.

The landscape is just really nice to drive through with enough interesting stops along the way that you’ll want to decide yourselves when you get out.

We rented our car with Sixt and picked it up in Yerevan and dropped off in Tblisi, Georgia (other way around is not possible due to regulations).

If you rent with international companies like Sixt, Hertz e.g. the cheapest car would be around 40 dollar a day. Often you can get cheaper deals with local companies.

Make sure you get the full insurance as the roads can be in quite a bad shape. Unless you really want to go far up in the mountains there isn’t necessarily the need for a 4WD in Armenia as you can get to most places, albeit a bit bumpy sometimes.

The Best Places To Visit In Armenia

Now that you know the basics of the country, it’s time to check out the best places to visit in Armenia.

The capital is a great place to start you trip and spend a day or 2. Contradictory to what you might expect from a Soviet era city, it is quite metropolitan.

It has a lively nightlife scene with clubs, hip restaurants and European style bars. Mixed with the many remains of older days, like the typical pink colored soviet buildings and monuments or the 17 th century neighborhood Kond,

Yerevan has its very own appearance. You won’t find any grand landmarks here, rather it is just a nice place to absorb the atmosphere and familiarize yourself a bit with the country you are in.

The Armenian genocide museum is well worth the visit if you want to learn and understand a bit more about Armenians, their history and relations with neighboring countries like Turkey.

There are a few other museums, like the History museum of Armenia and the National Gallery that are interesting as well.

Yerevan is incredibly old, 2800 years to be exact, which is 28 years older than Rome. Thus, it is drenched in interesting history.

A good way to learn more about this is one of the mentioned museum or a (free) walking tour.

A prominent feature of the city centre are the cascade stairs. It is a large stairwell that leads to the grim Soviet monument (not one for extravagant decorating those soviets) erected for celebrating 50 years of Soviet Armenia.

It provides great views over the city and to the massive statue mother of Armenia, supposedly placed defiantly in the direction of Turkey.

Underneath the stairwell is a contemporary art museum which you can enter for free and that you’ll pass through if you decide to take the escalator instead of the stairs to the monument.

You can wander around in the 17 th century neighborhood ‘Kond’, that really feels like a separate part of the city where incredibly old and derelict houses sit on the narrow streets and alleys.

Lover’s park is a small park that is excellent for a bit of relaxing and watching the locals going about their day, grabbing coffee or playing chess and other board games, a favourite pastime activity of many.

There are enough hostels and guesthouses in the city. The Envoy Hostel is a highly recommended hostel and is small but good, the staff is helpful and the location is perfect. Homestays like Anahit Stepayan ’s are quite popular as well if you’d choose for a more local experience.

The restaurant called ‘ The Club ’ is my favourite place. It is a bit hidden in a basement underneath a clothing store. The atmosphere, absolutely delicious (and cheap) food and the fact that there was not another tourist to be seen make it a great place.

In the evening the city comes a bit more alive around the square, where there are many (trendy) bars and restaurants and well-dressed locals making their way for an evening of dining and drinking, a seemingly favourite activity of Armenians.

There are plenty of Western style bars, like an Irish, Beatles and 90’s bars. Most of the bars have a very unobtrusive entrance and are in the basement of the residency buildings.

Around the big square there a few more, but rather tacky looking, bars. I can absolutely recommend the Calumet Bar .

A small, warm bar filled with very lively locals. We spent two nights in a row there and had a great time.

On one occasion we met a group of guys who looked equally bewildered, out of place and fascinated as us. They turned out to be pretty much the only western people we’ve seen on our trip and together we enjoyed looking at the Armenians getting their groove on that night.

The bar goers were very friendly and interested in our country like we were in theirs. The level of English is notably better with young people in the capital.

Like mentioned before, if you like craft beer head over to Dargett to taste some great homemade craft beer and have a meal. It is quite western but rather popular with (young) locals.

Tatev has become known mostly for the longest cable cart in the world, the wings of Tatev, that lead to the Tatev monastery.

Most people arrive in Tatev by cable cart, have a look at the monastery and return. However, there is plenty to see and the drive alone through the Vorotan canyon is worth it.

If you leave from Yerevan it is a 4 to 5 hour drive, that takes you through an incredible varied landscape, starting with arid, desert like surroundings when you leave the capital.

It’s not too long before some thin pasture appears and many fruit and vegetable stalls alongside the road.

After a while the road climbs up into the mountains, 2 hours or so later you’ll cross a mountain pass and suddenly the landscape has changed to green hills and endless fields with blooming wildflowers, while the air is substantially colder due to the elevation.

The vendors have changed as well, now there are people selling honey on the side of the road. The road eventually leads to a junction where the main road continues to Goris (another destination worth checking out) and the secondary road to Tatev.

This road goes through a few old and derelict villages. Some of them look like a war has struck with streets full of rumble and scrap metal. Rusty old decaying cars, trucks and tractors are parked everywhere.

A man is sweeping up big pick piles of rocks, with a broom (probably still working on that I assume). The side streets are unpaved, rocky and full of holes. People stared at us unabashed, I don’t think they have seen many western tourists passing through here.

Granted, our shiny red Nissan Micra didn’t do a good job in hiding the fact that we were tourists either, as old Lada’s really are the only cars locals drive.

After passing through those villages, a zigzag road takes you along the edge of the canyon, providing magnificent views from several nice viewpoints, like the medieval bell chapel.

The road winds all the way down to the canyon to cross the river, only to go right back up the mountains again on a gravel road to reach the village of Tatev.

It is a very small village and pretty quiet, with most tourists concentrating in the area around the cable cart and the monastery.

There are a number of short and longer hikes in the area. We hiked to Mount Petroskhach, which takes you through the old part of the village up into the hills, providing magnificent views across a large part of the steep canyon, which seems to have an almost straight drop from the plateau.

The trail is sometimes a bit difficult to follow as there are a number of trails leaving from the area. We asked a few locals for directions, ignored their advice anyway and went the wrong way (obviously).

Down in the canyon where you crossed the river by car, there is a small parking spot. From here you can follow the footpath alongside the river which takes you through bushy, shrubs and across the river.

In summer the area around the river is teeming with life, lots of butterflies, dragonflies, other insects, fish, birds and many flowers. Be aware that there are snakes as well, take caution when walking into thick grass.

The path leads to the Tatevi Anapat monastery, a complex dating from the 17 th century, which was abandoned by the monks due to an earthquake in 1658 resulting in the ruins that you see here today.

It has this amazing Indiana Jones feeling to it, as an ancient complex slowly taken back by nature, barely visible from the road. Upon entering the main building, which is still quite intact, a soft voice filled the room.

Near the altar there was a monk praying, dressed in his long black robe. Apparently he is still living here all by himself.

The path continues along the river, we didn’t take it due to lack of time but it looks very promising. Following your way back to the parking lot there are a number of viewing platforms over the river.

They call this area Devil’s bridge (Satani Kamurj), named like that because the formation of it seemed improbable, therefore it must be the Devil’s work.

From the viewing platforms you can’t really see that much of it, however you can get down in the river and explore the incredible caves alongside it.

Down in the river it really looks like a scene coming straight out of a fairy tale.

Moss and plants gracefully decorate the walls, while stalactites in all kind of shapes and colours hang from the cave ceilings and form weird terraces around pools, the water containing (supposedly) healing minerals. It gives the impression that you’re walking in a movie set or a themepark attraction.

From down in the river you can also see the Devil’s bridge much better. To get down there you follow the footpath from the viewing platforms all the way to the end, where there is a small hanging rope to get you down onto a wobbly ladder and finally in the river. This rope is a bit hidden between the bushes.

Be aware that it is all a little bit treacherous and one could easily fall and slip and you also have to wade through the river.

At some points the river flows quite fast, we decided to plunge in and let the river takes us somewhere, which landed us at another amazing spot.

Getting back upstream proved a bit more difficult, but also guarantees some hilarious videos of your travelmates struggling to return while the river keeps pushing you back.

It is not a very big or deep river so nothing too dangerous. It is absolutely worth it to get down in the river, this really made us feel like true explorers.

Back in Tatev the monastery is well worth a visit of course. If you continue down the road for a bit there is a nice viewpoint that looks out over the monastery and canyon. The monastery is perched beautifully on a rock overlooking the whole canyon.

We stayed for 2 days but it is an area that begs to be explored. The beautiful canyon has walking paths following the river that you just want to follow and see where it ends up or take one of the small unpaved roads and just see where it goes.

At this point we turned back in the direction of Yerevan, if you continue the road it will take you to even higher mountains and eventually to the border crossing with Iran.

I highly recommend Saro’s Bed and Breakfast .  We were welcomed by Saro’s sister Maro, who is very friendly and hospitable and made sure we were provided with everything we needed, like homemade lemonade, cakes, coffee and she even brought us some lunch to take on a hike at no charge.

Most of the dinner is prepared on the big barbecue and delicious as well. Dolma, rabbit stew and a bottle of homemade red wine make for a great meal.

Maro’s dad also takes guests on a little excursion into the mountain in his old jeep. There are a number of options for guesthouses and bed and breakfasts in Tatev though.

On the drive from Yerevan you’ll pass the Areni Wine Factory. There are also people selling wine everywhere at the side of the road in plastic cola bottles, apparently for Irani truck drivers (as they are not allowed to drink alcohol in Iran thus have to hide it).

There are no supermarkets in Tatev. Stock up on some items and make sure your accommodation can provide all your required meals. There is however a small information centre with a small café. They can also provide with you with hiking routes, maps etc. Saro’s bed and breakfast is also a restaurant for non-guests.

Garni is a town close to Yerevan and for a rather big settlement the road leading to it from the capital is quite strange (or we took a wrong route).

Leaving Yerevan the road suddenly consists of more dirt and holes than actual tarmac. The landscape is incredibly dry for a bit, although it still is a habitat for quite some birds.

Garni itself is a small town with the major attractions being the Garni temple, the only pagan temple in Armenia, the Geghard monastery and the beautiful Garni gorge with the adjacent Khosov nature reserve.

You can enter the Garni gorge from both side of town by car or on foot. Inside the Garni gorge you’ll find this incredible miracle of nature called the Symphony of Stones, a rather fitting name for stone walls that are carved out in perfect cube like pillars.

You can drive the dirt road all the way to the other entrance but after a while we were afraid our Nissan Micra couldn’t take it anymore with all the massive bumps and holes in the road.

There are many hiking trails in the Khosov nature reserve. If you come from Garni the entrance is quite unclear. I drove to the entrance on google maps, a dirt road climbing up the hill.

Eventually a guarded gate signed the entrance and that you could not go further with car, however there was no real parking place either. Thus from Garni it is best to walk to the entrance or enter from the other side.

The Geghard monastery is amazing, but very touristic. Like tour buses touristic, so be there early to avoid crowds and marvel at this dark coloured, ancient complex without too many tourists.

The Garni temple is beautifully perched on top of the ridge overlooking the gorge, best to visit it at the end of the day for nice lighting.

The nearby restaurant is excellent, and also has one of the best terraces I have ever seen, overlooking the gorge and the temple.

We had rented a whole house (called ‘ Dinadav House ’) for ourselves for around 50 dollar in total. There are a number of options on booking.com and It is quite nice to stay in a residents house back in a neighbourhood to get a more local feeling.

Moving up north, Dilijan presents a completely different landscape again. Also commonly referred to as the Switzerland of Armenia, this is a small town in between lush green forests and hills.

There is not much to do other than hike the beautiful surroundings and visit some monasteries like Haghartsin, which can keep you busy for a few days though.

A bit further there is also a zipline but we stuck with the hiking. We hiked near the Haghartsin monastery, which can be reached by a road with twists and turns that begs to be driven with an old school convertible and a hot girl next to you, unfortunately we had to do it with a Nissan Micra and two dudes.

The forests are just like how I expect a real forest to be: lush, plenty of variation in the vegetation and full of blooming flowers.

It is a forest where you just expect to see a bear, or some creature from a fairytale pop up from behind a tree any minute.

We stayed in the Belvedere Eco Rest Zone , located 10 minutes out of town, and beautifully situated near the river. The food is nice, staff is friendly and the rooms are perfectly fine and very cheap. There are a few hotel/hostel options in town as well.

Monasteries In Dilijan

Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion. The story goes that after a Christian (Gregory the Illuminator) cured the Armenian king of a grave illness, he agreed to convert to Christianity, which happened in 301 AD.

Around 95% of the population nowadays is Christian, while Armenia is surrounded by Muslim countries except for Georgia.

As the country had such a major role in establishing Christianity, you will encounter a lot of monasteries and other religious sites.

All these incredibly old buildings and associated tales and myths instil a mysterious and ancient atmosphere to many of the sites that we visited.

You’ll notice one common denominator among the monasteries and that is they sure knew how to pick spectacular locations to build them, usually perched on some cliff surrounded by a dramatic landscape. A few noteworthy monasteries that I visited are listed below:

This 13 th century monastery is located on the way from Yerevan to Tatev, close to Areni, which is a nice little detour. It is beautifully situated in a landscape that most closely resembles the Grand Canyon; hot, dry, and with red dirt mountains.

The complex has a few different churches and chapels and it was the residency of Syunik’s bishops in the 13 th century. It is however, very busy with tourists.

A 9 th century monastery in Tatev (obviously). It is located on the edge of a plateau overlooking the gorge set in a spectacular landscape.

You can go inside the complex, but if you follow the road for a little bit there is a great viewpoint of the monastery. If you venture a bit through the bushes you can see a waterfall coming down as well.

The monastery played an important role as an spiritual centre and medieval university in Armenia.

Founded in the 4 th century in Garni, this dark coloured monastery complex is surrounded by cliffs and located next to a gorge.

The inside, and especially the cave chambers, feels so old (well they are, 4 th century!) and it has a bit of mysterious vibe to it, like you are stepping back in time.

The vendors and tour buses at the entrance detract the atmosphere a bit, but it is definitely worthwhile.

We did not visit one of the most famous monasteries, as there were thick clouds that day and it is famous for having the snow-capped peak of Ararat in the background.

We were also out of time and guessed it would be another busy monastery as well, as this is one of the most popular landmarks in Armenia.

Gregory the Illuminator was 13 years imprisoned here by the king before he cured him of an illness after which the king and country converted to Christianity.

The construction of a chapel already began in 642, the current church was however finished in the 17 th century. It is located a few kilometres of the main highway around Yerevan.

A 13 th century monastery in Dilijan beautifully located in the lush green forests. It is small and not completely intact anymore but worth a visit. It is quite nice and the main building (church) is still intact.

Also the starting point from a number of trails in the forests so perfect for combining those activities.

There are many more monasteries, churches and other religious site of interest. Many can be done in a day tour from Yerevan (hostels organise these).

Note:  When I say busy with tourists, these are almost exclusively domestic Armenian and Georgian tourists. No tour buses with Asians or Europeans here. Best to get there early to avoid crowds. There are no entrance fees to the monasteries. The more popular ones will charge you a very small fee for parking.

These places will take you around the country, which we did in 8 days. It is not very big but there is plenty to see, I’d recommend to take at least 8 days to explore Armenia.

It is still a rather underrated destination, apparent by the low number of tourists that visit the country. It should however receive much more attention, as I have never been to a country before that made me feel like a true explorer without the discomfort of one.

The history is endlessly interesting and the landscapes fascinating. I’d say the country is the perfect introduction to one of the most interesting corners of the world, standing at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia.

[box] That’s it for my travel to Armenia guide. Leave a comment below if this has helped you, or if you have something to add.[/box]

Thijs Broekkamp

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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I highly recommend a visit to Yerevan. The city is filled with beautiful architecture and rich history, and the people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. I had a wonderful time exploring the city’s vibrant culture through its delicious food, unique museums, and lively nightlife

Hi, thank you for your great article! We’ll be going to Armenia tomorrow and I was wondering about the car rental. Where did you rent the car and do you think it is possible to do a similar trip with local buses? Thanks for your help 🙂

Hi Lauriane, sorry for the late reply. We hope you had a great time in Armenia. Happy travels

My daughter and I are going on our first trip to Armenia in the summer of 2020. I read your blog and look forward to my trip! Thank you, now I know more about Armenia! Great photos!

Hi Tori, I hope your trip is still on. Have a wonderful time. Happy travels

Hey, Thank you for this beautiful article. We are planning a trip a to Armenia and wanted to know if we rent a car can we do, Garni, Geghard, Dilijan and Lake Sevan on the way in an entire day if we leave early morning? We do not want to stay anywhere as we will be based in Yerevan. A Nissan Micra would be enough for this journey? We are traveling in October. Do google maps work here accurately? Thank you so much for your help!

Hi, thank you so much. About all the destinations with a car rental, we are not too sure sorry. Maybe contact the car rental company. They may be able to help. All the best. Happy travels

Thanks a lot for telling about your adventurous trip. Leaving for Armenia in a few days, liked your writing, hope to love this country ss you did.

Glad the article helped. All the best with your trip.

Thanks. I’m in Georgia now, then Turkey.Bulgaria, Romania . I’m going to Armenia end Sept.. Looking forward to it especially after reading your intensive tipsxx

Have a great trip. 🙂

According to you Armenia looking awesome to see.

It is a great place. We can not wait to go back and explore more.

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Armenia in 1 week, a self-drive itinerary

• January 6, 2024
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My second ever trip to the Caucasus region, after Georgia , I had high expectations from Armenia, especially in terms of the landscapes, monasteries, mountains & hikes, and the vibe in the capital city of Yerevan. Armenia and Georgia have a lot in common so if you loved the latter, you’re bound to enjoy your visit to the former.

Armenia is a popular destination for people travelling from the UAE due to the short distance, low-cost airlines (Wizz Air from Abu Dhabi, journey time: 3 hours, cost of air ticket in August: 150$), and the ease of access (UAE residents get a visa on arrival). However, even if you’re not a UAE resident and aren’t entitled to a visa on arrival, most nationalities are eligible for an e-visa (including Indians) which takes 3 working days to process and costs $7 only.

Armenia itself is not too expensive; a good hotel in the city center of Yerevan will cost about $50 a night, whereas in the smaller towns and villages, you can get decent hotels / guest houses/ bnbs for as less as $20 - $30 a night. Renting a car (which I highly recommend) costs about $50 a day, and food + wine will set you back by about $30 a day in a mid-level restaurant. One can go really low budget in Armenia (stay in a hostel, eat food from the food trucks / street eateries, rely completely on public transportation, etc) and survive on $40 a day all inclusive but I chose to go mid-level on this trip and spent $110 a day all inclusive, which wasn’t a lot according to me.

Armenia was also a solo trip for me, and I felt mostly safe wherever I went. Yerevan was completely safe even late at night, but smaller villages (like Tatev) didn’t feel as safe, so I recommend that if you’re a solo female traveller, planning to stay in the smaller towns or villages in Armenia, try to stick around to your guesthouse or hotel after dark hours. While taking a taxi or relying on shuttle buses is a good option for someone who doesn’t want to drive, renting a car gives you a lot more flexibility and saves a lot of time!

Here are some useful tips before getting into the recommended 1-week itinerary for Armenia:

• Carry USD or Euro for currency conversion: The best currency conversion rate for Armenia is in the exchanges at the city center. However, the airport is also an option, and the best conversion rate is available for USD or Euro vs any other currency. 1 USD = 380 Armenian Dram approx.
• Get a local sim at the airport, with unlimited data and local calls in Armenia for as low as $11! This was extremely helpful throughout my trip. While I usually prefer to buy an esim from MobiMatter, the deals available on the app vs the cost of the local sim & the offers convinced me to go for the latter.
• Download Yandex Go app for cheap, convenient, and efficient taxis availability, especially intracity. I don’t recommend driving within Yerevan as it is crowded, and people aren’t the best followers of rules. Rent the car only when planning on leaving Yerevan to the outskirts.
• If you’re going to be on the road, Yandex Maps work much better than Google Maps at providing the perfect routes with the updated and correct information.
• A useful app for intercity connectivity (because buses aren’t easily available in Armenia), is GG Taxi. While this also a ride hailing app like Uber or Yandex Go, I prefer booking taxis on Yandex and using GG Taxi only for the shuttle buses between cities (such as Yerevan & Gyumri).
• While the roads (and drivers) in Armenia aren’t the best (like those of Europe), they aren’t terrible If you’re a regular, confident driver, you can manage! Most places are accessible without a 4WD though if you have the budget for one, then it’s likely to make things a lot easier.
• Summer can get really hot these days in Armenia so the best time to visit for the perfect weather , and hence a fantastic experience, is either May or October . I visited at the beginning September, and it was still 36-38 degrees during the afternoons, making it impossible to explore.

1 week in Armenia

Yerevan makes for a great base in Armenia because most of the places that you will visit on this 1-week itinerary for Armenia are located either to its north, northeast, southeast or west. It’s a fair assumption that your flight will arrive in Yerevan and while it makes for the perfect base to explore the country, the city itself doesn’t have a lot apart from great vibe, food & wine. One of the most interesting facts about Armenia is that it is (considered to be) the birthplace of wine! This will be obvious from the moment you leave the airport in Yerevan, where a massive installation of a bottle of red wine from one of their most popular local wineries will greet you at the exit. Armenia is a wine-lover’s haven, as much as it is a place for nature and landscape enthusiasts and seekers of tranquil countryside experiences.

Day 1: Yerevan

Yerevan is a large city with a nice vibe. Here are the places to explore in Yerevan within the day.

Republic Square: The central and most iconic square in Yerevan, surrounded by government buildings, including the National History Museum and the National Art Museum. It serves as a focal point for cultural events, celebrations, and gatherings in the city, and one of the key events that happen here every evening is the musical fountains during the summer months. You’ll almost always find this place crowded, and it also connects to several lanes/ streets full of cafes, restaurants, and shops. Apart from the museums and the fountains, there’s not a lot to do in the square except walk around, observe the pink-ish architecture and then dissipate into one of the streets for a glass of wine or a meal!

Blue Mosque: The Blue Mosque, or the Iranian Mosque, is one of the few mosques in Yerevan and the only functioning one now. It is named for its striking blue and turquoise tilework on its exterior. The mosque was built in the 18th century during the Persian rule of the region. The mosque is quite the contrast to the rest of the city in terms of its architecture and while there’s only a blue-tile gate on the main street, once you enter the complex, you’re transported into another time and place.

Lovers’ Park: I recommend this especially during the summer afternoons, when it’s too hot to be roaming the streets. Featuring beautiful landscaping, walking paths, fountains, and sculptures, the park provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. There is also a café within the park where you can enjoy a refreshing drink on a warm day.

Cascade Complex: A very interesting and monumental place, it features a cascading stairway that connects the city center to the Victory Park neighbourhood. It is an impressive architectural and artistic landmark, with a mix of modern and contemporary sculptures and art installations. You can climb the stairs to enjoy panoramic views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat. I specially recommend visiting here for sunset views! Mt Ararat may not be visible on most days in summer due to the haze.

Yerevan Vernissage: A bustling open-air market, close to Republic Square, it is a popular place for shopping for local handicrafts, souvenirs, artwork, antiques, and Armenian crafts. You can find a wide range of items such as rugs, ceramics, jewelry, paintings, and woodcarvings. It closes at 6 pm so be sure to make it there before!

Saryan Wine Street: A vibrant and picturesque street in Yerevan known for its lively atmosphere, outdoor cafes, and wine bars. It's a great place to explore the local wine culture and sample Armenian wines while enjoying the city's street life.

North Avenue: Another lively street, it's lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, making it a popular spot for shopping and leisurely walks. The avenue is often the site of various events and festivals.

Ararat Wine & Brandy Factory: The Ararat Wine & Brandy Factory is one of Armenia's renowned producers of brandy and wine. It is famous for its Ararat brandy, which has received international recognition and awards. Brandy enthusiasts can take tours of the factory to learn about the brandy-making process and enjoy tastings too.

Suggested mid-budget place to stay in Yerevan’s city center (located in Republic Square): Erebuni Hotel

Day 2: Day trip to Zvarnots Cathedral, Etchmiadzin Cathedral & Voskevaz Winery

You could choose to rent a car on this day as most of these places fall outside Yerevan and having a car will give you great flexibility. Alternatively, Yandex Go taxis to these places aren’t too expensive either so if you wish to not drive or limit your car rental period to save costs, this is totally doable using ride hailing apps too.

Zvarnots Cathedral: Located about 20 kms (20 min drive) from Yerevan City Center, towards the International Airport, is this iconic ancient Armenian architectural masterpiece which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important historical and cultural monument.

The cathedral was built in the 7th century and was primarily a circular church with a central dome and several surrounding columns. Zvarnots was known for its innovative and complex architectural design, characterized by intricate stonework and decorative elements. Unfortunately, the cathedral was largely destroyed by an earthquake in the 10th century, leaving only its ruins. Today, these ruins stand against the backdrop of Mt Ararat’s snow-capped peak (visible only on very clear days), making it an awe-inspiring scene.

Etchmiadzin Cathedral: Only another 10 min from Zvarnots Cathedral is Etchmiadzin Cathedral, one of the most sacred and historic sites in Armenia. Founded in the early 4th century by Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who is credited with converting Armenia to Christianity, it is considered one of the oldest cathedrals in the world. The cathedral houses important relics, including the Holy Lance (Spear of Longinus) that pierced the side of Jesus during the crucifixion. Etchmiadzin Cathedral is a significant pilgrimage site for Armenians and a symbol of the country's Christian heritage.

Voskevaz Winery:   About 30 minutes-drive from Etchmiadzin, this privately owned winery is in the Voskevaz village and is visited mostly for its unique & charming architecture. However, since the winery is celebrated for producing a wide range of high-quality Armenian wines, drawing on centuries-old winemaking traditions in the region, it’s best experienced through a guided tour (that costs approx. $10) to learn about the winemaking process, and, of course, sample a variety of Armenian wines. Make sure to book your tour in advance, especially if you wish for it to be in English! Due to the lack of any signages of explanations, I wouldn’t recommend visiting here on your own.

Overnight in Yerevan (40-min drive) . If you’ve rented a car, I recommend this hotel as it’s slightly outside the chaotic city center (but not too far) and offers free parking on site: Metropol Hotel Yerevan .

Day 3: Day trip to Garni & Geghard

Like Day 2, today’s itinerary is easily doable through Yandex Go taxies, if you’re not keen on renting a car. Alternatively, there are many tour companies that can organize guided day trips to both these popular destinations from Yerevan.

Garni Temple: About 30 minutes outside Yerevan, is the Temple of Garni, is an ancient Pagan temple (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) located in the Garni village. It is one of the few surviving examples of pre-Christian architecture in Armenia. The temple was built in the 1st century AD and was dedicated to the Armenian sun god Mihr.

Despite the Christianization of Armenia in the 4th century, Garni Temple remained an important cultural and religious site. It was later used as a summer residence by Armenian royalty. The temple's significance lies in its historical and architectural value, as well as its connection to Armenia's pre-Christian religious traditions.

Garni Gorge: Hardly a 7-min drive from the temple itself is a popular place to experience the Garni Gorge, known as the Symphony of Stones , a collection of unique basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. These hexagonal basalt columns resemble organ pipes and create a striking natural spectacle. You can explore the beautiful scenery, hike along the trails while taking a lot of photos (easy walking path) and enjoy the views of the Azat River. I highly recommend visiting this natural spectacle!

Geghard Monastery: A remarkable complex of medieval Armenian churches and cave dwellings carved into the cliffs of the Azat River Gorge, not far from Garni (another 40 minutes’ drive ahead). The monastery complex is known for its unique architectural and historical significance. Many of its churches and chapels date back to the 13th century, while some parts of the complex may have been established as early as the 4th century. The monastery is renowned for its intricate stone carving and decorative artistry and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited cultural and religious sites in Armenia.

In the evening, return to Yerevan.

Day 4: Lake Sevan & Dilijan National Park

By this time, I had had enough of historical & cultural sites, so I was glad to be heading into the mountains. The drive from Yerevan to Lake Sevan and then Dilijan National Park is quite smooth and picturesque! If you have been managing the last 2 days without a car, using Yandex Go, then it’s okay but on this day, I highly recommend renting a car. While there are several tours to both Lake Sevan as well as Dilijan National Park from Yerevan, you’re unlikely to be able to immerse yourself in these places within a day and that’s why, I recommend staying overnight in Dilijan.

Lake Sevan: About an hour out of Yerevan, you will start approaching this turquoise blue lake which is the largest and one of the most iconic freshwater lakes in Armenia. Surrounded by picturesque mountains, the iconic blue color of the lake left me in awe. I recommend heading directly to Sevan Island, which also houses the Sevanavank Monastery , an important historical and cultural site, set on a hill against the backdrop of the gorgeous lake. After you visit the monastery, head to the lakeside shore, which is sandy beach area where you’ll find several people swimming during the summer months. You can also rent a jet ski and head into the waters by yourself, or simply sit in one of the laidback cafes and restaurants along the lake’s shore, where you can enjoy a glass of wine and some Armenian dolma, delicious kebabs or khinkali.

Lake Parz: Only about 20 minutes’ drive from here, you will be in Dilijan National Park. One of the key destinations to visit here is Lake Parz, meaning ’clear lake’, a small, pristine lake surrounded by lush forests and is known for its crystal-clear waters. A lot smaller than Lake Sevan, I quite enjoyed the tranquillity and cosy atmosphere around this lake, despite the availability of several activities such as boating and ziplining. I highly recommend the zipline!

Goshavank Monastery & Gosh Lake Hike: Another 30 minutes ahead of Lake Parz is the Goshavank Monastery, a medieval Armenian monastery complex located in the village of Gosh. While the monastery itself is known for its architectural and artistic significance, including its intricate stone carvings and khachkars, I headed here only for the hike to the Gosh Lake. Park your car near the monastery, and then head on the dirt road / unpaved path (2 kms walk) towards Gosh Lake. The area around the monastery also has some very cute restaurants (with seating areas hidden in the back, next to a stream, amidst greenery) where you can have a glass of wine or coffee before heading towards Gosh Lake.

If you’re not a fan of hiking in the heat, there are several 4WD vehicles/ jeeps that are available near the monastery complex that would be happy to take you to the Gosh Lake for a price.

Haghartsin Monastery: Moving back towards Dilijan city center (old town), you will come across Haghartsin Monastery, a medieval Armenian monastic complex that dates back to the 10th to 14th centuries and is known for its architectural beauty and historical significance.

I highly recommend visiting here because Haghartsin Monastery is surrounded by lush forests, making it a serene and picturesque destination. It really makes for some amazing photographs and a fantastic nature walk.

Horse Riding in Haghartsin: If you still have some time during the day, this is one of my favourite experiences in Dilijan National Park. It was my first time trying it and I found to be a truly amazing way to explore the beautiful natural landscapes of the park on horseback. Horse riding provides an excellent vantage point to soak in the natural beauty and peace amidst dense forests and rolling hills. I did it through a company called Dilijan Horseriding , and they have the option to do 1 or 2 hours tour, for experiences as well as inexperienced horse riders. They take you in a jeep, about 20 minutes into the mountains and dense forests, where you will start your tour.

Overnight stay in Dilijan National Park: I found the cutest, most charming Hobbiton-themed hotel in Dilijan!, called the Cozy House . It was an absolutely delightful experience; this is the only Hobbit-themed hotel I’ve seen outside of New Zealand and I fell in love with it. While it is not as large as the one in New Zealand, it’s cozy and magical and I loved walking around their grounds, enjoying a glass of wine in my own private backyard and relaxing in their super comfortable bedrooms. The hotel is located right on the main road but is extremely quiet, far away from noise and chaos. What a fairytale place to stay!

However, it is pricey when you compare with most other hotels in Dilijan so if Hobbit-theme isn’t your thing, then other cheaper suggested hotel to stay: Popock Dilijan 1 .

Day 5: Yell Extreme Park & return to Yerevan

If you’re an adrenaline junkie or an adventure enthusiast, and if you have some time on hand (unfortunately, I did not), I highly recommend visiting Yell Extreme Park, a popular destination which is home to several activities such as ziplining, zorbing, horse riding, rock climbing, paragliding and via ferrata routes. Situated an hour ahead of Dilijan National Park in the Lori Region, you’ll need to keep aside at least 4 hours to experience these activities; the park is the ultimate destination for those looking to do fun, adventurous activities amidst gorgeous natural landscapes.

In the evening, head back to Yerevan (about 2.5 hours’ drive) for overnight stay.

Day 6: Khor Virab, Areni 1 Cave, Tatev

On day 6 of your 1-week itinerary for Armenia, check out of your Yerevan hotel and head towards Tatev, where you’ll stay overnight. On the way, you’ll visit more destinations of historical and cultural significance, including the oldest winery in the world!

Khor Virab: Located at about a 40-min drive from Yerevan, Khor Virab is a historical monastery set against the brilliant backdrop of Mount Ararat and is one of the most iconic landmarks of Armenia. Apart from the gorgeous views from the monastery, its most renowned feature is its deep underground pit, which served as a prison for Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the patron saint of Armenia, for 13 years before he played a crucial role in converting Armenia to Christianity in the early 4th century. You can go down a steep flight of stairs (more like a ladder) to visit this pit but do not attempt it if you’re claustrophobic! The best photos of the monastery can be taken from a small restaurant that’s located just 500 meters before you approach this landmark.

Areni 1 Cave: From Khor Virab, you will drive 1.5 hours to Areni Cave 1, an archaeological site in the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia, notable for its rich archaeological discoveries, which have provided valuable insights into prehistoric Armenian culture and history.

The cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has yielded a treasure trove of artifacts, including ancient wine-making facilities, pottery, tools, and even the world's oldest leather shoe, dating back over 5,000 years. The discovery of grape seeds and fermenting jars at the site suggests that winemaking in Armenia has a history dating back millennia.

While there is a possibility of visiting the cave without a guided tour, if you manage to get hold of a tour guide, it’s better so that you’re able to understand the artefacts and their significance. I was lucky that there was a pre-arranged group tour that was already going on when I arrived, so I sneaked into the big group to learn about the place! Just outside of Areni Cave 1, there’s a magical little restaurant next to the stream and amidst the greenery, which you can enjoy a nice glass of wine & lunch before heading towards Wings of Tatev.

Wings of Tatev: There are two ways to visit the Tatev Monastery.

Option 1: Stay overnight in the village of Goris (30 min from Wings of Tatev) and then take the Wings of Tatev, a scenic aerial tramway from the village of Halidzor to the Tatev Monastery complex. It is one of the world's longest reversible aerial tramways and offers breathtaking views of the Vorotan River Gorge and the surrounding mountains. Not only will this be a more convenient way to get to Tatev (the drive from Goris to Tatev Village, where the monastery is located, is long, winding, and not on the best of roads, with lots of potholes). With this option, you can avoid the inconvenience of driving on these roads while at the same time enjoying a soaring experience over picturesque landscapes and staying overnight in a more centralized location/ bigger town.

Option 2: Drive to Tatev and stay overnight . While the distance from Goris to Tatev isn’t a lot, due to the serpentine roads which are also in a slightly bad condition (but not un-driveable), it takes about an hour. Tatev itself is a very small village, so if you’re a fan of staying in the rural countryside, this could be something you like. You can visit the Tatev Monastery from here and then stay in one of the cute and cosy homes.

Devil’s Bridge Hot Springs : If you have decided to drive towards the Tatev Monastery, you will come upon what is called Devil’s Bridge. You can also hike here from the monastery, but the hike is hard and steep so its best to stop here while you’re driving on the serpentine road towards Tatev. Over several years, wind and water have created this wonder of nature, polishing, and piercing the petrified lava. But the most intriguing part of the bridge is the pool of warm salubrious springs where you can even swim!

Tatev Monastery: I highly recommend a visit to Tatev, even though it’s located more than 4 hours from Yerevan, and spend at least a night in the area, to immerse yourself in the dramatic mountain scenery and deep gorges. The monastery itself dates back to the 9th century and is one of the most important religious and cultural sites in the country.

One of the most iconic features of Tatev Monastery is its stunning location on a high plateau, offering commanding views of the Vorotan River Gorge. I highly recommend walking to the Tatev Viewpoint, a spot you’ll easily find on google maps with that name, located about 1.5 kms uphill from the monastery. The view of the monastery set against the magnificent backdrop is to die for!

Suggested place to stay in Tatev: Old Tatev Guesthouse

Day 7: Khndzoresk Cave Village, Shaki Waterfall, Jermuk Waterfall & return to Yerevan

If you decided to stay in Tatev overnight, getting to Khndzoresk might be slightly painful as it will be about an hour’s drive away. If you stayed in Goris overnight, you will only be about 10 min away! In either case, I highly recommend a visit to this small village as it is one of the most underrated places to visit in Armenia !

Khndzoresk Cave Village is an ancient cave settlement known for its unique and historically significant cave dwellings, which were inhabited until the 20th century. The cave houses in Khndzoresk were carved into the soft rock of the cliffs and served as homes, storage spaces, and places of worship for the local population. Some of the caves are interconnected by tunnels and footpaths, creating a complex network of dwellings.

One of the most iconic features of Khndzoresk is the suspension bridge that spans the gorge and connects the two sides of the village. The bridge was constructed to replace the older rope bridge and provides spectacular views of the cave dwellings and the picturesque landscape.

On your way back to Yerevan, there are several detours you may choose to take, depending on your time and mood. One of the interesting places to visit, located only on a 2 km detour from the highway (but on a dirt road), is the Shaki Waterfall , one of the tallest and most impressive waterfalls in Armenia. The waterfall cascades down from the cliffs of the Syunik Plateau, dropping approximately 18 meters (59 feet) into a beautiful pool below. The surrounding area is covered in lush greenery and offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Another detour but a longer one (almost an hour), from the highway, is the town of Jermuk, a popular spa and resort destination in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia. Jermuk Waterfall is not particularly high but is known for its wide and dramatic cascade as it tumbles down the rocky slopes. The view of the waterfall is especially picturesque during the spring and early summer when the flow is at its peak. You can also visit Jermuk Hot Springs if time allows .

Finally, head towards Yerevan for the night. If you drive straight from Tatev to Yerevan, the total journey, without any stops, is about 4.5 hours long.

Day 8: Gyumri (overnight) OR Lake of Aragats hike  

If you still have a couple of more days in your 1-week itinerary for Armenia, then don’t worry, there’s SO much to do that you won’t feel bored. On this day, you have two options:

Option 1: Head to Gyumri and stay overnight

This was one of my biggest regrets of visiting Armenia, that I couldn’t make it to the cute, picturesque, fairytale town of Gyumri. A local told me that it’s much prettier than Yerevan in terms of its architecture and has a rich history, a unique cultural heritage, and a resilient spirit. Gyumri is often referred to as the "cultural capital" of Armenia and has a vibrant arts scene with numerous theaters, museums, and galleries. Gyumri boasts an eclectic mix of architectural styles, including Armenian, Russian, and Soviet influences. The city's historic district features charming 19th-century buildings with ornate facades.

Some of the notable architectural landmarks include the Sev Berd Fortress, the Black Fortress, the Kumayri Historic District, and the Gyumri City Hall.

To book your overnight stay in Gyumri, click here .

Option 2: Head for a full day hike to the Lakes of Aragats

Another one of the biggest regrets of my trip to Armenia was the lack of time to do this. As much of a hiking enthusiast as I am, I missed the opportunity to do this gorgeous, moderately difficult hike in Mount Aragats. The hike starts from Lake Rapi , which can only be reached by a 4WD / offroad car from the village of Geghadzor, located about 1.5 hours to the north of Yerevan by road.  Lake Rapi is located at an altitude of 3000m and from here you can see the clear view of the Northern wall of Mount Aragats. This is the starting point of the 9-km hike to Lake Mtnalich, at an altitude of 3500 m, situated under the highest summit of Armenia. Lastly, you head to lake Astghkan at an altitude of 3116 m and enjoy the view of the Northern wall from the other side. The hike loops back to lake Rapi where it ends before you down to the village of Geghadzor in an off-road car. While this sounds like a fantastic hike, it’s not something you can do your own due to the difficulty of the access to the area; thus, I would recommend finding a tour or someone who agrees to at least pick and drop from Lake Rapi in a 4WD vehicle from the village of Geghadzor.

At the end of the evening, head back to Yerevan.

Day 9: Lake Kari & back to Yerevan  

Depending on how much time you have, if you have stayed overnight in Gyumri (option 1), then you could head back to Yerevan with a short detour to Kari Lake , a high-altitude alpine lake situated on the slopes of Mount Aragats, nestled in a picturesque and remote location. The lake is known for its stunning natural beauty and serene surroundings, and is popular destination for hikers, and nature enthusiasts and families who simply want to enjoy a picnic around the lake. Kari Lake is particularly beautiful during the summer months when the surrounding meadows are covered in wildflowers, creating a colorful landscape against the backdrop of the snow-capped peak of Mount Aragats.

Lake Kari. Image copyright: OneWayTour.com

You can easily drive to the lake on a paved road and is usually colder the cities of Gyumri & Yerevan, so make sure you’re prepared with a warm layer of clothing. Kari Lake is only an hour’s drive from Yerevan.

Related posts:

Hi Medha, This is Smita. Such a informative post. We are planning to visit Armenia in December can all the above mentioned places be visited during that time?

Medha Verma

Hello Smita. I don’t see why not.. the only places I believe are likely to be inaccessible are the Lake of Aragats hikes due to snow…You’d have to be prepared for cold tempratures, especially in the higher altitudes. Also, lake Sevan freezes over, from what I’ve heard, but it’s still accessible.

Thanks so much, Medha, for this fantastic information – the best I’ve seen! I’m planning to be in Armenia late September. These details have been so valuable assisting me to plan.

That’s good to know, Gayla! Enjoy your trip.

Hi Medha , This is Ankita . I am planning to travel week . please suggest the car rental company details and daily rates

Hello Ankita, I rented the car from Alamo in Yerevan but I first compared the quotes from different companies on rentalcars.com, which is what I usually do. I paid about $240 for 4 days.

Hi, My name is Deepa. Planning to travel to Armenia in September. Very detailed and informative itinerary:) Wanted to check if I am eligible for visa on arrival as a UAE resident (Indian Passport). Asking because the e-visa website not accepting payment, tried many times. Thanks.

Hello Deepa. As long as your UAE resident visa is valid for at least 3 months from the date of expected return from Armenia, then yes, you’re eligible for visa on arrival. You need to show your flight tickets, hotel accommodation & Emirates ID to be able to get the VOA in Armenia.

Hi Ms, How much you overall spent for the budget travelling for entire vacation ?

Hi Sheila, that’s a difficult question to answer! The budget really depends on where you stay, how many days, how to travel from one city to another, what activities you choose to spend money on, which airlines you take, etc.!

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Adventure travel blog

The Essential 4-Day Armenia Itinerary

//  by  Kristin

This Armenia itinerary shows off the country’s remote monasteries, the centuries old wine making tradition, you will see more Ladas from the 1970s than you ever thought existed and explore the capital, Yerevan, which is full of cosy cafes and interesting Soviet architecture.

Armenia is a destination with a distinct culture that looks and feels different to anywhere else. It is overlooked as a holiday destination but is a hidden gem. In other words, it is the perfect place for a unique 4-5 day long weekend or an add-on to a Georgia trip .

This post assumes some knowledge of the main tourist sights and their locations. So if you are just starting to research your holiday I suggest reading some of my other blog posts first:

Armenia Travel Guide

When travelling in Armenia, the standards drop as you get outside of Yerevan but it is possible to find clean-but-basic en-suite accommodation. Most meals will be best taken in your hotel (outside of Yerevan) and I was surprised at how good the food and homemade wine was.

I recommend hiring a car and driving yourself to give you the greatest flexibility. Public transport is limited and although taxis can be hired, negotiating a price would require some Russian unless it is arranged through your hotel or a travel agency.

Day trips from Yerevan is another option, which would enable you to stay in western-style hotels every night.

This post covers the following topics:

How Many Days to Spend in Armenia?

A trip to Armenia is even better combined with hiking in Svaneti and Kazbegi in Georgia and, if you have time, Azerbaijan . The three countries are surprisingly different.

Is It Safe to Drive/ Should I Drive?

Yes is the short answer. If you have rented a car in Italy you will be fine driving here. To know what to expect if you rent a car read my post on 7 Things to Know Before Driving in Armenia, georgia or Azerbaijan .

Outside Yerevan the roads are in poorer condition, mainly suffering from pot holes which have been refilled many times and as a result the ride can be quite bumpy. This means that driving can be tiring so keep this in mind if you want to add Tatev Monastery.

You should avoid driving when it is dark. My Armenia itinerary is designed so you will be at your accommodation, with time to spare, before it gets dark (also in the winter).

Ease of Independent Travel and Should You Pre-Book?

In Yerevan young people, and anyone involved with the tourist trade, speak some English. As you get further out, Russian is the main foreign language spoken.

In the summer months hotels fill up and, unless you speak Russian, negotiating a price is difficult so make a reservation in advance. Booking.com has good coverage of the smaller villages. Where you see a recommended hotel below, I have stayed here.

For directions download the maps.me app or rent a SIM to allow you to have a cost-effective internet connection in your car. Hotels and tourist sites are often not clearly signposted so this will help with navigation.

In conclusion, my view is that if you are comfortable not speaking the local language, independent travel is safe and easy to arrange using the tips in my Armenia itinerary.

What If I Have Been to Azerbaijan? Or I’m Planning on Going to Azerbaijan Later in my Trip?

Although the two countries have no diplomatic relationship, you can enter Armenia if you have an Azerbaijani visa in your passport (and vice versa). You are likely to get questioned on where you went so keep your hotel receipts and bookings as proof.

There have been reports of Armenia being more lenient than Azerbaijan at the border. We went to Armenia first and, except for a bottle of wine getting confiscated (which was entirely our fault as we didn’t know you can’t bring anything produced in one country into the other), we had no problem. Therefore I don’t think it matters which country you go to first.

Considering going to Azerbaijan? Read my Azerbaijan Travel Guide

Is It Better to Start in Yerevan or Tbilisi?

Most tourists arrive overland from Tbilisi or fly into Yerevan. The below Armenia itinerary describes a trip starting in Yerevan but the trip can be done in either direction. The deciding factor for me was flight times.

It is also possible to cross the border in the south of the country to/ from Iran but this is a less-travelled route due to the difficulty in getting an Iranian visa.

The Essential 4-day Armenia Itinerary (Self-drive or Private Driver)

Day 1 – Arrival Overnight in Yerevan

Day 2 – To Geghard Monastery , Garni Temple , Noravank Monastery and Mother of God Church. Overnight in Areni

Day 3 – To Khor Virap Monastery and Wine Tasting at ArmAs Vineyard . Overnight at ArmAs Vineyard

Day 4 – Return to Yerevan, Sightseeing and Departure With 15.30 Train to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi

For more information on all of the sites described below, read my post on the Top 10 Tourist Spots .

Day 1 of Armenia Itinerary– Arrival in Yerevan

Assuming you land at Yerevan airport, getting a taxi into the city centre has become easier than it used to be since there is no longer any bargaining involved. As you enter the arrivals hall, just before the doors leading out of the airport, there is a small yellow stand with “taxi” written on it. Tell the attendant which hotel you want to go to and they will give you the price and liaise with the taxi driver. It cost us 2,500 AMD to get to our hotel, Opera Suite Hotel, close to the Cascade Complex.

Finding a taxi and agreeing the price has become easier. Finding your hotel might be another matter. Although we were staying at a large hotel in the city centre, the taxi driver did not know where it was.

The driver told us that it was outside a shop. We knew it wasn’t and he ended up driving around the block 3 times before he found it. At no point was the driver aggressive or did it feel uncomfortable. Just make sure you do not get out of your taxi until you are outside your hotel.

Alternatively, book an airport pick-up with your hotel. This should cost 10,000 AMD and can be easily arranged through the chat function, if you use booking.com.

Yerevan Hotels : All the way up to western standard. We stayed at Opera Suite Hotel. The hotel had large comfortable rooms with a modern bathroom (no bathtub). The location is convenient being less than 5 minutes walk to the Cascade Complex.

Insider Tip : Go to the Cascade Complex for dinner.

Day 2 of Armenia Itinerary – Geghard Monastery, Garni Temple, Noravank Monastery. Overnight in Areni

Our top tips before you set off in your hire car.

Pick up your hire car in the morning. We rented from Caravan and were happy with the service provided. Out of office hours pickup can be arranged for a fee and the roads were quiet as we left Yerevan on a Sunday morning.

When renting a car in more adventurous destinations, I purchase car hire excess insurance from insurance4carhire. It is much cheaper to buy this in advance than from the car rental agencies. I have had to claim (more about that when I get to writing about winter driving in Iceland) so can testify that this is a good policy with a relatively painless claims process.

I decided to pay for internet access in the car (2,500 AMD per day) since there was no Armenia map available for my tomtom.

At this stage I had not discovered the maps.me app which allows you to download and use maps for directions. You can use this app when you are hiking or driving without internet access since it uses the GPS on your phone – this has become my new favourite app while travelling!

Make sure you have either an app or internet access to help with navigation since following road signs can be difficult.

Morning Day 2 – Visit Geghard Monastery and Garni

The first stop is Geghard Monastery, one hours drive from Yerevan.

This walled-church was built in the 12 th Century and every Sunday morning there is a service. Walking around the dark rooms carved into the cliff, listening to the choir, is magical.

It is a short drive (10 minutes) to Garni, the Hellenic pagan temple built in the 1 st Century AD. The parking lot in front of the temple is small and the road leading down to it is narrow.  As a result the traffic can be chaotic. Parking along the road, a few hundred meters before the temple, and walking down to the temple entrance, is a good option.

Garni is small and will only take 15-30 minutes to look around. This is one of the few places you will find restaurants so consider having lunch here, unless you have brought something to eat in the car.

For further information on how to visit read my Complete Guide to Geghard and Garni .

Afternoon Day 2 – Visit Noravank Monastery and Areni Church

The drive to Areni takes you south for 2.5 hours. Choose a route on the smaller roads, away from Yerevan. The drive time might end up being a little longer, but it will be much quieter.

As the roads are bumpy and winding your average speed is likely to be no more than 50km/h.

Arrive in Areni in the early afternoon and after some tea at the hotel drive the 15min to Noravank Monastery. Going at around 4pm in the summer (go earlier at other times of year) means that the sand coloured stones of the monastery will be glowing in the afternoon sun. It also makes parking more straightforward since the car park is small.

This is one monastery you should not miss. Being a bit further from Yerevan it is less crowded than others and the location is spectacular. For further information on how to visit read my Noravank Guide .

Stop at Areni church on the way back to your hotel. It is another beautiful church built in sand coloured stone and late afternoons or early mornings are the perfect time to visit to see the stone shine like gold in the sun.

Areni Hotel : We stayed at Areni Wine Art which was basic but clean with en-suite bathroom (no bathtub) and air-conditioning. The traditional barbecue dinner at the hotel was delicious and you should also try their home pomegranate wine – we have been converted!

Insider tip : When you get offered tea or coffee at hotels say yes since this usually comes with a big plate of fresh fruit.

Day 3 of Armenia Itinerary – Khor Virap Monastery to ArmAs for Wine Tasting. Overnight at ArmAs

Morning day 3 – visit khor virap monastery.

After a filling breakfast of homemade jams and local cheese, drive the 1.5 hours to Khor Virap Monastery. This will see you backtrack the way you came the previous day.

The views are what makes Khor Virap Monastery one of the best churches in the country. As you approach Khor Virap, stop along the road to get “that photo” of the Monastery with Mt Ararat in the background.

For sweeping views of Mt Ararat and the no-mans land that separates Turkey and Armenia, walk up the hill behind the Monastery. The Turkish border has been closed since 1993. The reason for the poor relations between the two countries is due to 1.5m Armenians dying in 1915 at the hands of the Ottoman government. This has been recognised as genocide by 28 countries and there is a Genocide Museum in Yerevan where you can learn more.

Afternoon Day 3 – Visit ArmAs Vineyard

The drive to ArmAs takes 1.5-2 hours, taking the smaller roads to avoid Yerevan. Finding somewhere to eat lunch along the road is difficult, so plan ahead.

Life outside Yerevan can be hard with 25% of the population living below the poverty line. Passing through smaller towns and villages feels like stepping back in time. The Ladas from the Soviet Union must be well built since it is the most common car on the road!

When you put ArmAs into your phone for directions make sure you stop at the winery and not the estate. We ended up with a bit of extra sightseeing after driving all the way to the estate.

An overnight stay includes a wine tour with a drive around the estate before moving on to production and wine tasting. The tour felt authentic and intimate and I think this is one of the better wine tours I have been on.

If you are staying overnight, wine tasting will be with dinner. The wines were good and the food accompanying it was some of the best we had on our trip. This was where we bought the bottle of wine that got confiscated when we entered Azerbaijan. Don’t make the same mistake as us!

Vineyard Hotel : The rooms were comfortable, clean, had en-suite bathroom (no bathtub) and air-conditioning. This was one of the highlights on our 2.5 weeks trips through the Caucasus. Read my full review of our stay at ArmAs Vineyard .

Insider tip : Go for a walk around the vineyard in the afternoon. We had the whole vineyard to ourselves and Ben enjoyed imagining what it would be like to own and run a vineyard (I am still not convinced).

Day 4 of Armenia Itinerary – To Yerevan, Afternoon Train to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi

Morning day 4 – return to yerevan.

After another big breakfast set off for Yerevan, an hour’s drive away. Traffic increases as you get closer to the city centre.

Many rental car companies make you clean the car before it is returned or there is 3,000 AMD fine. We found that all the car washers in central Yerevan knew this and therefore charged the same.

If using Caravan, check for a promotion giving you a free car wash in return for posting an Instagram photo of the car in a nice location. If this is not available, I would pay the fine rather than wasting time getting the car cleaned.

The car rental company was happy to look after our bags and we went to do some sightseeing.

A walk to the top of the Cascade Complex should be your first stop. On a clear day you can see Mt Ararat in the distance, but it was not visible on the day we visited.

Afternoon Day 4 – Traveling From Yerevan to Tbilisi or Fly Home

To Tbilisi : From mid-June to late-September trains depart at 15.30 every day, arriving in Tbilisi at 00:12. During the rest of the year they leave Yerevan every second day (on even-numbered days) at 21:30, arriving in Tbilisi at 07:50.

Traffic often stands still in Yerevan so the best way to get to the train station is by metro. It is also an interesting way to travel with the city centre stations being works of art, just like the stations you see in Moscow.

Underneath the train station there are a few shops but otherwise there is nothing in the area so arriving 30 minutes before the train departures is plenty of time.

The train does not have a buffet car or samovar (hot water dispenser often found on Russian trains) so bring food and water. The trains are often hot so bring more drinks than you think you will need.

Tbilisi hotels : Stay in the old town and check that reception is staffed at the time you will arrive (00:30-1:00 am). Given the time the train arrives it might be worth booking a pickup with your hotel so you don’t need to deal with the taxi drivers at the station. 

Insider tip: If you have an extra day in your Armenia itinerary, consider spending day 4 in Yerevan and taking the train to Tbilisi on Day 5. I was surprised at how nice Yerevan was.

You might also be interested in

7 Things to Know Before Driving in Armenia, Georgia or Azerbaijan

Top 10 Tourist Spots in Armenia

Inspiration

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did”

Armenia Travel Blog

Hello and welcome to our Armenia travel blog. You will find all our Armenia blog posts in this section of our website.

Maybe you found our Armenia travel blog because you are considering a visit to Armenia, or perhaps you are partway through planning a trip to the Caucasus. Whatever the reason, we hope we can provide some useful resources and travel tips for Armenia.

We’ve visited Armenia a handful of times and consider it one of our favourite countries. Armenia is a highly underrated travel destination and provides the perfect opportunity for independent travel without any tourist crowds. Armenia ticks plenty of boxes for us: beautiful scenery, ancient history, warm people, great food and, of course, an abundance of Soviet-era architecture and monuments.

Our Armenia blog posts are generally aimed at independent travellers and backpackers like us and have a strong focus on travelling around using public transport, staying in budget accommodation and exploring off-the-beaten-path and lesser-visited places.

Browse all of our Armenia blog posts

Abandoned Armenia: Fairy Tale Young Pioneer Camp in Spitak

by Mark | Oct 19, 2022

Our visit to the abandoned Young Pioneer Camp in Spitak, Armenia. A forgotten former Soviet children’s camp known as Fairy Tale.

Abandoned Armenia: The former Palace of Culture in Jermuk

by Mark | Sep 30, 2022

Exploring the abandoned former Palace of Culture in Jermuk in Armenia, and other remnants from Jermuk’s Soviet past, with a map of locations.

Armenia itinerary – What to see in Armenia in 2 weeks

by Kirsty | Feb 28, 2021

A two week Armenia Itinerary highlighting what to see in the Caucasus in Armenia in 2 or 3 weeks, including off-the-beaten-path places.

25 locations that could be part of a Wes Anderson movie set

by Kirsty | Jan 27, 2021

Accidentally Wes Anderson – a selection of our photographs which we think belong on a Wes Anderson movie set #AccidentallyWesAnderson

Abandoned Armenia: old amusement park in Dilijan

by Kirsty | Jul 26, 2020

Photographs of an old abandoned amusement park in Dilijan, Armenia. We came across these rusting playground rides in Dilijan city park in 2018.

In Photos: Abandoned cars and other forsaken forms of transport

by Mark | Jul 8, 2020

Photos abandoned cars and other battered vehicles. The faded beauty of neglected vehicles from the UK to Thailand, and Kyrgyzstan to Cuba.

Places to visit in Gyumri, Armenia

by Mark | May 14, 2020

Places to visit in Gyumri, Armenia. Caucasus travel guide highlighting what to do in Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city, with a map of locations.

What to do in Yerevan (with a map of locations)

by Mark | Dec 23, 2019

A travel guide on what to do in Yerevan, Armenia with a map of locations, and including off-the-beaten-path ideas for alternative things to see in Yerevan.

In Photos: Magnificent Brutalist and Modernist Bus Stations

by Mark | Dec 5, 2019

Photos featuring ten of coolest brutalist and modernist bus stations we’ve spotted on our travels, highlighting some magnificent architecture.

A Short History of the Soviet Union from 1917 to 1991

by Mark | Nov 29, 2019

A short history of the Soviet Union from 1917 to 1991. A guide for those travellers to the former USSR who want to learn about the history of the region.

In Photos: Street Art in Abandoned Buildings

by Mark | Nov 3, 2019

Street art in abandoned buildings. Often urban exploration and street art go together. A photo essay featuring graffiti and street art in abandoned places.

In photos: twenty-five examples of Soviet modernism in the former USSR

by Mark | Apr 22, 2019

Photographs of some of the best examples of Soviet modernism in the former USSR, plus a brief explanation of this genre of architecture.

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ARMENIA , Caucasus , Europe

Perfect armenia itinerary: 2 days to 2 weeks.

Heading to Armenia, but unsure how long you should travel there for?

This perfect Amrneia itinerary will show you how to spend anything from 2 days to 2 weeks in this country, so read on for the perfect guide to your time in this country.

Is it Asia, is it Europe?

The Middle East?

The Near East?

A country that defies definition in so many ways, Armenia is rapidly gaining a reputation as a hot travel favourite.

And is it any surprise?

Sandwiched between Iran and Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan, Armenia sits in the Caucasus region and boasts not only the friendliness, affordability and fantastic cuisine of its eastern influences, but also the stunning scenery and superb hiking of its northern neighbours!

What a combination!

But best of all, it’s still really only those intrepid nomads, with a strong sense of adventure, who are travelling to Armenia at the moment, which means the whole country definitely retains an unspoilt, uncommercialised and very authentic atmosphere.

As a small nation with a good international airport and visa-free options for many nationalities, Armenia is definitely accessible and incredibly safe, meaning even a trip for a few days is worthwhile!

You may not be surprised to learn therefore that I can HIGHLY recommend heading to Armenia and, to get you considering it further, here’s 5 trip schedules to help you plan your perfect Armenia itinerary – be it for 2 days or 2 weeks!

Related Posts

• The 10 Things to Do in Armenia
• How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Armenia?
• Top 25 Things To Do in the Caucasus Region

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2 Day Armenia Itinerary

With just 2 days in Armenia, you’re cutting things seriously short, but still have the time to glimpse a little of this warm, wonderful country

At the very least, it will have you preparing to come back and explore more I’m sure!

I’m including a 2 day itinerary here, because I know many people head down to Armenia for a short time at the end of their trip to Georgia.

Therefore, whether you’re arriving from Tbilisi (either via an overnight train or day time minivan ride) or flying into Armenia, you’re going to be arriving into the country’s capital – Yerevan.

As such, the best idea if you have just 2 days for your Armenia itinerary is to spend 1 day exploring the capital and the other heading out on a day trip.

Yerevan is not a city with a lot of sights, so if you’re looking to run around ticking big hits off your bucket list, you’re going to be disappointed.

But if you want to spend a relaxed day soaking up the ambience of this very chilled capital, enjoying its parks and squares, as well as its markets and cafes, you’re onto a winner.

Check out my list of the 21 best things to do in Yerevan for more ideas, otherwise just make sure you don’t miss the Genocide Memorial Complex , the Cascade area or Republic Square.

In the evening, sample delicious local wine at In Vino , craft beer at Darghett and yummy food at Tabloueh !

MGA Hostel is a great budget accommodation option in Yerevan. With both private rooms and dorms, they are centrally located (meaning it’s easy to explore the city from their doorstep) and they also organise day tours (which means it’s easy to get your second day lined up in Armenia without too much hassle).

There’s a ton of good day trips you could pick to enjoy on your second day in Armenia and while you could venture out an independent excursion, if you’re short on time and wanting to see as much as possible in this country, I’d honestly recommend an organised excursion, because it will save you the hours and hassle of trying to work it out and wait for the local minivans.

That said, you don’t want to go too far out of Yerevan on your trip (so you don’t spend all day just driving) which means that the best single-day excursions I’d recommend are either…

#1 Garni Temple, Symphony of Stones, Geghard Monastery & Lavosh Baking

#2 Lake Seven, Sevanavank Monastery, Dilijan National Park, Haghartsin Monastery & Getap

The more people you can get together in a car (max of 4 normally) the cheaper the per person price will be, so try to rope in some others at the hostel too!

The other option is to check out the tours run by Envoy Hostel . They have a couple of day trip options too (they keep a sign-up sheet running for those interested) and if you stay with them you get a discounted rate.

Either pop into their Yerevan hostel on Pushkin Street or give them a call on +374 10 530 369.

Failing that, you could head to Republic Square too, where lots of small tour operators hang out looking to fill up their vehicles or check out GetYourGuide for some great options too.

GettYourGuide are ideal if you want to book your day trip in advance and make sure you see as much on your short Armenia itinerary as possible.

5 Day Armenia Itinerary

With 5 days for your Armenia itinerary, you have a little bit more time to play with and to venture a little further afield into the rural beauty of this country.

I’d recommend following my 2 day Armenia itinerary as above, taking your first day to explore Yerevan, including its historic sights, its many green spaces and its great culinary offerings care of its cafes, coffee carts and local markets, as well as great restaurants and wine bars!

On day 2, take a day trip out to Lake Sevan and Sevanavank Monastery and onto Dilijan where you can view the old part of town, as well as Haghartsin Monastery in the nearby National Park.

If time, the cable car at Tsaghkadzor is also worth a ride!

You’ll quickly learn they love a cable car in Armenia!

And don’t forget a meal or some drinks at Getap, which has a beautiful riverside setting just outside Dilijan.

In the evening, you could then either stay in the old historic quarter of Dilijan at Old Dili , or head to either Granby Hostel or Art Guest House.

Alternatively, you can return to Yerevan and spend the night back in the capital.

On day 3, it’s time to head south out of Yerevan to the nearby town of Goght where you should stay at 3G’s camping and guesthouse .

Sitting in between the wonderful attractions of Garni Temple and the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, you can get to Goght by taking minivan 5, 9, 23, 30 or 44 from France Square bus stop near the Opera House in central Yerevan to Gai Bus Station.

From Gai Bus Station, you then need to walk down the side of the Mercedes dealership to get minivan 264, 265, 266, 284 or 285.

These all go to Goght where the great 3G’s camping and guesthouse is located.

Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool here and taking in the amazing view and beauty of this spot –  you can sightsee tomorrow!

Or, if you have time, you could even head out on a hike in the surrounding countryside.

Read my full travel guide to visiting Goght, Garni and Geghard for more info.

On day 4, it’s time to explore those historic sites around Goght, which was incidentally probably my favourite spot in the country.

3G’s camping and guesthouse is perfectly placed between both Geghard Monastery & Garni Temple so you can easily hitchhike, walk or hop on a marshrutka to them.

Geghard is a stunning Medieval monastery, where many local pilgrims still journey. You can grab some stunning shots of the amazing location here, especially in the morning.

Garni is a Greek Temple, so the is the perfect pre-Christian balance to Geghard.

There’s a small entrance fee to get in here – payable at the door – and then you can enjoy wandering straight into, up and around this ancient pillared structure.

Don’t forget to check out the traditional lavosh bread baking that takes place along the road near Geghard Monastery or the Symphony of Stones, which is an interesting rock formation located near Garni Temple.

If you don’t have internet data in Armenia, then I recommend downloading maps.me which you can use offline to help navigate this area.

Stay the night at 3G’s camping and guesthouse and enjoy this beautiful spot and conversations with the great hosts.

And on day 5, it’s time for you to head back to Yerevan, or if you have time, to squeeze a quick hike in too.

The best one, which starts right from the door of 3G’s camping and guesthouse is to the abandoned Monastery and will take you 5-6 hours.

Just ask Sandra, the lovely owner of 3G’s, for more info once you are there… and don’t forget maps.me!

1 Week Armenia Itinerary

If you’ve got 7 days to spend in Armenia, then congrats, because you’re definitely going to get a good flavour for this country!

Follow my 5 day Armenia itinerary above, spending nights 1 & 2 at MGA Hostel in Yerevan , followed by nights 3, 4 & 5 at 3G’s camping and guesthouse .

With all of this, you’ll already have explored the capital, Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Garni, Geghard and got to enjoy some hiking too!

On day 6 therefore, it’s then time to leave Goght and continue south down to visit Khor Virab, Areni and Noravank Monastery.

1 of the most famous destinations in the country, these can all be combined into one day if you get an early start!

Khor Virap is one of the most famous monasteries in Armenia and, perched on a hill, with snow-capped Mount Ararat in the background, it has become the flagship tourist image of this country too.

Getting here is easiest and quickest from Goght by taxi, otherwise, head back to Yerevan via a marshrutka and from there head out again on another minivan going to Areni.

These minivans will drive along the main road, so just get out at the turn-off to Khor Virab and grab one of the waiting taxis from there.

After you’ve snapped Khor Virab to your heart’s content, head back to the main road to grab a marshrutka (or hitch) to Areni.

Famous for its winemaking, take a wine tour in Areni, before finding a place to stay for the night here.

Then on your last night in Armenia, before you head to Yerevan, take a short detour to Noravank.

Again one of the most famous monasteries in Armenia, you can’t come as far as Areni and not visit this famous place.

Dating back to the 3rd century, it’s located within a deep gore, the red-brick walls of which tower behind this religious building.

There’s actually 3 churches here you can visit, which cna be found about a 10 minute drive from the main road.

A return taxi trip there from Areni won’t cost much and then you can hop on a marshrutka back to Yerevan in under 2 hours (its a journey of around 120km) !

10 Day Armenia Itinerary

With 10 whole days to explore Armenia, you really are going to get to see a huge swath of this country, including some of its most southerly provinces, which are often missed off many travellers’ schedules.

For my 10 day itinerary I recommend following the 1 week schedule above, but instead of heading back to Yerevan on day 8, continue south to the town of Goris via local minivan or hitchhiking!

Spend the night in Goris at Yeghevnut Hotel – a great little guesthouse for budget travellers that has really friendly (and English-speaking) hosts.

On day 9 of your Armenia itinerary, it’s time to explore around Goris, including the famous Tatev Monastery, which has the longest cable car ride in the world!

Armenia… who knew?!!

At the top of the cable car is, yes you guessed it, another famous monastery with a stunning clifftop setting!

If you get there early in the morning, you’ll also have time to discover the Medieval cave dwellings around Goris, too which reminded me of Cappadocia in Turkey , and make for a fascinating afternoon, as well as a great way to stretch those legs.

The complex starts about 30 minutes drive away from Goris and includes a 2-3km walk, part of which is over a suspension bridge!

The nearby waterfall at Shaki is also stunning if you have time.

Spend another night in Goris.

Now it’s time to head back to Yerevan, as this is likely to take you most of the day from Goris.

If you do happen to get back to the capital earlier than planned, then darting out quickly to check out the Zvartnots Cathedral is a nice way to spend an hour in the late afternoon.

Built in the 7th century, on a clear day, it has an amazing snow-capped Mount Ararat backdrop!

Take minibus #203 from Kilikia Bus Stati to get there, or hop in a local taxi.

Head back to Yerevan for your final eve and enjoy the light and fountain show in Republic Square, which happens throughout the summer months at 9pm… and is totally free!

2 Week Armenia Itinerary

And finally, with 2 weeks for your Armenia Itinerary, you can really get to explore the length and breadth of this country… which is fantastic news!

Go ahead and check out the 10 day Armenia itinerary I’ve written about above and follow that, heading back to Yerevan on Day 10 too.

On day 11, I would take more time to explore the capital, as there are a lot of hidden gems to discover here once you start to get under the skin of this place, including delightful carpet shops, hidden wine bars and fresh produce markets.

The best ones are in the southern part of the old centre – get comfortable shoes on and enjoy the stroll and getting lost!

On day 12, a trip out to Zvartnots Cathedral and the fabulous Saint Gayane church nearby makes for a great excursion you can easily (and cheaply) arrange.

The nearby Holy Etchmiadzin church is also good to visit – it’s actually the flagship place of worship in the country for Armenian Orthodox people and therefore well worth checking out.

Obviously, it’s also UNESCO-listed!

This is Armenia after all!

Today, it’s time to change direction and head north out of Yerevan towards the famous monasteries around the town of Alaverdi, which lies in the north of the country.

Again UNESCO-listed, the Sanahin Monastery Complex is particularly stunning.

You can either visit it as part of an organised trip or as part of a shuttle service care of Envoy Hostel, who run trips to this destination every Friday en route to Georgia, or book in advance through GetYourGuide .

From the north, you can easily continue onto Georgia with either Envoy Hostel’s tour or via a local marshrutka.

The Georgia – Armenia border actually lies just north of Alaverdi and can easily be reached by a marshrutka, which then will shuttle you onto Tbilisi.

This border crossing is actually one of the easiest I’ve ever made, so it will likely be a quick and simple process.

Don’t forget I did it all safely as a solo female too.

Alternatively, if you’re not continuing the adventure north, return to Yerevan to catch your flight home.

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Mini Travel Guide to Armenia

When to Visit Armenia?

Winters in Armenia can be fiercely cold with snow and freezing temperatures not uncommon across the country, especially in the mountainous areas. At this time, many roads become impassable and travelling difficult.

As such, I would definitely visit Armenia during the summer months, when the climate is wonderfully warm and the skies are almost always blue.

The summer season here runs roughly from May to September, however July & August can be super hot (like 40 degrees hot), so do bear this in mind if you’re not a fan of the heat and want to enjoy some hiking.

I visited Armenia in June and the weather was perfect – very warm and clear days, with loads of wildflowers around and perfect hiking conditions.

Based on this, I would suggest the shoulder season months of May, June and September as the ideal times to visit this country when the weather is good enough to enjoy getting outdoors and sightseeing, but not too hot that you’ll worry about burning and dehydrating!

How to Get To Armenia?

The capital of Armenia, Yerevan has a small, but well-appointed international airport that is an easy taxi ride from the city centre.

The cheapest flights generally arrive here from Dubai and Istanbul, so check out FlyDubai and Pegasus Airlines via Skyscanner if you’re looking to score a well-priced ticket.

Otherwise, many people take a budget flight to Kutaisi in Georgia, and from there head to Tbilisi and cross overland to Yerevan.

This is easily and cheaply done either by overnight train or a local minivan (known as a mashrutka ) ride, which takes around 6-7 hours.

How to Get Around Armenia?

Due to a lack of tourist infrastructure and some poor road conditions in parts, getting around Armenia can be a little tricky.

Public minivans, known as marshrutkas, are the cheapest way to go, but they only ply main roads and generally operate only to and from the capital.

To make matters a little more complicated, there are 6 marshrutka stations across Yerevan and finding out which buses leave from which stations is an adventure in itself!

Check out this useful website , which had the most current info I found online, otherwise ask where you’re staying for the latest details, as the often buses often change stations!

To combat the confusing minivan situation however, the good news is that hitchhiking is easy and commonplace across rural Armenia – often you’ll be picked up on the street without even having to stick your thumb out!

Failing all of the above, guided day trips or private taxis will happily shuttle you to most major tourist sites around the country. If you can get a group together this can be a surprisingly cost-effective option.

Best Budget Accommodation in Armenia

• Yerevan – MGA Hostel
• Geghard / Garni – 3G’s camping and guesthouse
• Dilijan – Old Dili

Recommended Tours in Armenia

Check out these fantastic tours of Armenia , which will help you see the best of this country.

5 Packing Essentials for Armenia

#1 Caucasus Lonely Planet – Still my go-to when it comes to guidebooks, the Caucasus Lonely Planet packs in a huge amount of information about travelling in Armenia, Georgia & Azerbaijan and will likely save you the cost of a guide in many of this country’s fabulous historical attractions.

#2 Good Camera – From the mountain landscapes to the village life, you’ll want a good travel camera to capture the best of Armenia and the Sony A6000 mirrorless ticks my box every time!

#3 Headscarf – If you’re heading to see any monasteries in Armenia, ladies will need to come prepared with a headscarf to enter, as well as a long skirt or pair of pants and a long-sleeved top.

#4 Hiking Shoes – No trip to Armenia would be complete without spending at least a day or two hiking in this country’s untouched rural landscape. Coming prepared with a pair of good walking shoes is essential therefore and Keen Targhee’s II always get my vote!

#5 Rain Jacket – I visited Armenia in June, technically the start of summer and the high season, but was amazed how storms suddenly blew in across this high altitude country. Having my North Face lightweight, windproof and waterproof jacket therefore saved my life!

Travel Insurance for Armenia

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So there you have it, my top 5 ideas for your Armenia itinerary.

Is this country on your list yet?

Are you thinking of travelling there soon?

Don’t hesitate to let me know any questions you may have in the comments box below and I’ll do my best to answer!

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

4 thoughts on “ Perfect Armenia Itinerary: 2 Days to 2 Weeks ”

Hey Steph, this is a really great breakdown of where to visit in Armenia. We were lucky enough (and crazy enough!) to spend a week road tripping around there earlier this year and absolutely loved Areni and Tatev! You’ve given us some awesome inspiration for our next trip, thanks 🙂

So wonderful to hear Ashlea, isn’t such a fab country? Delighted you had a good time there and great to know you are looking forward to your next trip too. May be see you there! Steph 🙂

Are you sure there are flights from Istanbul? Borders are closed for decades.

Land borders closed yes, but not air ones – although recent unrest in Armenia late 2020 may have changed this since the article was first published 🙂

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Armenia Travel Guide

Updated August 2024 ,  The Armenia Travel Guide was originally written in August 2018

Straddling Europe and Asia in the South Caucuses, Armenia is a real treat for those that venture into its borders. Without much thought and no planning, I hopped on a marshrutka in Tbilisi bound for Yerevan, not expecting Armenia to become an instant favorite. Really all I had known about Armenia prior to visiting was the Armenian genocide, that the country was a part of the USSR, Armenian Orthodoxy, that I liked the way their curly alphabet looked, and that System of a Down’s members are all of Armenian descent.

Obviously, I knew there was going to be a little more to it than that, and I was pleasantly surprised. Come here to explore monasteries, mountain scenes, and a little-visited breakaway region.

But Armenia has a long tumultuous history. From the 16th-19th centuries, Armenia was jostled between the Ottoman Empire and the Iranian Empire. In the 19th century, the Russians had come to control eastern Armenia, while the west was still under Ottoman control.

Between 1915 and 1923 1.5 million Armenians were exterminated or expelled during the Armenian Genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. Turkey still refuses to recognize this atrocity as genocide.

Eventually, Armenia would become a founding state within the USSR as the Transcaucasian SSR and eventually the Armenian SSR. In 1991 Armenia gained independence.

At the time of independence, Armenia was already involved in the Karabakh War backing the Armenian ethnic majority of Artsakh (then Nagorno-Karabakh) against Azeri forces.

Though, it wasn’t until 1992 that the conflict went full-scale war in the mountainous region. Azerbaijan put a halt to train and air transit to Armenia, effectively crippling the economy. Turkey quickly followed suit.

By 1994 a Russian cease-fire was signed, though the situation remains unresolved. Artsakh is a de facto independent state, not recognized as its own country internationally, but as a part of Azerbaijan. The only access point to Artsakh at this point in time is via Armenia, but you should visit Azerbaijan first as Azerbaijan will recognize your visit to Artsakh as having entered Azeri territories illegally.

In 2018 Armenia underwent a revolution. As this was only a few months after I first visited Armenia, I had first heard about it through Armenian friends I’d made and followed it after.

Serzh Sargsyan, who had served two terms as president of Armenia from 2008-2018 at the end of his second term he announced he would step in as the prime minister of Armenia. Armenians recognized this power grab (likely after they’ve watched the tendency for forever-presidency among other post-Soviet nations) and took to the streets of Yerevan in protest after the detainment of opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan. 11 days of non-violent protests and civil disobedience ensued before Sargsyan resigned.

Armenia and its people remain resilient after its turbulent recent history. But because of this turbulence, Armenia is still in its early days of tourism. Which is not a bad statement, however, travel in Armenia might be a little daunting for less experienced travelers.

In this Armenia travel guide, you’ll find all the information you need to plan the perfect trip.

Need Travel Insurance and Evacuation Services for Armenia?

Khosrov preserve, dabed canyon, khndzoresk bridge.

Start shopping for travel insurance plans over at  IATI Insurance . Readers of the Adventures of Nicole get a 5% discount off your plan.

The Adventures of Nicole partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading medical evacuation and security advisory services. To travel with peace of mind, shop evacuation coverage at Global Rescue .

Quick Armenia Travel Info

Currency : The Dram is the currency used in Armenia. The current exchange rate in  August 2024  is  $1 USD = 388 AMD .

Language : Armenian is the official language. Russian is still widely understood as Armenia was a republic of the Soviet Union. English is becoming more and more popular with the younger generations.

There are dialects of Armenian spoken and minority languages such as Kurmanji ( Kurdish ), Assyrian, and Greek in the country as well. I was able to get by easily in English and Russian (though I did make attempts at learning Armenian phrases, and butchered it massively!).

Religion : Armenian Orthodox

What To Wear : Armenians dress like most Europeans. Women’s hair should be covered and long skirts worn when entering churches ( many times there’s a bin of loner scarves and tie-on skirts near the entrance ).

How Long To Visit Armenia : One nice thing is that Armenia is a smaller country in size. You can hit most the highlights within a week and won’t be bored if you extend a trip to two weeks or more.

When To Visit Armenia : Late June through August is very hot in Armenia as it’s summertime. May, early June, September, and early October are great times to visit with pleasant temperatures. Winter in Armenia is beautiful, but dress warm.

Get In : You’ll enter Armenia by road or by air.

By flight: Yerevan Airport has direct connections with cities in Europe and the Middle East.  Shop flights to Yerevan here .

By road: Armenia borders Georgia, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. Entering from Turkey and Azerbaijan is impossible. There are border crossings with Georgia and Iran. Note: You can only enter Nagorno-Karabakh from Armenia.

Visas : Many countries can visit Armenia visa-free for 90-180 days or by visa on arrival and e-visa.

Get Around : The best way to get around Armenia is by renting a car or joining day tours as many of the sites you’ll want to reach are a pain to reach by public transport. Marshrutka and buses connect most cities and larger towns, but reaching more remote areas are difficult to non-existent by marshrutka and bus. Hitchhiking is possible and usually safe.

*I have included information on Nagorno-Karabakh (newly renamed the Republic of Artsakh) because Nagorno-Karabakh can only be accessed from Armenia.

Armenian Food

Food and wine is a highlight of traveling Armenia. Most food is fresh and locally grown. Things to try are:

Lavash : A very thin, very giant flatbread that is served with everything in Armenia. Lavash also make great food transport: I watched a shop in Stepanakert wrap a full-size rotisserie chicken in one and hand it to a customer.

Khatchupuri : A delicious cheese bread that’s also served up in neighboring Georgia .

Armenian String Cheese : Salty, stringy white cheese typically made from sheep’s milk. It can be made of goat or cow milk as well.

Harissa : A creamy porridge usually of wheat and meat mixed together.

Dried Fish : Fish is a common dish in Armenia, even though it’s a landlocked country. Trout is a common fish eaten.

Dzhash : An Armenian soup of vegetables, spices, and meat or a legume.

Kabob : Meat skewers you’ll find dished up all over the country.

What To See & Do in Armenia

• Explore Monasteries
• Trekking & Camping
• Visit A Country That Doesn’t Exist
• Take a road trip. Check out my  3 day Armenia & Nagorno-Karabakh road trip itinerary here

Where To Go In Armenia

Central armenia.

The capital of Armenia and biggest city. Make sure to check out the Yerevan Cascade, Republic Square, Tsitsernakaberd, and Matanedarin…  just to name a few!

Where To Sleep In Yerevan

Hostel Vagary |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Art Guesthouse Yerevan |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Golden Palace Boutique Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Yerevan Tours

See the best of what Yerevan has to offer in this  Yerevan City Tour

The religious center of Armenia. Come here to visit the Echmiadzin Cathedral, which is often regarded as the oldest cathedral in the world. Other sites include S. Hripsime Cathedral and S. Gayane Church.

Where To Sleep In Echmiadzin

Machanents Guesthouse |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Echmiadzin Tours

Explore Echmiadzin and Zvarnots by tour from Yerevan

The largest lake in Armenia, located at 2,000m. Laze on the beaches in summer and visit its monasteries.

Hayranivank : Monastery and largest khachkar cemetery in the world.

Sevanavank : A lovely monastery perched above the shores of Lake Sevan.

Where To Sleep In Sevan

Lake Sevan Hostel |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Mountain Lake Villa B&B |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Lavash Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Lake Sevan Tours

From  food tours, to sailing, to sightseeing  there’s a tour to suit just about any interest around Lake Sevan

If you want to see the biodiversity of the Caucasus, Khosrov is where to go. Home to 1/3 of the flora in the Caucasus region. Horseback riding and hiking are the best way to explore this massive forest. Don’t forget to visit the Temple of Garni, and Kakavaberd Fortress. Khosrov makes a great day trip from Yerevan as it’s only 20km west of the city.

Northern Armenia

Shamshadin & tavush region.

Explore Armenia’s lush green hills, monasteries and villages in this region. Home to the city of Dilijan, often called “Little Switzerland”. Areas in the northeast along the Azerbaijani border are still landmined from the war, do not explore this area without a knowledgeable guide that knows the area well.

Where To Sleep In Dilijan

Eco House & Camp |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Gokor B&B |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Hotel Dilijan Resort |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

You can easily visit the  Tavush Region by day trip from Yerevan  as well as by a  2 night camping tour

Dilijan is a lovely area to get out into the Armenian nature and mountains. With heaps of hikes to ancient monasteries, beautiful lakes, mountain summits, and more, Dilijan is a nature lover’s dream.

Read: Dilijan National Park & Travel Guide | How to get to Dilijan from Yerevan | The Tripeak Hike

An epicenter of Armenian culture and history. You will likely pass through the canyon on the way down or headed to Georgia as the main road connection passes through Dabed Canyon. This is a great place to explore if you’re not yet suffering from monastery fatigue as it’s littered with them.

Where To Sleep In Alaverdi

Parisis B&B Alaverdi |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Palma |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |  Agoda.com  |

You can find  day tours from Yerevan to Dabed Canyon sights including Sanahin & Haghpat Monasteries, Lori Fortress, and the Alphabet Monument

Looking for ideas for things to do in neighboring Georgia? Don’t miss the Rkoni Monastery Complex

Southern Armenia

The main draw for those coming to Tatev is the Tatev Monastery. You can take a tram, the Wings of Tatev, to reach the monastery from the town of Halizdor. 4,000 AMD rt/3,000 AMD one way, an additional 2,000 AMD for an audio guide.

Where To Sleep In Halidzor

Harsnadzor Eco Resort |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Wings of Tatev Guesthouse |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Where To Sleep In Tatev

Saro’s B&B Tatev |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Aida’s B&B |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

There are day tours that visit Tatev and other sights in Armenia’s south from  Yerevan  as well as from  Goris

A small city in Armenia with a cemetery fringed by interesting rockforms and caves scattered up a rolling hillside. Goris is a great place to base yourself for exploring southern Armenia at a slower pace.

Where To Sleep In Goris

Lovely Goris |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Zanger Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Hotel Mirhav |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |  Agoda.com  |

A monastery in the Ararat Plain with stunning views of Mt. Ararat and one of the most recognizable photographed locations in Armenia. Easily visited from Yerevan.

Khor Virap is a common stop on  group tours from Yerevan including Noravank & Areni Winery . Private tours to  Khor Virap from Yerevan  are on offer as well

A 13th century monastery on the Amaghu River. A common stop on many day tours to the south of Armenia.

Where To Sleep In Yeghegnadzor

Karine B&B |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Guesthouse Nataly |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Greenstone B&B |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Check out this  Southern Armenia day tour from Yerevan  that includes Noravank as well as a number of other great stops

A rural Armenian village with a swinging bridge across a massive gorge. The bridge connects the two sides of the village on either side of the gorge. On the other side, you’ll find a monastery, ruins, caves, walnut trees, and usually a friendly local or two. 

The best base for exploring the Khndzoresk area is from Goris. Khndzoresk is also known for its hoodoo rock formations similar to some in Cappadocia,  Kandovan  (Iran), and  Goblin Valley  (Utah).

Check out this  day tour from Yerevan  including Khndzoresk Bridge, Tatev & Karahunj, or this  day trip from Goris  to Khndzoresk

Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)

The newly renamed Republic of Artsakh ( formerly Nagorno-Karabakh ) is a region claimed by Azerbaijan, but only accessible from Armenia. You can explore the area independently or by tour. Unfortunately, travel in Artsakh isn’t exactly possible in 2021, and much damage has been caused to a number of the following destinations.

Read my  3 Day Nagorno-Karabakh Road Trip  to start planning your own visit

Nagorno-Karabakh Tours

Explore Nagorno-Karabakh by a  3 day/2 night tour from Yerevan , or see the best of Armenia & Nagorno-Karabakh on an  8 day tour , or a  10 day tour

Stepanakert

The capital of the Nagorno-Karabakh ( recently renamed Republic of Artsakh ). Easily walkable, with plenty of restaurants and shops. After you cross the border into Artsakh you’ll be instructed by the border officers to go to Stepanakert to get your visa. Head to the fringes of the city to see the iconic Tatik-Papik Monument.

Visas are now given free of charge at the border with Armenia. Should you need it, the MFA address in Stepanakert is 28 Azatamartikneri Street and phone number:  +374 47941418 .

Visas used to cost 3,000 AMD for most nationalities for a 21 day tourist visa. They will just hand you the visa, ( good to ask them to not put it in your passport, just in case ). If you have evidence in your passport of visiting Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh and try to go to Azerbaijan later you will be denied entry, or possibly thrown in jail.

Where To Sleep In Stepanakert

There aren’t too many hotels in Stepanakert. Armenia Hotel and Hotel Europe are a couple of options. You can shop a full list of Stepanakert accommodations  here .

Explore Stepanakert & Shusha by day trip from Goris

A fortified city mostly destroyed during the Nagorno-Karabakh War of the 1990’s. Make sure to check out the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral. You can hike the Janapur Trail from Shusha that will take you into Hunyot Canyon, Zontik Falls, and beyond.

Explore Shusha & Stepanakert by day trip from Goris

Zontik Falls

Located in Hunyot Canyon. Once to the trailhead it’s about a 20 minute walk along a trail to the fairytale like waterfall. This is my absolute favorite waterfall in the world.

A town near Sarsang Reservoir. Martakert was on the front lines of fighting between Azeri and Armenian forces.

Where To Sleep In Martakert

Much like the rest of Nagorno-Karabakh, accommodation options are small. Shop Martakert accommodations  here .

Sarsang Reservoir

A large lake not for from  Martakert  in the countryside. Great for camping and stargazing.

A ghost town nicknamed the “Hiroshima of Azerbaijan”. The city was destroyed during the Nagorno-Karabakh War. The few that come to Aghdam come to see the ruins and old mosque.

Nagorno-Karabakh officials advise not to visit given that Aghdam is right on the border with Azerbaijan. Aghdam usually is off-limits to tourists, so if the military does turn you around, act as if you got lost. Note that this is more of a ‘dark tourism’ attraction and is not for everyone.

Aghdam is about 30 minutes by taxi from Stepanakert. You can usually hire a taxi for a trip out here from Stepanakert for about 8,000 AMD

A small village north of Stepanakert. The main draw is to hike to the Gandzasar Monastery. The hike takes about 1 hour and gives panoramic views of Vank and the surrounding mountain range.

Trekking In Armenia

Armenia is a paradise for hikers with plenty of mountains, rolling hills, canyons, and forests.

• Mount Adzhadak
• Janapur Trail
• Mount Khustup
• Lori Canyon
• Mount Aragats
• Gandzasar Monastery

Armenian Festivals

• Mulberry Festival
• Vartavar Festival
• Carpet Festival
• BBQ Art & Music Festival
• Gata Festival
• Areni Wine Festival
• Honey & Bee Festival

Travel Armenia By Tour

There are plenty of tours offered in Armenia from day trips that will bring you back to Yerevan every evening to multi-day trips around the country.  Shop Armenian tours here .

Armenia Travel Budget

One of the many reasons why Armenia is awesome is because it’s such an inexpensive destination. Of course the sky is the limit, but my trip in Armenia cost me so little I couldn’t believe it. I paid the equivalent of $4 for a night in a very nice and centrally located hostel in Yerevan and pennies for veggies at a shop in Stepanakert.

7,250 AMD/$15 USD Per Day

Staying in hostels & camping while in the countryside, preparing your own meals, travel by marshrutka

14,500 AMD/$30 USD Per Day

Staying in double rooms, eating at cafes, traveling by marshrutka and taking some day tours

30,000 AMD/$60 USD + Per Day

Staying in luxurious rooms, dining at finer restaurants, traveling by private car hire and taking tours around the country

Packing List

You won’t need to pack anything special with you to Armenia that you wouldn’t pack to most destinations in Europe. I’d recommend picking up a copy of Bradt’s Armenia guidebook to aid in planning your visit. If you plan to camp and/or trek you may want to bring the following:

• 3 Season tent
• Sleeping bag
• Hiking Boots
• Lightweight cooking camp set
• Water Purifier
• Hydration Reservoir
• Trekking Poles
• Rain jacket  &  Rain pants
• Inreach Explorer+
• Solar Charger  &  External battery pack
• Medications & Toiletries

Internet & Mobile

Many accommodations in Armenia will offer wifi and it’s easy and cheap to buy sim cards from Ucom, Vivacell, and Beeline. In Nagorno-Karabakh, wifi isn’t very fast and the only Armenian sim card that will work is Vivacell. Nagorno-Karabakh does have its own carrier called Karabakh Telecom and you can purchase sims in Stepanakert.

Health & Safety

Overall Armenia is a safe country. Use usual precautions as you would anywhere in the world and you’ll likely be fine. There are areas in the northeast along the Azerbaijan border and in Nagorno-Karabakh along the Azerbaijan border that do still have landmines so walking and trekking in these areas are not recommended. In Nagorno-Karabakh do not go east beyond the Martakert-Martuni Highway as this is the cease-fire line.

Have Any Questions Not Answered In This Armenia Travel Guide?

Ask in the comments below!

Need Travel Insurance for Armenia?

Start shopping plans over at  battleface , my go-to travel insurance choice, or over at  World Nomads .

More Posts from Armenia:

Hiking the Tripeak Trail in Dilijan National Park, Armenia

Armenia Travel Guide: Monasteries, Mountains & A Disputed Territory

3 Day Nagorno-Karabakh Road Trip

How to Get to Khor Virap Monastery, Armenia

The Best Road Trips In The World

Crossing the Georgia-Armenia Border by Marshrutka

How to get to Dilijan from Yerevan (and Vanadzor)

Dilijan Travel Guide + Best Things to do in Dilijan, Armenia 

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The Ultimate Armenia Travel Guide in 2024

Why visit armenia.

Armenia, home to one of the oldest civilizations, invites travelers to the land of milk and honey. A glance through the Ultimate Armenia Travel Guide will give you a glimpse into the rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes it an exceptional destination. This travel guide to Armenia will show you why it is becoming the hot new destination for families, hiking junkies, and history buffs.

But don’t let the ancient history and family friendly environment think that people here do not know how to party. Armenia boasts of a vibrant and welcoming capital city, Yerevan, with bustling markets, a burgeoning art scene, and a thriving nightlife that’s bound to enchant anyone in search of adventure.

When to Visit and How

Armenia used to be a place that only saw visitors in the summer but as tourism has been rapidly developing, the country is already seeing year round tourism! This Armenian travel guide will give you the right idea of what to expect when you visit.

• Busy season with peak tourism
• Cultural, music, and food festivals
• Peak season to eat our world famous apricots and visit our enormous high altitude freshwater lake Sevan.
• Perfect time to explore nature
• Plenty of Harvest Festivals
• Enjoy the sweet pomegranates you see decorated in every rock and see all the different colors in nature

• Perfect for Winter Sports
• Enjoy tasty dried fruits and piping hot bbq
• Visit the two famous winter resort towns of Jermuk and Tsaghkadzor or enjoy some Khash near the top of Mt. Aragats
• Fewest Tourists
• Peak Foraging Season
• Visit the lush forests of Lori and Tavush, and enjoy the hundreds of edible wild plants native to the region

How to Get to Armenia

For the majority of the people in the world, the best way to get to Armenia is to fly to the Zvartnots airport in Yerevan, EVN. It is best to book through an Armenian tour agency to have your pickup arranged and make the ride to our hotel as easy as possible. The airport is only a quick 30 minute ride from the city center by car and while public transportation is available, it is not easy to travel with luggage. 

All that is left is to make sure you got all of your paperwork in order. Get detailed information about planning your trip in depth on when to visit Armenia and how. 

Visa Requirements for Armenia

For EU citizens, Armenia welcomes travelers with a relatively straightforward process. Most EU citizens can enter Armenia visa-free for up to 180 days within a year. For US citizens, the visa process is equally convenient. Armenia offers a visa-free regime for American passport holders, allowing them to stay for up to 180 days within a year.  For major Asian countries like India, China, and Japan, Armenia has taken steps to simplify the visa process to promote tourism and cultural exchange. Travelers from these nations can apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa) online before their trip, streamlining the entry process. The e-Visa allows them to stay in Armenia for up to 120 days within a year.   For specific information regarding visa requirements please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website

The Rich Culture and History

Armenian has been on historical maps for as long as maps have been made in the area. In fact, it is commonly joked that the people are the oldest things in the country. In fact, a 7,000 year old tooth dug up in Armenia matched perfectly with the current residents of the area ! 

From the oldest leather shoe ever found to the oldest winery, wheat varieties, and carpets, Armenia truly is the cradle of civilizations. The same innovative culture that started civilization continues today with award winning wines, brilliant stone carving, and game changing tech companies.

Top 5 Places to Visit in Armenia

Nothing gets as mythical as Geghard, the 4th century monastery carved out the side of a mountain at the site of a natural spring. In less than an hour’s drive from Yerevan, about 26 km, words can not do this spiritual monument justice.

One of the more scenic regions of Armenia, the city of Dilijian is nestled in forested mountains and is just more than an hour’s drive of 97 km from the capital Yerevan. Enjoy the cozy coffee shops, contact an Armenian travel guide for a beautiful city tour, and enjoy one of the dozens of hiking trails.

Tatev Monastery

Tucked away in the deep south of mountainous Armenia, the Tatev Monastery is one of the most historically significant churches in the region. And what better way to get to it than hopping on the Wings of Tatev, the world’s longest aerial tramway that goes through a breathtaking gorge. Definitely worth the 4 hour scenic drive of 256 km from Yerevan.

It is no surprise that even the cliffs and sky share the deep purple of wine in Armenia’s vineyard capital of Areni. Talk to your Armenian travel guide to book a wine tasting trip so you can experience wine from the same region as the world’s oldest winery. You can cover the 76 km drive in just under two hours from Yerevan, and be transported to an ancient wine country.

Exploring Yerevan: The vibrant capital city

Yerevan is where everything happens. The pink city is Decorated with urban parks, fountains as far as the eye can see, and enough to keep you busy year round.

The Whole City is A Museum

One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is the Cascade Complex, a grand staircase adorned with contemporary sculptures, an indoor museum of different eras of Armenian art, and stunning views of the city with the majestic Mount Ararat dominating the background. The city center is packed with museums that are historic homes of famous painters, actors, and writers.

Busy Markets to Shop at

The pink city not only looks great but has a lot to offer in the many busy shopping centers. Vernissage is the prime destination for tourists with neatly organized booths selling vintage antiques, handmade goods, and beautiful arts and crafts. If you are on the lookout for a local taste, there are street markets scattered all around the city, just make sure you have an Armenian travel guide with you to facilitate.

Taste the Fire

With all of that walking you need to get your energy back with a satiating meal. Armenia is not big on street food, have a seat at one of the hundreds of busy restaurants and enjoy top notch service. With such a large Armenian diaspora, there is a large variety of cuisine to choose from with the tastiest local ingredients. 

Tip: Stick to what your Armenian travel guide recommends , there is no secret hole in the wall they are hiding from you. 

Armenian traditions: Engaging with local culture

Armenians being over 90% of the population, are used to living with a high level of trust in each other. You will often see strangers helping each other out by carrying groceries for the elderly, entertaining children on a bus, and inviting passerbyers for coffee. While this culture is better preserved outside of the capital, you will still be surprised at how much people will go out of their way to help you. 

While Armenia may seem like a modern European country, culturally it is very conservative. 

The absolute best way to engage with local people is through an Armenian tour guide. Seems counterintuitive? Your Armenian tour guide has experience facilitating discussions, introducing tourists to the right people, and preparing everything in advance so you can focus on just enjoying your trip to Armenia. 

4 Practical Tips to Help You Explore Armenia

1. Stick to a Tour Guide There are plenty of online Armenian travel blogs out there that will tell you that you can experience Armenia on your own but forget to mention just how difficult it can be to find proper accommodations outside the capital of Yerevan without some insider information. Sometimes knowing the Armenian language and having internet access may not even be enough, you have to know the locals, so best leave it to the person who gets paid to organize a tour. We promise you there is no authentic experience you are missing out on because you went with a tour guide. It is best to experience through a professional tour to avoid a bad experience.

2. Wear a comfortable pair of shoes.

Do not be fooled by all the dress shoes people wear. Almost everywhere you will visit will include a lot of walking. Expect to be going uphill both ways. The walking roads are not always paved and being in a mountainous area means it can rain at any given moment.

3. Carry Cash

While credit card terminals and NFC readers are extremely common in Yerevan, cash is still king outside of the capital. Major currencies like the Euro and USD can easily be exchanged at fair rates all around the country, but ATMs are not as common.

4. Stay Hydrated Don’t be fooled by the cool weather and occasional breeze. Armenia is a high altitude country and the sun beats down harder than you think. Make sure to pack extra sunscreen if you need it and bring a reusable water bottle with you everywhere. Armenia is known for having very clean spring water in many regions, just double check with your tour guide that the water is safe to drink.

Armenia is one of the most beautiful mountainous countries with a rich ancient history. It is a prime destination for hikers and history buffs alike, where you can see some of the world’s oldest churches, wineries, and castles, deep in forests, valleys, and mountains. When you do decide to come visit Armenia, save yourself a headache and book with an Armenian travel guide . While the tourism industry is growing in this friendly country, it is still tough to visit places on your own or figure out where to go. You are coming to Armenia to experience nature, history, and people, best to guarantee yourself a good time. 

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Armenia Travel Tips: 12 Super Useful Things to Know For Your Very First Visit

August 12, 2022 May 17, 2019 | Paroma

Are you visiting Armenia for the first time and have a zillion questions on traveling there? Then, my friend, you’ve come to the right place where I’ve demystified traveling to this lesser known destination in the caucasus with 12 invaluable Armenia travel tips. Read to find out everything you need to know before you go to Armenia for the very first time!

WHY VISIT ARMENIA?

Armenia is that small landlocked country in the southern caucasus which often gets overlooked in favor of its neighboring countries (Georgia and Turkey ) when it comes to tourism and that is a real shame .

A country trying to come on its own from behind the curtains of the Soviet-era hangover with historic sites showcasing its religious heritage, jaw dropping natural vistas, a rich tradition of arts and a bounty of wine and delicious cuisine, there is no doubt that there needs to be more of Armenia on all travel bucket lists .

Since Armenia has not quite jumped on to the bandwagon of tourism yet, creating an Armenia itinerary can seem a little daunting due to relative scarcity of travel information out there. Hopefully, this Armenia travel tips guide , based on our amazing summer travel experience , will walk you through the things you need to know for your very first trip to this Eurasian country .

Although not exhaustive by any means, I hope these super helpful and practical travel tips and resources act as that much needed nudge/launchpad for you to discover the true beauty of this underrated country and its many wonders.

Disclaimer: My blog posts may contain some affiliate links. Clicking on them may earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you for purchase of the product. Thank you!

1. ARMENIA TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS: VISA REQUIREMENTS

For US Citizens: U.S. citizens are allowed visa-free entry to Armenia for up to 180 days per year. Visit the website of the  Embassy of Armenia  for the most current visa information.

For Indian citizens: Armenia’s stellar visa on arrival policy for Indian citizens is exactly what put it right up there on my summer travel destination list. But why wait to get a visa on arrival when you can easily obtain an Armenian e-visa online within three days of application? All you need to do is scan your passport, and provide information on your travel plans (hotel bookings, flight tickets etc) to get that visa pronto.

The cost of a single entry visa is 7 USD. For all other countries, here is official Armenia consular services link to determine your visa requirements. Please be in possession of a printed copy of the visa when you arrive at the customs and do not discard it until after your return.

BEST MONTH TO VISIT ARMENIA

Armenia is landlocked, and understandably experiences extremes of temperatures. Summers are very hot with temperatures rising as high as 104F (40C) while the mercury can really plunge to super lows in winter with heavy snowfall in some parts of the country. The shoulder months of April/May and September/October are best for visiting when the weather is relatively cooler.

We got a full day of rain when we visited in early May but besides that, the days were pretty warm and sunny with temperatures soaring to nearly 80 F (27C) at noon. October is also when Armenia hosts its Areni wine festival (to promote the much needed wine tourism) which is a no-brainer excuse to visit.

TRAVEL TIPS FOR ARMENIA: ARE THERE DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM USA TO ARMENIA?

Getting to Armenia is not a breeze, and is perhaps one of its most woeful deterrents towards tourism, cause it ain’t easy to just hop in there. Besides fewer airlines flying into this country as compared to other parts of Europe, there are no direct flights from USA to Armenia, with Moscow (Russia) being a frequent stopover point.

As an Indian passport holder (this was in 2019), I was not too keen to navigate through the requirements of a layover at Moscow and so I chose Air France (San Francisco-Paris-Yerevan) for our trip ( Indian citizens do not need a transit visa at CDG airport if they have a valid visa for their final destination and are not exiting the airport ). There are some direct flights to Yerevan from different parts of Europe such as Paris (France), Moscow (Russia), Warsaw (Poland), Istanbul (Turkey) and Kyiv (Ukraine).

There are no direct flights from India either but several airlines such as Etihad, Emirates and other have one stop flights from New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Chennai.  Here is a list of all airlines that fly to Yerevan, the capital city (Zvartnots international airport/EVN).

TRAVELING TO ARMENIA? HERE IS HOW TO GET THE DRAM (ARMENIAN CURRENCY)

This is one of the most important Armenia travel tips to take note of, and that is its currency that is hard to get elsewhere, especially if you are visiting from USA. The Armenian currency is the DRAM (AMD) which is designated as “exotic currency” by US banks if you are planning to get hold of some before you leave and is really difficult to obtain.

Even after trying two weeks ahead of time, none of our banks (mainstream US banking giants) could provide the currency but that is hardly an issue for your Armenia visit. Starting all the way from Yerevan airport to the many “exchange” centers (you cannot miss the bold neon sign proclaiming the same) scattered all over the city center, there are several places for quick cash currency exchange (no cards accepted for exchange though).

We found the exchange rate to be better at the latter than the airport. If you have an international debit card that does not charge a foreign transaction fee, there are ATMs at the exchange center for fast withdrawal of cash. 

ARMENIA ITINERARY TIPS: PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN YEREVAN (CAPITAL)

Yerevan, the largest city of Armenia, is also its capital and honestly, there are so many amazing things to do in Yerevan itself. A city with all its post Soviet vibes intact (Armenia gained freedom after nearly 70 long years of Soviet rule that lasted from 1922-1991 till the collapse of erstwhile USSR), Yerevan is pretty sprawled out and has a public transportation boasting of buses, trolley buses (much like the MUNI trams in San Francisco) as well as a Metro line with 10 stops.

Many attractions are centered around Republic square/city center and are easily navigable by foot. Although Yerevan was our “base camp” for the entire 5 out of 7 days of our visit, we actually explored the city for about 2 days using solely cabs which were super cheap (thanks to the exchange rate), clean, safe and which ferried us to our destination in a jiffy. The drivers, despite their little to no knowledge in English, were very courteous and friendly.

Getting around in Yerevan via cab is super easy and there are two main taxi services: GG taxi and Yandex , which everyone swears by. Both taxi services have apps that can be downloaded on your phone and function pretty much like Uber and Lyft.

However, you need a local number to use the app and in the next section I will tell you exactly how to get one. We exclusively went for the pre-paid GG taxi (where you can link your credit card) while you pay via cash for Yandex. One thing to keep in mind is that GG taxi is mostly functional within city limits but Yandex has a wider reach.

TIPS FOR FIRST TIME TRAVELERS TO ARMENIA: GETTING AND USING A SIM CARD

Getting a SIM card is the one most important Armenia travel tips that I can offer and one that you need to do to have a seamless travel experience in the country: from getting an app based shared ride to calling up for restaurant reservations to GPS navigation if you rent a car.

This life changing hack is easily obtained at any of the Beeline mobile services (they have a kiosk at the airport when you exit the customs) all over the city, with shiny offices near the Republic square. All you need is a handset/mobile phone where a SIM can be inserted (they will do it for you) and your passport as identity document. We used in iPhone 7 for our purpose that worked like a charm!

TRAVELING TO ARMENIA? GET THE YEREVAN CARD

The Yerevan card, though not much advertised, is the official tourist pass that can be purchased for those staying Yerevan for a longer duration and keen to exploring its many museums and tours without coughing up a fee for every attraction.

Passes are available for 24-72 hours along with an unlimited time option (ranging from $24-51) that is valid for 12 months from the time of purchase allow free entry to 20 museums and attractions, free participation in official city tours and subway and taxi rides. Plus it can also be used to get substantial discounts at many partner stores for shopping and dining.

The card can be purchased online or in person at one of the many sales points in the city and at the airport ( see map here ) and comes with a bumper package of a guide book, mobile card for internet, tour and transportation transfer coupons and a city map.

You can also download a handy app to navigate through the different attractions in the city. Here are the complete details on the many benefits of the Yerevan card and how to use it.

ARMENIA GUIDE FOR FIRST TIMERS: WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR IN ARMENIA

Yerevan is like any other modern 21st century capital city, with younger people dressed in casual to dressy western wear (dresses, short skirts, pants, jeans, shorts) and older folks donning a more modest attire.

There is a conservative stance in this Christian country and although not very apparent in the capital, it is more evident in smaller towns encountered during day trips from Yerevan to visit a plethora of monasteries and cathedrals.

The Armenian Apostolics church is conservative and so modest attire (no skimpy clothes or super short skirts/shorts) as well as a headscarf is required to enter many monasteries in and around Yerevan. I lived in my linen pants and shirts/blouses throughout my trip to keep me cool and also carried a midi dress and skirt ( here is a skirt with pockets ) to change things up.

Since it gets really hot during the day when visiting in summer, sunscreen and shades/sunnies are a must as is an umbrella if you are visiting in spring and encounter showers. Also, don’t forget that snazzy yet uber-functional camera bag to tuck in your photography gear cause there is so much to click away for in Armenia.

WHERE TO STAY IN ARMENIA: HOTELS AND B&BS

There is no dearth of hotels in Yerevan and thanks again to the exchange rate, you get to stay at pretty swanky hotels right near the Republic square (in the heart of the city) for unbelievably cheap nightly rates of less than $100 per night (ours ranged from $73-83/night since we stayed at two different hotels over 7 days). Many of these hotels have a lavish breakfast spread which is a bargain for additional price of $8-10/person. 

I highly recommend either Ibis Yerevan center (excellent location, non smoking rooms, parking available, but breakfast is not included in room charges) or the even more stellar Boulevard hotel (amazing breakfast spread , fantastic location overlooking a park and rooms with balconies) for your stay. Both hotels are within 3-5 minutes walking distance from Republic square and are very reasonably priced for the amenities they offer.

Besides Yerevan, we stayed overnight at Gyumri, the second largest city in Armenia. Here we opted for a small B&B with a nightly charge of $17 (basic room with adjacent bathroom) and the host prepared an amazing dinner and breakfast spread for us for an additional $10/person which is ridiculously cheap for the amount and quality of food (all home cooked) that we got to eat.

All our other visits in Armenia were day trips and did not require overnight accommodation. Hotel prices may increase in summer due to greater number of tourists but given the strength of the Dram, I don’t expect them to skyrocket.

WHAT IS TRADITIONAL FOOD IN ARMENIA?

One can never fully grasp a new culture without partaking of its food, and you’ll be missing out on a major life experience if you pass up on Armenian cuisine which is downright delicious. Although Eastern Armenian food dominates in Yerevan, Western Armenian (the one under the Ottoman rule) is making a comeback.

Meat, especially beef, is a major part of Armenian cuisine but most restaurants have at least some vegetarian options in soups, salads and entrees comprising mainly of walnuts, eggplants, grilled veggies, mushrooms, eggs and spindleweed (a type of greens). For my vegetarian friends, here is the Happy Cow website detailing on where to get vegan/vegetarian options.

In general, I highly recommend trying Armenian specialties such as Tolmas (Armenian dolmas; they typically contain beef but veggie options may be available), Lahmajuns (Armenian thin crust pizzas again with beef but you can also get a chicken option), tan (Armenian yoghurt drink much like the Indian Lassi/Turkish Ayran/Persian Doog), Ghapama (a sweet-ish entree comprising of rice cooked in a pumpkin-vegetarian) and Gata (an Armenian sweet bread).

Besides Armenian, Georgian cuisine is also quite popular in Yerevan and I highly recommend trying Khinkali (Georgian dumplings which are available with vegetarian/mushroom or cheese filling) as well as Khachapuri (cheese and egg bread) for variety. 

Lest I forget, tap water is completely drinkable in Armenia . Restaurants do not provide water unless requested which is bottled (still or sparkling) and is not free. It is best to carry a water bottle with tap water from your hotel if you don’t want to pay for water at restaurants.

Almost all our meals (with the exception of our trip to Gyumri) were in Yerevan and although we could simply walk in for breakfast and lunch, that was not always the case for dinner where we had to either wait or were turned away since some restaurants were at full capacity or were holding reservations for other patrons.

Unless you are having an early dinner (before 7 PM), I highly recommend making a reservation by calling as most restaurants do not have the provision of online reservation. The other thing to note is that SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES IS (UNFORTUNATELY) VERY ACCEPTABLE in Armenia, including restaurants. If inhaling second hand smoke is not part of your dining plans, then make sure you don’t go to restaurants that do not have a non-smoking section.

DRIVING AND PARKING IN ARMENIA

Driving in Yerevan is not a big challenge for seasoned drivers since the road rules are the same as USA, the streets are in good condition with signs in both English and Armenian and the traffic is not crazy bad.

For short day trips outside of Yerevan (30-45 min drives), a GPS guided navigation system is needed (which is why that SIM card is important) because not all freeway signs are in English.

Parking is kind of dodgy in the city as well as near historic landmarks (monasteries). Within the city, it is best to park the car in the parking space provided by the hotel; in our case Ibis provided parking but we could park in front of Boulevard with no problem.

We found the parking situation to be a bit shady (for lack of a better word) both in Yerevan and while visiting places/landmarks outside the city. Now, this is based on our personal experience and might not be the same for everyone and everywhere, so please do not hold me to it with a Kalashnikov.

To begin with, finding parking around the main city center/Republic square in Yerevan is not very easy and you really have to be on the lookout for a parking spot because it is one of the most crowded areas in the city. If you plan on renting a car, make sure your hotel has a designated parking lot to make your life easier.

When we did find parking at clearly marked spots with a huge “P” for parking sign, there were no parking meters adjacent to the parked cars. Instead, we found someone manning the parking area who simply took 200 Drams from us after we returned without throwing in a big fuss about the time (truth be told, he did not even rattle away any hourly parking rate).

The same goes for parking in lots adjacent to some of the monasteries (such as Garni temple, Geghard monastery and Sevanavank monastery at lake Sevan) if you are driving to them on your own. Although these lots are technically “free” (no prepaid ticket booths or meters), we always found someone manning them like hawks and demanding 200 Drams without giving any parking slip in return.

Since we did not know the language (Armenian or Russian) we could not argue about paying, but we figured out that if you park some distance away and not in the actual parking lot, then you don’t have to pay a dime. I am just throwing this in here to make first time tourists aware that parking is the only thing that seemed a bit “improvised” to us and it is best to be have some change on you to give the “unofficial” parking lot attendant if you end up parking in the designated parking lot.

ARMENIA ITINERARY TIPS: WHAT TO SEE OUTSIDE OF YEREVAN

Armenia is filled with dozens of historic sites and landmarks, many of which are located outside of Yerevan. Resident travel writer Megan Starr’s post details at least 25 such places of interest which also served as my very first post while formulating an Armenia itinerary . Many of these places can be covered as easy day trips from Yerevan as I have detailed in a separate post .

Having been badly burned by our inexperience during our first international trip to Turkey in 2013 when we tried to fit in a lot of day tours and that too back to back in consecutive days that left us exhausted, we decided to be smarter with our schedule this time during our Armenia visit .

With Yerevan as our base, we interspersed our exploration of the capital city with a few day trips every other day which we accomplished either by renting a car (see tips # 10 and 12 for car rental and parking) or via a conducted tour (details in tip #12). With 7 days in hand, we managed to hit most of the major attractions in Armenia without feeling rushed. For reference, our itinerary was as follows:

Day 1: Explore Yerevan

Day 2: Visit monasteries of Khor-Virap, Noravank and Tatev (via 14 hr conducted tour to and from Yerevan)

Day 3: Explore Yerevan and Echmiadzin (25 min from Yerevan)

Day 4: Take the train to Gyumri (second largest city in Armenia) with overnight stay

Day 5: return to Yerevan from Gyumri

Day 6: Visit Garni temple and Geghard monastery

Day 7: Visit Lake Sevan and Dilijan.

HOW TO PLAN TOURS FROM YEREVAN FOR DAY TRIPS

One of the major roadblocks in Armenia’s tourism development is undoubtedly lack of proper transportation arrangements for traveling all over the country and for day trips from Yerevan to see the famous monasteries.  One option is finding marshrutkas in different parts of the city to visit these attractions, some of which like the Tatev monastery are in pretty far flung places.

The dusty marshrutkas (shared minivans) appear to be the favorite way to travel here and all you have to do is find out where they leave from in different parts of the city to go to your destination of choice, pay in cash for the fare and wait till it fills up (usually with 15-20 passengers at a time) to depart.

Personally having survived a 2 hour road trip on a marshrutka from Gyumri to Yerevan where my intestines got all knotted up as this van hurled down the bumpy roads at breakneck speed, all I can say is that I am not going to do it again unless it involves a situation as dire as putting a firearm to my head. This is definitely not as bad as being jammed in a crowded vehicle as you may encounter in India, but is nevertheless a pretty rough ride.

The second mode of transportation is to travel via train to other cities such as Gyumri, Armavir, Araks, Yeraskh and even into Tbilisi, Georgia from Yerevan.

Trains depart every day from the Sasuntsi Davit station (Yerevan train station) and there are express/electric trains that go to Gyumri on weekends (Fri-Sunday) with much fewer stops. Tickets can be purchased on the very day of travel. Here is the Yerevan train schedule for different destinations (we took the regular train on a weekday to Gyumri).

The third option in this Armenia travel tips guide for exploring the country is by renting a car. Car rental is pretty easy in Yerevan with American companies such as Enterprise (right next to Ibis Yerevan center) doing business here. Armenia has both right and left wheel drive available and no international license is needed for US drivers licence holders. Our rental cost came to about $112 for two days with insurance.

There is much more paperwork to be done with additional fees of $40 and a extra safety deposit (that is refunded upon car return) for driving into Georgia. The only drawback of this entire process is that unlike USA where you are in and out of the rental office in minutes with the car keys, here the process is manual and takes quite some time to get the keys.

The fourth and most painless (albeit more expensive) way of exploring Armenia  is going on conducted day tours from Yerevan to see the most popular monasteries such as Khor Virap, Noravank and Tatev.

Although there are several vans around Republic square plastered with every conceivable day tour option, I highly recommend going with Hyur Services which is one of the premier tour companies in Yerevan. Like me, they have been tried by several other travelers and I can honestly vouch for their professionalism and efficiency.

Hyur services have several different day trip group tour options which can be pre-booked (you have to pay by credit card at least one day in advance to finalize the trip by visiting their office on Nalbandyan street in the city center) and they do all the legwork as you sit in one of their large, comfortable buses for a day trip with a super knowledgeable guide fluent in English (tours are multilingual and offered in English, Armenian and Russian).

This is especially useful for traveling to far off attractions such as Noravank and Tatev monasteries  (2-4 hrs drive one way from Yerevan along a dangerously upward winding and hilly terrain) that would be one hellish ride on a marshrutka with self driving being too dangerous.

LOCAL WEBSITES AND ARMENIA TRAVEL RESOURCES

As I wrap up this post in Armenia travel tips, I’d like to leave you with some valuable travel resources and website links that are repositories for all Armenia related information, from sightseeing to dining to lodging and transportation. These are:

a) Absolute Armenia : A website single-handedly dedicated to showcasing the best of Armenia with an aim to promote responsible tourism. 

b) Impact Yerevan Hub : Think of this initiative as the “square space” of Yerevan where young locals not only work in shared space but also provide insider tips on the best of Yerevan, from dining to shopping to bars to other happening events. I picked up one of their yellow maps from our hotel (Ibis Yerevan center) and it was a game changer for me. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming events in Yerevan and the best places to dine, drink and shop when in the capital.

c) The official tourism website of Armenia for all aspects of traveling in Armenia and exploring a plethora of upcoming festivals and events.

WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW BEFORE VISITING ARMENIA: FAQs

How do i get a visa for armenia from the us.

US Citizens can travel to Armenia visa free for 180 days. For several other countries including India, Armenia has a visa on arrival policy or an e-visa policy. Here is all the updated information you need to find out if your country is on the visa-exempt list or if you’re required to get a visa to enter Armenia.

Is it safe for US citizens to travel to Armenia?

Having traveled to Armenia in 2019 and friends who live currently in Armenia (my blogger friend Megan Starr who runs Absolute Armenia with her business partner Aram), I can confidently say that Armenia is safe to travel currently as of 2022, without any major political turmoil roiling the country. Armenians are very nice, friendly and welcoming people and would appreciate you boosting their economy via tourism.

Is Armenia a Schengen country? Is Armenia in Europe or Asia?

Armenia is not part of the Schengen zone in Europe. Armenia is culturally and politically considered a part of Europe although it is in the Southern Caucasus which puts it geographically in the Eurasia transcontinental zone.

Is Schengen visa valid for Armenia?

Armenia is not part of the Schengen territory in Europe. You cannot use a Schengen visa to enter Armenia if your country is included in the list of those that require a visa to enter Armenia (this excludes US citizens).

Is Armenia open to US tourists?

Yes, as of 2022 Armenia is open to US tourists via both land and air.

Do Armenians speak English?

You won’t have any problems in the capital city of Yerevan where people in general speak good to conversational English. Despite having zero knowledge of Russian and Armenian (I can only say “Spasiba” and “Dasvidaniya”), we did just fine in places outside of Yerevan as well. Armenians are very friendly and many outside Yerevan can speak some English.

Is Armenia worth visiting?

I cannot stress enough on how beautiful and undiscovered Armenia is. With a cultural rich heritage that dates back to hundreds of years, amazing historic landmarks that are still not swamped by selfie loving crowds and unparalleled food and wine, Armenia is a must visit and I hope my Armenia travel tips guide will inspire you to do so.

What is Armenia famous for?

Armenia is famous for its heritage landmarks such as its unique churches, the beautiful city of Yerevan, lots of good food and wine.

What should I wear in Armenia?

Armenia is a conservative country. Dress modestly. Midi dresses and skirts as well as jeans/full length pants with short sleeve or full sleeve blouses are good options for women. Short skirts and shorts are generally not preferred, especially outside Yerevan (you won’t be allowed inside churches in that attire). Carry a scarf cause you may have to cover your head in certain churches. 

Is Armenia expensive to travel?

Armenia is one of the top budget travel destinations in the world, especially for US citizens and those in Europe whose currency is the Euro. As of August 2022, the exchange rate is 406 AMD to 1 USD, 416.5 AMD to 1 Euro and 5.1 AMD to 1 Indian Rupee. Clearly, visiting Armenia is good for your wallet!

What currency is used in Armenia?

Armenian currency is the Dram (AMD).

Do’s and Don’ts in Armenia

• Dress modestly
• Expect to encounter smoking in restaurants and outdoors
• Have cash on hand for parking
• Opt for conducted tours for day trips, driving in Armenia can be challenging for first timers
• Definitely get a SIM card at Yerevan airport
• Get the Yerevan Card for savings on major attractions in the city
• Bring a headscarf (women) when visiting churches
• Pick up a bottle of wine for home (Armenia is one of the oldest wine growing regions in the world)
• Armenia is a conservative Christian country-please be mindful of their religious and political views

Is Yerevan safe for tourists?

Absolutely! We spent five full days in Yerevan and were never worried about our safety. The crime index is low for the city and we did not have any issues with pickpocketing or other tourism scams that plague big, touristy cities in Europe such as Barcelona or Paris or Rome.

I hope you enjoyed reading this detailed post on tips and resources to help plan your first Armenia trip . Armenia is a magical place to visit and in this world plagued with overcrowding and mass tourism, is a gem waiting to be discovered and savored minus the crazy crowds.

Despite the few inconveniences that you may encounter (more like kinks that need to be smoothed out), you will have a great time in the country exploring its many glorious sights, sounds and flavors!  There’s been no better time to visit Armenia than now and I hope this post helps make that happen for you.

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6 thoughts on “Armenia Travel Tips: 12 Super Useful Things to Know For Your Very First Visit”

That’s great to hear that it is a perfect destination for Indian passport holders!

So cool to see some blog posts on Armenia!! Looks like such a cool place, I hope I can go one day 🙂

Love love love this! We are just beginning research to visit Armenia next year. This is so useful. I think it looks b beautiful!

Armenia has never been on my radar until I read this. Great post – really comprehensive & definitely makes me want to visit!

Thanks for sharing. Armenia has never been on our radar and given your comments about the roads I’m not sure I’d like to take our 7.5metre long motorhome there. The smoking reminds me a bit of Morocco where we also encountered smoking in restaurants. I guess they’ve still got to catch up with world view about such things. X

A very informative post! I’d never thought about visiting Armenia, but it looks so interesting. It has been added to my very long list of places to go.

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Best of Armenia , Itineraries & Road Trips

2 incredible armenia itinerary options: 7 days in armenia.

This guide is all about planning the perfect Armenia itinerary for your trip! We offer two options for how to best spend 4, 6, or 7 days in Armenia regardless of what your travel style is!

If youʻre booking your trip to Yerevan  last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!

🇦🇲  Top Experiences and Tours in/from Yerevan:

• Day Trip to Khorvirap, Noravank, and Areni Winery (top-rated day tour from Yerevan!)
• Garni Temple & Geghard Tour with Lavash Baking Day tour (also popular day tour!)
• Tsaghkadzor & Lake Sevan Guided Tour (wonderful nature tour from Yerevan!)
• Private Walking Food Tour with 6 Tastings (recommended food tour in Yerevan!)

🛌  Top Hotels in Yerevan:

• The Alexander   (luxury option + SPA, authentic dining venues, indoor pool!)
• Daniel’s Boutique Hotel (mid-range in excellent location!)
• 14th Floor (in the center with a wonderful view of Mount Ararat!)
• Grand Hostel (budget option in Yerevan!)

🚗  Looking for the best way to get around Armenia? Click here to check rental car rates for Armenia!

Let us know if you have any questions at the end or have any tips for how to create an optimal itinerary for Armenia!

Armenia is a small, beautiful country, but it’s not necessarily easy to navigate because of its mountainous landscape and poorly developed infrastructure.

Though it’s getting better each year, it’s still not quite perfect which is why many travelers think if the country is small then a 4-day Armenia trip to Armenia can be enough to see the country, however, that might be not enough.

We have traveled the country extensively and on every trip, we discover new and amazing places to visit in Armenia , but we also understand that for first-time visitors it can be quite difficult to figure out where to go and what to see in Armenia.

For now, we have created two types of itineraries, where we have tried to include sights for history and culture lovers as well as nature lovers as there is so much to see in Armenia.

The best thing about these itineraries is that you can easily change sights, dates, and locations to make them suitable to your needs and interests, especially if you have a rental car or are booking a tour.

Each version of the itinerary will have accommodation options in the particular region where you can stay as well as tours that you can take to see multiple sights in a short period of time.

Armenia Itinerary Suggestions Overview (Self-drive or with Private Driver)

Here is a quick glimpse at our two itinerary suggestions for Armenia:

Cultural Heritage Itinerary in Armenia

• Day 1: Khor Virap, Areni-1 Cave, Noravank Monastery, Tatev Monastery
• Day 2: Temple of Garni, Geghard Monastery
• Day 3: Yerevan
• Day 4: Etchmiadzin, Zvartnots Cathedral, Voskevaz Winery
• Day 5: Lake Sevan, Dilijan National Park, Haghartsin Monastery
• Day 6: Odzun, Horomayri Monastery, Ardvi, Lori Berd
• Day 7: Sanahin Monastery, Haghpat Monastery

Nature and Adventure Itinerary in Armenia

• Day 1: Dilijan National Park, Parz Lake, Gosh Lake
• Day 2: Rafting in Armenia, Lori Berd, Stepanavan Dendropark
• Day 3: Yerevan, Hrazdan Gorge, Yerevan Zipline
• Day 4: Temple of Garni, Azat Gorge, Symphony of Stones
• Day 5: Areni-1 Cave, Noravank Monastery, Tatev Monastery
• Day 6: Hell’s Canyon
• Day 7: Yerevan

Armenia Itinerary #1: Cultural Heritage

To add this map to your Google Maps account, click the ‘Star’ icon next to the map name. You can then view it on your cell phone or computer by heading to your Google Maps account, click the menu and add it to ‘Your Places’.

Day 1 of Armenia Itinerary: Khor Virap, Areni-1 Cave, Noravank, Tatev

Four amazing and must-visit places in Armenia are Khor Virap Monastery , Noravank Monastery, Tatev Monastery, and Areni-1 cave.

They are all relatively close together, so it’s a great opportunity to see all four of them in one day.

Each of these sites has a unique history and value to the Armenian story and we definitely recommend visiting all of them, as many people have never seen such places in their life.

Approximate driving time: 4-5 hours

Khor Virap Monastery

One of the biggest symbols of Christianity in Armenia is Khor Virap Monastery , but it’s known for more than just being the biggest heritage of the first Christian nation in the world.

Khor Virap is located in a gorgeous location in the Ararat Valley with a view of the iconic mountain Ararat. Getting to Khor Virap from Yerevan is quite easy, too.

Though man-made, this facility is in harmony with nature. When the sky is not cloudy, you can see an unbelievably beautiful view of Mt. Ararat and the valley and discover Khor Virap and its history.

Khor Virap means “deep dungeon” because, under the church, there is a hole where Gregory the Illuminator was dropped to die.

He survived and later brought Christianity to Armenia in 301, which made Armenia the first Christian nation.

Khor Virap is located in Ararat province .

Areni-1 Cave Complex

Your next stop will be the wine village of Areni, where the world’s oldest winery in Areni-1 Cave was discovered nearby.

The impressive and ancient winery was discovered in 2008 and is estimated to be 6100 years old, dating to the Early Bronze Age.

You will witness the world’s oldest winery inside of the cave where many clay pots are buried in the soil that still have remains of grapes and wine.

Areni is in general known to be the wine center of Armenia. Each year in Areni village, there is a wine festival where thousands of people taste and enjoy hundreds of wines.

Also in the caves, the world’s oldest leather shoe was discovered, dated to be 5,500 years old. Right now, it is on display at the History Museum of Armenia.

Noravank Monastery

Approximately 20 minutes past Areni village is Noravank Monastery which is situated among the red-colored mountains.

Noravank Monastery is the perfect combination for travelers who want to see stunning nature and historical sites.

The monastery was founded in the 12th century in a very significant location because to reach the monastery, you need to drive through a narrow canyon surrounded by high rocks.

Tatev Monastery

If you head even further south down into Syunik, you will end up at Tatev Monastery , another significant sight in Armenia.

Tatev Monastery is not far from the town of Goris (we give accommodation options for there below) and is renowned for its remote location that is best reached by taking the Wings of Tatev cable car.

Day 1 Tour Option

• Khor Virap, Noravank, & Areni Winery Day Trip

Day 1 Armenia Hotel Recommendations

• Budget: Tatev Traditional Guesthouse
• Mid-range: Hotel Mira
• Luxury: Hotel Mirhav

Day 2 of Armenia Itinerary: Temple of Garni and Geghard Monastery

Temple of garni.

The Temple of Garni and Geghard Monastery are very close to Yerevan, making it a very popular day trip for travelers. Both sites are stunning and have centuries of history from Pagan Armenia to Christian Armenia.

Garni Temple is a rare Pagan temple that still exists in the region. It is a must-visit place for ancient history lovers.

Located only 40 minutes away from Yerevan in the Kotayk region among mountains and gorges, Garni village has a rich history with many things to do and to see.

Garni Hellenistic Temple was built in the 1st century AD. It used to be a kind summer residence dedicated to Mihr, the Armenian Pagan God of light and sun.

The temple facility has other historical artifacts to explore, like antique baths and stone arts. The view of the gorge is also something that no one should miss out on seeing.

Geghard Monastery

Geghard Monastery is another must-see important historical and religious monument located deep in the mountains.

On the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, this monastery has a very unique architecture and location because a large part of the monastery is actually built into the huge rock face. The monastery was founded in the 4th century.

This is a place where human minds and creativity meet nature, as you can see from the harmonious collaboration between nature and architecture.

Geghard in Armenian means “spear” because for centuries the spear that Jesus Christ was wounded with was brought to Armenia and kept at Geghard Monastery until it was later moved to the Holy Etchmiadzin.

Day 2 Tour Option

• Half-day tour to Garni and Geghard from Yerevan

Day 2 Armenia Hotel Recommendations

• Budget: Guest House Garni Resthouse
• Mid-range: Chez Yvette
• Luxury: Hotel Garni 7 Qar

Day 3 of Armenia Itinerary: Discover Yerevan

While you are staying in Yerevan take a day and explore Yerevan – the beautiful and charming capital of Armenia built from pink volcanic tuff, which gives the city a unique and beautiful look.

Yerevan is more than 2,800 years old and considered one of the oldest capitals in the world, being even 29 years older than Rome!

There are many sites in the city to see like the Cascades Complex, the Opera House, Republic Square, and many others.

Yerevan has a great cafe culture throughout the city, but especially around the Cascades and Saryan wine street . You can discover small charming vineyards and cafes where you can enjoy fantastic local wine and food.

Day 3 Tour Option

• Yerevan: City Tour with Brandy Tasting and Carpet Weaving

Day 3 Armenia Hotel Recommendations

• Budget: Grand Hostel
• Mid-Range: Daniel Boutique Hotel  
• Luxury: The Alexander  

Day 4 of Armenia Itinerary: Etchmiadzin, Zvartnots Cathedral, Voskevaz Winery

Other very close day trip locations from Yerevan are the Holy City of Etchmiadzin, Zvartnots Cathedral ruins, and Voskevaz winery.

All of the locations are close to each other and located in one region, Armavir. Armavir is known for its green valleys and is home to some of the oldest churches in the world.

Etchmiadzin

Known also as the Holy City of Etchmiadzin , it is the center of Christianity in Armenia because it has one of the oldest churches in both Armenia and the world.

The small city of Etchmiadzin is located only 20 km away from Yerevan and has more than 2,000 years of history.

It has more than one UNESCO World Heritage Site, like Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Saint Gayane Church, and Zvartnots Cathedral ruins.

Etchmiadzin is a charming city where you can visit nice museums and enjoy food in local restaurants .

Zvartnots Cathedral

Right before entering Etchmiadzin city, on the right side of the highway, you will find beautiful gates decorated with stone statues and ornaments.

This is the main entrance to the ancient Zvartnots Cathedral ruins.

You can take a walk down a long path lined with apricot and cherry trees, or enter the parking lot by car.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was erected in the 7th century AD, a rare architectural style for that time.

It was destroyed by a strong earthquake in the 10th century AD. There are still some preserved ruins showcasing the beauty and complicated architecture of the facility.

The backdrop of Zvartnots Cathedral is the beautiful Ararat mountain. Close to the ruins, there is a museum where you can learn more about the construction and the site’s history.

• Working hours: 10:00-17:00 Monday closed
• Fee: 700 AMD + 100 AMD for parking

Etchmiadzin Cathedral

One of the oldest Christian churches in the world, the Etchmiadzin Cathedral complex is located in the center of the city. It is also known as the Armenian Vatican and is one of the most popular Armenian church tour destinations.

As the first Christian nation, Armenia has many old churches, but Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the oldest. It was built in 301 AD, the year Armenia adopted Christianity as its state religion.

The area around the Cathedral has a beautiful garden with flowers and trees, an ancient graveyard, and one of the oldest restaurants in the Caucasus.

Voskevaz Winery

Take your time and drive to Voskevaz Winery , which resembles a fairytale castle and is located only 30 minutes away from Echmiadzin in the Aragatsotn region .

It is a great place to finish up a day of exploration with a glass of wine and a tour to see where and how it is made.

The factory was founded in 1932 and is located a couple of kilometers from Kasakh Gorge.

It is near where the ruins of Badals Church are and where clay amphoras for winemaking were discovered buried in the soil. Click here for more.

Day 4 Tour Option

• Khor Virap, Etchmiadzin, and Zvartnots tour from Yerevan

Day 5 of Armenia Itinerary: Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Haghartsin Monastery

After returning to Yerevan on the 5th day, you should head to the Blue Pearl of Armenia- Lake Sevan .

It is known for its island monastery, beaches, and a lakeside restaurant, as well as the green heart of Armenia- Dilijan and Haghartsin Monastery , located nearby.

All these locations are located approximately 1-2 hours away from Yerevan and are easily accessible and the perfect day trips from Yerevan .

One of the most beautiful places in Armenia is definitely Lake Sevan , known as the Blue Pearl of Armenia. Sevan is the biggest lake in the Caucasus. Located in the Gegharkunik region, it is only an hour away from Yerevan.

From the highway, you can turn right and drive to Sevan Island, which is now a peninsula after the water level went down over the last 100 years.

There are two beautiful churches on the peninsula, located at the top of the island and accessible by a staircase

At the top, you will get a mesmerizing view of the lake and mountains. You can also visit the Sevanavank Monastery complex, founded in 874 AD.

Click here to read more about getting to Lake Sevan from Yerevan .

Day 5 Tour Option

• Private Tour: Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Goshavank and Haghartsin

Day 5 Armenia Hotel Recommendations

• Budget: Kavkazski Dvor
• Mid-Range: Hover Boutique
• Luxury: Four Seasons Guest House Dilijan

Day 6 of Armenia Itinerary: Odzun, Horomayri Monastery, Ardvi, Lori Berd

Lori region is rich with history and heritage and many sights are located in the most obscure and mind-blowing locations.

We recommend you visit one of the country’s northernmost regions, Lori, and discover Odzun village surrounded by mountains.

You will also have a chance to see the mysterious Horomayri Monastery located in the dramatic Debed Gorge, Ardvi village, and the ancient Lori Fortress (Lori Berd).

Odzun is the largest village in Lori. It has a rich heritage and is located almost on the edge of Debed Gorge.

The jewel of the village is the Odzun Church, one of the earliest Christian churches in Armenia after Etchmiadzin Cathedral.

Horomayri Church

The fascinating 12th-century Horomayri Monastery ruins are located in Debed Gorge.

You will need to hike to visit this spot, but you also can observe it at a distance from the edge of the gorge.

Horomayri Monastery is located approximately 1 km away from Odzun village and the viewpoint of the gorge and the church is located behind the three small churches right on the edge of Debed gorge.

Ardvi , a little village with a charming church and beautiful views, is located 15 minutes away from Odzun village.

Ardvi has a beautiful little church located at the end of the village surrounded by huge rocks, next to an ancient graveyard with khachkars.

The village has a unique legend: a giant snake attacked the village, but later St. Hovhannes Odznetsi turned it into a stone.

From his body, which is visible in the big rock, healing water comes out. It’s called “Odzi port,’’ in reference to the water appearing to come from the snake’s belly button.

Lori Fortress (Lori Berd)

Another must-see of the Lori region is Lori Berd , also known as Lori Fortress .

It is an 11th-century fortress built on the edge of the crossroads of the Urut and Dzoraget Gorges, at an elevation of 1379m. It once was the capital of the Tashir-Dzoraget kingdom.

The ticket price is 1400 AMD.

Day 6 Tour Option

• Odzun, Akhtala and UNESCO Heritage Sites Tour

Day 6 Armenia Hotel Recommendations

• Budget: Odzun RG
• Mid-range: Olya Guesthouse   

Day 7 of Armenia Itinerary: Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries

On your final day before returning to Yerevan, we suggest visiting two unbelievably unique monasteries which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sanahin Monastery and Haghpat Monastery are not only points of interest in the Lori region but also in all of Armenia because of its architectural and spiritual values and heritage.

Both sites are located on plateaus and are about 15km from each other.

Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries

Both monasteries are a mix of Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture and Caucasian traditional architecture from around the 10th-13th centuries.

Sanahin means ‘’this one is older than that one’’ because Sanahin Monastery (10th century) is a little bit older than the Haghpat Monastery (also from the 10th century).

Both monasteries are fascinating places that are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

After visiting Sanahin Monastery Complex and Haghpat Monastery you can return to Yerevan as your final day.

If you are planning to spend more days in Armenia, there are many other places you can visit.

Day 7 Tour Option

• Armenia: Private Tour to Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries

Armenia Itinerary #2: Nature and Activities

You can then view it on your cell phone or computer by heading to your Google Maps account, clicking the menu and adding it to ‘Your Places’.

Day 1 of Armenia Itinerary #2: Dilijan, Parz Lake, Gosh Lake

Your first day can start from Dilijan, located in the Tavush region with lush green forests, mountain lakes, and many hiking trails.

Dilijan can occupy you for more than one day if you have time. It’s a great location to start discovering Armenia .

You can camp next to Gosh Lake located in the mountains, discover Dilijan with its old districts, and hike in the Dilijan National Park and the surrounding areas.

Dilijan National Park

Dilijan will surprise you with its lush, forested mountains, hiking trails, and delicious local Armenian cuisine . Dilijan is also home to many amazing hotels and guesthouses up in the mountains.

If you decide to make Dilijan your base in Armenia, you will have easy access to beautiful nature. You will be able to visit places like Parz and Gosh Lakes, which are located only 15 minutes away from the city center by car.

Gosh Lake’s road is more for 4WD/SUVs or hikers, while Parz Lake is much more accessible and can be driven to. For thrill-seekers, there is an opportunity to participate in adventure activities at VereV Rope Park in Dilijan.

Dilijan National Park is a large forest with many rare trees, plants, and wild animals such as foxes, brown bears, red deer, and more.

There are plenty of things to discover in Dilijan if you wish to stay more than one day.

Day 2 of Armenia Itinerary #2: Rafting, Lori Berd, Stepanavan Dendropark

On your second day, you’ll find a mixture of activities, starting with rafting on the powerful Debed River in Lori.

Then visit one of the beautiful fortresses in Lori, located on the edge of the gorge. Next, get lost in the lush green Stepanavan Dendropark, and finally, you will head back to Yerevan to get ready for other upcoming adventures.

Rafting in Armenia

If you love extreme sports and are not afraid to get wet, then rafting in the Debed River is one heck of a fun way to start your day.

The experienced guides will explain how to raft, so this is an activity for all skill levels.

The river goes for many kilometers and is surrounded by mountains and large rocks nestled in dense greenery.

It is a wild time and you’re sure to meet some new people! Click here to learn more!

Lori Berd (Lori Fortress)

The road to Lori Fortress is no less impressive; the fortress itself passes through Stepanavan town crossing the impressive huge bridge where the view to the gorge is amazing and the scenery gorgeous.

As you get closer, you will be able to see the ancient fortress on the edge of the massive gorge.

Stepanavan Dendropark

The last place to visit before going back to Yerevan is the large green space that is the Stepanavan Dendropark.

Stepanavan Dendropark was established in 1931 by Edmund Leonowicz who was a Polish engineer.

The space is 35 hectares with 500 species of plants and trees from all around the world.

Stroll up and down the forested paths to the flower gardens, greenhouses, and river. Relax and feel the atmosphere of nature preserved for almost a hundred years.

Don’t forget to say hi to and pet the adorable blind guide dog, Mike!

• 1-day Horseback Riding in the Lush Region of Lori

Day 3 of Armenia Itinerary #2: Yerevan, Hrazdan Gorge, Zipline

On the third day, you can fully enjoy Yerevan.

Walk around and discover both its hidden and famous sights, learn the history of the ancient city, and of course, enjoy the Yerevan evening in hip cafes and bars.

Also, during the day, don’t miss out on the opportunity to fly over the Hrazdan Gorge with Yerevan Zipline, the longest zipline in Armenia that goes under a massive bridge.

Yerevan Cafes and Bars

Yerevan has a burgeoning scene of new, hip cafes and bars, which mixes well with the existing sidewalk cafe lifestyle.

You can also find some amazing coffee in Yerevan these days.

Visit places like Kong, Epicure, Mamba, In Vino, and Mirzoyan Library and enjoy Yerevan’s colorful cafes and bar life where you can meet new and interesting people.

Yerevan Zipline

The Yerevan Zipline is fun and full of adrenaline all in one place that will allow you to fly over the beautiful Hrazdan Gorge and cross under the Davtashen bridge.

The zipline has two lines, which means you will be able to fly twice. The longest line is 870 meters long.

The professional staff will guide you until the end of your flight and will teach you the basic knowledge of how to zip 150km/h down to the gorge.

• Working hours: All week  10:30 – 19:30
• Ticket fee: 14,000 AMD

• The Magic and Secrets of Yerevan Walking Tour

Day 4 of Armenia Itinerary #2: Temple of Garni, Azat Gorge, Symphony of Stones

On day four, you will go to the Kotayk region, which is next to Yerevan, and visit Garni village, the Azat Gorge, and the Symphony of Stones, all amazing natural wonders.

Symphony of Stones

The Symphony of Stones is a hexagonal and pentagonal stone column natural monument, which is over 70m tall.

The basalt columns are visible from all parts of the gorge and resemble organ pipes.

After visiting Garni Temple, you can hike down to Azar Gorge directly from the left side of the entrance of the temple and observe the Symphony of Stones yourself.

If you have extra time, check out Azat Reservoir nearby!

• From Yerevan: 2-Day Garni, Geghard & Azhdahak Hiking Tour

Day 4 Armenia Hotel Recommendations

• Budget: Guest House Garni

Day 5 of Armenia Itinerary #2: Areni-1 Cave, Noravank and Tatev Monasteries

The next day, you will have a bit of a Armenia road trip to the southern wonders of Armenia in the Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions.

The first stop is the Areni-1 Cave where, according to archeological discoveries, wine was first made.

After visiting the cave, visit the nearby Noravank Monastery which will occupy you for another couple of hours.

Your final adventure for Day 5 should definitely be the cable tramway called the “Wings of Tatev,” which takes you to the iconic Tatev Monastery.

This is the longest reversible aerial tramway i n the world at almost 6 km in length. Getting to Tatev from Yerevan is easy if you’d like to start that leg first.

• Private Tour: Tatev, Ropeway, Khndzoresk, & Areni Winary
• Budget: Tatev Traditional guesthouse

Day 6 of Armenia Itinerary #2: Hell’s Canyon

We recommend that Day 6 be a day where you do something very adventurous, like canyoning in a place called Hell’s Canyon.

It will take all day to do this activity so be ready to give it one full day.

The tour company you can go with will take you to the canyon and then bring you back to Yerevan at the end of the day.

Day 7 of Armenia Itinerary #2: Back to Yerevan

On the last day, start making your way back to Yerevan.

You can make some worthwhile stops at places like the beautiful Shaki Waterfall , Areni-1 Cave (again), Khor Virap, and Karahunj along the way.

We hope that you enjoyed these Armenia itinerary options and please let us know if you have any questions or additional recommendations! Thanks!

Armenia Itinerary FAQ

How many days are needed for armenia.

If you have short traveling days, then 4 to 5 days in Armenia will be enough to see one of the most important Armenian cultural and historical sites. However, to take your time and plan your perfect Armenia itinerary, we recommend considering up to 7 days in Armenia. This way you will have an opportunity to visit all Armenian sites, from the stunning Tatev Monastery to the lush green Lori region and everything in between.

Which Month is Good for Visiting Armenia?

Summer temperatures in Armenia can reach up to 40°C, which might be uncomfortable for those who prefer cooler weather. We recommend visiting Armenia in spring, specifically April-May, or in autumn, from September to October, when the temperatures are significantly lower.

How to Get from Georgia to Armenia?

It’s very easy to travel between Georgia and Armenia, as they are neighboring countries. There are several options for getting from one country to the other, but public transportation is generally the most convenient and affordable. To assist travelers in planning their journey, we’ve created a helpful article on how to travel from Tbilisi to Yerevan by minibus (marshrutka).

Pin this Itinerary for Armenia

1 thoughts on “ 2 Incredible Armenia Itinerary Options: 7 Days in Armenia ”

Only in the planning stages of doing a trip though Georgia, Artsakh, Abkhazia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran. If one was to spend 3 weeks or more in Armenia, what route would you suggest? We would have 4 to 6 months in total. Any suggestions for time frame for the other countries?

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• 🇦🇲 Learn Armenian

Few nations have histories as ancient, complex and laced with tragedy as Armenia (ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ). And even fewer have a culture that is as rich and resilient. This is a destination where you will be intrigued by history, awed by monuments, amazed by the landscape and charmed by down-to-earth locals. It's not an easy place to explore – roads are rough, transport is often hard to navigate and those who don't speak Armenian or Russian may find communication difficult – but travelling here is as rewarding as it is revelatory.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Armenian Genocide Memorial & Museum

Commemorating the massacre of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1922, this institution uses photographs, documents, reports and films to…

History Museum of Armenia

Its simply extraordinary collection of Bronze Age artefacts make this museum Armenia's pre-eminent cultural institution and an essential stop on every…

Founded by Bishop Hovhannes in 1205 and sensitively renovated in the 1990s, Noravank (New Monastery) is one of the most spectacular sites in Armenia and…

Old Khndzoresk

Dug into volcanic sandstone on the slopes of Khor Dzor (Deep Gorge), the village of Old Khndzoresk was inhabited as far back as the 13th century. By the…

Cafesjian Center for the Arts

Housed in a vast flight of stone steps known as the Cascade, this arts centre is one of the city's major cultural attractions. Originally conceived in the…

Khor Virap Monastery

Located 32km south of Yerevan at the foot of Mt Ararat, Khor Virap has been repeatedly rebuilt since the 5th century. Legend says the pagan King Trdat III…

Sergei Parajanov Museum

For something totally unique, head to this museum near Hrazdan Gorge. Crammed with collages, drawings, photographs and assemblages created by the…

Matenadaran

Standing at the top of Yerevan’s grandest avenue, this cathedral-like manuscript library is a source of enormous pride to all Armenians. The first…

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Armenia and beyond.

Armenia Travel Guide: Things to Know for First-Time Visitors

Armenia, a mystical land in the Caucasus, is gaining popularity with Filipinos based in the UAE. It has not just captured the attention of new OFWs who need to go out of the country for visa change, but also of expatriates who love to travel to off-beat destinations!

With its rich history and natural beauty , Armenia easily won our hearts when we joined a familiarization trip organized by Air Arabia airlines and Armenia Tourism Board! It is a humble country with so much to offer; from the modern capital to the ancient towns to the rugged mountains where winter activities can be enjoyed!

Other Tips When Travelling from Dubai to Armenia

Discover armenia: tips for first-timers.

To help you prepare for your trip to Armenia, here are the things you need to know. Be advised that this is a basic travel guide only. This will guide you, as a first-timer, to see what this country has to offer. We hope you find the information useful.

Currency The monetary unit of Armenia is called Dram. 1 Armenian Dram is roughly 0.0077 Dirham, 0.0021 US Dollar.

Timezone GMT: +04:00

Climate / Weather Armenia is located in the Caucasus, a region tucked in between Asia and Europe. The temperature ranges from 22 to 36 degrees Celsius during summer (June to August). Weather is fairly pleasant during autumn (September to early November) and spring (March to May). Winter season kicks off late November and lasts until February. Temperature can be quite cold with lots of snowfall during this season, but it’s also the best time for winter sports.

• Summer (June to August) – 22 to 36 degrees Celsius
• Autumn (September to November)
• Winter (December to February)
• Spring (March to May)

in Dilijan – trees covered with snow

Visa Processing Visa on Arrival – single entry visa for 21 days Tourist Visa Fee – 3000 AMD (7 USD)

How to Get a Tourist Visa in Armenia?  Filipinos can obtain Visa on arrival in Armenia. No supporting documents required. Upon arrival, fill out the visa application form and head to the money exchange counter as you need to pay for the visa in Armenian Dram. Submit your passport and application form in the visa application counter and pay 3000 AMD for single entry visa, valid for 21 days.

tourist visa stamp

For other nationalities, it is best to contact the Armenia embassy. Visit their website here –  http://uae.mfa.am/en/

Language Armenian is the official language of Armenia, but most locals can speak Russian as the country was a part of the Soviet Union until 1991. Since its independence, English has been gaining popularity. Although not everyone you meet in the streets and local markets can speak English, those who are working in the Tourism and Hospitality sector can communicate in English very well.

Accommodation Yerevan makes a good base for exploring Armenia. One-night stay in a hotel with breakfast is reasonably priced from 30,000 to 35,000 Armenian Dram (around 200 to 300 AED). We stayed in Royal Plaza , a homely hotel just 10 minutes’ walk from Cascade complex.

Royal Plaza hotel, book a reservation, click here 

Book Cheap Hotels in Armenia

You can search and book for various hotels and guesthouses in Armenia depending on your preference. Check out available option for accommodation below:

Transportation Getting around Yerevan is convenient. Common modes of transport are by marshrutka (bus) and by Yerevan Metro. Historical attractions are more than an hour away from the capital; hence, it is best to join a guided tour organized by a trusted travel company. Our comprehensive 3-day tour was arranged by Armenia Travel.

Attractions Being one of the oldest countries in the world, Armenia has plenty of awe-inspiring structures dating back to the early centuries. Popular well-preserved ancient structures are:

• Churches in Geghard
• Garni Temple – the only surviving pagan temple
• Echmiadzin – the religious center of Armenians

Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Park in Yerevan

It is also a natural wonderland dotted with rainforests, lakes and plains framed by snowcapped mountains. Nature lovers will stand in awe in the

• Pearl of Armenia – Lake Sevan
• Little Switzerland – Dilijan
• Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort.

You can also explore the museums, markets, churches and art in the city of Yerevan.

Cascades in Yerevan city – a giant stairway

Food Rich culture comes with great food! Armenian cuisine has a unique blend of flavors from east and west. Must-eats when visiting Armenia are:  Khoravat (barbecue), Khashlama – lamb dish often served during feasts, thin flatbread called Lavash, and Gata cake.

Food in Armenia

A basic meal usually costs 3,000 Dram, while a 3-course meal in a fancy restaurant costs around 6,000 Dram per person.

How to get there from the UAE Air Arabia , the first and largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, flies from Sharjah to Yerevan twice a week and it takes about 3 hours of travel time only.

Haghartsin Monastery in the town of Dilijan, Tavush

Below are some other tips that you can find useful when you visit Armenia.

• Pack Proper Clothes – this is a basic thing but we might tend to forget that we should bring clothes that we can wear comfortably and that is appropriate for the weather and climate. It was my first time to travel during winter and to experience snow, so I made sure to bring thermal clothing, insulated jackets and waterproof shoes. Temperature dropped to -7 degrees Celsius when we were there. I still felt chilly despite the 3 layers of clothing!
• Armenia Travel company assisted us on our Day Trips – we had a tour operator assist us on our day trips. If you want to book a tour package to Armenia, it’s good to have somebody who can explain details of the places you will visit. We had to do make use of hand signals when talking to the locals. Don’t worry as staff in hotels and resorts speak English.
• Always Keep Cash (Armenian Dram) – Not all shops accept credit card transactions so always bring enough cash for the day.

Tsakhkadzor, Armenia during winter season (late November)

We hope that the information above will help you plan your trip and finally book flights from Sharjah to Yerevan. Remember, it’s a short flight (3 hours) from the UAE and you can explore its places for about 3-4 days, perfect for a quick vacation out of town!

Air Arabia flies from Dubai to Armenia via Sharjah to Yerevan. Filipinos get visa on arrival.

Read about our other Armenia posts here:

• DubaiOFW Goes to Armenia via Air Arabia
• Armenia Travel Guide: Things to Know
• How to Apply for Armenia Tourist Visa for Filipinos
• 10 Breakthtaking Places to Visit in Armenia
• 8 Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia
• 10 Must-Try Food in Armenia

About the Author: Lady Anne

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Armenia travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: August 7, 2024 15:12 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, armenia - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Armenia.

Eastern border with Azerbaijan - Avoid all travel

• within 5 km of the eastern border with Azerbaijan
• the M16/H26 road between the cities of Ijevan and Noyemberyan

Border with the Azerbaijani Autonomous Republic of Nakchivan - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to within 1 km of the border with the Azerbaijani Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan due to the risk of armed clashes.

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Border areas

The Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular services in areas along the international borders with Azerbaijan is extremely limited.

The security environment remains highly volatile at the eastern border between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

There have been periodic outbreaks of violence in these areas for several decades and, while there have been no major incidents since Azerbaijan’s military operations in September 2023, tensions remain heightened. As part of the ongoing tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia, there are also occasional ceasefire violations and clashes on the Nakhchivan border.

All border crossings into Azerbaijan are closed and the border is heavily militarized.

Armed clashes occur occasionally at multiple points along the international border, including near the following Armenian cities:

Border areas with Azerbaijan are subject to extremely dangerous military activities, such as:

• mortar and artillery shelling
• rocket fire
• drone attacks
• heavy gunfire

If you choose to travel near the border with Azerbaijan despite this advisory:

• exercise caution at all times
• avoid travelling at night
• monitor local and international media to stay informed on current clashes
• follow instructions from local authorities and security forces

Türkiye

The land border between Türkiye and Armenia is closed.

The border crossing near the Armenian town of Meghri is the only official access to Iran from Armenia.

Russian border guards are present along the border and have set up several checkpoints to deter smuggling and other illegal activities into Armenia from Iran. 

Iran’s military occasionally conducts operations in the area.

• Only cross at official border crossings
• Follow the instructions of security forces
• Avoid travelling at night
• Avoid travelling alone

Petty crime

Pickpocketing, mugging, purse snatching and theft from cars and homes occur.

During your stay:

• keep your car and home doors locked and windows closed at all times
• don’t leave personal items and documents in plain sight in a vehicle
• make sure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents are secure at all times
• don’t show signs of affluence

Police officers don’t regularly patrol streets and response may take longer than expected.

There is a low threat of terrorism in Armenia, but attacks could occur at any time.

In 2022, there have been bomb alerts in Yerevan targeting:

• Zvartnots International Airport
• metro stations
• shopping malls
• the city hall
• the national assembly

Targets could also include:

• places of worship
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

In the event of a bomb alert:

• expect heightened presence of security forces and disruptions to air traffic and public transportation
• monitor local media to stay informed on the evolving situation
• follow instructions of local authorities and security forces, including evacuation orders
• don’t go near the targeted areas

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• other public celebrations

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly, particularly in Yerevan and the vicinity of institutional buildings, and are mostly peaceful.

In 2022, large-scale demonstrations took place in several cities across Armenia over the government’s posture toward Azerbaijan after the Nagorno-Karabakh war. They have led to acts of vandalism and violent clashes amongst demonstrators and with security forces in certain places.

Further demonstrations are likely.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road conditions.

Road conditions have improved in recent years in Yerevan and on main roads. Roads in rural areas are poorly maintained and dangerous due to:

• insufficient lighting
• bad road markings and signage
• large potholes
• unpaved sections
• lack of road shoulders
• poor snow clearing during winter

Emergency services may take a long time to reach you if you’re involved in an accident outside of urban areas. You must have a warning triangle in your car at all times in case of an emergency.

Roads in Armenia – Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Armenia

Driving habits

Drivers are often distracted, frequently break traffic regulations, drive at excessive speeds and lack driving skills.

Pedestrians often cross in the middle of the road and drivers don’t always give pedestrians the right of way.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is common, especially on weekends.

U-turns and lane changes without warning occur frequently.

If you’re driving in Armenia:

• always drive defensively
• avoid driving at night
• use main roads and highways as much as possible
• don’t stop in isolated areas
• always carry a cellphone and a charger

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs.

Be careful when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN

Tourist scams

There have been reports of foreigners being pickpocketed or forced to pay the bill by friendly strangers who:

• offer to help, especially near ATMs
• ask you to take a photo
• invite you for drinks at a bar

While travelling:

• avoid showing signs of affluence, carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
• pay attention to your surroundings, particularly in crowded and tourist areas
• be extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs

Overseas fraud

Adventure tourism

Adventure tourism, such as zip-lining, kayaking, rock climbing or trekking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well-organized. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly.

Tour operators may not meet international standards.

If you are participating in adventure tourism:

• never do so alone, and do not part with your tour companions  consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company 
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation  
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to tackle the challenges of your activity  
• avoid venturing off marked trails  
• refrain from using equipment if you have doubts on their safety  
• always wear a lifejacket during water activities.

Public transportation

Taxis are widely available in Yerevan, but vehicles are often in poor condition and don't always have standard security features like seatbelts.

Most taxi drivers:

• smoke and talk on the phone while driving
• don’t accept credit cards
• can’t make change for large bills

There are several mobile applications on which you can order taxis with safer vehicles and fixed fares.

If you choose to take a taxi:

• confirm the driver's identity and license plate before getting into the car
• never share a cab with strangers
• make sure the driver does not pick up other passengers on the way to your destination
• negotiate the fare in advance
• have small bills available for payment.

Trains operate in Armenia, but mainly serve destinations in the north of the country. Be careful when travelling by train as wagons are often overcrowded and not always well-maintained.

• Make sure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Don’t leave the compartment unattended
• Keep the door locked from the inside

When travelling outside of Yerevan, avoid using minibuses called "Marshrutka".

Drivers are reckless and are often involved in accidents. The vehicles are overcrowded and not always equipped with seatbelts.

Petty crimes such as theft occur, and drivers may overcharge you.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Armenian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Armenia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Transit visa: required Business visa: required

You must obtain a visa before departure either from:

• Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website or
• the closest Embassy of Armenia

Apply for an e-visa - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia

Dual citizenship

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Armenia, you might be required to enter and exit Armenia on an Armenian passport. Contact the nearest Armenian diplomatic office to confirm this information.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Some prescription medication may not be available in Armenia.

If you are taking prescription medication, you must verify its legality.

• Bring a sufficient supply of your medication
• Always leave your medication in its original packaging
• Keep your medication in your hand luggage
• Keep a copy of your prescription with you

Medical services and facilities

Adequate medical services and facilities are available in Yerevan. Outside Yerevan, medical personnel, services and facilities are limited and may not offer the level of care you may be used to in Canada.

Medical professionals may require cash payments before providing care, even if you have travel insurance that covers hospital stays.

Serious medical cases may require evacuation to a country equipped with adequate facilities.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Armenia are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Armenia to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Armenia authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

There are severe penalties for the possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs, including cannabis.

You could face:

• heavy fines
• lengthy jail sentences

Drinking and driving

There is zero tolerance and severe penalties for drinking and driving in Armenia.

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.0%.

If you’re convicted of drunk driving, you could face jail sentences.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Photography

It is illegal to takes photographs or videos near sensitive areas along the border of Armenia, including:

• military installations
• engineering facilities
• surveillance towers
• transportation equipment

This prohibition also applies to drones.

You need an international driving permit or an Armenian driver’s license to drive in Armenia.

Car insurance is mandatory in Armenia.

International Driving Permit

Imports and exports

You must obtain permission from Armenian authorities prior to importing certain goods and products, including:

• pharmaceuticals
• weapons and components of weapons
• communication equipment

The import and export of cultural and historical items is also regulated. This includes:

• archaeological objects
• sculptures and paintings
• ancient books and documents
• musical instruments
• furniture and carpets
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Information for tourists, importers and exporters – Customs service of the Republic of Armenia

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Armenian law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between persons of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Armenia.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Armenia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Dual citizens

National obligations

Canadian-Armenian citizens may also be subject to national obligations, such as taxes and military service. Check your status with the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Canada. Authorities may detain dual nationals who try to avoid military service and face large fines or imprisonment.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Armenia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Armenia by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Armenia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

The currency is the Armenian dram (AMD).

Some ATMs may not accept foreign bank cards. You can make withdrawals at bank counters using your passport as identification. Most banks do not accept traveler's cheques and treasury bills. 

You must declare all foreign currency in your possession exceeding 10,000 USD or its equivalent:

• upon arrival
• upon departure

Foreign currency declarations apply to:

• traveller's cheques
• treasury bills

If you’re travelling with bearer securities in your possession, you must declare it to customs officials regardless of its value.

Armenia’s climate is continental, and temperatures vary geographically. In Yerevan, summers are hot and winters are mild.

A vast portion of the territory is at an altitude of 1000m above sea level where temperatures are lower than in the capital and rainfall more frequent.

Earthquakes

Armenia is located in an active seismic zone. Although no major events have occurred in recent years, an earthquake could strike at any time.

Earthquakes - What to Do?

The rainy season generally extends from March to June and from October to November.

Seasonal flooding can affect overland travel and the provision of essential services, especially in the Ararat and Shirak valleys. Landslides could occur, roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

• Monitor local media for updates, including road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Monitor weather reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 102
• medical assistance: 103
• firefighters: 101
• Emergency services: 112

Consular assistance

On October 25, 2023, the Government of Canada inaugurated the Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Armenia in Yerevan. At this time, consular services continue to be provided by the Honorary Consul of Canada in Yerevan and the Embassy of Canada to Russia.

Armenia (Consular and Trade Commissioner services)

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Russia, in Moscow and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Holidays in Armenia 2024 from the Barev Armenia Tours

Barev! You are welcomed by the leading tour operator in Armenia Barev Armenia (Barev Armenia ®). We have been operating in the market of incoming tours since 2012 – offering exclusive holidays in Armenia.

On our site you can find prices for individual, group and corporate tours according to specially designed and repeatedly implemented programs. The choice of tours is as diverse as our country – from classic sightseeing tours to gastronomic and active tours. And also here you can buy medical and health tours to the famous resort of Jermuk and to the winter ski resort of Tsaghkadzor. We offer the largest selection of hotels in Yerevan and in the regions of Armenia, with seasonal prices. All prices for holidays in Armenia presented on the website for 2024 are relevant and constantly updated depending on the season, the availability of promotions, special offers and last-minute tours.

Not all tour operators in Armenia create completely new tour products for the market – making Armenia attractive for repeated visits. We are engaged in precisely this creative activity and innovation – finding and incorporating new highlights into standard destinations. Specially designed unique travel deals to Armenia and friendly attitude will ensure that each of our clients feels like an important guest of Armenia. A tourist trip to Armenia with the help of the Barev Armenia travel company guarantees you a successful vacation, warm, cordial memories and friends for life.

Come to us – Sunny trails of Armenia! It not only shines in our skies and over our mountains, but also lives in our fruits, in our bread, in our wine and in our hearts!

Reminder for the tourist

Recent blog posts.

This article is reposted from the Regional Post Magazine N1-2016. Interview of Karen Antashyan the founder of Barev Armenia travel company.   Introduction  Inbound tourism market of independent Armenia has experienced significant changes during the recent 25 years. Initially, during the first decade of independence tourism was out of question, as the war and the economic collapse following […]

The post Regional Post Caucasus. Inbound tourism market of independent Armenia appeared first on Travel Armenia Blog .

This article is reposted from the Regional Post Magazine N1-2016. Interview of Karen Antashyan the founder of Barev Armenia travel company.   Introduction  Inbound tourism market of independent Armenia has experienced significant changes during the recent 25 years. Initially, during the first decade of independence tourism was out of question, as the war and the economic collapse following …

40 days after Christmas, Armenian Apostolic Church of all Armenians celebrate “Tyarnyndaraj” (Candlemas Day) or also known among people as “Terndez”, which means “The Lord is with you”. According to Gospel, 40 days after the birth of Christ Mary and Joseph took the baby to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord and consecrate to the temple. They met an old […]

The post Celebration of Terndez Candlemas appeared first on Travel Armenia Blog .

40 days after Christmas, Armenian Apostolic Church of all Armenians celebrate “Tyarnyndaraj” (Candlemas Day) or also known among people as “Terndez”, which means “The Lord is with you”. According to Gospel, 40 days after the birth of Christ Mary and Joseph took the baby to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord and consecrate to the temple. They met an old …

Guest post provided by PoliLingua Translation Services With 7 million native speakers, Armenian is the official language of the Republic of Armenia and the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. It is widely spoken by Armenian communities around the globe, and in Iran, Cyprus, Poland, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria in particular. It has its own script – the alphabet […]

The post Armenian Language appeared first on Travel Armenia Blog .

Guest post provided by PoliLingua Translation Services With 7 million native speakers, Armenian is the official language of the Republic of Armenia and the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. It is widely spoken by Armenian communities around the globe, and in Iran, Cyprus, Poland, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria in particular. It has its own script – the alphabet …

In the recent years Armenia has started to have the experience of offering rural tour packages to the tourists visiting the country. Rural tours in Armenia means hiking, camping, bird watching, fishing, biking, mountain climbing, horse riding, cooking and eating with the local people, harvesting and milking cows and many more…Tastes differ – you only need to […]

The post Regional partnership promotes rural tourism appeared first on Travel Armenia Blog .

In the recent years Armenia has started to have the experience of offering rural tour packages to the tourists visiting the country. Rural tours in Armenia means hiking, camping, bird watching, fishing, biking, mountain climbing, horse riding, cooking and eating with the local people, harvesting and milking cows and many more…Tastes differ – you only need to …

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