Day-by-Day Itinerary
Settle into Armenia's capital and explore its cultural heart through museums and city landmarks.
Morning
Arrival and hotel check-in
Arrive at Zvartnots International Airport and transfer to your accommodation in central
Yerevan. Take time to rest and freshen up after your journey. Orient yourself with a gentle walk around your neighborhood, getting a feel for the pink tuff stone architecture that defines the city. Exchange currency and pick up a local SIM card if needed.
2-3 hours
$10-15 (airport transfer)
Lunch
A traditional Armenian restaurant near Republic Square
Armenian classics like khorovats and dolma
Mid-range
Afternoon
History Museum of Armenia
Begin your Armenian journey at this comprehensive museum on Republic Square. The collection spans from prehistoric times through the medieval period, showcasing archaeological finds, ancient manuscripts, and artifacts that tell Armenia's 3,000-year story. The exhibits on the Urartian Kingdom and early Christian period are particularly impressive, providing essential context for the monasteries you'll visit later.
2-3 hours
$5-8
Evening
Dinner and evening stroll
Dine at a restaurant near the
Cascade Complex, then walk up the outdoor stairway to enjoy city views at sunset. The Cascade's illuminated fountains and modern art installations create a magical evening atmosphere.
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Yerevan (near Republic Square or Cascade) (Mid-range hotel or guesthouse)
Central location provides easy access to museums, restaurants, and day-trip departure points throughout your stay.
Yerevan's tap water is safe to drink and comes from mountain springs—bring a refillable bottle to save money.
Day 1 Budget: $65-85
Dive deeper into Armenian culture through unique museums and local neighborhoods.
Morning
Sergei Paradjanov Museum
Visit this extraordinary museum dedicated to the visionary Armenian-Georgian filmmaker. Housed in a traditional building, it displays Paradjanov's surrealist collages, assemblages, and personal artifacts. His unique artistic vision—blending folklore, spirituality, and avant-garde aesthetics—offers profound insight into Caucasian cultural identity. The museum itself is a work of art, with each room revealing new layers of creativity.
1.5-2 hours
$3-5
Lunch
A café in the Kond neighborhood
Armenian home-style cooking
Budget
Afternoon
Yerevan History Museum and city exploration
Located on Republic Square, this museum focuses specifically on
Yerevan's transformation from a small fortress town to a modern capital. Explore exhibits on urban development, daily life through the centuries, and the city's Soviet-era reconstruction. Afterward, wander through the city's tree-lined streets, browse local bookshops, and observe daily life in parks and squares.
2-3 hours
$3-5
Evening
Traditional Armenian dinner with live music
Seek out a restaurant featuring traditional duduk music or folk performances. Many establishments in the city center offer evening entertainment that brings Armenian musical heritage to life.
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Yerevan (Same accommodation as Day 1)
Maintaining your base in Yerevan for multiple nights reduces packing and allows you to settle in.
Visit the Vernissage open-air market (weekends are best) for handcrafted souvenirs, Soviet memorabilia, and local art at negotiable prices.
Day 2 Budget: $55-75
Journey to Armenia's most iconic ancient sites: a Greco-Roman temple and a UNESCO monastery carved into cliffs.
Morning
Garni temple
Travel 30km east to Armenia's only standing pagan temple, dedicated to the sun god Mihr. This first-century Greco-Roman structure, with its Ionic columns, survived centuries because it served as a royal summer house. The setting is spectacular, perched on a triangular cliff overlooking the Azat River gorge. The reconstructed temple (rebuilt after a 1679 earthquake) offers insight into pre-Christian Armenia.
1.5-2 hours including travel
$5-8 (entrance plus transport contribution)
Consider hiring a driver for the day to combine Garni, Geghard, and Garni Gorge—typically costs $25-35 total
Lunch
A local restaurant near Garni village
Try lavash-making demonstrations with a traditional meal
Mid-range
Afternoon
Geghard monastery and Garni Gorge
Just 10km further, discover Geghard, a UNESCO World Heritage monastery partially carved into mountain rock. Founded in the 4th century, its main structures date from the 13th century. The acoustics inside the rock-hewn chambers are phenomenal—listen for impromptu choral performances. Afterward, descend into Garni Gorge to see the dramatic basalt column formations known as the 'Symphony of Stones,' resembling a natural organ.
3-4 hours
$3-5
Evening
Relax at a rooftop restaurant with views of Mount Ararat (visible on clear evenings). Reflect on the day's contrast between pagan and Christian sacred sites.
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Yerevan (Same accommodation)
Yerevan remains your base for exploring the surrounding region.
Bring small bills for the women selling dried fruit and gata (sweet bread) near Geghard—their homemade products make excellent snacks.
Day 3 Budget: $70-90
Visit Armenia's most photographed monastery with Mount Ararat views, then explore ancient winemaking traditions.
Morning
Khor Virap
Drive south to this deeply significant monastery sitting at the foot of Mount Ararat (now in Turkey). This is where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before converting King Tiridates III to Christianity in 301 AD, making Armenia the first Christian nation. The monastery's name means 'deep dungeon'—you can descend into the actual pit. The view of biblical Ararat rising behind the monastery is unforgettable.
2-3 hours including travel
$3-5 (entrance plus transport)
Visit in morning for best light on Mount Ararat; clouds often obscure the peak by afternoon
Lunch
A village restaurant in Areni
Local specialties paired with Armenian wine
Budget
Afternoon
Areni-1 Cave
Explore this archaeological treasure where the world's oldest known leather shoe (5,500 years old) and ancient winemaking facility (6,100 years old) were discovered. The cave complex offers fascinating insight into Copper Age life. The surrounding Areni region remains Armenia's premier wine-producing area—consider visiting a local winery to taste wines made from indigenous Areni grape varieties using both ancient and modern methods.
2-3 hours
$5-10 (cave entrance and wine tasting)
Evening
Enjoy a light dinner at a wine bar featuring Armenian wines, continuing your exploration of the country's ancient viticulture traditions.
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Yerevan (Same accommodation)
Final night in your Yerevan base before moving to a new region.
The Areni region hosts a wine festival in early October—if your dates align, it's a wonderful cultural experience with traditional music and dancing.
Day 4 Budget: $65-85
Journey through dramatic landscapes to a cliff-side monastery, then settle into a spa town.
Morning
Noravank monastery
Travel south through increasingly dramatic scenery to reach Noravank, spectacularly situated in a narrow gorge surrounded by red rock cliffs. This 13th-century monastery complex features intricate stone carvings and a unique two-story church with a narrow external staircase. The architect Momik created masterpieces here, including elaborate khachkars (cross-stones). The setting against rust-colored cliffs creates stunning photographic opportunities, especially in morning or late afternoon light.
Lunch
A roadside restaurant with gorge views near Noravank
Grilled trout and local vegetables
Budget
Afternoon
Travel to Jermuk and explore the town
Continue to Jermuk, Armenia's premier spa town situated at 2,000 meters elevation. Check into your accommodation, then explore the town's park where you can taste the famous mineral water from public fountains at various temperatures. The water, rich in minerals, has been celebrated for therapeutic properties since ancient times. Stroll through the pleasant mountain resort atmosphere.
3-4 hours including travel
$15-20 (transport)
Evening
Dinner and relaxation
Dine at a local restaurant, then enjoy the cool mountain evening. Many accommodations offer access to mineral water pools or baths—a perfect way to relax after days of sightseeing.
Where to Stay Tonight
Jermuk town center (Spa hotel or guesthouse with mineral water access)
Staying in Jermuk allows you to experience Armenia's spa culture and provides a restful base in nature.
Bring an empty bottle to fill with mineral water from the gallery—locals swear by its digestive benefits.
Day 5 Budget: $60-80
Explore Jermuk's natural wonders and enjoy the therapeutic mountain environment.
Morning
Jermuk Hot Springs and waterfall
Visit the town's natural hot springs, where steaming mineral water emerges from the earth. Then hike to Jermuk Waterfall, Armenia's second-highest at 68 meters, cascading into a picturesque gorge. The area around the waterfall offers pleasant walking trails through pine forests. The combination of mountain air, mineral water, and natural beauty makes Jermuk a rejuvenating stop on your journey.
3-4 hours
$5-8
Lunch
A café in Jermuk town center
Simple Armenian fare with fresh mountain herbs
Budget
Afternoon
Spa treatment or nature walk
Spend the afternoon enjoying a mineral water treatment at your hotel or a local spa facility. Alternatively, take a longer nature walk in the surrounding mountains. Jermuk's elevation and clean air make it ideal for gentle hiking. The slower pace today provides a welcome break in your itinerary, allowing you to recharge for the journey ahead.
2-3 hours
$10-20 (spa treatment)
Evening
Sunset viewing and dinner
Find a viewpoint to watch the sunset over the mountains, then enjoy dinner featuring local trout, a specialty of the region's cold mountain streams.
Where to Stay Tonight
Jermuk town center (Same accommodation as Day 5)
Two nights allows you to fully experience Jermuk's therapeutic environment without rushing.
The mineral water tastes quite strong—it's an acquired taste, but mixing temperatures from different fountains can make it more palatable.
Day 6 Budget: $55-75
Travel north to historic Gyumri, exploring its distinctive architecture and resilient culture.
Morning
Travel to Gyumri
Depart Jermuk for the journey north to Gyumri, Armenia's second-largest city. The drive takes you through changing landscapes, from mountain resort areas to the northern plateau. Gyumri retains a unique character with its 19th-century architecture, having been a major cultural and commercial center before the devastating 1988 earthquake. The city's recovery and preservation efforts have created a fascinating blend of history and resilience.
4-5 hours including stops
$30-40 (transport)
Shared marshrutkas are cheapest but less comfortable; consider hiring a private driver for flexibility to stop at viewpoints
Lunch
A traditional restaurant in Gyumri's old town
Gyumri-style specialties including local cheeses
Budget
Afternoon
Vardanants Square and old town exploration
Begin exploring Gyumri at Vardanants Square, the city's historic heart surrounded by 19th-century buildings constructed from black tuff stone. Walk through the atmospheric old town streets, observing the distinctive architecture that survived the earthquake. Visit artisan workshops where traditional crafts continue. Gyumri's cultural identity remains strong, with a reputation for producing Armenia's best comedians, artists, and craftspeople.
2-3 hours
$0-5
Evening
Dinner and evening walk
Dine at a local restaurant known for Gyumri's distinctive culinary traditions, then stroll through the illuminated city center. The evening atmosphere reveals Gyumri's community spirit and cultural pride.
Where to Stay Tonight
Gyumri old town (Guesthouse or boutique hotel in a restored historic building)
Staying in the old town immerses you in Gyumri's unique architectural character and provides easy access to attractions.
Gyumri has a wonderfully dry sense of humor—locals are known throughout Armenia for their wit and storytelling abilities.
Day 7 Budget: $65-85
Discover Gyumri's artistic heritage and unique museums.
Morning
Museum Of Illusions Gyumri
Start your day at this engaging museum featuring optical illusions, interactive exhibits, and mind-bending installations. While not traditional history, it reflects Gyumri's creative spirit and provides entertaining photo opportunities. The museum showcases how the city embraces both its heritage and contemporary culture, making it accessible and fun for visitors of all ages.
1.5-2 hours
$5-8
Lunch
A café near the central market
Fresh local produce and traditional pastries
Budget
Afternoon
Historic churches and neighborhoods
Visit Gyumri's distinctive churches, including the still-unfinished Holy Mother of God Cathedral, begun in the 19th century. Explore the Kumayri historic district with its preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture. Visit local craft workshops where traditional Armenian trades continue. The afternoon reveals layers of Gyumri's history, from its prosperous past to its post-earthquake resilience.
3-4 hours
$5-10
Evening
Traditional dinner and cultural experience
Seek out a venue with live music or cultural performances. Gyumri's artistic traditions run deep, and evening entertainment often features traditional songs and contemporary interpretations.
Where to Stay Tonight
Gyumri old town (Same accommodation as Day 7)
Two nights allows deeper exploration of this culturally rich city.
Visit the central market in the morning to see locals shopping for produce, cheese, and dried fruits—it's a slice of authentic daily life.
Day 8 Budget: $55-75
Experience northern Armenia's natural beauty before heading to a mountain resort town.
Morning
Trchkan Waterfall
Journey to Trchkan Waterfall, one of Armenia's most impressive cascades at 23 meters high. Located in a protected area, the waterfall plunges into a scenic gorge surrounded by lush vegetation. The area offers walking trails with viewpoints of the falls and surrounding landscape. The sound and spray of the water create a refreshing atmosphere, and the natural setting provides excellent photography opportunities.
2-3 hours including travel from Gyumri
$5-8 (entrance and transport contribution)
Lunch
A roadside restaurant with local specialties
Grilled meats and fresh salads
Budget
Afternoon
Travel to Tsaghkadzor
Continue your journey to Tsaghkadzor, Armenia's premier mountain resort town. Situated on the slopes of Mount Teghenis at about 1,800 meters elevation, this former Olympic training center offers clean mountain air and beautiful alpine scenery. Check into your accommodation and explore the compact town center. The area is known for both winter skiing and summer mountain activities.
3-4 hours including travel
$25-35 (transport)
Evening
Dinner with mountain views
Dine at a restaurant with terrace seating overlooking the mountains. The cool evening air and alpine atmosphere provide a refreshing change from lower elevations.
Where to Stay Tonight
Tsaghkadzor town center (Mountain resort hotel or guesthouse)
Tsaghkadzor's mountain setting offers outdoor activities and serves as a base for exploring the region.
Evenings can be cool even in summer due to the elevation—bring a light jacket for outdoor dining.
Day 9 Budget: $70-90
Experience mountain activities and enjoy the alpine environment.
Morning
Zip Line Tsaghkadzor and cable car ride
Start with an adrenaline rush on the zip line course, offering thrilling rides through mountain scenery with spectacular views. Then take the cable car (originally built for skiers) up Mount Teghenis for panoramic views over the region. At the top station, hiking trails lead to higher elevations where you can see Lake Sevan in the distance on clear days. The alpine meadows are dotted with wildflowers in summer.
3-4 hours
$15-25
Lunch
A mountain café or restaurant in Tsaghkadzor
Hearty mountain fare
Mid-range
Afternoon
Tegher Monastery and nature walk
Visit Tegher Monastery, a small 13th-century church perched on a hillside above Tsaghkadzor. The monastery's simple architecture and peaceful setting offer a contemplative atmosphere with excellent views over the surrounding mountains. The walk to the monastery through pine forests is pleasant, and the site sees fewer visitors than major monasteries, providing a more intimate experience of Armenian monastic tradition.
2-3 hours
$0-3
Evening
Relaxation and dinner
After an active day, relax at your accommodation or explore Tsaghkadzor's modest evening scene. Dine at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties.
Where to Stay Tonight
Tsaghkadzor town center (Same accommodation as Day 9)
Two nights allows you to fully enjoy the mountain environment and activities.
The cable car operates year-round but can close in bad weather—check conditions in the morning before planning your day.
Day 10 Budget: $65-85
Explore one of the world's highest freshwater lakes and its historic peninsula monastery.
Morning
Travel to Lake Sevan and peninsula monastery
Journey to Lake Sevan, the 'Blue Pearl of Armenia,' one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world at 1,900 meters elevation. Visit Sevanavank monastery on the rocky peninsula, where two 9th-century churches stand against the backdrop of endless blue water. The climb up the steps to the monastery is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. The setting combines spiritual significance with natural beauty.
2-3 hours including travel from Tsaghkadzor
$5-10 (transport and entrance)
Lunch
A lakeside restaurant specializing in fish
Ishkhan (Sevan trout) and other lake fish
Mid-range
Afternoon
Lake activities and shoreline exploration
Spend the afternoon enjoying Lake Sevan's recreational opportunities. Walk along the shoreline, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or simply relax by the water. The lake's beaches (mostly rocky rather than sandy) attract Armenian families in summer. The clear mountain water and fresh air make this a refreshing stop. The lake's vast expanse creates an almost sea-like atmosphere despite being landlocked.
3-4 hours
$10-20 (equipment rental if desired)
Evening
Sunset viewing and dinner
Watch the sunset over the lake—the changing colors on the water are spectacular. Dine at a lakeside restaurant, then either stay overnight in a Sevan area guesthouse or return to
Yerevan depending on your preference.
Where to Stay Tonight
Lake Sevan shore or return to Yerevan (Lakeside guesthouse or Yerevan hotel)
Staying at the lake offers peaceful evening and morning views; returning to Yerevan provides more dining options and prepares for the final days.
Lake Sevan's water is quite cold even in summer due to the altitude—if you plan to swim, prepare for a bracing experience.
Day 11 Budget: $60-80
Experience Armenia's adventure side and explore dramatic natural formations.
Morning
Yell Extreme Park
Head to Yell Extreme Park for an adrenaline-filled morning. This adventure park offers zip lines, rope courses, and swings set against dramatic canyon scenery. The park's main attraction is the giant swing that launches you over the gorge—not for the faint-hearted but thrilling for adventure seekers. Even if you don't participate in all activities, the park's setting in a scenic gorge makes it worth visiting.
3-4 hours
$20-35 (depending on activities chosen)
Book popular activities in advance during summer weekends
Lunch
A nearby restaurant with canyon views
Armenian barbecue and grilled vegetables
Mid-range
Afternoon
Azat lake viewpoint and canyon exploration
Visit the Azat lake viewpoint for spectacular vistas over the reservoir and surrounding mountains. The area offers hiking opportunities and photogenic landscapes. Explore the nearby canyons and rock formations that characterize this region. The combination of water, cliffs, and mountains creates diverse scenery. This area sees fewer tourists than major monasteries, offering a more solitary nature experience.
2-3 hours
$5-10 (transport)
Evening
Head back to
Yerevan for your final nights in Armenia. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant you've been wanting to try, perhaps revisiting your favorite neighborhood from earlier in the trip.
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Yerevan (Mid-range hotel)
Returning to Yerevan for final days allows easy access to last-minute shopping and convenient departure logistics.
Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing for adventure park activities—sandals and dresses aren't suitable for zip lines and rope courses.
Day 12 Budget: $75-95
Explore lesser-known natural wonders and caves in your final full day.
Morning
Shaki Waterfall and surrounding area
Drive to Shaki Waterfall, a beautiful 18-meter cascade located in a picturesque gorge. The waterfall is accessible via a pleasant trail through forest, making the journey part of the experience. The area around Shaki Waterfall offers peaceful nature walks and the opportunity to see Armenia's diverse plant life. The relatively easy access combined with impressive scenery makes this a rewarding morning excursion.
3-4 hours including travel
$10-15 (transport and entrance)
Lunch
A village restaurant near the waterfall area
Home-style Armenian cooking
Budget
Afternoon
Magellan cave exploration
Visit Magellan cave, a fascinating karst cave system with stalactites, stalagmites, and underground chambers. The cave requires some climbing and maneuvering, making it an adventure for those interested in speleology. Guides lead tours through the illuminated sections, explaining the geological formations. The cool underground environment provides a unique contrast to surface landscapes you've been exploring.
2-3 hours
$8-12
Wear appropriate footwear as cave floors can be slippery
Evening
Choose a special restaurant for your final Armenian dinner. Reflect on your journey through this ancient land while enjoying refined versions of the dishes you've come to love. Consider a restaurant with a view of illuminated
Yerevan.
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Yerevan (Same accommodation as Day 12)
Final night in your Yerevan base before departure.
Save some Armenian dram for last-minute purchases at the airport—local brandy, dried fruits, and spices make excellent gifts.
Day 13 Budget: $70-90
Last-minute exploration and departure from Armenia.
Morning
Final
Yerevan exploration and shopping
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final morning in
Yerevan. Visit any sites you missed or return to favorites. Browse for last-minute souvenirs—Armenian brandy, dried fruits, spices, handcrafted items, and books make excellent mementos. The area around Republic Square and Cascade offers concentrated shopping opportunities. Take final photos of the pink tuff architecture that defines the city.
2-3 hours
$20-50 (souvenirs)
Lunch
A final meal at a favorite restaurant or café
Whatever Armenian dish you'll miss most
Mid-range
Afternoon
Airport transfer and departure
Transfer to Zvartnots International Airport, allowing adequate time for check-in and security. The airport is about 12km from central
Yerevan, typically a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic. Reflect on two weeks of ancient monasteries, dramatic landscapes, warm hospitality, and the unique culture of this small but historically rich nation. Armenia's layers of history and natural beauty likely exceeded expectations.
Variable based on flight time
$10-15 (airport transfer)
Allow at least 2-3 hours before international flights
Evening
Departure
Depart Armenia with memories of a country where ancient traditions remain vibrantly alive, where every stone tells a story, and where hospitality is genuine.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day
The airport has a good selection of Armenian products if you forgot any souvenirs, though prices are higher than in the city.
Day 14 Budget: $40-60