Armenia Explorer
Armenia Explorer
Armenia Explorer
10 Days Starting and ending in 40.198816,44.559011
Visiting: Armenia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
655
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 8
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Few nations have histories as ancient and complex, and culture as rich and resilient as Armenia. It is a country of vast mountain landscapes, numerous cultural monuments and authentic traditions, preserved to this day by its down-to-earth locals. Our comprehensive itinerary will let you explore the many medieval monasteries and churches scattered across the country and reveal you amazing sceneries of remote lakes and mountains
Itinerary
Arrival at Zvartnots INTL airport in the late evening or early morning on the following day, and a transfer to your hotel, where you can have a rest before the start of your journey.
Accommodation: Ani Central Inn 3* or similar
Day 2: Yerevan
After breakfast, you will depart on a guided walking city tour of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia and one of the world’s oldest cities dating back to 872 B.C. You have the whole day to explore the city’s sites such as the History Museum, the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, and the UNESCO listed Echmiadzin Cathedral.
Accommodation: Ani Central Inn 3* or similar
Day 3: Yerevan – Khor Virap and Noravank – Goris
Drive through villages and vineyards to Khor Virap Monastery, offering the closest and most breathtaking view to the biblical Mt Ararat. You continue to Areni village, where you will visit a cave where world's oldest winery was found. Afterwards, you drive to Noravank Monastery – a great religious and cultural centre dating back to the 12th century, surrounded by stunning nature. Continue to Goris town visiting the ancient astronomical observatory of Karahunge.
Accommodation: Hotel Mtnadzor 3* or similar
Driving for the day: approx 250 km, 5 hrs
Day 4: Goris – Tatev and Tatevi Anapat Monasteries – Yeghegis 8 km
In the morning, a drive takes you to Khndzoresk village for the first hiking section of the day in the gorge towards the caves passing over the pending bridge. Drive back to Halidzor village and take the long aerial tramway to Tatev Monastery (10-15th century). Lunch in Tatev village and start the second hiking part of the day, taking you from the gorge’s higher points towards Tatevi Anapat Monastery situated in the valley of Vorortan river.
Accommodation: local guesthouse or family hotel
Walking for the day (part 1): 5 km, ?575 m
Walking for the day (part 2): 3 km
Driving for the day: approx 170 km, 3 hrs
Day 5: Yeghegis – Lake Sevan – Dilijan Town 14 km
After breakfast, you start hiking to Smbataberd fortress ruins. If the weather is not too hot (as it usually is in mid-July and August), you can continue hiking to Tsakhats Kar Monastery (10th century). Descend and continue on a drive towards lake Sevan with a stop in Noraduz village, where you will visit the local cemetery, known as the biggest collection shelter of Armenian cross-stones. Drive to the lake’s northwestern shores with a stopover at the peninsula, where you will visit the local medieval monasteries and enjoy a fantastic view of the lake.
Accommodation: Armeni Toon BB or similar
Walking for the day: 14 km, ?470 m
Driving for the day: approx 166 km, 2 hrs 45 min
Day 6: Dilijan Town – Goshavank Monastery – Apaga Resort 7 km
Drive to Parz lake not far from Dilijan town and start hiking from the lake to Goshavank Monastery (13th century). Lunch in Gosh village at a local house and continue on a drive to Yenokavan village. In the upper part of the village, you will reach Apaga resort, offering an excellent stay for active leisure lovers. So, you can continue the adventures at the resort taking one of the activities offered at the place such as horse riding, zip-lining, hiking, different master classes etc. All to be paid on the spot.
Accommodation: Apaga Resort 4*
Walking for the day: 7 km, ?140 m
Driving for the day: approx 60 km, 1 h 15 min
Day 7: Yenokavan – Akhtala – Haghpat – Byurakan
Drive to Akhtala Monastery (10th century), where you can explore its main church, famous for its highly artistic frescoes covering the inside walls, the partitions, and the bearings of the building. Continue to Haghpat Monastery (10th – 14th century), which was an important learning centre in the Middle Ages, and represents the finest example of Armenian religious architecture. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of deep gorges en route and continue to Aragatsotn province where Armenia’s highest mountain is rising – Mt. Aragats (4090 m).
Accommodation: Amberd Hotel 4* or similar
Driving for the day: approx 324 km, 6 hrs 40 min
Day 8: Byurakan – Mt. Aragats Southern Peak – Yerevan 9 km
Drive to the slopes of Mt. Aragats and stop near lake Kari from where you will start the trekking to the southern peak of Mt. Aragats. Ascend, take a rest with a picnic lunch and descend. Drive back to Yerevan.
Accommodation: Ani Central Inn 3* or similar
Walking for the day: 9 km, ?627 m ?691 m
Driving for the day: approx 85 km, 2 hrs
Day 9: Yerevan – Ghegard Cave Monastery – Yerevan 8 km
Drive to Goght village and start hiking in Azat river gorge towards Garni pagan temple (1st century), where you will have some time for sightseeing and lunch. You continue with a visit to Ghegard Cave Monastery, a UNESCO highlight, and return back to Yerevan. Last chance for shopping in Vernissage open-air handicraft market and an evening stroll in Republic Square, enjoying the evening dancing and singing colourful fountains.
Accommodation: Ani Central Inn 3* or similar
Walking for the day: 8 km, ?110 m ?280 m
Driving for the day: approx 73 km, 1 h 45 min
Day 10: Departure
Transfer to airport for departure.
Check out our Q&As
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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