Classic Armenia

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport.⌄

   Meet & greet at the airport with a “Pegas Travel Club” sign, transfer to the hotel and check-in. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Yerevan.

   Meals: Dinner: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a top Yerevan restaurant featuring traditional Armenian cuisine.

   Overnight: Opera Suite Hotel, Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Yerevan, Best Western Hotels & Resorts - subject to availability.

2. 2Yerevan city tour⌄

   Visit the Matenadaran, one of the world’s richest collections of ancient manuscripts. Explore rare medieval texts and learn about Armenia’s written heritage during a guided visit.

   Walk through the Cascade Complex and its open-air sculpture garden. Enjoy panoramic views of Yerevan and visit the Cafesjian Center for the Arts.

   Photo stop at the Yerevan Opera House, one of the city’s iconic landmarks, followed by a short walk through the nearby streets and parks.

   Stroll along Northern Avenue to Republic Square, the heart of Yerevan. Enjoy the city’s central architecture, lively atmosphere, and key landmarks.

   Visit Tsitsernakaberd, the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, and learn about its history and significance. Time for reflection and photographs.

   Take a guided tour of the Ararat Brandy Factory and learn about Armenian brandy-making traditions. Enjoy a tasting of two types of Armenian brandy.

   Join a hands-on masterclass at a guest house to learn how to prepare traditional Armenian tolma. Enjoy the experience and local hospitality.

   Stop at a local market to browse and shop for traditional Armenian sweets, dried fruits, and seasonal produce.

   Meals: Lunch: Enjoy lunch after the tolma cooking masterclass and taste the tolma you prepared, along with local side dishes. · Breakfast: Hotel breakfast included.

   Overnight: Opera Suite Hotel, Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Yerevan, Best Western Hotels & Resorts - subject to availability.

3. 3Yerevan – Ejmiatsin – Aratashen – Zvartnots – Yerevan⌄

   Visit St. Hripsime Church, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of early Armenian architecture and one of the most important churches in Armenia

   Stop at St. Gayane Church, a beautiful 7th-century church and a key pilgrimage site in Echmiadzin.

   Explore the Mother Cathedral of Echmiadzin, the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Visit the Cathedral Museum to see sacred relics and treasures of Armenian Christianity.

   Discover Aratashen with a guided tour of the estate, vineyards, and winery. Enjoy a tasting of two wines, paired with a selection of meat, cheese, and olives.

   Visit the UNESCO-listed ruins of the 7th-century Zvartnots Cathedral, one of Armenia’s most impressive early medieval monuments.

   Meals: Lunch: Guided wine tasting of two wines, served with an assortment of local cheeses, cured meats, and olives. · Breakfast: Hotel breakfast included.

   Overnight: Opera Suite Hotel, Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Yerevan, Best Western Hotels & Resorts - subject to availability.

4. 4Yerevan - Khor Virap - Noravank - “Old Bridge” Wine Factory - Goris⌄

   Visit Khor Virap Monastery, one of Armenia’s most iconic pilgrimage sites, famous for its stunning views of Mount Ararat and its important role in Armenian Christian history.

   Explore Noravank, a 13th-century masterpiece of Armenian medieval architecture, set in a dramatic red-rock canyon. Enjoy a guided visit and time for photos.

   Visit the family-run “Old Bridge” winery in Yeghegnadzor. Learn about local winemaking and enjoy a tasting of four types of wine.

   Meals: Lunch: Wine tasting (4 types) at the Old Bridge winery. · Breakfast: Hotel breakfast included.

   Overnight: Mina Hotel, Cristy Hotel, Khoreayi Dzor Hotel (or similar), subject to availability.

5. 5Goris - Tatev Monastery - Khndzoresk – Goris⌄

   Ride the “Wings of Tatev,” the world’s longest reversible cable car, soaring above the dramatic Vorotan Gorge on the way to Tatev. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.

   Visit the magnificent 9th-century Tatev Monastery, one of Armenia’s most impressive medieval complexes. Explore the grounds and learn about its history and architecture.

   Discover the cave village of Khndzoresk and walk across the 163 m swinging bridge, with scenic views of the canyon and surrounding nature.

   Meals: Breakfast: Hotel breakfast included.

   Overnight: Mina Hotel, Cristy Hotel, Khoreayi Dzor Hotel (or similar), subject to availability.

6. 6Goris - Vardenyats Pass - Mikayelyan family farm - Lake Sevan - Dilijan⌄

   Travel through the scenic Vardenyats Pass, enjoying mountain landscapes and panoramic views on the way to Lake Sevan.

   Stop at the historic Orbelyan (Selim) Caravanserai, a well-preserved medieval inn that once served travelers on the ancient Silk Road.

   Visit the Mikayelyan family farm near Noratus and taste unique, eco-friendly Armenian cheeses. Learn about local production and traditional methods.

   Enjoy free time at Lake Sevan, Armenia’s “Blue Pearl,” with beautiful lakeside views and photo opportunities.

   Visit Sevanavank Monastery on the Sevan Peninsula and take in stunning views over Lake Sevan from the hilltop.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. · Dinner: Dinner in Dilijan featuring traditional Armenian cuisine.

   Overnight: Overnight in Dilijazz Hotel or Aurelia Hotel & Restaurant (or similar), subject to availability.

7. 7Dilijan – Haghpat – Sanahin – Dilijan⌄

   Travel to Alaverdi in the picturesque Debed Gorge, known for its dramatic landscapes and historic heritage. Enjoy scenic views and photo stops along the way.

   Visit Haghpat Monastery, a 10th-century UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Armenia’s finest examples of medieval monastic architecture.

   Explore Sanahin Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its distinctive stonework, khachkars, and rich cultural history.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. · Dinner: Dinner in Dilijan at a local restaurant.

   Overnight: Overnight in Dilijazz Hotel or Aurelia Hotel & Restaurant (or similar), subject to availability.

8. 8Dilijan - Garni - Geghard - Yerevan⌄

   Visit Geghard, a UNESCO-listed medieval monastery partly carved into the rock. Explore its cave chapels and learn about its unique history and architecture.

   Explore Garni, the best-preserved pagan temple in Armenia. Learn about its history and enjoy views over the surrounding landscape.

   Walk to the Garni Gorge to see the “Symphony of Stones,” impressive basalt columns formed by nature. Time for photos and a short walk.

   Visit the Megeryan Carpet Factory to see how famous Armenian carpets are created. Learn about patterns, dyeing, and traditional weaving techniques.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. · Lunch: Traditional lavash baking experience with a tasting of freshly baked lavash.

   Overnight: Opera Suite Hotel, Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Yerevan, Best Western Hotels & Resorts - subject to availability.

9. 9Yerevan – Saghmosavank – Hovhannavank – Van Ardi wine factory – Yerevan⌄

   Visit Saghmosavank Monastery, a beautiful medieval complex overlooking the Kasagh Gorge. Enjoy scenic views and learn about its history and architecture.

   Explore Hovhannavank Monastery, another remarkable monument on the edge of the Kasagh Gorge, known for its atmosphere, views, and medieval stonework.

   Visit Van Ardi Winery for a guided tour of the estate, vineyards, winery, and bell tower. Learn about Armenian winemaking traditions and enjoy a curated wine tasting.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. · Lunch: 3-course lunch at Van Ardi Winery with main choice: lamb/beef, trout, or chicken.

   Overnight: Opera Suite Hotel, Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Yerevan, Best Western Hotels & Resorts - subject to availability.

10. 10Departure from Yerevan.⌄

    Hotel check-out and transfer to Yerevan airport for departure.

    Meals: Breakfast: Hotel breakfast included.