The Vibrant Capital Yerevan

Cascade Complex - At 10:00 a.m., meet with an English-speaking guide at the hotel for a walking tour of Yerevan, including a visit to a renowned factory with a delightful tasting experience.

The first stop is the famous Cascade Complex, offering stunning views over Yerevan and featuring a Sculpture Park with works by renowned international artists.

The Armenian National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet named after Alexander Spendiaryan - Pause at the iconic Opera building in Yerevan to learn about the city’s vibrant history.

Mesrop Mashtots Avenue - Stroll along Yerevan’s main boulevard to experience the lively street life, shops, cafes, and parks.

Republic Square - Arrive at Republic Square, the city’s heart, home to the parliament and the National Museum of Fine Art.

Vernissage Market - Explore the delightful Open Air Antique Market “Vernissage,” offering a wide array of arts and crafts, souvenirs, carpets, books, art, and charming cafes.

Noy Yerevan Brandy Factory - Tour a renowned brandy factory with the guide.

The Fertile Ararat Valley

Khor Virap - Begin a self-drive tour at 9:00 a.m. with the rental car delivered to the hotel. Head south of Yerevan to the Ararat Plain, visiting the beautiful Khor Virap Monastery at Mount Ararat’s base. Explore this sacred site with the Church of Saint George and enjoy the magnificent views of the two Ararat mountains, located in Turkey.

Areni - Continue south to the famous wine region around Areni village and visit a local winery.

Noravank Monastery - At the road junction to Noravank, stop to see the famous Areni-1 cave, offering fascinating insights into early Armenian life. Proceed to Noravank Monastery, stunningly located in a rocky gorge.

Day Trip to the Spa of Jermuk

Jermuk - Take a day trip by car to Jermuk, a renowned Armenian resort known for its spas and healthy mineral water of varying temperatures. Enjoy an exciting walk to the hot water springs, featuring intriguing Soviet Armenian architecture, and explore the surrounding parks.

Djermouk Waterfalls - Visit the Yermuk waterfalls and capture fantastic photos.

Drive Over the Selim Pass to Lake Sevan

Vardenyats Pass (Selim Pass) - Near the pass stands the famous Orbelian’s Caravanserai from the 14th century, at an elevation of 2,410 meters (7,910 ft) above sea level. Orbelian’s Caravanserai is the best-preserved caravanserai in the country. Stop for photos here.

Noratus Cemetery - Drive along Lake Sevan’s beautiful shore to Noratus, one of Armenia’s largest cemeteries, featuring numerous impressive cross stones and engraved pictures depicting Armenian history.

Monastery Sevanavank - Continue north, turning right onto the peninsula to visit the stunning Sevanavank Monastery, offering breathtaking views over Lake Sevan and the surrounding mountains. Purchase local souvenirs like precious stones or savor local dishes featuring fresh fish from the lake, including the famous “Ishkhan,” a trout species.

Dilijan - Cross another pass en route to Dilijan, a tourist center in the heart of Dilijan National Park. Stroll through the charming old town and proceed to the guesthouse in Dilijan.

In Dilijan National Park

Lake Parz - Choose from several hiking tours in the National Park. Maps are available at the Tourist Information Center in Dilijan’s center. Enjoy a hike from Lake Parz to the village of Gosh, approximately 3.5 km one way.

Haghartsin - Drive to the renowned Haghartsin Monastery and appreciate this historic complex and the tranquility of the surrounding forests.

Goshavank Monastery - Visit the famous Goshavank Monastery, dating back to the 12th - 13th century. This impressive monastery, in relatively good condition, houses one of the world’s finest examples of a khachkar (cross stones).

In Gyumri and a Visit to a Local Armenian Family

Vanadzor - Drive west to Armenia’s second-largest town, Gyumri. Pass through Vanadzor and consider visiting the Vanadzor Museum of Fine Arts at Tumanyan Square.

Gyumri - Continue to Gyumri, which has flourished over the past 15 years. The city boasts a charming old town and boulevard, along with healthy vegan cafes offering herbal teas and mountain honey. Proceed to the hotel, where a guide will pick up at 4:00 p.m. for a culinary afternoon with a typical Armenian family. Enjoy!

To Garni and Gehard

Garni Temple - Drive past the massive Aragats mountain via the Yerevan bypass to the famous Garni Temple. Garni is renowned for its fortress complex, including the 1st-century AD Garni Temple, a unique architectural landmark in the South Caucasus region.

The Monastery of Geghard - Just 7 kilometers from Garni, visit the medieval Geghard Monastery complex, one of Armenia’s most impressive sites. For many Armenians, it’s a sacred place as it houses the spear that wounded Jesus at the Crucifixion.

Yerevan - Return to Yerevan’s center to the hotel, where the rental car will be collected in the evening.

Departure Day

Zvartnots International Airport - Depending on the departure time from Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport, an airport transfer from the hotel will be arranged.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

• Fuel on your trip. We deliver the rental car with a full tank and you return it with a full tank

This is a distinctive and meticulously planned 8-Day Self-Drive Tour featuring an SUV rental car, taking you to the most captivating sites in Armenia. Experience the capital city, Yerevan, visit the Khor Virap monastery with its renowned view of Mount Ararat, and explore the wine region around Arpa Valley and Areni.

Travel across some of Armenia’s highest mountain passes and enjoy the opportunity to hike in the Dilijan National Park.

Discover the renowned Lake Sevan and indulge in a culinary afternoon with a traditional Armenian family in Gyumri.

Upon your arrival, you will be picked up at the airport and transported to your hotel.

On day 1, a friendly local Armenian guide will introduce you to the city of Yerevan, answering any remaining questions about your upcoming Self-Drive Tour.

On day 2, at 9:00 am, your SUV rental car will be delivered, complete with insurance and a full tank of fuel.

Please ensure the rental car is returned on day 7 with a full tank of fuel.

On day 8, we will arrange your airport transfer from the hotel.

• Not recommended for travelers with altitude problems. You travel on altitudes between 900 and 2400 meters.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.