The Vibrant Capital, Yerevan

Cascade Complex - At 10:00 a.m., meet your English-speaking guide at your hotel and embark on a walking tour of the renowned city of Yerevan, including a visit to a famous factory (a surprise awaits!) with a small tasting session.

The first stop is the iconic 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 famous Opera building in Yerevan and learn about the rich history of this vibrant city.

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

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

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

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

The Fertile Ararat Valley

Khor Virap - Begin your self-drive tour at 9:00 a.m. with the delivery of a rental car to your hotel. Head south of Yerevan to the Ararat Plain, where your first stop is the beautiful Khor Virap Monastery at the base of Mount Ararat. Visit this sacred site with the Church of Saint George and enjoy the magnificent views of the two peaks of Ararat, located in Turkey.

Areni - Continue south to the renowned wine region around the village of Areni, where you may visit a local winery.

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

Day Trip to the Spa of Jermuk

Jermuk - Take a day trip with your car to Jermuk, a well-known resort in Armenia celebrated for its spas and healthy mineral waters of varying temperatures. Enjoy an invigorating walk to the hot water springs, featuring intriguing Soviet Armenian architecture, and relax in the surrounding parks.

Djermouk Waterfalls - Visit the Yermuk waterfalls and capture stunning photographs.

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, situated at an elevation of 2,410 meters (7,910 ft) above sea level. Orbelian’s Caravanserai is the best-preserved caravanserai in the country. Make a photo stop here.

Noratus Cemetery - Drive along the picturesque shore of Lake Sevan to Noratus, one of Armenia’s largest cemeteries, where you can admire numerous impressive cross stones and engraved images that narrate the stories of Armenians through the ages.

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

Dilijan - Cross another pass on your journey to Dilijan, a tourist hub in the heart of Dilijan National Park. Stroll through the charming old town and proceed to your guesthouse in Dilijan.

In Dilijan National Park

Lake Parz - Today, choose from several hiking options in the National Park. Maps are available at the Tourist Information Center in the heart of Dilijan. 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 relish the 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, which remains in relatively good condition, also houses one of the world’s finest examples of a khachkar (cross stones).

In Gyumri and a Visit to a Local Armenian Family

Vanadzor - Today, drive west to Armenia’s second-largest city, 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 your hotel, where your guide will meet you at 4:00 p.m. for a culinary afternoon with a typical Armenian family. Enjoy!

To Garni and Gehard

Garni Temple - Today, drive past the massive Aragats mountain via the Yerevan bypass to the renowned Garni Temple. Garni is celebrated for its fortress complex, which includes 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 monastery complex of Geghard, one of Armenia’s most impressive sites. For many Armenians, it is a sacred place as it houses the spear that wounded Jesus during the Crucifixion.

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

Departure Day

Zvartnots International Airport - Depending on your departure time from Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport, we will arrange your airport transfer from your hotel.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

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

Experience the enchantment of Armenia in this meticulously planned 8-day self-drive tour with an SUV rental car. Explore Yerevan, the country’s capital, marvel at the majestic Khor Virap monastery with its iconic Mount Ararat view and immerse yourself in the wine-producing areas of Arpa valley and Areni.

Travel through some of Armenia’s loftiest passes and avail the option to embark on hiking adventures in Dilijan National Park.

Witness the legendary Lake Sevan and indulge in an authentic culinary experience with an Armenian family in Gyumri.

Your transport from the airport to the hotel is arranged on your arrival day.

The first day is spent touring the city of Yerevan with our amicable local Armenian guide.

She will provide any additional information needed for your upcoming Self Drive Tour.

On the second day at 9:00 am, the SUV rental car, complete with insurance and a full tank of fuel, is delivered to you.

Kindly ensure to return the rental vehicle on the 7th day with a full fuel tank.

Finally, your transport back to the airport from the hotel is organized on the 8th day.

• 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.