Individual trips to Armenia with RUVA: 8 or 15 Days

Arrival at Zvartnots Airport, transfer to the guesthouse in the city of Echmiadzin, located 11 km from the airport and 21 km from the capital of Armenia, Yerevan.

Rest in the hotel after the flight.

Echmiadzin (Vagharshapat) is the religious center of Armenia, home to the magnificent Echmiadzin Cathedral and the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians. Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity in 301 AD, and Echmiadzin hosts some of the first Christian churches in the world.

You will visit the church and temple of Echmiadzin, the spiritual center of the Armenian people, as well as the Christian museum, which houses church relics.

Visit Zvartnots — a church dedicated to Saint Gregory the Illuminator, a masterpiece of 7th-century Armenian architecture, located near Yerevan and Vagharshapat (Echmiadzin). In 2000, the ruins of the temple and the archaeological area around it were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Visit the Sardarapat Memorial Complex — a sculptural and architectural complex built on the site of the Battle of Sardarapat, commemorating the victory of the Armenian armed forces and militia over the regular Turkish army in 1918. The complex is located near the village of Araks, 10 km from the city of Armavir, which was named Sardarapat in 1918. The memorial was officially opened in May 1968, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Armenian victory in the Battle of Sardarapat.

Dinner and visit to Voskeni Winery in the village of Araks, wine tasting and dinner or lunch.

Explore Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Yerevan is known for its graceful and majestic architecture, wide avenues and squares, cozy streets and parks, world-famous Armenian cuisine, and stunning views of Mount Ararat.

You will visit Matenadaran, the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, a repository of historical manuscripts and documents.

Next, explore the Yerevan Cascade Complex, a magnificent part of the city where art, urban life, a vast architectural complex, and greenery merge to create a captivating and uniquely Yerevan atmosphere.

Visit the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet Named after Alexander Spendiaryan. This theatre holds a unique place in the life of the capital. Located in the heart of Yerevan, it is a cultural hub and an architectural triumph.

Republic Square, the central city square of Yerevan, is one of the main architectural complexes of the capital. Here, you can admire its grand design and vibrant atmosphere.

Browse through the Vernissage Market, a market of handmade crafts located in the very center of Yerevan, where you can find unique souvenirs and local art.

Finally, enjoy a cognac tasting session at the Ararat Brandy Museum.

Lunch in Yerevan.

Visit the Sevan region, home to Lake Sevan, a large high-altitude freshwater lake in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia, situated at about 1900 meters above sea level. It is the second-largest high-altitude freshwater lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in South America

You will visit Sevanavank Monastery, a historic monastery located on the shores of Lake Sevan

Next, travel to Dilijan, a resort town in the Tavush Province of Armenia, located 36 km southwest of the provincial center Ijevan. Dilijan is situated on the banks of the Aghstev River, at an altitude of 1100-1510 meters above sea level

You will visit Dilijan Mountain, located in the Tavush region in the Ijevan Mountains. The mountain stands at 2378 meters. The summit is 5 km north of the village of Tehut, offering scenic views of the rocky walls of the Ijevan Mountains. The mountain is part of the “Dilijan National Park”

Visit Haghartsin Monastery, an Armenian monastic complex from the 10th century, located 18 km from Dilijan. Tradition says that during the opening and consecration ceremony of the monastery, an eagle soared above the dome of the main church, giving it the name Haghartsin, meaning “the soaring eagle”

Next, explore Parz Lake, located in the Tavush region, 9 km from Dilijan, at an altitude of 1350 meters. This lake is fed by springs and has a length of 300 meters and a width of 100 meters. The average depth is 3 meters, with a maximum depth of 10 meters

Visit Goshavank Monastery, situated in the village of Gosh on the right bank of the Getik River in Tavush Province. The complex is named after its founder, Mkhitar Gosh, who, with the help of Ivane Zakaryan, began its construction in 1188

Lunch at Gastro Yard Hnots by Arevi

Visit Yenokavan, formerly known as Kurdevan, a village in the Ijevan District of Tavush Province, approximately 4 km northwest of the provincial center Ijevan, on the banks of the Sarnajur River, and 4 km west of the village Getahovit

Finally, experience Yell Extreme Park, the premier adventure destination in Armenia, offering a wide range of adventure services in one place, including ziplining, via ferrata for horizontal climbing, horseback riding, a testing park, and off-road trips on Yell Truck. Located in the heart of the Tavush Mountains, it combines adrenaline and eco-friendliness

Visit the Garni region. The Pagan Temple of Garni, located in the village of Garni in the Kotayk Province, is considered a unique structure of Hellenistic and Armenian culture and architecture. In 2011, the Pagan Temple of Garni and the archaeological site of Battir in Palestine were awarded the UNESCO Melina Mercouri International Prize. This prize is given every two years to individuals or organizations that contribute to the preservation and management of cultural landscapes.

Next, visit the Geghard region. The Geghard Monastic Complex, also known as Ayrivank, is situated in the village of Goght in the Kotayk Province, on the right bank of the Azat River. It is one of Armenia’s unique spiritual structures, blending seamlessly with the surrounding rocks. The name Ayrivank is attributed to the 140 monks who lived there. In 2018, the Geghard Monastery and the Upper Azat Valley were included in the UNESCO World Heritage list with “enhanced protection status,” a distinction given to only 17 monuments worldwide.

Lunch at Noah’s Garden Maran.

Next, visit the Khor Virap Monastery, a significant pilgrimage site and one of the most visited monasteries in Armenia. Located near the border with Turkey, it offers a spectacular view of Mount Ararat. The monastery is historically significant as the place where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before curing King Tiridates III of a disease, which led to the king’s conversion to Christianity and Armenia becoming the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301.

Visit the Oshakan region, located in the Aragatsotn Province. Historically also known as Ushagan, legend says that when patriarch Noah and his family descended from the peak of Masis, they saw Oshakan freed from water and exclaimed in awe. Oshakan is rich in archaeological monuments.

You will visit Saghmosavank Monastery, a 13th-century monastic complex located in the village of Saghmosavank in the Aragatsotn Province. Historian Kirakos Gandzaketsi counted it among the eight renowned Armenian monasteries. The name “Saghmosavank” derives from “saghmos,” meaning hymn or church chant, as the monastery was named for the psalms sung within its church.

Next, explore the Armenian Alphabet Monument, more commonly known as the Alphabet Park. This monument was constructed in 2005 to commemorate the 1600th anniversary of the creation of the Armenian alphabet. Located in the village of Artashavan on the eastern slope of Mount Aragats, the park features 39 intricately carved tuff letters of the Armenian alphabet.

Visit the Tower at the Chocolate Factory. The Armenian chocolate brand “Gourmet Dourme,” established in 2007, opened a showroom-museum in Ashtarak in October 2018. It is the first place in Armenia where visitors can learn about the history and taste of chocolate. In the Gourmet Dourme showroom, pressing a button on the wall brings fresh chocolate for tasting. Here, you can listen to the history and stages of chocolate making in Armenian, Russian, and English, with future plans to include translations in French and Italian.

Wine tasting and lunch at Ashtaraki Dzor. The winery celebration as part of the “Man and the Vineyard” project takes us to the Ashtaraki Dzor winery in the city of Ashtarak, located 25 km from Yerevan in the city center of Ashtarak. The winery, built in the 1850s, is rich with numerous winemaking and storage devices, including vats, 5-ton tanks, scales, barrels, homemade wines bottled since 1991, and much more.

Visit the city of Gyumri, located in the Shirak Province of Armenia. Gyumri is the second-largest city in Armenia and has held city status since 1837. Initially named Kumayri, it was later called Gyumri until 1840. During the Russian Empire’s rule, from 1840 to 1924, it was renamed Alexandropol.

You will visit the Aslamazyan Sisters Gallery, one of the unique galleries in the Republic of Armenia, housing a complete collection of paintings, graphics, and ceramics by the sisters Mariam and Eranuhi Aslamazyan. The building was originally used as a residential house, and in 1987, it was renovated and opened as the “Aslamazyan Sisters Gallery.”

Next, explore the Cherkezi Gorge, located near the historic Russian Red Fortress. The gorge has always been a favorite recreational spot for Gyumri residents but was abandoned after the earthquake. The “Cherkezi Gorge” restaurant, founded in 1997, operates with modern technologies and specializes in breeding four types of trout and one type of Siberian sturgeon.

Visit Lake Arpi, located in the Shirak Province of Armenia, on the Ashotsk plateau, near the borders of Turkey and Georgia, at an altitude of 2023 meters above sea level. The lake is fed by nearby mountain springs, rivers, and melting snow. Intensive livestock grazing by local residents led to the drying up of Lake Arpi and some wetlands. Therefore, between 1946 and 1951, the lake was artificially enlarged and transformed into a reservoir, with an area of up to 22 km², a water volume of up to 100 km³, and an average depth of 4 meters.

Next, visit the village of Dariq in the Amasia district of the Shirak Province, located near the Lake Arpi reservoir, at an altitude of over 2000 meters above sea level, within the Arpi community. Dariq is 54 km from the provincial center and 174 km from Yerevan. Previously known as Oksus or Oksyus, it was renamed Dariq on April 3, 1991.

Overnight stay at the “Dariq” guesthouse, including lunch at the guesthouse.

Visit the town of Tatev, home to the Tatev Monastic Complex and a powerful scientific and educational center located in the village of Tatev in Syunik Province on the right bank of the Vorotan River. This unique structure holds a significant place in Armenian history, with a rich history and many unique architectural solutions.

Visits include:

Khndzoresk – Known for its ancient cave dwellings, where people lived from ancient times until the 1950s when New Khndzoresk was built. The Khndzoresk Suspension Bridge, located in the village of Khndzoresk in Syunik Province, was inaugurated in June 2012 and connects the two gorges of Old Khndzoresk, Gandunq New, and Nerkin Tag.

Shaki Waterfall – Located 3 km northwest of Sisian, on the Shaki River, a tributary of the Vorotan River. The waterfall is 18 meters high and is one of the most popular tourist spots in Armenia.

Lunch at Tatevatun

Visit the Lori region, one of the most beautiful and forest-rich areas of Armenia. Those interested in historical and cultural heritage can visit Lori Fortress and see the Bronze and Iron Age settlements as well as the medieval city-fortress. Notable historical and architectural monuments include the sixth-century Odzun Monastery and its adjacent memorial, the frescoed monasteries of Kobayr and Akhtala, and the medieval monastic complexes Sanahin and Haghpat, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Visits include:

Sanahin Monastic Complex – Located south of Alaverdi in Lori Province on a high plateau on the right bank of the Debed River. It is believed that the name Sanahin, meaning “this is older,” was given after the construction of the Haghpat Monastery. Sanahin was a major medieval Armenian spiritual, cultural, and educational center. The Sanahin and Haghpat monastic complexes are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Rafting on the Debed River – The Debed River is a popular spot for rafting, an extreme adventure activity where a team navigates the river on an inflatable rubber boat. Although rafting is a relatively new addition to Armenia’s tourism market, it has quickly become a popular adventure activity.

Lunch at Debed Fish World

Village of Dsegh – The birthplace of the Armenian poet Hovhannes Tumanyan. The mountains, valleys, and people of this area were a constant source of inspiration for the poet. His spirit lives on in his house-museum, which attracts tourists from around the world. Dsegh is situated on the right bank of the Debed River and is an ancient settlement mentioned as early as the seventh century. The village features the Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, named after Grigor Lusavorich. The natural beauty of Dsegh offers an unparalleled experience.

Lake Dsegh (Tsover) – Located 3 km southeast of Dsegh village in Lori Province, this lake is a geological natural monument situated in the folded basin on the northern slope of the Tsovigash mountain range. It is listed as a state natural monument by the Ministry of Nature Protection of Armenia and was officially recognized in 2008.

Hovhannes Tumanyan House-Museum – The parental home of Armenian poet Hovhannes Tumanyan in Dsegh was turned into a house-museum in 1939 to mark the 70th anniversary of Tumanyan’s birth. The museum houses around 300 valuable exhibits showcasing the life and work of the great writer. The museum grounds feature a bust of Tumanyan (by sculptor Ara Sargsyan, 1953) and a chapel (1994) containing the poet’s heart. The museum has two floors and six exhibition halls.

Stepanavan Dendropark – One of Armenia’s unique attractions, located in the village of Gyulagarak, 12 km from Stepanavan. This vast forest park covers 35 hectares, with 17.5 hectares of natural forests and 15 hectares of cultivated decorative plants. Visitors can enjoy the stunning nature and many unique trees. The dendropark has collaborated with cities such as Tbilisi, Moscow, and Kyiv, acquiring rare seedlings through exchange. Over the years, botanists have attempted to grow around 2,500 plant species here, with approximately 500 species successfully adapting to the mountainous conditions of Armenia. This enchanting green park is ideal for family visits year-round, with each season showcasing the park’s natural beauty in different ways.

Visit the village of Byurakan in the Ashtarak community of Aragatsotn Province, located on the southeastern slope of Mount Aragats, on the left bank of the Amberd River. Byurakan is home to the Viktor Ambartsumian Byurakan Observatory, a significant observatory in Armenia located on the slope of Mount Aragats. Managed by the Armenian Academy of Sciences, it is considered one of the most important observatories in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Visits include:

Amberd Fortress Complex – One of the most impregnable castles in Armenia, built on the slopes of Mount Aragats at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level. The road leading to the castle is uninhabited, blending seamlessly with the hills, and from the height of Amberd, there is a magnificent view of the horizon.

Mount Aragats – The highest mountain in Armenia. During the summer, thousands of tourists climb its peaks, with ascents usually starting from Kari Lake. Many come just to see Kari Lake, the highest accessible lake by car. Few know that the glacial cirques and moraines of Aragats house dozens of beautiful lakes, accessible only to mountaineers, but they are equally stunning attractions.

A picnic will be organized amidst the natural scenery.

Visit the Vayots Dzor region, known for its rugged terrain, wide and deep valleys, and high mountains. The roads connecting it to neighboring provinces traverse high, challenging, and winding mountain passes. Vayots Dzor is linked to Gegharkunik Province via the Vardenyats Pass (2410 m), to the Ararat Plain via the Zovashen (Tukhmanuk) Pass, and to Syunik Province via the Vorotan Pass. The Yerevan-Artashat-Yeghegnadzor-Vayk-Meghri-Iran highway runs through the center of the region.

Visits include:

Jermuk – Known for its healing mineral springs, Jermuk attracts many visitors each year. The name “Jermuk” translates to “hot spring” in Armenian. The town is renowned for its health resorts, stunning nature, and clean mountain air. The hills surrounding the resort town offer breathtaking views of dense forests, waterfalls, colorful meadows, and unique rock formations. Jermuk’s mineral water gallery is another highlight, recommended for people with various health issues. The town is also rich in historical and architectural landmarks.

Areni Winery – For those who appreciate fine wines and ancient architecture, the small Armenian village of Areni is a true paradise. Since 2009, the annual “Areni Wine Festival” has been held here in the fall, offering visitors the chance to taste high-quality wines from the Areni Winery, established in 1994. Guests can tour the winery, where guides explain the winemaking process. The unique taste of the local wine is unforgettable, and we will enjoy the culinary delights of Areni.

Visit Yerevan and explore:

Voskevaz Wine House – Known for its fascinating interior, various rooms, and stunning views, Voskevaz Wine House offers a unique experience. From here, you can admire the beauty of Saryan Street. Additionally, you can enjoy live music, making it a perfect spot to unwind and relish the vibrant atmosphere of Yerevan.

Free Time – Spend some leisurely hours exploring Yerevan at your own pace. You can visit local markets, relax in a café, or stroll through the city’s parks and streets, absorbing the local culture and ambiance.

Transfer to the Airport – After enjoying your free time, you’ll be transferred back to the airport for your departure, concluding your memorable journey in Armenia.