Armenia with Open Heart
Between troglodyte monasteries and sculptured khachkars, Arménie reveals 1700 years of Christian faith carved in stone.
Duration
9 days
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
The first country to officially adopt the Christian faith, Arménie has a thousand-year history dating back to the megalithic era. The country stands out for its monasteries and religious buildings with unique architecture, centered or basilical. Impressive sculptures, figurative or interlaced, adorn the drums of domes, the tympana of portals and the mausoleums of medieval princes. The religious fervor of this people contributed to preserving its national identity in the face of multiple foreign occupations, from the Seljuks to the Ottomans, until the Soviet empire. Arménie appeals equally to passionate lovers of sacred art and to amateurs of vast landscapes with Asian accents.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Arménie!
Zvartnots International Airport → Erevan
Upon your arrival at Yerevan airport, your guide welcomes you before your transfer to the hotel. You then enjoy a free afternoon.
Optional and at extra cost: if you arrive early in the morning, a discovery tour of Yerevan can be organized.
Yerevan City Tour: History, Culture and Panoramas
In the morning, you meet your English-speaking driver, who will accompany you throughout your stay for all your transfers.
You start with a visit to the Matenadaran, an institute dedicated to the preservation of ancient manuscripts. Its collections invite you to discover Armenian written heritage.
You continue with a stroll through the Cascade architectural complex, near France Square. Terraced gardens, fountains and a monumental staircase make up this ensemble which offers, at 78 meters high, a view over Yerevan and the Mount Ararat.
After your lunch free time in the city, you head to the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum, on Tsitsernakaberd hill, for a time of discovery and reflection. You then visit the Mother Armenia statue, which overlooks the city from its hill.
Dinner free and night in Yerevan.
Optional, in the evening: you can attend by yourselves the fountain show at Republic Square, offered free of charge from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. during summer months and in September.
Please note: museums are closed on Mondays and public holidays. The Matenadaran is also closed on Sundays.
Discovering Echmiadzin, spiritual cradle of Arménie
After breakfast at the hotel, you head towards Etchmiadzin, often considered the "Vatican of Arménie".
You discover the ruins of the Zvartnots Cathedral, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, then visit the Etchmiadzin Cathedral.
If your visit takes place on a Sunday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., you can attend part of the Eucharistic celebration of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
You have lunch in Cau, where a culinary workshop allows you to learn how to prepare Armenian dolmas.
Back in Erevan, you visit the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial, for a moment dedicated to history and memory.
Optional, with supplement to be paid on site: a show of folk dances and songs in Erevan.
From Khor Virap to Goris, between spirituality and ancient remnants
After breakfast at the hotel, you head to Khor Virap. With Mount Ararat in the background, you visit the monastery built on the site where, according to tradition, Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for thirteen years.
You then discover the Areni-1 cave, an archaeological site where a wine press and fermentation system dating back approximately 6 000 years have been found.
You have lunch in the region.
Optional: a local wine tasting.
The day continues at Noravank monastery, known for its finely sculpted tympana and its rocky setting.
You continue to Goris, where you settle at the hotel for two nights.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
From Goris to Tatev: Between Natural Wonders and Prehistoric Mysteries
You start the morning with a visit to the old town of Goris. Nestled in an enclosed landscape and dotted with rock columns, it owes its nickname of "Little Cappadocia" to this setting.
A winding road then leads you to Tatev. To reach the monastery, you take the Wings of Tatev Aerial Tramway, which travels over five kilometers above the Vorotan Canyon. You discover this monastic complex, once a major cultural and academic center.
You have lunch near the site.
In the afternoon, you continue to Sisian for a walking tour of Zorats Karer, also called Karahundj, an ancient megalithic site
From Selim Pass to Lake Sevan: Traditions and High-Altitude Landscapes
Goris → Selim Caravanserai
After breakfast, you check out of your room and head towards the Selim Pass. You visit its medieval caravanserai, nestled in the mountains.
You continue with the discovery of Noradouz and its field of khachkars, these sculpted stone crosses characteristic of Arménie's heritage.
A stop at the Mikaelian family artisanal cheese shop allows you to taste cheeses aged in wine and cognac. You have lunch along the way.
You reach Lake Sevan, located at 1,950 meters altitude, and discover its churches perched on the peninsula.
Optional: a boat ride on Lake Sevan, available from mid-May to September.
Monasteries of the North and Armenian Craftsmanship between Vanadzor and Haghpat
After breakfast, you check out of your room and head towards Vanadzor. There you meet a master craftsman of khachkars in his workshop, to discover his expertise.
You continue towards the village of Haghpat and visit its monastery, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This complex brings together several churches, including Saint-Néchan, Saint-Gregory the Illuminator and Holy Mother of God.
You have lunch in Haghpat.
In the afternoon, you discover the monastery-fortress of Akhtala, dating from the thirteenth century. Its main church is renowned for its frescoes depicting scenes from the Old and New Testament.
Geghard Monastery and Garni Fortress
You join the Geghard Monastery, at the entrance to the upper Azat valley. Largely troglodytic, this ensemble of churches and cross-stones bears witness to Armenian medieval architecture. A former cultural and ecclesiastical center, it preserves relics of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Optional, with supplement: a spiritual music concert in the monastery, to appreciate the acoustics of the place.
You then discover the Azat canyon during a short walk. You admire the rock formations of the Basalt Organ, also called Symphony of Stones.
You continue towards Garni to discover its canyon and the rock formations of the Basalt Organ, also called Symphony of Stones.
You share a lunch with a local family, accompanied by a lavash preparation workshop, the traditional Armenian bread baked in an underground oven.
In the afternoon, you visit the Garni Citadel, a testament to the Hellenistic era in Arménie.
Back in Erevan, you visit the dried fruit market in the Gum district, then enjoy free time for shopping.
You then discover the Vernissage, a craft market where second-hand goods and antiques blend together, frequented by both locals and visitors.
Dinner is on your own and overnight at the hotel in Erevan.
Museums are closed on Mondays and public holidays.
See you soon in Arménie!
After your breakfast, you enjoy free time in Yerevan until your transfer to the airport for your international return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Airplane tickets
- Insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
- Boat trip on Lake Sevan from Mid-May to September
- Spiritual Music Concert at Geghard
- Folklore show in Yerevan
- Wine Tasting in Areni
- Tips for guides, drivers and porters
Included
- Airport / hotel / airport transfers
- An air-conditioned and comfortable coach for the entire circuit
- The services of a highly qualified English-speaking guide throughout the circuit for the visits mentioned in the program from day 2 to day 8
- Accommodation in twin/double rooms in 3*/4*/4*+ hotels in Yerevan
- (5 nights), 2 nights at Mirhav Hotel or similar in Goris, 1 night at Paradise Plus Hotel or similar in Dilijan
- Half board with all lunches and 3 dinners in the regions
- Entrance tickets to the sites, monuments and museums mentioned in the itinerary
- Ticket for Tatev Aerial Tramway and Areni 1 Cave
- Mineral and still water, local coffee and tea during all lunches and dinners
- Master class of traditional Armenian bread: lavash at Garni
- Master class of Dolma at Echmiadzine
- Mikaelian Cheese Factory near Lake Sevan
- Duduk Workshop in Yerevan
- Khachkar Workshop in Vanadzor
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Armenia for tourism purposes. As entry rules may change, we recommend you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Armenia, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourism stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourism stays in Armenia.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 180 days per year on Armenian territory, without any prior procedure required.
The authorities may also request:
a return travel ticket or onward flight,
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation address in Armenia.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveler staying in Armenia is in principle required to register with the local authorities within 20 days of arrival. In practice, this formality is generally handled directly by the hotel or accommodation establishment, which registers the traveler.
If staying with a private individual or in non-professional accommodation, you should ensure that this procedure is completed, as failure to do so may result in a fine upon departure from the territory.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should check with the Armenian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for following the claims reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
For a tourist stay in Armenia, no visa is required. A valid passport for at least 3 months after your return date is sufficient. Always check the latest conditions with the consular authorities of your destination before departure.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, expect between 110 and 180 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (400-700 euros round-trip from Paris) are additional. Armenia remains one of the most affordable destinations in the Caucasus.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to suit travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Professional Tourism Solidarity Association) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Yerevan and Ararat Plain
Travel Creator Between Memory and Mountains, based in Yerevan
Armenia is a land of memory, but also of life and human warmth. What I love is seeing travelers discover this energy far beyond the ideas they had before coming.
— Lilith
