The Perfect 7-Day Itinerary for Your First Trip to Armenia

Morning: Arrival and Check-in

Welcome to Armenia! After arriving at Zvartnots International Airport, take a taxi to your accommodation in central Yerevan (approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic). Most hotels offer airport pickup services, which can be arranged in advance for a smoother arrival experience.

Once you've checked in and freshened up, take some time to relax and adjust to the local time. If you're feeling energetic, take a short walk around your hotel's neighborhood to begin orienting yourself in Armenia's capital city.

Afternoon: City Orientation

After lunch, it's time to begin exploring Yerevan, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, dating back to 782 BCE. Start your exploration at Republic Square, the heart of the city with its distinctive pink tufa stone buildings, dancing fountains, and the National Gallery and History Museum of Armenia.

From Republic Square, walk up Northern Avenue, a pedestrian boulevard lined with shops, cafes, and modern architecture. This will lead you to Freedom Square and the impressive Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Continue your walk to the Cascade Complex, a giant limestone stairway that links the downtown area to the Monument neighborhood. Climb the stairs (or take the free escalators inside) for increasingly spectacular views of Yerevan with Mount Ararat in the background. The Cascade also houses the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, with its impressive collection of modern art both inside the building and displayed as outdoor sculptures.

Evening: Welcome Dinner

For your first evening in Armenia, treat yourself to a traditional Armenian dinner. Head to Tavern Yerevan on Amiryan Street or Dolmama near the Opera for authentic Armenian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Try national dishes like dolma (stuffed grape leaves), khorovats (Armenian barbecue), and lavash (flatbread).

After dinner, if you're not too tired from your journey, take a leisurely stroll back to Republic Square to see the musical fountains that perform every evening during the warmer months (May to October). The colorful water displays set to music are a perfect introduction to Yerevan's vibrant evening atmosphere.

Morning: History and Culture

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel or visit one of Yerevan's many cafes. Green Bean Coffee Shop and The Crumbs Cafe both offer excellent coffee and breakfast options in central locations.

Begin your cultural exploration at the History Museum of Armenia in Republic Square. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts spanning Armenia's long history, from prehistoric times through the ancient and medieval periods to the modern era. Pay special attention to the ancient artifacts from Urartu and the world's oldest leather shoe, dated to be over 5,500 years old.

Next, visit the Matenadaran, the Museum of Ancient Manuscripts. This impressive institution houses one of the world's richest depositories of medieval manuscripts and books, with over 23,000 manuscripts and 500,000 documents. Even if you can't read Armenian, the intricately illustrated manuscripts are works of art in themselves.

Afternoon: Armenian Genocide Memorial

After lunch, take a taxi to the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum (Tsitsernakaberd). This solemn monument and museum commemorates the 1.5 million Armenians who perished during the genocide of 1915-1923. The museum provides a comprehensive and moving account of these tragic events that shaped modern Armenian identity.

The memorial complex includes an eternal flame surrounded by 12 slabs representing the lost provinces, and a 44-meter stele symbolizing the national rebirth. Allow at least 1-2 hours for your visit, as the exhibits are extensive and emotionally impactful.

Late Afternoon: Vernissage Market

Return to the city center and spend the late afternoon browsing the Vernissage Market, an open-air arts and crafts market where local artisans sell traditional crafts, souvenirs, paintings, carpets, musical instruments, and more. This is an excellent place to purchase unique souvenirs and gifts while supporting local craftspeople. The market is most active on weekends, but some vendors are present daily.

Evening: Dinner and Nightlife

For dinner, head to the Cascade area where you'll find numerous trendy restaurants and cafes. Try The Club or Tapastan for contemporary Armenian cuisine with international influences.

After dinner, experience Yerevan's vibrant nightlife. The city comes alive after dark, especially in the warmer months when outdoor cafes and wine bars fill with locals enjoying the evening. Visit In Vino or Wine Republic to sample excellent Armenian wines, or head to Calumet Ethnic Lounge Bar for live music in a cozy atmosphere.

Morning: Garni Temple

Today you'll venture outside Yerevan to explore two of Armenia's most impressive historical sites. After breakfast, drive or take a tour to the Temple of Garni, located about 30km east of Yerevan (approximately 40 minutes by car).

The Temple of Garni is a Hellenistic temple built in the 1st century AD and dedicated to the sun god Mihr. It's the only standing Greco-Roman colonnaded building in Armenia and the former Soviet Union. The temple's location on the edge of a gorge offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Azat River valley.

Take time to explore the temple complex, which also includes the remains of a royal palace, Roman baths, and other structures. Don't miss the opportunity to walk down to view the remarkable "Symphony of Stones," a natural formation of basalt columns in the gorge below the temple.

Afternoon: Geghard Monastery and Lavash Making

Just 10km further from Garni is the Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site partially carved out of the adjacent mountain. Dating back to the 4th century, this monastery complex contains several churches and tombs, many hewn directly from the rock face.

The name Geghard means "spear" in Armenian, referring to the spear that wounded Christ during his crucifixion, which was supposedly brought to Armenia and kept at the monastery for centuries. The acoustics inside the main chamber are remarkable – if you're lucky, you might hear Armenian spiritual songs performed by local vocalists.

After exploring Geghard, stop at one of the nearby family-run restaurants for a unique cultural experience: participating in traditional lavash making. Lavash is Armenia's iconic thin bread, baked in a tonir (underground clay oven). Many local families offer demonstrations where you can try your hand at making this UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage food.

Evening: Return to Yerevan

Return to Yerevan in the late afternoon. If you're interested in Armenian brandy (a national point of pride), consider visiting the Ararat Brandy Factory for a tour and tasting. The factory offers guided tours that explain the production process and the history of Armenian brandy, followed by a tasting of different aged brandies.

For dinner, explore the Saryan Street area, which has become Yerevan's wine street with numerous wine bars and restaurants. Try In Vino or Wine Republic for excellent wine selections paired with delicious food.

Morning: Lake Sevan

Today you'll explore the stunning natural beauty of northern Armenia. After breakfast, drive approximately 60km (1 hour) northeast of Yerevan to reach Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world.

Your first stop should be the Sevanavank Monastery complex, perched on what was once an island but is now a peninsula jutting into the azure waters of the lake. Climb the steps to reach the two 9th-century churches for breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

After exploring the monastery, take some time to enjoy the lake itself. In summer months, you can relax on the beaches or take a boat tour. Lake Sevan is also famous for its fish, particularly the endemic ishkhan (Sevan trout).

Lunch: Lakeside Dining

For lunch, stop at one of the lakeside restaurants specializing in fresh fish. Zanazan or Ashot's Seafood Restaurant are good options where you can try the famous ishkhan fish prepared in various ways. The traditional method is to stuff the trout with almonds and bake it, but grilled versions are also delicious.

Afternoon: Dilijan

After lunch, continue your journey about 40km north to Dilijan, often called "Armenian Switzerland" due to its lush forested mountains and alpine architecture. This charming town was a popular resort during Soviet times and has recently undergone revitalization.

Begin your exploration of Dilijan with a walk along Sharambeyan Street, a preserved historic district with traditional Armenian architecture, craft workshops, and art galleries. Visit the Dilijan Museum to learn about the region's history and cultural heritage.

If time permits and you enjoy nature, take a short hike in Dilijan National Park. The park offers several well-marked trails of varying difficulty. The trail to Parz Lake (Clear Lake) is particularly scenic and relatively easy, taking about 1-2 hours round trip.

Evening: Return to Yerevan

In the late afternoon, begin your journey back to Yerevan (approximately 1.5 hours). For dinner, try Sherep Restaurant on Amiryan Street, which offers a modern take on traditional Armenian cuisine in an elegant setting. Their menu features dishes from different regions of Armenia, prepared with locally-sourced ingredients.

If you're not too tired, enjoy an evening stroll through Lovers' Park, a beautifully landscaped Japanese-style garden near the center of Yerevan. The park is particularly lovely in the evening when it's illuminated with soft lighting.

Morning: Khor Virap Monastery

Today's journey takes you south of Yerevan to explore some of Armenia's most spectacular landscapes and historical sites. After breakfast, drive approximately 40km (45 minutes) to the Khor Virap Monastery.

Khor Virap ("deep dungeon") is one of Armenia's most iconic sites, famous for its stunning location with Mount Ararat as a backdrop. The monastery is built around the pit where Saint Gregory the Illuminator, Armenia's patron saint, was imprisoned for 13 years before converting King Tiridates III to Christianity in 301 AD, making Armenia the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion.

Explore the monastery complex and, if you're feeling adventurous, descend the ladder into the deep pit where Gregory was imprisoned. The real highlight, however, is the unparalleled view of Mount Ararat, Armenia's national symbol, which now lies just across the border in Turkey.

Afternoon: Areni Wine Country

Continue your journey about 40km further to the village of Areni, famous for its wine production. This region is home to the Areni-1 cave complex where archaeologists discovered the world's oldest winery, dating back over 6,000 years.

Visit one or two local wineries for tours and tastings. Armenia Wine and Old Bridge Winery both offer excellent tours where you can learn about Armenia's ancient winemaking traditions and taste wines made from indigenous grape varieties like Areni Noir.

Late Afternoon: Noravank Monastery

Just 10km from Areni, through a stunning red rock canyon, lies the 13th-century Noravank Monastery ("New Monastery"). This architectural gem is situated in a narrow gorge with dramatic brick-red cliffs rising on either side.

The monastery complex includes several churches, the most impressive being the two-story Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church with its narrow stone staircase built into the facade. The intricate stone carvings, particularly the relief of God the Father with Adam's head above the entrance, are remarkable examples of medieval Armenian craftsmanship.

Take time to explore the monastery and the surrounding area, which offers numerous hiking opportunities and spectacular views of the canyon.

Evening: Return to Yerevan

Return to Yerevan in the early evening (approximately 2 hours). For dinner, explore the Cascade area or try Lavash Restaurant, which offers a contemporary take on traditional Armenian cuisine in a stylish setting.

If you're interested in Armenian performing arts, check if there are any concerts or performances at the Opera and Ballet Theatre or the Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall. Tickets are reasonably priced and offer a glimpse into Armenia's rich cultural heritage.

Morning: Journey to Gyumri

Today you'll visit Gyumri, Armenia's second-largest city and cultural capital, located about 120km (2 hours) northwest of Yerevan. Gyumri has a distinct atmosphere from Yerevan, with well-preserved 19th-century architecture and a strong cultural heritage, particularly in crafts and arts.

The city has a poignant recent history, having been devastated by a catastrophic earthquake in 1988 that killed thousands and destroyed much of its infrastructure. The city's recovery and resilience are part of what makes visiting Gyumri such a moving experience.

Upon arrival, begin your exploration in Vartanants Square, the central square surrounded by historic buildings. Visit the Holy Saviour's Church (Surb Amenaprkich), a 19th-century church that was partially destroyed in the earthquake and is still being restored.

Afternoon: Arts and Crafts

After lunch at a local restaurant like Poloz Mukuch or Cherkezi Dzor, which serve traditional Gyumri cuisine, spend the afternoon exploring the city's artistic heritage.

Visit the Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life (also known as Dzitoghtsyan House Museum), housed in a preserved 19th-century merchant's home. The museum showcases the traditional lifestyle, furniture, and crafts of Gyumri's golden age.

Next, explore the Black Fortress (Sev Berd), a Russian imperial fortress built in the 1830s after the Russo-Persian War. The fortress offers panoramic views of the city and Mount Aragats in the distance.

Gyumri is famous for its craftspeople, particularly blacksmiths and potters. Visit Gorky Street and the surrounding area to find workshops where you can see artisans at work and purchase unique handcrafted souvenirs.

Evening: Return to Yerevan

Return to Yerevan in the early evening. For your penultimate night in Armenia, consider dining at Mayrig, a restaurant specializing in Western Armenian cuisine (from the historical Armenian communities in what is now Turkey). Their menu features dishes that are hard to find elsewhere and offers a different perspective on Armenian culinary traditions.

After dinner, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Charles Aznavour Square and along Northern Avenue, taking in the vibrant evening atmosphere of Yerevan one last time.

Morning: Ararat Brandy Factory

On your final day in Armenia, take the opportunity to visit the Ararat Brandy Factory if you haven't already done so. Armenian brandy (often called cognac locally) is world-renowned, and the Ararat factory offers fascinating tours that explain the production process and history, followed by a tasting of different aged brandies.

The tour takes approximately 1.5 hours and should be booked in advance. Even if you're not a brandy enthusiast, the tour provides interesting insights into an important part of Armenian cultural heritage and industry.

Afternoon: Last-Minute Shopping and Relaxation

Spend your last afternoon in Yerevan picking up any final souvenirs and gifts. If you haven't yet visited the Vernissage Market (open daily but largest on weekends), this is your last chance to browse the arts and crafts on offer.

For food souvenirs, visit Gourmet Dourme on Mashtots Avenue or the Yerevan Market (covered market) where you can find dried fruits, nuts, spices, local sweets like churchkhela (string of walnuts dipped in thickened fruit juice), and Armenian wines and brandies.

Take some time to relax at one of Yerevan's many outdoor cafes. Achajour Cafe in Saryan Park or the cafes around the Opera House are perfect spots to sit with a coffee or a glass of wine and reflect on your week in Armenia.

Evening: Farewell Dinner and Departure

For your farewell dinner, treat yourself to a special meal at one of Yerevan's finest restaurants. Dolmama or Lavash Restaurant both offer excellent traditional Armenian cuisine with modern presentations in elegant settings.

If your flight departs late in the evening, as many international flights from Yerevan do, you might have time after dinner to enjoy the singing fountains at Republic Square one last time. The water and light show runs every evening from May to October and is a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors.

When it's time to leave, head to Zvartnots International Airport, allowing at least 2.5 hours before your international flight. The airport is relatively small, but security procedures can take time, especially during peak travel seasons.