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Armenia Grand Tour
Private tour of Yerevan, southern Armenia, Jermuk, Dilijan, and Lake Sevan
Duration
10 Days
Meals
Accommodation
Activities
Overview of Armenia Grand Tour
The Armenia Grand Tour is a private 10-day, 9-night circuit that starts and ends in Yerevan. It goes well beyond the capital. You reach the southern gorges, the spa town of Jermuk, forested Dilijan, and Lake Sevan. You start in Yerevan with its pink volcanic-stone squares, the Cascade Complex, and the Armenian Genocide Memorial. Then the road runs south to Khor Virap, where Mount Ararat rises across the border on clear days.
Noravank sits under red cliffs in the Amaghu Gorge. Further south, you ride the Wings of Tatev cable car across the Vorotan Gorge to Tatev Monastery. The cable car runs when the weather and the operator allow. Next comes Jermuk at about 2,080 meters, with its 70-meter waterfall and warm mineral springs. You cross Vardenyats Pass at 2,410 meters and stop at a stone caravanserai built in 1332.
On the far side of the pass, Noratus holds nearly a thousand carved cross-stones, called khachkars, near Lake Sevan. Two nights in Dilijan give you time for Haghartsin, Goshavank, and the restored lanes of Old Dilijan. The last days bring you back to Yerevan by way of Sevanavank on the Lake Sevan peninsula. You also visit Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, the Symphony of Stones, Echmiadzin Cathedral, and the ruins of Zvartnots.
You travel in a private vehicle with your own driver, and an English-speaking guide joins the touring days. You stay in four boutique and heritage properties in Yerevan, Goris, Jermuk, and Dilijan. Daily breakfast is included, plus one farewell dinner with live duduk music. Be ready for some honest trade-offs. Day 3 is a long road day, and the southern roads wind through the mountains. Monasteries have stone steps and uneven floors, and the pass can feel cold even in summer.
The trip suits couples, small private groups, culture lovers, photographers, and travelers on a second visit to the Caucasus. Want one Armenia tour package that covers the north, the south, and the capital? Our route does it in ten days.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 days / 9 nights |
| Destination | Armenia |
| Route | Yerevan → Goris → Jermuk → Dilijan → Lake Sevan → Yerevan |
| Tour type | Private, customized departures |
| Arrival airport | Zvartnots International Airport (EVN), Yerevan |
| Yerevan hotel | Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel (5 nights) |
| Goris hotel | Mirhav Hotel (1 night) |
| Jermuk hotel | Jermuk Hotel and Spa (1 night) |
| Dilijan hotel | Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex (2 nights) |
| Transportation | Private vehicle and driver |
| Guide | English-speaking guide on touring days |
| Longest drive | Day 3, about 240 km and 5 hours of driving, plus stops |
| Highest point | Vardenyats Pass, about 2,410 m |
| Physical demand | Moderate: walking, stairs, and uneven stone surfaces |
| Best months | June to September |
| Meals included | 9 breakfasts and 1 farewell dinner |
| Best start days | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday |
| International flights | Not included |
| Ideal for | Couples, small private groups, culture lovers, photographers, repeat Caucasus visitors |
Trip Highlights
- See Yerevan’s pink tuff architecture, the Cascade Complex, and the Armenian Genocide Memorial.
- Look for Mount Ararat from Khor Virap, then explore Noravank in the red Amaghu Gorge.
- Ride the 5,752-meter Wings of Tatev cable car to Tatev Monastery, weather permitting.
- Walk to Jermuk Waterfall and taste warm spring water in the 1956 mineral-water gallery.
- Cross Vardenyats Pass, visit the 1332 Orbelian Caravanserai, and walk among Noratus khachkars.
- Explore Old Dilijan, Haghartsin, Goshavank, and Sevanavank above Lake Sevan.
- Finish with Garni, Geghard, Echmiadzin, Zvartnots, and a farewell dinner with live duduk music.
Detail Itinerary of Armenia Grand Tour
Day 1: Arrive in Yerevan
Your Armenia Grand Tour starts at Zvartnots International Airport (EVN). Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign.
Airport to Hotel
The airport sits about 12 km west of central Yerevan. The private drive to Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Before you leave the airport, withdraw some Armenian dram from an ATM. A local SIM card from an airport counter also helps with maps and messages.
Check In and Rest
The hotel stands on Hanrapetutyan Street, a short walk from the Vernissage market area. It has an outdoor pool for warm months and its own restaurant, Kharpert.
Check-in time depends on the hotel’s policy. If you land early, ask us about an early check-in when you book.
Evening Walk
If you arrive before dark, walk 10 to 15 minutes to Republic Square. The tall arched buildings glow pink and orange in the evening light.
Dinner tonight is at your own expense. For an easy first night, try the hotel restaurant. Order tolma, grape leaves stuffed with meat and rice.
Accommodation: Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel
Meals: None included
Day 2: Yerevan Architecture and the Genocide Memorial
Today, your guide shows you the heart of Yerevan on foot, then drives you to two key sites. Expect about 6-7 hours of easy sightseeing.
Morning: City Walk
Start at Republic Square, the city’s main public space. The architect Alexander Tamanyan planned much of central Yerevan in the 1920s. He favored local tuff, a soft volcanic stone in warm colors.
Walk north to the Opera and Ballet Theater, another of Tamanyan’s designs. Then stroll down Abovyan Street, one of the city’s oldest streets. Your guide points out balconies, cafés, and details you would miss on your own.
Late Morning: Tsitsernakaberd
Drive about 10 minutes to Tsitsernakaberd hill. The Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex honors the victims of 1915. Twelve tilted basalt slabs circle an eternal flame, beside a tall stone spire.
The museum sits below the memorial. It closes on Mondays and has short afternoon hours, so we plan a late-morning visit. Dress modestly and speak quietly here.
Afternoon: Cascade Complex
The Cascade is a giant stairway of 572 steps rising 118 meters above the city. Sculptures from the Cafesjian collection fill the garden at its base, including bronze works by Fernando Botero.
Climb the outside steps or ride the indoor escalators, which run from 8:00 to 20:00. On clear days, the top terrace frames Mount Ararat behind the city.
For lunch, try khorovats, the Armenian grilled meat, or a plate of lavash with fresh herbs and cheese. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense.
Accommodation: Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Khor Virap, Noravank and the Drive South
Day 3 is the longest travel day of the tour. The total drive to Goris is about 240 km, or about five hours on the road, plus stops. With sightseeing, plan for 9 to 10 hours.
Morning: Khor Virap
Leave Yerevan around 8:00 and drive south across the Ararat Plain, about 45 minutes. Khor Virap monastery sits on a low hill only about 100 meters from the closed Turkish border.
Christian tradition says King Tiridates III held Saint Gregory the Illuminator in a pit here for 13 years. Gregory later converted the king, and Armenia adopted Christianity as its state religion in 301.
The current church of Surb Astvatsatsin dates from 1662. A steep metal ladder leads about 6 meters down into Gregory’s pit. The climb is optional, narrow, and not for anyone uneasy in tight spaces.
Mount Ararat, at 5,137 meters, fills the skyline on clear mornings. Do not photograph the border fences or watchtowers.
Midday: Noravank
Continue south and turn into the narrow Amaghu Gorge. Brick-red cliffs rise on both sides of the road. Noravank sits at the end, about 120 km from Yerevan.
The monastery dates mainly from the 13th and 14th centuries. Its two-story Surb Astvatsatsin church, finished in 1339, has narrow stone steps on the outside of its west wall. Climb them only if they are open, and take care.
Some areas may be roped off for safety or restoration. Please respect those limits.
Afternoon: Drive to Goris
Stop for lunch in the Areni area, known for its vineyards and local wine. Lunch is at your own cost, and your guide suggests a family restaurant on the way.
The road then climbs over mountain passes into Syunik Province. Expect many curves, so take motion sickness tablets beforehand if you need them. Your driver stops for photos and rest breaks.
You reach Goris in the late afternoon or early evening. Mirhav Hotel is built of local stone, with a terraced garden that slopes toward the Goris River.
Accommodation: Mirhav Hotel, Goris
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Wings of Tatev, Tatev Monastery and Jermuk
Today, you cross the Vorotan Gorge by cable car, then drive north to the spa town of Jermuk. The day runs about 7 to 8 hours.
Morning: Wings of Tatev
Drive a short distance from Goris to the lower cable car station at Halidzor. The Wings of Tatev holds the Guinness World Record for the longest non-stop double-track cable car, set in 2010.
The line runs 5,752 meters and takes about 12 minutes each way. At its highest point, the cabin hangs about 320 meters above the gorge floor. Each cabin holds up to about 30 passengers.
Strong winds or storms can stop the cable car. If it closes, your driver will take the mountain road to Tatev instead, and we will refund the cost of the unused ticket.
Late Morning: Tatev Monastery
Tatev sits on a basalt cliff at the edge of the Vorotan Gorge. Its main church, Saints Paul and Peter, dates from 895 to 906.
In the 14th and 15th centuries, Tatev ran one of medieval Armenia’s most important universities. Monks there taught philosophy, music, painting, and writing.
Look for the Gavazan, an 8-meter stone column that tilts slightly when pushed. An earthquake in 1931 severely damaged the complex, and the bell tower remains in ruins. Tatev has been on UNESCO’s Tentative List since 1995.
Afternoon: Drive to Jermuk
Ride the cable car back to Halidzor. Then drive north through the Sisian region to Jermuk, about two hours with stops.
Jermuk sits in the Arpa River canyon at an elevation of about 2,080 meters. Evenings are cool, even in July. Jermuk Hotel and Spa has an indoor pool and a spa. Spa treatments cost extra. For dinner at your own expense, try the hotel restaurant or a nearby local grill.
Accommodation: Jermuk Hotel and Spa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Jermuk Waterfall, Vardenyats Pass and Noratus
Day 5 is a full road day of about 9 to 10 hours. You cross the highest point of the tour and arrive in Dilijan by evening.
Morning: Jermuk
Start at Jermuk Waterfall, a few minutes outside town. The Arpa River drops about 70 meters over basalt cliffs. A short path leads from the parking area to a viewpoint.
Next, visit the Mineral Water Gallery, an open-air colonnade built in 1956. Stone urns pour water from five springs, from about 30°C to over 50°C. Tasting is free.
Test each tap with your fingers before you drink. The hottest one can scald. We do not make any health claims for the water.
Midday: Vardenyats Pass and Orbelian Caravanserai
Drive west, then north to Vardenyats Pass, also called Selim Pass. The road climbs to about 2,410 meters, so bring a warm layer and a windbreaker.
Near the top stands the Orbelian Caravanserai, built in 1332 by Prince Chesar Orbelian. Silk Road traders and their animals sheltered here. Inside, seven pairs of stone pillars divide a dark basalt hall.
Above the entrance, look for a carved winged creature and a bull. Inscriptions in Armenian and Persian sit on the walls. Snow, fog, or roadwork can affect the pass, so your driver checks conditions before leaving Jermuk.
Afternoon: Noratus
Descend to the western shore of Lake Sevan and continue north to Noratus village, near Gavar. Almost a thousand khachkars stand across a 7-hectare field.
A khachkar is a carved stone slab with a cross at its center. Each one has a different pattern of knots, rosettes, and vines. The oldest stones here date from the late 10th century.
The field is a cemetery. Please do not touch, climb, or step over the stones or graves.
Evening: Arrive in Dilijan
Drive north over the hills to Dilijan, in green Tavush Province. Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex sits at 1 Sharambeyan Street, in restored 19th-century buildings with carved wooden balconies.
Accommodation: Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Dilijan, Haghartsin and Goshavank
Day 6 is a slower day with short drives through the forest. You have the afternoon free in Dilijan.
Morning: Old Dilijan
Step out of your hotel onto Sharambeyan Street. Tufenkian began restoring the old quarter in 2004. The cobbled lane now holds small craft workshops and a local museum. Watch for wood carvers, potters, and rug makers at work. Ask before you photograph any artisan.
Late Morning: Haghartsin
Drive about 30 minutes through Dilijan National Park to Haghartsin Monastery. Tall beech and oak trees surround the site.
Monks built the complex between the 10th and 13th centuries. The largest church, Surb Astvatsatsin, dates from 1281. The architect Minas built the stone refectory, or dining hall, in 1248.
A major restoration ended in 2011, funded by the ruler of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Some buildings may close during services or repairs.
Afternoon: Goshavank
Continue to the village of Gosh and its monastery, Goshavank. An earthquake in 1188 destroyed an older monastery here. The scholar Mkhitar Gosh then led the rebuilding and founded a school.
Mkhitar Gosh also wrote one of Armenia’s earliest law codes. The village takes its name. Look for the khachkar from 1291, carved like stone lace. Experts rank it among the finest khachkars anywhere.
Free Time in Dilijan
Return to Dilijan for a free afternoon. Walk the town, sit in a café, or rest at the hotel. Spa services are optional and paid locally.
For dinner at your own cost, try Tavush-style dishes in Old Dilijan.
Accommodation: Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Lake Sevan, Sevanavank and Return to Yerevan
Today you visit Lake Sevan, then return to Yerevan for three final nights. The day runs about 6 to 7 hours.
Morning: Sevanavank
Check out after breakfast and drive about 40 minutes south to the lake. Lake Sevan sits at about 1,900 meters, and the wind off the water feels cool.
Princess Mariam founded Sevanavank in 874. Its two dark stone churches, Surb Arakelots and Surb Astvatsatsin, stand on a rocky peninsula.
The peninsula was once an island. Soviet-era water use lowered the lake by about 20 meters and joined it to the shore. Reaching the churches means climbing a stairway of about 200 steps. Take your time and use the rest points on the way up.
Lunch by the Lake
Lakeside restaurants line the shore below the monastery. Many serve ishkhan, the local name for Sevan trout, when it is available. You may also find whitefish or crayfish on menus. Lunch is at your own expense.
Afternoon: Return to Yerevan
Drive about 65 km south to Yerevan, roughly one hour. Check in again at Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel. The evening is yours. Walk to the Northern Avenue pedestrian street or try a wine bar near Saryan Street.
Accommodation: Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Geghard, Garni and the Symphony of Stones
Today, you visit two UNESCO-listed and ancient sites east of Yerevan. You return by early afternoon, with free time after.
Morning: Geghard Monastery
Drive about 45 minutes east to Geghard, at the head of the Azat Valley. UNESCO lists the Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley as a World Heritage Site.
Builders carved several of the churches straight into the cliff in the 13th century. The rock chambers hold soft echoes, so even a whisper carries. Local choirs sometimes sing here.
The name Geghard means “spear.” Tradition links it to the spear that pierced Christ, now kept at Echmiadzin. Women may be asked to cover their heads. Entry is free.
Late Morning: Garni Temple
Drive about 15 minutes to Garni Temple. The Greco-Roman temple dates from the 1st century AD, during the reign of King Tiridates I.
An earthquake knocked it down in 1679. Workers rebuilt it between 1969 and 1975, using many of the original stones. Garni is closed on Mondays. Walk to the cliff edge behind the temple. The Azat River runs far below.
Symphony of Stones
Below Garni, the river cuts through tall columns of basalt that look like organ pipes. Locals call the formation the Symphony of Stones.
Your driver takes you down the road when access allows. The trail by the river is rocky and uneven, so wear shoes with a good grip.
Afternoon: Free Time
Return to Yerevan by early afternoon. Visit the History Museum of Armenia on Republic Square, or browse the Vernissage open-air market, which is larger on weekends. Check opening days with your guide.
Accommodation: Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Echmiadzin, Zvartnots and Farewell Dinner
Today, you visit the spiritual center of the Armenian Church and end the tour with live music. Plan about 5 hours of sightseeing, plus dinner.
Morning: Echmiadzin
Drive about 30 minutes west to the city of Vagharshapat, also called Echmiadzin. The Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin stands at the center of a walled religious complex.
The cathedral dates from AD 301 to 303 and ranks among the oldest cathedrals in the world. It reopened in 2024 after a long restoration. The complex is the seat of the Catholicos, head of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
The Treasury museum shows church relics and is closed on Mondays. Services may limit access inside the cathedral, especially on Sunday mornings.
Midday: Zvartnots
Drive 10 minutes back toward Yerevan to the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral. Builders raised the round, three-story church in the mid-7th century. An earthquake likely brought it down in the 10th century.
UNESCO lists Echmiadzin and Zvartnots together as one World Heritage Site. Zvartnots is closed on Mondays. On clear days, Mount Ararat rises behind the broken columns.
Evening: Farewell Dinner with Duduk Music
Rest at the hotel during the afternoon. In the evening, your driver takes you to a restaurant in Yerevan for the included farewell dinner.
A musician plays the duduk, a wooden flute made from apricot wood. UNESCO lists “Duduk and its music” as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Let us know of any dietary needs when you book.
Accommodation: Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 10: Departure
Your Armenia Grand Tour ends today with a private transfer to the airport. Your pickup time depends on your flight.
Breakfast and Free Time
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel if your flight time allows. For very early flights, ask the hotel about a packed breakfast the night before.
With a late flight, you have a few hours free. Visit the GUM-covered market for dried fruit, nuts, and spices to take home. The Vernissage sells carpets, wood carvings, and silver jewelry.
Airport Transfer
Your driver collects you at the hotel. The drive to Zvartnots International Airport takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Plan to reach the airport at least 3 hours before an international flight. Keep some Dram for snacks, then change the rest before security.
Check your bags carefully if you bought wine or brandy. Liquids above carry-on limits must go in checked luggage.
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast, subject to departure time
Customize this trip with help from our local travel specialist that matches your interests.
Includes & Excludes
What is included?
- Private arrival and departure airport transfers
- Private vehicle and driver for the full 10-day route
- 9 nights in the listed boutique and heritage properties
- 9 breakfasts at the hotels
- 1 farewell dinner with live duduk music
- English-speaking guide on all touring days
- Round-trip Wings of Tatev cable-car tickets, subject to operation
- Entrance fees to the monasteries, temples, and museums in the itinerary
- Applicable government taxes on included services
What is excluded?
- International airfare
- Lunches and dinners other than the farewell dinner
- Alcoholic and premium drinks
- Travel insurance, which is required for this tour
- Optional spa treatments in Jermuk and Dilijan
- Tips for your driver and guide
- Personal expenses and laundry
- Single room supplement
- Visa or e-visa fees, where applicable
- Any service not listed under What’s Included
We also operate Private Trips.
Trip Information
Why Choose This Armenia Grand Tour?
The Armenia Grand Tour covers far more ground than a city break. In ten days, you see Yerevan, the deep south, a highland spa town, the northern forests, and Lake Sevan.
A Route Beyond Yerevan
Most short trips stay within an hour of the capital. Our route adds Syunik Province in the south, Vayots Dzor, Gegharkunik around Lake Sevan, and Tavush around Dilijan. You see four regions, not just one city.
Private Travel
You travel only with your own group. A dedicated vehicle and driver handle every transfer, and an English-speaking guide leads the sightseeing days. You set the pace at each stop.
Boutique and Heritage Stays
You sleep in four properties with local character. Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel sits in central Yerevan. Mirhav Hotel in Goris uses local stone, and its garden slopes toward the Goris River. Jermuk Hotel and Spa has an indoor pool and is a short walk to the mineral-water gallery. Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex occupies restored 19th-century buildings on Sharambeyan Street.
Monasteries in Dramatic Settings
The route links Armenia’s best-known religious sites. Tatev sits on a cliff above the Vorotan Gorge. Noravank faces red rock walls, and Geghard is partly cut into the mountain itself.
Photography Opportunities
Photographers get gorgeous, a high mountain pass, forest monasteries, and a large alpine lake. Mount Ararat views from Khor Virap, the Cascade, and Zvartnots depend on clear weather. We never promise them.
Local Food and Music
Your guide points you to good local dishes each day, from Sevan trout to grilled khorovats. The farewell dinner includes live duduk music. Lunches and other dinners stay flexible and are paid locally.
Discover Armenia Beyond the Capital
Armenia is a small, mountainous country in the South Caucasus. Most of it sits above 1,000 meters, so short distances often mean slow, winding roads. Yerevan is your base at the start and end. The city uses pink, orange, and gray volcanic tuff for many buildings. Mount Ararat, a 5,137-meter peak now in Turkey, rises over the Ararat Plain on clear days.
The south is Syunik Province. Here, Goris sits in a valley of old cave dwellings, and Tatev Monastery stands above the Vorotan Gorge. Jermuk lies in a high river canyon, known for its hot springs and bottled mineral water. Vardenyats Pass links the south to the Lake Sevan basin. The medieval Silk Road crossed here, and the Orbelian Caravanserai still stands beside the old route.
Lake Sevan is Armenia’s largest lake. The water sits at roughly 1,900 meters, so wind and cool air are common. Noratus, on its western shore, holds the country’s largest group of khachkars. Dilijan sits in the forested hills of Tavush Province. Its old quarter has carved wooden balconies, and monasteries hide in the woods nearby.
The tour changes hotels three times, in Goris, Jermuk, and Dilijan. You spend your first two nights and last three nights in the same Yerevan hotel.
Best Day to Start the Tour
Start the Armenia Grand Tour on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday. Several museums and sites close on Mondays, and the itinerary is planned around those days.
| Start Day (Day 1) | Works? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | No | Garni Temple is closed on Day 8 (Monday) |
| Tuesday | Yes | All key sites open |
| Wednesday | Yes | All key sites open |
| Thursday | Yes | All key sites open |
| Friday | Summer only | Wings of Tatev may close on Mondays outside of June to August |
| Saturday | Yes | Day 9 falls on Sunday, with shorter site hours |
| Sunday | No | Genocide Museum (Day 2) and Zvartnots (Day 9) close on Mondays |
Meals and Dining
The Armenia Grand Tour includes 9 breakfasts and 1 farewell dinner. Lunches and other dinners are paid locally, so you choose where and what to eat.
| Meal | Included | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | 9 | From Day 2 to Day 10, at each hotel |
| Lunch | 0 | The guide suggests a local restaurant each day |
| Dinner | 1 | Farewell dinner with live duduk music on Day 9 |
| Total | 10 meals | Drinks at the farewell dinner are confirmed in your booking |
Armenian Dishes to Try
- Khorovats: grilled pork, lamb, or vegetables, cooked over coals
- Tolma: grape leaves or vegetables stuffed with meat and rice
- Lavash: thin flatbread, listed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage
- Ishkhan: Sevan trout, served at lakeside restaurants when available
- Gata: a sweet layered bread, sold near many monasteries
- Armenian wine and brandy: Try Areni red wine in the south
Activities
The tour mixes city walks, monastery visits, mountain scenery, and local food. Every listed site visit is included unless marked optional.
City and Cultural Sightseeing
- Republic Square and the Yerevan architecture walk
- Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex and Museum
- Cascade Complex and the Cafesjian sculpture garden
Monasteries and Historic Sites
- Khor Virap
- Noravank
- Tatev Monastery
- Orbelian Caravanserai
- Noratus khachkar field
- Haghartsin and Goshavank
- Sevanavank
- Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple
- Echmiadzin Cathedral and Zvartnots
Natural Scenery
- Amaghu Gorge and Vorotan Gorge
- Jermuk Waterfall
- Vardenyats Pass
- Lake Sevan
- Dilijan’s forests
- Symphony of Stones
Local Experiences
- Wings of Tatev cable car ride, subject to operation
- Mineral water tasting in Jermuk
- Market visits when time allows
- Farewell dinner with live duduk music
Accommodation
You stay in four boutique and heritage properties across the route. We confirm availability and room type before your booking is final.
| Destination | Property | Nights |
|---|---|---|
| Yerevan | Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel | 5 |
| Goris | Mirhav Hotel | 1 |
| Jermuk | Jermuk Hotel and Spa | 1 |
| Dilijan | Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex | 2 |
| Total | 4 properties | 9 |
Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel
The hotel sits at 48 Hanrapetutyan Street in central Yerevan. It has an outdoor pool and the Kharpert restaurant. You stay here on Nights 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9.
Mirhav Hotel, Goris
Mirhav Hotel is built of local stone and is about a 10-minute walk from the town center of Goris. A terraced garden slopes toward the river, and the hotel has its own restaurant and bar.
Jermuk Hotel and Spa
Jermuk Hotel and Spa stands on Myasnikyan Street, a few minutes’ walk from the mineral-water gallery. It has an indoor pool, a restaurant, and a spa with optional paid treatments.
Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex
The complex sits at 1 Sharambeyan Street, in the restored old quarter of Dilijan. Its 19th-century buildings keep their carved wooden balconies. If a listed property is full, we offer a similar hotel in the same town. We tell you before you confirm.
Visa and Entry Information
Many travelers can enter Armenia without a visa, but the rules depend on your nationality and passport. Always check the current rules before you book flights.
Visa-Free Entry
US, UK, EU, Canadian, Australian, and Japanese citizens can usually visit without a visa for short stays. Confirm your own case with the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
E-Visa
Other travelers may qualify for an Armenian e-visa through the official portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. E-visas come in 21-day and 120-day options. Processing can take up to 3 working days, so apply early.
Passport and Documents
Your passport must be valid for your whole stay. Carry printed copies of your e-visa, hotel bookings, and travel insurance.
Airport and Transportation Information
You arrive and depart through Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) in Yerevan. All road travel on the tour is in a private vehicle with your own driver.
Arrival
Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign. The airport lies about 12 km from the city center. The drive takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Transportation During the Tour
You travel by road between Yerevan, Goris, Jermuk, Dilijan, Lake Sevan, and back to Yerevan. The southern roads are winding and climb over several passes. Your driver stops for rest, photos, and to use the toilet on long days.
| Day | Approximate Drive | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Yerevan to Goris, about 240 km | About 5 hours of driving, plus sightseeing stops |
| 4 | Goris to Halidzor, then to Jermuk | About 2 hours of driving after Tatev |
| 5 | Jermuk to Dilijan via Vardenyats Pass | Full day, with stops at the pass and Noratus |
| 7 | Dilijan to Lake Sevan to Yerevan | About 40 minutes, then about 1 hour |
Cable-Car Contingency
If wind or weather prevents the Wings of Tatev from operating, your driver takes the road to Tatev Monastery. We refund the cost of the unused cable-car ticket.
Departure
Your driver collects you from the hotel at a time based on your flight. We plan for traffic and airport check-in times.
Best Time to Visit Armenia
June to September is the best time for the Armenia Grand Tour. The high roads and Vardenyats Pass are usually clear, and days are long.
| Period | Planning Notes |
|---|---|
| May | Shoulder season. Green hills, but snow can linger on high passes. |
| June | Good conditions. Mild in the mountains, warm in Yerevan. |
| July to August | Yerevan can be hot. Jermuk, Sevan, and Dilijan stay cooler. |
| September | Excellent. Clear skies, harvest season, and fewer crowds. |
| October | Shoulder season. Autumn colors, but cold nights on the pass. |
| November to March | Snow can close or slow high roads. We suggest a modified route. |
The weather in the mountains changes fast. We check road and pass conditions before every departure, especially in May and October.
Read More: Best Time to Visit Armenia
Physical Preparation
The Armenia Grand Tour needs a moderate level of fitness. You walk on stone steps, slopes, and uneven ground most days, but no hiking is required.
What to Expect
- About 200 steps up to Sevanavank on Lake Sevan
- 572 steps at the Cascade, with indoor escalators as an option
- Uneven stone floors and thresholds in most monasteries
- An optional, narrow ladder into the pit at Khor Virap
- Rocky ground at the Symphony of Stones
- Altitude up to about 2,410 meters at Vardenyats Pass, and a night at about 2,080 meters in Jermuk
How to Prepare
- Wear sturdy shoes with a good grip.
- Carry a warm layer and a windbreaker, even in summer.
- Drink water often, especially at altitude.
- Take your time on the stairs and the wet stone.
- Pack motion sickness tablets if winding roads bother you.
- Tell us about any mobility needs before you book so that we can adjust the plan.
What to Pack
- Layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons
- A fleece or windbreaker for Lake Sevan and Vardenyats Pass
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Long trousers or skirts and covered shoulders for churches
- A scarf for women, for sites that ask for a head covering
- A refillable water bottle
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
- Personal medication
- A small daypack
- Cash in Armenian dram
- Printed travel insurance details
- Passport and e-visa, if needed
Practical Travel Tips
These travel tips help the trip run smoothly. Your guide adds more along the way.
- Layers: Yerevan can be 15°C warmer than Vardenyats Pass on the same day.
- Day 3: Eat a good breakfast and bring snacks. The day feels long, even with stops.
- Wings of Tatev: Weather decides operation. Morning rides often have better conditions.
- Noratus: Treat the khachkar field as a cemetery. Do not touch or climb the stones.
- Jermuk springs: Test the water temperature before you drink. Some taps run very hot.
- Border areas: Never photograph border posts, military sites, or fences. Ask your guide if unsure.
- Cash: Carry cash in the south. Small shops and rural cafés may not take cards.
- Drinking water: Tap water in Yerevan is generally safe. In rural areas, bottled water is the safer choice.
- Taxis: Use the Yandex Go or GG apps in Yerevan during free time.
Health and Safety
Armenia is a popular and welcoming destination, but standard travel precautions still apply. Follow your guide’s advice at every site.
General Safety
- Take care on stairs, wet stone, and gorge paths.
- Keep your bag closed in markets and crowded places.
- Carry water and clothing suited to the weather.
- Follow local advice near border areas.
Winding Roads
The roads in southern Armenia twist through mountains. If you get motion sickness, ask your doctor about medication before travel. Sit in the front seat if possible.
Altitude and Cold
Vardenyats Pass reaches about 2,410 meters, and Jermuk sits at about 2,080 meters. Most people feel fine at these heights. Walk slowly, drink water, and tell your guide if you feel unwell.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required for this tour. Your policy should cover medical care, evacuation, cancellation, and lost luggage.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Armenians welcome visitors warmly, and a little respect goes a long way. Simple steps make site visits easy.
- Dress modestly at churches, with shoulders and knees covered.
- Women may be asked to cover their heads at some sites.
- Stay quiet during church services and at the Genocide Memorial.
- Ask before you photograph people, priests, or church interiors.
- Never climb on or touch historic carvings.
- Treat khachkar fields and graves with respect.
- Accept a toast or a small offering of food with thanks. Hospitality matters here.
Currency and Payments
Armenia uses the Armenian dram (AMD). Cards work in most Yerevan hotels and restaurants, but cash is useful outside the capital.
Money on the Road
- ATMs are easy to find in Yerevan, Goris, Jermuk, and Dilijan.
- Carry small notes for markets, cafés, and monastery candles.
- Ask before you pay by card in smaller shops.
- Change leftover dram before you leave Armenia.
Paying for Your Tour
- A 25% deposit secures your booking.
- The balance is due 30 days before arrival.
- We hold rooms for 72 hours while you decide.
- You can change dates for free up to 45 days before arrival, subject to availability.
- Cancellation charges depend on timing and on individual hotel rules. Full terms come with your proposal.
Who Is This Tour For?
The Armenia Grand Tour suits travelers who want to see the whole country in one trip, at a private pace.
Culture and History Lovers
The route covers more than a dozen monasteries, temples, and historic sites. Some date back to the 4th century, and several hold UNESCO status.
Repeat Caucasus Visitors
If you already know Tbilisi or Yerevan, this tour fills in the south, the highlands, and the north.
Photographers
You see gorges, mountain passes, forest monasteries, and a high lake. Light is best in the early morning and late afternoon.
Couples and Small Private Groups
Private travel means no strangers and no fixed group schedule. Your guide adjusts each day to your interests.
Travelers are comfortable with Road Travel
The tour includes long drives, especially on Days 3 and 5. You should be happy to spend several hours in a car.
Customize Your Armenia Grand Tour
Every departure is private, so that you can change the plan. We quote any extra services separately.
- Add nights in Yerevan for museums, food, or shopping.
- Upgrade room categories where available.
- Add a cooking class, wine tasting, or lavash-baking demonstration.
- Slow the pace for walking needs.
- Add a guide on extra free days.
- Change the route for spring, autumn, or winter road conditions.
- Combine the tour with a visit to Georgia or another destination.
How to Book
Booking takes a few simple steps. We reply to every inquiry with a clear proposal.
- Send an inquiry. Tell us your dates, group size, room needs, diet, and any mobility needs.
- Check availability. We confirm hotel availability, usually within 24 hours.
- Review your proposal. You get the itinerary, hotels, price, inclusions, exclusions, and payment terms.
- Confirm your booking. Pay the 25% deposit to secure your rooms and services.
- Pay the balance. The balance is due 30 days before arrival.
- Get your travel pack. We send hotel details, guide and driver contacts, pickup instructions, and emergency numbers.
- Arrive in Armenia. Your driver meets you at Zvartnots International Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Armenia Grand Tour lasts 10 days and 9 nights. It runs south from Yerevan to Goris and Jermuk. Then it crosses Vardenyats Pass to Dilijan, then returns via Lake Sevan.
You spend 5 nights in Yerevan, 1 in Goris, 1 in Jermuk, and 2 in Dilijan. The route changes hotels three times.
Yes, every departure is private. You travel only with your own group in a dedicated vehicle with your own driver. An English-speaking guide leads all touring days. Airport transfers on Days 1 and 10 are with your driver.
Strong winds, storms, or technical checks can stop the cable car. If it does not run, your driver will take the mountain road to Tatev Monastery, so you will still see the site. We refund the cost of the unused cable-car ticket. Outside June to August, the cable car may also close on Mondays. So we avoid starting on a Friday in those months.
The drive is long but not dangerous. Day 3 covers about 240 km (about 5 hours of driving), plus stops at Khor Virap, Noravank, and lunch.
The roads wind over mountain passes, so expect many curves. Your driver stops often, and the day ends in Goris by late afternoon or early evening.
The tour includes 9 breakfasts from Day 2 to Day 10. It also includes 1 farewell dinner with live duduk music on Day 9. Lunches and other dinners are paid locally. Your guide suggests restaurants each day, from village grills to lakeside trout restaurants. Alcoholic drinks are not included.
The highest point is Vardenyats Pass, at about 2,410 meters, which you cross on Day 5. You also sleep one night in Jermuk, at an elevation of about 2,080 meters. Most travelers feel no altitude effects at these heights. Bring a warm layer, since the pass can be cold and windy even in summer.
June to September is best. High roads and the pass are usually open, and days are long and dry. May and October can work, but snow or fog sometimes affects the pass. From November to March, we suggest a modified route that avoids the highest roads.
It depends on your passport. Citizens of the US, the UK, EU member states, Canada, Australia, and Japan can usually enter without a visa for short stays. Other travelers may need an e-visa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing can take up to 3 working days, so apply well before you travel.
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