Day 1: Arrive in Yerevan
You’ve landed in Armenia! Start your journey by exploring Yerevan, the vibrant capital. After you check into your hotel, head to Republic Square to admire the grand architecture and hang out by the iconic fountains.
In the evening, stroll down Northern Avenue to experience the local nightlife. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants for dinner. Pair your meal with Armenian brandy to dive right into the local flavors.
Day 2: Explore Yerevan’s History
Begin your day with a visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum. It’s a solemn experience but essential to understanding Armenian history.
Afterward, head to the Matenadaran, home to ancient manuscripts. You don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate the collection here.
For lunch, stop at the Gum Market. It’s a local market where you can sample dried fruits, lavash bread, and more authentic foods. Spend the afternoon at the Cascade Complex with its monumental stairway and stunning views across the city. Relax on a café terrace as you soak in the atmosphere.
Day 3: Day Trip to Garni and Geghard
Today is perfect for a short day trip outside Yerevan. Head to the Garni Temple, a 1st-century pagan temple with beautiful valley views. It’s one of the few pre-Christian structures left in Armenia.
Then, visit Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site partially carved out of a mountain. Its peaceful surroundings make it a great place to reflect.
In the afternoon, return to Yerevan. Spend your evening walking around the Opera House area, and maybe grab a meal at one of the restaurants nearby.
Day 4: Armenian Cognac Tour & More of Yerevan
Kick off your morning with a tour of the Ararat Brandy Factory. You’ll get to learn how the famous Armenian cognac is made, and, of course, enjoy some tastings.
Afterward, take a walk around Yerevan’s markets and buy some souvenirs. Vernissage Market is a great spot to find local crafts, jewelry, and artwork.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can also check out the Blue Mosque, a vibrant reminder of Yerevan’s Persian influence.
Day 5: Road Trip to Khor Virap & Areni
Escape Yerevan for a road trip to the famous Khor Virap Monastery. Situated near Mount Ararat, you’ll get one of the best views of Armenia’s most iconic mountain.
After exploring Khor Virap, continue to Areni village, the wine capital of Armenia. Visit one of the local wineries and enjoy a wine tasting. Armenian wine is an up-and-coming star, and Areni is where you’ll find the best of it.
For extra adventure, you can visit the Areni Cave, where the world’s oldest known winery was discovered.
Day 6: Noravank Monastery & Tatev
Drive south to explore Noravank, a stunning monastery set in a canyon. The scenery here is so breathtaking that you could spend hours just taking photos.
Continue to Tatev Monastery. To get there, you’ll take the Wings of Tatev, the world’s longest cable car ride. The views are epic, and Tatev is one of Armenia’s most beautiful monasteries.
Stay overnight in a local guesthouse nearby for a different experience. The hospitality in the south of Armenia is unbeatable.
Day 7: Relaxation Day in Goris
After six days of non-stop exploration, it’s time for a break. Goris is a quiet town with charming stone houses dotted among lush greenery.
You can spend your time relaxing at your guesthouse or take a slow walk around this quaint town. Visit nearby ancient rock formations or simply enjoy the serene surroundings.
In the evening, dine at a local home-cooked meal experience if possible. Armenia is known for its warm hospitality, and you’ll find no shortage of kind hosts.
Day 8: Journey to Dilijan
Pack your bags and head north towards Dilijan, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Armenia” because of its forested green hills.
Dilijan is the perfect spot for relaxing hikes or leisurely walks. Start with Lake Parz, a quiet and scenic lake near town. Take a rowboat out if you feel like it.
In the evening, explore Dilijan’s old town where you’ll find traditional houses and craft shops. The pace here is slower, which makes it a great place for unwinding.
Day 9: Hike in Dilijan National Park
This is your outdoor adventure day. Dilijan National Park has several great hiking trails. I recommend the hike to Haghartsin Monastery. The trail isn’t too difficult but takes you through beautiful green forest landscapes.
Haghartsin’s mystical location, nestled in the woods, makes it a perfect destination. Pack a snack or picnic and enjoy the natural beauty. You can spend the rest of your day in nature or take a spa break back at your hotel.
Day 10: Sevanavank & Lake Sevan
Today you’ll head to Armenia’s lake, Sevan. It takes about an hour or so to get there from Dilijan, and you’ll have an entire day to explore the lakeshore.
First, visit Sevanavank, a monastery perched on the lake’s peninsula. It’s one of Armenia’s most famous monasteries, and the views over the water are stunning.
After the monastery, chill by the water or visit one of the restaurants nearby for fresh fish. Try “ishkhan” trout, which is one of the specialties here.
Day 11: Road Trip to Haghpat and Sanahin
Head north to explore the Lori region, home to two UNESCO World Heritage monasteries: Haghpat and Sanahin.
Located not far from each other, these monasteries offer a peaceful atmosphere away from the main tourist routes. You’ll be captivated by the ancient stonework set against Armenia’s rolling green hills.
If you have the time, take a detour to the monastery of Akhtala for a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path experience. You could also visit a local family-run restaurant or guesthouse for lunch.
Day 12: Gyumri – Armenia’s Cultural Heart
Leave the peaceful north and head to Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city. It’s loaded with character thanks to its 19th-century architecture and artsy vibe.
Spend your day walking around the Black Fortress or the city’s colorful Kumayri Historic District. You’ll find plenty of galleries, cute cafes, and local shops to explore.
For a deeper dive into Armenian culture, visit the Gyumri Museum of National Architecture or the hilarious Vardan Petrosyan puppet theater.
Day 13: Return to Yerevan for a Cultural Farewell
Return to Yerevan in the morning. For your last full day, spend it diving into more culture at the History Museum of Armenia or take a break at Lovers’ Park.
If you want to learn how to cook like a local, you can book a cooking class and learn to make Armenian dishes such as dolma (stuffed grape leaves) or khorovats (Armenian barbecue).
End your evening with one last walk through Republic Square, where the dancing fountains light up the night. It’s a perfect way to wrap up your two weeks in Armenia.
Day 14: Departure
It’s time to say goodbye. Grab a coffee from a local café before heading to Zvartnots International Airport for your flight home. Two weeks in Armenia have flown by, but you’re sure to leave with unforgettable memories and a newfound love for this hidden gem of a country.
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