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Best of Armenia Tour
7-Day Private Armenia Tour with Yerevan, Lake Sevan and Dilijan
Duration
7 Days
Meals
Accommodation
Activities
Overview of Best of Armenia Tour
The Best of Armenia Tour is a private 7-day, 6-night trip through the country’s capital, monasteries, mountain lake, and forests. You travel with your own driver and an English-speaking guide, and you choose your start date. The route is easy to follow. You spend four nights in Yerevan and two nights in Dilijan, with day trips and transfers in between. Daily breakfast is included, and every drive is listed with its distance and time.
The tour suits first-time visitors, couples, families, and small groups who enjoy history, architecture, and nature. Contact our travel team to plan your private tour of Armenia, or browse all our Armenia tour packages. Armenia is a small, mountainous country with a long Christian history. It adopted Christianity as its state religion in 301, and stone monasteries stand in its gorges, forests, and plains.
Tour Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tour name | Best of Armenia Tour |
| Duration | 7 days, 6 nights |
| Tour type | Private tour |
| Departure days | Any day of the week. We arrange the days in order around the opening days. |
| Route | Yerevan (4 nights) and Dilijan (2 nights) |
| Arrival and departure | Zvartnots International Airport (EVN), Yerevan |
| Accommodation | Selected hotels in Yerevan and Dilijan, or similar hotels |
| Transport | Private vehicle and driver |
| Guide | English-speaking guide on touring days |
| Meals | Daily breakfast. Lunches and dinners are not included. |
| Driving | About 560 km in total, with the longest day on Day 3 |
| Activity level | Light to moderate walking, with stairs and uneven stone |
Tour Highlights
- Yerevan sightseeing: Republic Square, the Genocide Memorial, the Matenadaran, and the Cascade
- Khor Virap, the best-known viewpoint toward Mount Ararat, weather permitting
- Noravank Monastery, set among red cliffs in the Amaghu Gorge
- Lake Sevan and Sevanavank Monastery on its peninsula
- Two nights in Dilijan, with Old Dilijan and Haghartsin Monastery
- Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple, with the Symphony of Stones
- A private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide on dates you choose
Our 7-day Armenia tour covers the main sights in a comfortable order. You begin with Yerevan. Your guide walks you through Republic Square. You also visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial, the Matenadaran manuscript museum, and the Cascade stairway.
The city is a good place to learn the story, and then you follow it into the countryside. Then you drive south to Khor Virap and Noravank. Khor Virap sits on the Ararat Plain, close to the Turkish border, and looks toward Mount Ararat. Whether the mountain appears depends on the weather and the haze.
Noravank stands among red cliffs at the end of the Amaghu Gorge. Next, you cross to Lake Sevan and Sevanavank, then drive into the forested hills of Dilijan. Two nights there give you time for Old Dilijan and Haghartsin Monastery, and for a slower day.
Finally, you return to Yerevan by way of Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple. The day also includes the Symphony of Stones, a gorge of basalt columns below Garni. It is a full day of driving and sightseeing, so we plan it as one.
Detail Itinerary of Best of Armenia Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Yerevan
Overnight: Yerevan
Meals: None included
Driving: Zvartnots Airport to your hotel, about 12 km, 20 to 30 minutes
Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall at Zvartnots International Airport. The transfer is short, and you reach your hotel in time to rest.
Take some Armenian dram from an ATM before you leave the terminal. Small cafés and market stalls often prefer cash.
Check-in time follows the hotel’s policy. Send us your flight details, so we can plan the pickup and ask the hotel about early arrival.
If you arrive with energy to spare, walk to Republic Square. The surrounding buildings use pink and orange volcanic stone, which looks warm in the evening.
The walk is a suggestion, and your guide does not join it. Dinner is not included. Your guide shares restaurant ideas on Day 2.
Day 2: Yerevan Sightseeing and Armenian Heritage
Overnight: Yerevan
Meals: Breakfast
Driving: Short city transfers, about 12 km in total and about 30 minutes
Sightseeing: About 5 to 6 hours
Day 2 introduces Armenia’s history, architecture, and art. You walk in the center and drive between three main sites.
Morning: Central Yerevan
Start at Republic Square. The architect Alexander Tamanyan planned much of central Yerevan in the 1920s, using local volcanic tuff. Walk to the Opera and Ballet Theater, then along Abovyan Street.
Late Morning: Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
Drive about 4 km (roughly 10 minutes) to Tsitsernakaberd Hill. The memorial honors the victims of the 1915 genocide. Twelve tilted basalt slabs circle an eternal flame.
The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute sits below the memorial. Entry is free, and it closes on Mondays. Dress modestly and keep your voice low.
Afternoon: Matenadaran and the Cascade
Drive about 6 km (roughly 10 minutes) to the Matenadaran. It holds about 23,000 manuscripts and scrolls, the largest collection of Armenian manuscripts in the world. The museum opens from Tuesday to Saturday.
Then visit the Cascade, a stairway of 572 steps rising 118 meters. Sculptures from the Cafesjian collection fill the garden at its base.
Indoor escalators let you skip the climb. On a clear day, the top terrace may offer a view of Mount Ararat.
Lunch and dinner are at your own expense. Khorovats, Armenian grilled meat, is a good choice in the center.
Day 3: Khor Virap and Noravank Monastery
Overnight: Yerevan
Meals: Breakfast
Driving: About 242 km in total, about 3 hours 25 minutes of driving
Sightseeing and lunch: About 4 to 5 hours
Day 3 is the longest day of the tour. Plan for 8 to 9 hours from hotel to hotel, and leave around 8:00.
Morning: Khor Virap
Khor Virap sits on a low hill about 100 meters from the closed Turkish border. Tradition says King Tiridates III held Saint Gregory the Illuminator in a pit here for 13 years. Gregory later converted the king.
The present church dates from 1662. A steel ladder leads about 6 meters down into the pit. The descent is optional, narrow, and unsuitable for those who dislike confined spaces.
An early visit gives the best chance of a clear view of Mount Ararat. Haze and cloud can still hide it. Do not photograph the border fences or watchtowers.
Midday: Lunch Near Areni
On the way to Noravank, stop for lunch near Areni, a village known for its wine. Lunch is at your own expense. If you prefer a shorter day, ask your guide for a quick stop.
Afternoon: Noravank
Turn into the narrow Amaghu Gorge, where red cliffs rise on both sides. Noravank stands at its end. The monastery is on UNESCO’s Tentative List, which means it is not a World Heritage Site.
Most buildings date from the 13th and 14th centuries. The two-story Surb Astvatsatsin church, finished in 1339, has narrow stone steps on its west wall. Climb them only when they are open, and take care.
Then drive back to Yerevan, arriving in the early evening.
Day 4: Lake Sevan and Transfer to Dilijan
Overnight: Dilijan
Meals: Breakfast
Driving: About 102 km in total, about 1 hour and 30 minutes of driving
Sightseeing and lunch: About 3 to 4 hours
Day 4 is a gentle change of pace. You swap city streets for open highland, then forest.
Morning: Lake Sevan and Sevanavank
Check out after breakfast and drive to Lake Sevan, Armenia’s largest lake. It lies at about 1,900 meters, so the air feels cooler and windier than in Yerevan. Bring a warm layer, even in summer.
Princess Mariam founded Sevanavank in 874. Two dark stone churches, Surb Arakelots and Surb Astvatsatsin, stand on a rocky peninsula. Stone steps lead uphill from the parking area to the churches.
The peninsula was once an island. Soviet-era water use lowered the lake by about 20 meters.
Lunch: Optional Lakeside Meal
Restaurants line the shore below the monastery. Many menus list ishkhan, the Armenian name for Sevan trout.
Wild Sevan trout is very rare, so ask where the fish comes from. Lunch is at your own expense, and availability varies.
Afternoon: Drive to Dilijan
The road crosses a ridge and drops into Tavush Province. Open grassland gives way to beech and oak forest.
Check in at your hotel and rest. The evening is free.
Day 5: Old Dilijan and Haghartsin Monastery
Overnight: Dilijan
Meals: Breakfast
Driving: About 24 km in total, about 30 minutes of driving
Sightseeing: About 3 to 4 hours, then free time
Day 5 is the slowest day of the tour. You mix local culture, forest scenery, and personal time.
Morning: Old Dilijan
Walk Sharambeyan Street, Dilijan’s restored old quarter. Tufenkian began restoring it in 2004, and its 19th-century houses have carved wooden balconies. Small workshops and studios line the lane.
Any purchase from a craftsperson is optional and at your own expense. Ask before you photograph anyone at work.
Late Morning: Haghartsin Monastery
Drive into Dilijan National Park to Haghartsin Monastery, set in a wooded valley. Monks built it between the 10th and 13th centuries. The largest church, Surb Astvatsatsin, dates from 1281.
The refectory, or dining hall, dates from 1248. A major restoration ended in 2011. Some buildings may close during services.
Afternoon: Your Choice
Spend the afternoon as you like. Rest at the hotel, stroll the old quarter, or take an easy forest walk.
Parz Lake is another option, located about 15 km northeast of Dilijan, within the national park. Trails start at its shore. Ask us about this extra drive, since it adds time and may not suit every season.
Day 6: Geghard Monastery, Garni Temple, and Return to Yerevan
Overnight: Yerevan
Meals: Breakfast
Driving: About 158 km in total, about 2 hours and 25 minutes of driving
Sightseeing and lunch: About 4 to 5 hours
Day 6 is a full day. You drive from Dilijan to the Azat Valley, visit two major sites, and arrive in Yerevan in the evening.
Late Morning: Geghard Monastery
Leave after breakfast. UNESCO lists the Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley as a World Heritage Site. Builders cut the first rock church into the cliff before 1250, and a second in 1283.
Sound carries far in the rock chambers. Expect uneven stone floors and low doorways.
Women may be asked to cover their heads. Follow the site’s photography rules.
Afternoon: Garni Temple and the Symphony of Stones
Garni Temple dates from the 1st century AD, in the reign of King Tiridates I. An earthquake brought it down in 1679, and workers rebuilt it between 1969 and 1975. The Garni site hours vary by day, and Monday is a closing day.
Below Garni, the Azat River runs past tall basalt columns shaped like organ pipes. Access to the Symphony of Stones depends on road and weather conditions. The ground is rocky, so wear shoes with a good grip.
Then drive to Yerevan. The evening is free for dinner at your own expense.
Day 7: Departure from Yerevan
Overnight: None
Meals: Breakfast, subject to your departure time
Driving: Hotel to Zvartnots Airport, about 12 km, 20 to 30 minutes
Your Best of Armenia Tour ends with a private transfer to the airport. We set the pickup time around your confirmed flight.
Breakfast follows the hotel’s serving hours. If your flight leaves before breakfast starts, we ask the hotel whether it can prepare a packed breakfast. The hotel decides, so we cannot promise one.
With a late flight, you may have a few free hours. The Vernissage open-air market sells carpets, wood carvings, and jewelry, and it is busiest at weekends. Check-out time follows the hotel’s policy.
Plan to arrive at the airport about 3 hours before an international flight.
Customize this trip with help from our local travel specialist that matches your interests.
Includes & Excludes
What is included?
- Private airport transfer on arrival
- Private airport transfer on departure
- Private vehicle and driver for the full route
- 6 nights in selected hotels, or similar hotels
- Daily breakfast at the hotels
- English-speaking guide on touring days
- Entrance fees to the heritage sites and museums in the daily itinerary
- Applicable government taxes on included services
What is excluded?
- International flights
- Lunches and dinners
- Alcohol and premium drinks
- Travel insurance
- Visa or e-visa fees, where they apply
- Optional spa treatments and other optional activities
- Tips for your driver and guide
- Personal expenses and laundry
- Single-room supplement
We also operate Private Trips.
Trip Information
Driving Distance and Time Summary
The tour includes about 560 km of driving and about 9 hours behind the wheel across 7 days. All figures are estimates from mapping sources. Traffic, weather, road works, and your stops can change them.
| Day | Main Legs | Distance | Driving Time | Sightseeing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Airport to Yerevan hotel | 12 km | 20–30 min | Free |
| 2 | City transfers | About 12 km | About 30 min | 5–6 h |
| 3 | Yerevan, Khor Virap, Noravank, Yerevan | 242 km | 3 h 25 min | 4–5 h |
| 4 | Yerevan, Sevanavank, Dilijan | 102 km | 1 h 30 min | 3–4 h |
| 5 | Dilijan, Haghartsin, Dilijan | 24 km | 30 min | 3–4 h |
| 6 | Dilijan, Geghard, Garni, Yerevan | 158 km | 2 h 25 min | 4–5 h |
| 7 | Hotel to airport | 12 km | 20–30 min | Free |
Day 3 is the longest, and Day 6 is the second longest. Start both early, and tell us if you prefer a shorter day.
Start on Any Day of the Week
The Best of Armenia Tour can start on any day. A few sites close on specific days, so we may adjust the day order to match your dates.
| Site | Opening Days | Effect on the Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Matenadaran | Tuesday to Saturday | Day 2 visit |
| Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute | Closed Mondays | Day 2 visit |
| Garni Temple | Closed Mondays | Day 6 visit |
Public holidays can also close sites. We also adjust the plan based on your flight times and seasonal road conditions.
For example, we may swap Day 2 and Day 3 if your Day 2 falls on a Monday. Your travel planner confirms the final order in writing before you book.
Accommodation
You stay 4 nights in Yerevan and 2 nights in Dilijan, for a total of 6 nights. The hotel you receive depends on availability, your room category, and the arrangements confirmed at the time of booking.
| Location | Nights | Hotel Options |
|---|---|---|
| Yerevan | 4 (Days 1, 2, 3, and 6) | Republica Hotel or Messier 53, or a similar hotel |
| Dilijan | 2 (Days 4 and 5) | Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex, or Dilijan Resort, or a similar hotel |
| Total | 6 |
Yerevan Hotels
Republica Hotel Yerevan is a boutique hotel at 7/1 Pap Tagavor Street, about a three-minute walk from Republic Square. It has a restaurant and serves a buffet breakfast—Messier 53 Hotel stands on Vardanants Street, near the Vernissage market. If neither hotel is available, we offer a similar hotel in central Yerevan.
Dilijan Hotels
The Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex sits at 1 Sharambeyan Street, in the restored old quarter. Its 18 rooms are in the Ananov guest house, and the Haykanoush restaurant is next door. Dilijan Resort stands on Getapnya Street, a short drive from the historic center. If neither is available, we offer a similar hotel in Dilijan. Ask about spa, pool, and extra services at your chosen hotel. These services may incur an extra charge and are not part of the tour unless we confirm them in writing.
Meals and Practical Arrangements
Daily breakfast is included, and lunches and dinners are not. You choose where to eat so that you can try local places along the route.
- Breakfast: 6 breakfasts, from Day 2 to Day 7, at your hotels. Day 7 depends on your departure time.
- Lunch and dinner: At your own expense. Your guide suggests good places.
- Dishes to try: Khorovats (grilled meat), lavash (thin flatbread), tolma (stuffed grape leaves), and ishkhan (Sevan trout, when available). Read our guide to Armenian food.
- Water: Yerevan has public drinking fountains called pulpulaks. Ask your guide, and buy bottled water if you prefer.
Best Time to Visit Armenia
June to September is the best time for this route, and May and October also work well. Our guide to the best time to visit Armenia covers each season.
- Summer: Yerevan can be hot at midday. Lake Sevan and Dilijan feel cooler.
- September: Settled weather, and the grape harvest around Areni.
- May and October: Milder days. Expect green hills in spring and autumn color in Dilijan.
- Winter: Snow and ice can affect roads and forest trails. Ask us about a winter plan.
Travel Preparation and Practical Information
The tour needs light to moderate walking. You walk on city streets and monastery grounds, and no hiking is required.
- Stairs and steps: The Cascade has 572 steps with escalators as an alternative. Sevanavank has uphill stone steps.
- Uneven surfaces: Monasteries have stone floors and high thresholds.
- Optional extras: The Khor Virap pit ladder and Dilijan forest walks are optional.
- Mobility: Tell us about any needs before you book, and we will adapt the pace.
What to pack:
- Comfortable walking shoes with a good grip
- A light rain jacket
- A windbreaker or fleece for Lake Sevan and Dilijan
- Sun protection
- Modest clothing for churches, and a scarf where a church asks for a head covering
- Personal medication, and motion-sickness tablets for winding roads
Money: Armenia uses the dram (AMD). Cards are accepted at many Yerevan businesses, but carry cash for markets and small cafés. See the official Armenia travel tips, or read our own Armenia travel tips. Insurance: Travel insurance is not included. We recommend coverage for medical care, cancellation, and lost baggage before you travel.
Armenia Visa Information
Visa rules depend on your nationality and passport. Check the official sources before you book flights. Citizens of many countries can enter without a visa for short stays. The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs explains the current rules and the 180-day limit. Other travelers may apply on the official e-visa portal. The Armenia tourism website summarizes the steps.
Booking and Cancellation
The Best of Armenia Tour is a private tour with flexible dates. Send us your preferred dates, group size, and room needs, and we will reply with a written proposal. For booking, payment, amendment, cancellation, and refund conditions, please read our booking and cancellation terms. Your written proposal confirms the conditions that apply to your tour.
Request a Quote for the Best of Armenia Tour
On a private 7-day itinerary, you see Yerevan, Khor Virap, Noravank, Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Garni, and Geghard. Request a customized private tour, or contact our team.
Please tell us:
- Your preferred travel dates
- The number of travelers
- Your nationalities, for visa guidance
- Your preferred hotel level and room sharing
- Any mobility or dietary needs
Read about Peregrine Treks and Tours. Our Armenia Grand Tour is a 10-day option that adds southern Armenia. For a shorter stay, see our 5-day Yerevan Tour.
Request a Quote | Customize This Trip | Check Availability
Peregrine Treks and Tours is the trading name of Peregrine Treks and Expedition Pvt Ltd. We were founded in 2002 and have offices in Kathmandu and Muscat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The tour starts on any day of the week. Some sites close on set days, so we may reorder the days to fit your dates, holidays, and flight times. We confirm the final order before you book.
The tour includes private airport transfers, a private vehicle and driver, and 6 nights in selected hotels. It also includes daily breakfast, an English-speaking guide on tour days, and entrance fees for the sites on the itinerary. Lunches, dinners, flights, insurance, and visa fees are not included.
Yes. You travel only with your own group, in a private vehicle with your own driver. The guide joins you on touring days. Airport transfers are with your driver.
In Yerevan, we use the Republica Hotel or Messier 53, or a similar hotel. In Dilijan, we use the Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex, or Dilijan Resort, or a similar hotel. We confirm your hotel reservations in writing at the time of booking.
The tour has about 560 km of driving over 7 days. Day 3 is the longest, at about 242 km and 3 hours 25 minutes of driving. Day 6 follows at about 158 km and 2 hours 25 minutes.
Walking is light to moderate. You climb stone steps at Sevanavank and walk on uneven floors at monasteries. The Cascade has escalators, and the Khor Virap pit ladder is optional.
Yes, with some planning. Allow for the long drive on Day 3, stairs at Sevanavank and the Cascade, and uneven monastery floors. Tell us about each traveler’s needs.
Yes. You can ask about extra nights, room upgrades, or added sightseeing. We confirm the feasibility and any changes to cost or length before you book.
Reviews on Best of Armenia Tour
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