My Tour Favourites (0)
‘Capital to Country’ Armenia Trekking Tour


This 8-day Armenian trekking tour includes a Yerevan city tour, a visit to the Dilijanor mountain resort and an authentic lunch hosted by an Armenian family.
Overview
Explore the natural wonders of Armenia with this 8-day round-trek starting in the Armenian capital of Yerevan and travelling through the Ararat valley, Odzun and Garni. If you want to explore the real Armenia from capital to country, this is the perfect tour for you.
City tour of Yerevan
Family-hosted lunch with Armenian cooking masterclass
Spectacular views across the Ararat Valley
Stopping in the beautiful mountainous region of Dilijan
Trekking between Garni temple and the Azat Gorge
Visiting two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Haghpat Monastery and Sanahin Monastery
Itinerary


Yerevan
The capital of Armenia and its largest city, Yerevan has been occupied since the 8th century BC and is one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in the world. Although the city is known for its Soviet architecture, it has a vibrant cultural identity which it expresses through classical artistry, musical fountains, unique museums and its founding landmark, Erebuni Fortress.
Day 1
Arrival in Yerevan
Welcome to Yerevan! Your driver will meet you at your scheduled arrival point (airport / railway station) before taking you to your hotel for check-in.
Arrival Transfer
Free Time
Scenic Surrounds
Souvenir Shopping
Day 2
City Tour of Yerevan
After a good night’s sleep breakfast will kick off your experience with a Yerevan city tour, where you see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks including Republic Square, the Mother Armenia Monument, the President’s Palace and more.
Later, you will stop for lunch before visiting three of Yerevan’s most popular museums exploring the country’s past and present, the Genocide Memorial Museum, the Cascade Complex and the Matenadaran, the largest depository of ancient manuscripts in the world.
Your day will end with a 1-hour tour around an Armenian brandy factory ‘ArArAt’ where you will get to learn more about how brandy is made, prepared and stored before getting the chance to try some yourself!
Breakfast & Lunch
City Tour
Mother Armenia Monument
Republic Square
Genocide Memorial and Museum
Cascade Complex of modern art
Expert Guide
ARARAT Brandy Factory tour
Food & Drink Experience
Day 3
Visit to the Khor Virap Church
You will start your day with breakfast at your hotel before heading out on a drive to the Ararat Valley to visit the Khor Virap Church where you will see the best views of the biblical Mt Ararat and delve into the dungeon beneath.
Next, you will continue your drive to Vayots Dzor region where you will visit a traditional Armenian winery and old wine cellar in Areni. You will then begin a scenic 1 – 1 ½ hour trek from the old settlement of Amaghu through to the Noravank Monastery.
You will have time to look around Noravank Monastery before stopping at the Arpa Parnas Winery for a wine tasting experience. You will then head back to your hotel in Yerevan for the evening.
Breakfast & Lunch
Ararat Valley
Prominent Landscape
Khor Virap Monastery
Armenia Wine
Arpa Parnas winery
Noravank Monastery
Cultural Immersive Experience
Food & Drink Experience
Day 4
Hiking around Dilijan Mountain Resort
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel in Yerevan. Your driver will pick you up from the hotel before taking you to Haghpat.
On the way, you will make several stops. The first, at Lake Sevan, one of the greatest high mountainous freshwater lakes of Eurasia, followed by lunch and a stop in the beautiful mountainous resort of Dilijan. While in Dilijan you will enjoy a 5-hour hike from Clear Lake, to Goshavank and on to Gosh Lake.
On arrival in Haghpat, you will check into your hotel where you will enjoy a well-deserved evening meal.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Lake Sevan
Prominent Landscape
Dilijan mountain resort
Scenic Surrounds
Walking Tour
Souvenir Shopping
Free Time
Travel to


Haghpat
Haghput is a quaint village situated in Armenia’s Lori Province next to the Georgian border. The village is set on a plateau and has a rich cultural heritage. It is best known for the 10th century Haghpat Monastery, a religious complex built in medieval Armenian style that is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Day 5
Hiking from Haghpat monastery to the Sanahin monastery
Today you will experience a full day of hiking between two UNESCO Heritage Site monasteries. After breakfast, your driver will take you to Haghpat Monastery for a look around before you set off on your 5-hour hiking experience through green pastures and fields of wildflowers to Sanahin Monastery.
Optional:
You will have the option of visiting Odzun cathedral, a 6th century Armenian Apostolic Church located in the village of Odsun.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Walking Tour
Haghpat Monastery
Sanahin Monastery
Scenic Surrounds
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Prominent Landscape
Optional Extras
Travel to


Odzun
A large village located in Armenia’s Lori Province, Odzun, is situated on a plateau of the left bank of the Debed river gorge. The village has a long history and is best known for the Odzun Church, built on the edge of the gorge in the 5th – 7th centuries and regarded as one of the finest Armenian basilicas. The area is steeped in legend, and also includes an unusual rock obelisk said to have been given by an Indian king for the help he received from an Armenian General from Odzun.
Day 6
Climb the Summit of Aragats Volcano
After breakfast, your driver will take you along the Yazidi village of Rya Taza before continuing to Lake Kari where your climb will begin. Your 5-hour hike will proceed up over the southern summit of Aragats, an extinct volcano with four peaks.
After stopping for lunch and finishing your climb, you will head back to Yazidi village where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh mountain air before visiting the Amberd Medieval Fortress and church built between the 11th and 13th centuries.
After your tour, your driver will take you back to your hotel in Yerevan where you will spend the evening.
Breakfast & Lunch
Yazidi village of Rya Taza
Walking Tour
Aragats Volcano
Food & Drink Experience
Amberd Medieval Fortress and church
Scenic Surrounds
Free Time
Day 7
Trekking from Garni Temple to Azat Gorge
You will set out on the road to Garni, home of the mysterious Garni Temple. The temple is known to be the only remaining pagan temple in Armenia dating back to the 1st century AD and devoted to the Sun God Myrth.
Your trek for the day will begin at Garni temple and end at the Azat Gorge where you will visit the 13th century Havuts Tar Monastery situated in the Khosrov Reserve.
After your trek you will stop for a family-hosted lunch nearby where you will get to see the locals make traditional ‘Lavash’ (Armenian flatbreads) and taste a range of homemade vodkas and wines made from apricots, grapes, mulberry and apple.
Your tour for the day will conclude with a visit to a unique 13th century temple built within a cave dedicated to St Geghard before heading back to your hotel in Yerevan
Optional:
Visit an Armenian Carpet Factory where you will learn more about the handmade weaving process and introducing colouring technics with natural materials.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Garni Temple
Prominent Landscape
Khosrov Forest State Reserve
13th century Havuts Tar Monastery
Scenic Surrounds
Armenia Wine
Food & Drink Experience
Optional Extras
Breakfast
Free Time
Scenic Surrounds
Departure Transfer
Where you can stay
A hotel can be the make or break of any experience, and we understand that choosing the right hotel is important to our travellers. Check out our range of hotels ahead of time, and learn more about our standard 3-star options and the luxury 5-star upgrades that are available in the destinations you will be visiting.
Please note that the selection of hotels included here are examples of where you may stay on your tour, we will pick the best option for you based on your travel requirements.
You may also like
Not quite found what you are looking for? Real Russia are committed to finding you the best tour for your needs. Whether you are after an activity-packed immersive experience or a relaxing vacation with plenty of free time, we have you covered. Here, is a list of tours you may also like, hand-picked by us based on your chosen theme and dates.
from per person
from per person
from per person
from per person
from per person
from per person
Dates & Rates
Please select the amount of travellers in your group and language requirement of your guide.
Please select a date
£
-
£
per person
-
£
per person
-
£
per person
*This tour’s total cost is an estimate, based on travel costs prior to tickets being released. The price is subject to fluctation of up to 10%.† Based on 2 people sharing a twin room.
More information
What’s included
Accommodation as part of the tour
All tours are COVID-19 secure and offer flexible booking options. Visit our Covid-19 information page to find out more
English guide and local driver
Entrance tickets to all locations as part of the tour
Food and drink (as mentioned in the tour itinerary)
Transport as part of the tour including airport / railway station transfers
What’s not included
Armenian visa
International train / plane tickets
Laundry Services
Optional excursions and activities
Personal costs (souvenirs, additional snacks etc)
Professional photo & video shooting in museums
Tips for drivers/guides/in restaurants
Travel / medical insurance
Travel Tips
All travellers are asked to check the vaccination requirements before travel. Visit our Vaccines and Health page to find out more
Any dietary or allergy requirements will need to be disclosed before the start of the tour
Carrying a water bottle with you is recommended
Medication should always be taken with you and kept on your person
Please ensure that you keep any personal documents and valuables on your person at all times
WIFI will be available at most of the hotels, although mobile coverage may vary in rural areas
Your local guides will recommend stops where you can go souvenir shopping during your tour
Special notes
The itinerary, prices and departure dates for this tour will be confirmed on request.
Suggested reading
Enrich your travel experience with our list of top recommended books from specialist travel guides to compelling novels. Whether you are looking for something to pass the time on the train, or want to get to grips with the local history, reading is essential to turning your trip into a fully-fledged experience.
Armenian History: A Captivating Guide to the History of Armenia and the Armenian Genocide
A magnificent guide delving into one of the worlds lesser-known regions, this book will explore the rich heritage and often tumultuous history of Armenia. The country has endured many invasions, revolutions and rebellions dating over a millennia, yet, despite being under the reign of many empires from the Romans to the Ottomans, the country has carved a unique cultural identity that can still be found within its surviving monuments and, of course, its people.
Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan
The ultimate guidebook to the Caucasus that no tourist can go without! Lonely Planet’s Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan is packed full of almost everything you need when travelling to these three spectacular Caucasus countries including the best places to eat in its most popular cities, what you need to see while you are there, cultural highlights and more. In addition to its noteworthy insider tips about key attractions such as the Sheki Palace, Narikala Fortress and the monasteries of Armenia, this guide includes regional maps that are invaluable to even the most seasoned traveller.
The Art of Armenia: An Introduction
Featuring illustrations of the fascinating artist examples from across the breath of Armenia, this introduction to the art of Armenia is perfect for those wanting to learn more about not only art, but Armenian culture as a whole. Armenia’s visual culture dates as far back as the Palaeolithic era and is diverse as it is old with influences from Byzantium, the Islamic world, Yuan-dynasty China, and 17th century Europe and beyond, and this book presents a chronological timeline of art ranging from antiquity to the early 18th century.
Extras & Upgrades
Extras
Sorry, we currently do not have any extras readily available for this tour. However, if you are interested in customising your travel experience, please contact our Sales team at travel@realrussia.co.uk for assistance.
Upgrades
Enhance your travel experience with one of our available tour upgrades. Whether you are looking to go first class on the train or swap your standard hotel for a luxury 5-star option, our Sales team are on-hand to help. Simply, let us know when booking your tour and we can arrange this for you.
View Map
Visa Information
