One-Day Itineraries

R1 - Yerevan - Charents Arch - Geghard Monastery - Garni Temple - Symphony of Stones Gorge - Azat Reservoir - Erebuni Fortress - Yerevan

The departure from Yerevan begins with a short stop at the Charents Arch, a viewpoint offering a picturesque view of Mount Ararat in clear weather.

The first stop on the route will be Geghard Monastery (12th-13th centuries), partially carved into the rock. This outstanding example of medieval architecture is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The next stop is Garni, the only surviving pagan temple in Armenia, built in the 1st century. It is a rare example of Hellenistic architecture, restored in the 20th century after being destroyed by an earthquake.

Nearby is a gorge with a natural attraction - basalt columns known as the ‘Symphony of Stones’.

Further along the route, there is a visit to the Azat Reservoir and the Erebuni Fortress - an ancient outpost that marked the beginning of Yerevan’s history.

Self-guided route plan (duration 5–6 hours):

Taxi from Republic Square to Geghard Monastery - 4,900 AMD (13 USD),

Taxi from Geghard Monastery to Garni Temple - 2,000 AMD (6 USD),

Entrance ticket to Garni Temple - 1,500 AMD (4 USD),

Entrance ticket to Symphony of Stones Gorge - 300 AMD (1 USD),

Taxi from the “Symphony of Stones” Gorge to the Azat Reservoir - 2,900 AMD (8 USD),

Taxi from the Azat Reservoir to the Erebuni Fortress - 3,500 AMD, (10 USD),

Entrance ticket to the Erebuni Museum and Fortress - 1,500 AMD (4 USD),

Taxi from the Erebuni Fortress to “Sasuntsi David” Metro Station - 900 AMD (3 USD).

Or make use of the services offered by travel agencies >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Book a tour along route R1

Just 20 km from Yerevan lies Etchmiadzin (Vagharshapat), the spiritual center of Armenia and the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is home to the 4th-century Cathedral, considered one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. The monastic complex includes several historic buildings and is open to visitors.

The nearby Church of St. Gayane and the Church of St. Hripsime are also well worth special attention.

On the return journey, there is a stop at the ruins of the Zvartnots Temple (7th century), an outstanding monument of Armenian architecture that was destroyed by an earthquake. The site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The trip can be concluded with a visit to the Alluria Winery, where local wines are offered for tasting.

Self-guided route plan (duration 4–5 hours):

Minibus No. 203 from the stop at 16 Koryun Street (near the Matenadaran) to Etchmiadzin Monastery - 300 AMD (1 USD),

Taxi from St. Hripsime Church to Zvartnots Temple - 500 AMD (2 USD),

Entrance ticket to Zvartnots Temple - 1,500 AMD (4 USD),

Taxi from Zvartnots Temple to Republic Square - 1,800 AMD (5 USD).

Or make use of the services offered by travel agencies >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Book a tour along route R2

About an hour and a half’s drive from Yerevan, at an altitude of around 2,000 meters, lies Lake Sevan - one of the largest high-mountain lakes in the Caucasus and a true symbol of Armenia. This place attracts visitors with its crystal-clear water, fresh mountain air, and scenic landscapes. Although the water temperature rarely rises above +19 °C even in summer, visitors can still swim, go boating, and fish. On the north-western shore of Lake Sevan stands Sevanavank - a 9th-century monastery built of black volcanic tuff. Inside the churches and across the monastery grounds, unique khachkars - intricately carved stone crosses typical of Armenian architecture - have been preserved.

From Sevanavank, it takes about an hour to reach Goshavank Monastery by car.

About half an hour from Goshavank Monastery, in a lush green valley, lies Haghartsin Monastery (10th–13th centuries), an ensemble of three ancient churches. The complex impresses visitors with both its architecture and its harmony with the surrounding natural landscape.

South of the monastery, hidden in the shade of mountain forests, is Lake Parz - a small yet picturesque and secluded spot ideal for quiet relaxation. Its emerald waters reflect the surrounding tree canopies, creating an atmosphere of peace and solitude, in contrast to the lively, beach-oriented Lake Sevan, especially during the peak tourist season.

Finally, Dilijan is a cozy resort town surrounded by dense forests. It is home to a national park covering 25,000 hectares, the famous Mimino monument, a local history museum, an art gallery, and the campus of the international UWC college, designed in the spirit of eco-friendly architecture.

Self-guided route plan (duration 8–9 hours):

Minibus No. 317 from Yeritasardakan Metro Station to Sevan bus station - 700 AMD (2 USD),

Taxi from Sevan bus station to Sevanavank Monastery - 700 AMD (2 USD),

Taxi from Sevanavank Monastery to Goshavank Monastery - 6,600 AMD (18 USD),

Taxi from Dilijan to Republic Square - 11,900 AMD (32 USD).

Or make use of the services offered by travel agencies >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Book a tour along route R3

About an hour’s drive from Yerevan lies Khor Virap Monastery, whose name translates as “deep dungeon.” According to legend, Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned here for 13 years. Today, visitors can descend into the underground chamber via a narrow spiral staircase and see this historic site for themselves. The monastery is located at the foot of the biblical Mount Ararat and is famous for its observation point offering a spectacular panoramic view.

After another hour and a half of driving, you can reach Noravank Monastery, one of the outstanding architectural monuments of the 13th-14th centuries. It is located in the picturesque narrow Gnishik Gorge, also known as Noravank Gorge, surrounded by majestic sheer cliffs of deep red color.

The next stop is Areni-1 Cave, also known as “Birds’ Cave”. It was here that archaeologists discovered the world’s oldest known winery, dating back more than 6,000 years, as well as the oldest leather shoes ever found.

Next, we head to Armenia’s wine-making heartland - the Areni region. Here you can visit one of the many local wineries and taste wine made from the indigenous grape variety of the same name.

After another hour of driving, you arrive at the waterfall located in the center of the town of Jermuk - a high-mountain balneological resort. The waterfall is often compared to a mermaid’s hair: its 68-meter streams resemble maiden’s braids. Nearby is another attraction - the Mineral Water Gallery.

Next on the route is a visit to the Selim Pass Caravanserai, which for a long time served as an important trading hub on the Great Silk Road.

Now we head to the shores of Lake Sevan, where you can visit Noratus - a unique collection of medieval khachkars.

Just 2 km away is the Mikayelyan family cheese factory, where it’s worth tasting several varieties of unique cheese.

The final stop on the route is the Ayrivank Monastic Complex, founded in the 9th century. It rises picturesquely above Lake Sevan, perched on a coastal hill.

Self-guided route plan (duration 13–14 hours):

You will need either a rented car or a guide with a vehicle.

Or make use of the services offered by travel agencies >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Book a tour along route R4

The route will take the entire daylight day, but it’s absolutely worth it! Set off no later than 7:00 a.m., and after 200 km you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sight - Shaki Waterfall. Shaki Waterfall is surrounded by a deep gorge, grottoes, and high-mountain trees.

Just 8 km further along the route lies the megalithic complex of Karahunj, also known as Zorats Karer. Karahunj is often compared to Stonehenge; however, it is unique and, according to many visitors, possesses a special atmosphere.

The next stop is the “Wings of Tatev” cable car, which stretches for 5,752 meters. It is the longest non-stop reversible aerial tramway in the world, a fact officially recorded in the Guinness Book of Records.

By taking the cable car, you will reach one of the largest monastic complexes in Armenia - Tatev (9th-13th centuries). Tatev Monastery is built high in the mountains on a semicircular cliff, and in foggy weather it appears as if the monastery is floating among the clouds.

Six kilometers from Tatev Monastery lies one of Armenia’s most mysterious natural formations, located in the picturesque gorge of the Vorotan River - Devil’s Bridge (Satani Kamurj). The bridge itself is a natural crossing formed from solidified lava, shaped over thousands of years by the forces of water and wind.

The final stop on the route is the cave city of Khndzoresk, one of the most visited attractions in Armenia. What makes Khndzoresk unique is that its dwellings were carved directly into the rock cliffs. The suspension bridge in Khndzoresk, stretched across a picturesque gorge, evokes a surge of emotions in those who cross it - from fear to awe.

Self-guided route plan (duration 15 hours):

You will need either a rented car or a guide with a vehicle,

Entrance ticket to Karahunj Megalithic Complex - 1,500 AMD (4 USD),

Ticket for Wings of Tatev cable car - 6,500 AMD (18 USD), round trip - 9,000 AMD (24 USD).

Or make use of the services offered by travel agencies >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Book a tour along route R5

This route will take you to Mount Aragats - the highest peak in Armenia. The first stop is Hovhanavank Monastery, one of the country’s oldest Christian churches, built in the 5th century. It is located on the edge of the picturesque Kasakh Gorge, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Dedicated to John the Baptist, the monastery is an important architectural monument of the Aragatsotn region.

From Hovhanavank, you can reach Saghmosavank Monastery in just 15 minutes by car.

The next stop is the memorial complex dedicated to the Armenian alphabet, located in the village of Artashavan on the eastern slope of Mount Aragats. The avenue features sculptures of all 39 letters, carved from traditional Armenian tuff.

Next, turn toward the summit and explore the gravitational anomaly on Mount Aragats.

Continue ascending to Lake Kari, from where the summit is already within easy reach. This picturesque mountain lake on the slope of Mount Aragats lies at an altitude of 3,200 meters above sea level and is remarkable for both its location and its beauty.

After another 40 minutes on the road, you will reach the medieval Amberd Fortress - a unique monument of Armenian fortification architecture. Built in a strategically hard-to-reach location, the complex includes a 7th-century castle and a church constructed in the 11th century.

On the way back to Yerevan, it is worth stopping at the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory. The observatory itself is an important astronomical research center, and its complex of buildings liberal is recognized as an architectural monument.

Self-guided route plan (duration 8–9 hours):

You will need either a rented car or a guide with a vehicle.

Or make use of the services offered by travel agencies >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Book a tour along route R6

Begin this route to Armenia’s northernmost Lori region with a visit to Makаravank Monastery. It is a striking example of the harmonious blending of architecture with the natural landscape.

In about an hour and a half from Makaravank, you can reach Berdavan Fortress, where a collection of ancient khachkars has been preserved within the fortress grounds.

Next, the route leads to the 10th-century monastery and fortress of Akhtala - an impressive ensemble where Armenian, Byzantine, and Georgian architectural traditions intertwine. This monumental complex of religious, defensive, and economic structures silently tells the story of the former power and grandeur of its creators.

Just a 30-minute drive from Akhtala lies the monastic complex of Haghpat (10th–13th centuries) - an outstanding example of medieval urban planning and one of Armenia’s most important spiritual and educational centers. Due to its exceptional historical and cultural value, Haghpat has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The next stop on the route is the ancient and truly fairy-tale “Bridge with Panthers”. This single-span arched basalt bridge stretches across the swift waters of the Debed River. More than 800 years old, it was built in 1192 by Queen Vaneni Kyurikyan in memory of her husband, King Abbas I Kyurikyan. The bridge is rightfully regarded as a masterpiece of medieval engineering. Designed to withstand significant elevation differences, it has survived earthquakes, floods, and battles, remaining intact to this day.

Just eight kilometers further along the route lies the Sanahin Monastic Complex, also included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the Middle Ages, it was one of the largest educational and scholarly centers of Northern Armenia, housing a scriptorium, a library, and an academy. The road to Sanahin runs through picturesque mountain landscapes with dense forests and deep canyons, striking in both scale and natural beauty.

The next stop is Odzun Monastery - an outstanding monument of early medieval Armenian architecture dating from the 4th–7th centuries, which played an exceptional role in the formation and development of ecclesiastical architecture in Armenia.

The final stop on the route is Lori Berd Fortress. This fortified city was built between 1005 and 1025 on the initiative of David Anhoghin, who turned it into the second capital of the Tashir-Dzoraget Kingdom. The city was a large defensive complex that included a citadel and extensive suburbs.

Self-guided route plan (duration 12–13 hours):

You will need either a rented car or a guide with a vehicle.

Or make use of the services offered by travel agencies >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Book a tour along route R7

This route is primarily a walking tour through the historic center of Gyumri, where the architecture and distinctive atmosphere of the 19th and early 20th centuries have been preserved to this day. The urban landscape is characterized by two-story neoclassical buildings constructed from black volcanic tuff.

Begin your exploration of Gyumri at its heart - Vardanants Square. This is where the city’s two main churches are located: the Holy Saviour Church and the Church of the Holy Mother of God.

In the immediate vicinity, you will find several notable urban landmarks - the Soviet-era Barbershop, the Wall of Names, and the Balcony of Memories - each reflecting the city’s layered and multifaceted history.

The next stop is the Black Fortress - an impressive complex of defensive and architectural structures founded in 1834, during the period when the city was known as Alexandropol.

Next, visit Gyumri’s main museum - the Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life. This extensive museum complex conveys the city’s unique character and rich past through both its historic building and its exhibitions.

The route then continues to the museum of the outstanding actor and remarkable personality Frunzik Mkrtchyan - one of Armenia’s most beloved artists.

After that, it is worth seeing the “Iron Fountain” - a site that, thanks to its history, has become an unofficial symbol of resilience and strength of spirit for the people of the country.

The route concludes with Tsak Kar - the “holey stone,” which is believed to have the power to grant wishes. It is located 8.5 km from Gyumri, near the village of Atsik.

Self-guided route plan:

Taxi from the Frunzik Mkrtchyan Museum to the village of Atsik - AMD (RUB).

Or make use of the services offered by travel agencies >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Book a tour along route R8