Ancient Armenia
10 Days Starting and ending in Yerevan
Visiting: Yerevan, Goris, Lake Sevan, Gyumri, Armenia
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Armenia is the world’s oldest Christian nation with an astounding collection of ancient churches and monasteries which will captivate you. In contrast is the capital Yerevan, a lively and engaging city which embraces modernity yet manages to retain its traditions, and is packed full of some of the best Soviet style architecture to be found anywhere. This is a busy tour with lots of fabulous history, culture and scenery to enjoy. Isn’t it time you learned more about this intriguing region?
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
Accommodation Name: Tufenkian Historic Hotel or similar
Meals Included: None
Upon arrival in Armenia, you will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel in central Yerevan. Overnight Tufenkian Historic Hotel or similar. No meals.
Day 2 : The Sights Of Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
Accommodation Name: Yerevan
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a city tour of Yerevan, including Victory Park with its high-scale view point over the city, Cascade and the Gafeschian Centre of Art, The North Avenue, the Opera House, Republic Square, and etc. Visit the Genocide Memorial and museum dedicated to the victims of the Great Genocide that took place in 1915 and the memorial with eternal fire. We also have a short visit of Matenadaran - a Museum and Scientific Institute of ancient manuscripts, which houses a unique collection of ancient manuscripts covering such topics as philosophy, law, mathematics, medicine and geography. Later visit the Yerevan Brandy Factory for a guided excursion to the cellars and enjoy a degustation of 2 types of local brandy. End the tour for the day with a visit to a craftsman specialized in khachkars (Armenian cross-stones). Later this afternoon there may be some time for your own exploration. Overnight in Yerevan (B)
Day 3 : Yerevan – Khor Virap – Areni – Noravank – Karahunj – Goris
Location: Goris
Accommodation Name: Goris
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the day by driving through the fertile Ararat valley to the picture postcard monastery of Khor Virap (4-17c), one of the sanctuaries of the Armenian Apostolic church and an important pilgrimage site. Continue to the monastery of Noravank, surely one of the most majestic monuments of medieval Armenia. The church had an atrium, which was rebuilt by the famous sculptor Momik. Visit Karahunj or Zorats Stones (Armenian Stonehenge), an outstanding archaeological site. We spend time exploring this magnificent place before travelling to Goris for the overnight stay. Overnight in Goris (BLD)
Day 4 : Goris – Khndzoresk – Tatev Monastery – Selim – Lake Sevan
Location: Lake Sevan
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Sevan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we drive to the cave village of Khndzoresk. The Village of Khndzoresk is a huge complex with interesting caves waiting to be explored and we will spend some time walking around this atmospheric site. Continue to Tatev Monastery which we will explore. Journey to beautiful Lake Sevan via Selim Caravanserai and take the stairs to the top of the peninsula to enjoy breathtaking scenery of the splendid mountain chain surrounding the glittering surface of the lake. Continue to Dilijan, also known as Armenian Switzerland. Overnight in Sevan (BL)
Day 5 : Sevan – Haghpat – Dzoraget
Location: Gyumri
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Gyumri
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stroll through the picturesque old quarter of Dilijan, particularly Sharambeyan Street, renowned for its pottery, carpentry and other artisan shops. Continue to Haghpat and explore the monastery, a masterpiece of medieval Armenian Church architecture. Continue to Gyumri. Overnight in Gyumri (BLD)
Day 6 : Dzoraget – Gyumri – Armas Winery – Yerevan
Location: Gyumri
Accommodation Name: Overnight Royal Plaza Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel to Gyumri and attend a ceramics workshop. We explore the streets of the old town on foot to try to understand why since the ancient times Gyumri has been considered the cultural capital of Armenia and the birthplace of arts and crafts. ArmAs Winery Estate is a picturesque display of agricultural achievement, set against the backdrop of the inspiring Mount Ararat. The 180 hectares of previously desolate and disconnected rock-strewn countryside was diligently transformed into a stunning panorama including vineyards, orchards, and a world-class winery. Here you’ll have a guided excursion though the vineyards and distilleries, as well as a degustation of wines. Later we return to Yerevan. Overnight Royal Plaza Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 7 : Yerevan – Echmiadzin – Zvartnots – Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
Accommodation Name: Overnight Royal Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Visit Echmiadzin, the spiritual heart of the Armenian Church including the Mother Cathedral A short distance from here we visit the ruins of Zvartnots dating back to the 7th Century. Later we enjoy a gastronomic master class of Lavash bread making before finishing the day at the Vernissage flea market, a large open air market for handmade souvenirs, carpets, silver and jewellery. Overnight Royal Plaza Hotel (BL)
Day 8 : Yerevan – Garni – Geghard (Unesco) – Megeryan Carpet – Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
Accommodation Name: Overnight Royal Plaza or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel to Kotayk province to explore Geghard Monastery, astonishingly partly carved out of a mountain. Continue to Garni. Continue to nearby Garni to visit the pagan temple. Have lunch in the village of Garni in an authentic rural environment with a master-class of baking lavash - traditional Armenian flatbread. Return to Yerevan and visit Megeryan Carpet where we learn about centuries-old traditions of Armenian carpet weaving. Overnight Royal Plaza or similar (BL)
Day 9 : Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
Accommodation Name: Overnight Royal Plaza Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend your last full day in Armenia to discovery Yerevan at your own leisure, perhaps to take in some museums or shop for souvenirs. Overnight Royal Plaza Hotel or similar (B)
Day 10 : Tour Departure
Location: Armenia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to Armenia as you are transferred to the airport for your onward journey (B)
What's Included
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Arrival and Departure Transfers
Includes transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour.
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Overland Transport
Overland transport throughout the tour with a professional driver.
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Accommodation
All accommodation during the tour is included.
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English-speaking Guide / Tour Leader
Services of an English-speaking guide or tour leader are provided.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary are covered.
What's Not Included
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Airport Taxes
Any airport taxes are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included when required.
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Personal Expenses
Drinks, items of a personal nature, and any other extras not mentioned in the inclusions are not included.
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Tips
Tips are discretionary and not included in the tour price.
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International Flights
International flights are not included
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably throughout your journey with overland transport provided, including airport transfers at the beginning and end of your tour, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable and historic accommodations, including the Tufenkian Historic Hotel or similar, providing a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern amenities for a restful night's sleep.
Check out our Q&As
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Are meals included in the Ancient Armenia tour?
Yes, some meals are included in the Ancient Armenia tour as specified in the itinerary. However, not all meals are covered.
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What is not included in the Ancient Armenia tour package?
The Ancient Armenia tour package does not include airport taxes, travel insurance, visa fees when required, drinks, items of a personal nature, and any other extras not mentioned in the inclusions, tips, and international flights.
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What is included in the Ancient Armenia tour package?
The Ancient Armenia tour package includes arrival and departure transfers, overland transport throughout the tour with a professional driver, all accommodation during the tour, services of an English-speaking guide or tour leader, and entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary.
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Where does the Ancient Armenia tour start and end?
The Ancient Armenia tour starts and ends in Yerevan.
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What are the highlights of the Ancient Armenia tour?
The highlights of the Ancient Armenia tour include exploring incredible Armenian architecture from ancient and medieval times, trying your hand at making traditional Armenian flatbread at a Lavash masterclass, marveling at the views of Mt Ararat from Khor Virap Monastery, breathing in the pristine air at picturesque alpine Lake Sevan, exploring the second city of Gyumri, having plenty of time to take in the diverse city of Yerevan, visiting the spiritual heart of the Armenian Church at Echmiadzin, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Dilijan – known as the little Switzerland of Armenia, and discovering UNESCO sites such as Haghpat and Geghard monasteries.
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I’m a single traveller – will I feel out of place?
In a word, no. We get a good mix of single travellers and couples on our group tours.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We are happy to allocate a twin room to two single same-sex travellers. If there is no one else to travel
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, sorry this is not possible.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We offer fully transferable group tour deposits (excluding any flight payments which are always non-refundable). You can change your group tour booking up to 10 weeks before departure and not lose your deposit – we will put your deposit towards any new group booking as long as you travel within 2 years of the original departure date.
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Can I alter the tour?
On our scheduled departures this isn’t possible, simply due to the fact that you’ll be travelling with other people. However, if you like the look of one of our advertised trips but want to tweak it slightly, then we can offer tailor made itineraries just for you, to accommodate your specific requirements.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
There are no hard and fast rules about what type of people travel on Undiscovered Destinations’ group tours – we attract people from all ages, nationalities and walks of life. What you are likely to find though is that travellers share a similar outlook about travel. We tend to attract people with a curiosity about the lesser visited corners of our planet.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been going since 2004.
Reviews of this operator
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Free Date Changes
Undiscovered Destinations allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Undiscovered Destinations allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform undiscovered destinations, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Undiscovered Destinations requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of undiscovered destinations charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 20 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.