Armenia 6 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Yerevan

  • Arrive at Zvartnots International Airport
  • Transfer to your hotel in Yerevan city center
  • Visit the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians and the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church (10am-1pm)
    • Things to know:
      • Be respectful when visiting a church
      • Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering
  • Explore Yerevan’s Old Town, including the Cascade complex, which features a large staircase with escalators and elevators connecting the upper and lower parts of the complex (2pm-5pm)
    • Activities:
      • Take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains
      • Visit the nearby Museum of History of Yerevan

Day 2: Yerevan

  • Visit the Yerevan History Museum, which features exhibits on the history of Armenia from prehistoric times to the present day (10am-1pm)
    • Things to know:
      • The museum is a good place to learn about Armenian history and culture
      • Be prepared for some older exhibits that may not be as modern or interactive
  • Explore Yerevan’s food scene, including trying traditional Armenian dishes such as dolma, khinkali, and khorovats (2pm-5pm)
    • Activities:
      • Visit the Vernissage flea market to find unique souvenirs and try some street food
      • Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Armenian dishes

Day 3: Etchmiadzin and Zvartnots

  • Travel to Etchmiadzin, a town located near Yerevan (about an hour away)
  • Visit the Zvartnots Temple, a historic temple complex that dates back to the 7th century (10am-1pm)
    • Things to know:
      • The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
      • Be respectful when visiting a historical site
  • Explore the Etchmiadzin History Museum, which features exhibits on the history of Armenia and the Etchmiadzin region (2pm-5pm)
    • Activities:
      • Take a stroll through the nearby city center to see some historic buildings and monuments

Day 4: Garni and Geghard

  • Travel to Garni, a town located near Yerevan (about an hour away)
  • Visit the Garni Temple, a historic temple complex that dates back to the 1st century AD (10am-1pm)
    • Things to know:
      • The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
      • Be respectful when visiting a historical site
  • Explore the Geghard Monastery, a historic monastery complex that features ancient cave churches and rock-cut architecture (2pm-5pm)
    • Activities:
      • Take a hike in the nearby mountains to see some stunning views

Day 5: Lake Sevan

  • Travel to Lake Sevan, a large freshwater lake located about an hour outside of Yerevan
  • Visit the Sevanavank Monastery, a historic monastery complex that dates back to the 9th century (10am-1pm)
    • Things to know:
      • The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
      • Be respectful when visiting a historical site
  • Enjoy some water sports or take a boat tour on Lake Sevan (2pm-5pm)
    • Activities:
      • Take a hike in the nearby mountains to see some stunning views

Day 6: Return to Yerevan

  • Travel back to Yerevan and spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute sights
  • Farewell dinner at a traditional Armenian restaurant (optional)
  • Departure from Zvartnots International Airport

Visa Requirements: Citizens of the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries do not need a visa to enter Armenia for tourism. If you are unsure whether or not you need a visa, please check with your local Armenian embassy or consulate.

Transportation:

  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Yerevan and can be hailed on the street.
  • Public transportation: Yerevan has an extensive network of buses and trolleybuses that connect the city center to outlying neighborhoods. You can also take a marshrutka (minibus) to travel longer distances.
  • Rental car: Many international rental companies have locations in Yerevan, but driving in Armenia can be challenging due to poorly maintained roads and aggressive drivers.

Other tips:

  • Be prepared for some basic infrastructure and services that may not meet Western standards.
  • Be respectful of Armenian culture and customs, especially when visiting churches or historical sites.
  • Learn a few basic words in Armenian, such as “hello” (Շատ քեմ?) and “thank you” (Ախ).
  • Don’t drink tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water to stay hydrated.

Safety:

  • Armenia is generally a very safe country for tourists.
  • As with any travel destination, take normal precautions to protect yourself from petty theft and scams.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transportation.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Armenia!