Armenia Nature, Monasteries, and Canyon Trails

Arrive at Zvartnots International Airport and transfer into Yerevan. After check-in, begin a city tour of Armenia’s capital, one of the world’s ancient cities, dating back to 782 BC. Yerevan is often called the Pink City because many of its buildings are made from pink volcanic tuff, which gives the center its distinctive color.

Walk through the heart of the city and visit Republic Square, the Opera House, and Swan Lake. Continue along Northern Avenue, described as the coolest street in the city, then climb the Cascade, a giant stairway with works of art displayed across its different levels. From the top, take in the enchanting panorama of Yerevan.

Yerevan dates back to 782 BC, making it one of the world’s ancient cities.

Begin in Garni Village, the starting point for today’s adventure. Before setting out, briefly visit Garni Temple, Armenia’s only pagan temple, dedicated to the sun god Mihr, and take in views over the surrounding area, including the Azat River Gorge. Continue on foot to Havuts Tar Monastery, a 12th-century monastery set high on a cliff above the gorge, where the main church, chapel, and khachkars create a calm and historic setting.

Descend to the Symphony of Stones, a striking geological formation of thousands of hexagonal basalt columns created by volcanic activity millions of years ago. After time here, hike back toward Garni Village and visit a local family house to witness traditional lavash baking in a subterranean tonir oven. The day ends at Geghard Monastery, one of Armenia’s most important religious sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before driving to Dilijan.

Geghard Monastery is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and Garni Temple is Armenia’s only pagan temple.

The day begins in Dilijan, often called the green town for its lush landscapes and calm setting. Take a leisurely walk through the historic heart of town, where old-world architecture and picturesque surroundings create a peaceful atmosphere. Before the hike, spend time at Goshavank Monastery, known for its striking architecture, intricate khachkar carvings, and Gosh’s Library, where Armenian scholars once studied, near the Gosh River.

Continue with a hike through Dilijan National Park, following trails beneath towering trees, beside bubbling streams, and through habitat for diverse wildlife. Deeper in the park, stop at a scenic picnic spot to enjoy fresh local snacks in the forest. Then head to Parz Lake, whose name means clear, pure, and transparent, where towering trees and dramatic cliffs frame this quiet natural retreat.

Khachkars are carved Armenian cross-stones, and Parz means clear, pure, and transparent.

After breakfast, continue through the scenic expanse of Dilijan National Park and hike to Matosavank, a 13th-century monastery hidden in the forest 3 kilometers northwest of Dilijan town. Nearby lies Jukhtak Vank, and the route continues in a clockwise arc around the valley for a calm, immersive walk. Dating to the 11th or 12th century, Jukhtak Vank stands in a sunlit clearing 3.2 kilometers northwest of Dilijan town.

After the hike, head to Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world, stopping at Hayravank Monastery on a rocky bluff above the lake. Continue to Yeghegis in Vayots Dzor, with a pause at the 14th-century Selim Caravanserai, an ancient Silk Road inn once used by merchants and travelers with camels and goods. Optionally stop at Mikayelyan Family Farm for a hands-on cheese-making master class and tasting. Per person price 12,5 euros per person.

Selim Caravanserai is a 14th-century stone inn that reflects the historic trade routes of the Silk Road through Armenia.

Start in the village of Yeghegis and hike up to Smbataberd Fortress. Set high on a hill and surrounded by deep gorges, this is one of Armenia’s most impressive fortifications. Built in the 5th century on a narrow mountain top protected by canyons on three sides, it rewards the climb with striking views across the Vayots Dzor region and, from the fortress, a magnificent panorama of the Teksar Mountains.

After exploring the fortress, continue on foot toward the village of Artabuynk on the opposite side of the valley. The trail passes through forested areas, rocky paths, and mountain meadows, with views of distant ridgelines. After the hike, visit a local guesthouse, where a welcoming family hosts a traditional gata master class using a tonir, the underground oven used in village-style baking, before you return.

A tonir is a traditional underground oven widely used in Armenia for baking bread and pastries such as gata.

Travel to the village of Amaghu to begin hiking in the Arpa Protected Landscape. This canyon area is known for rich flora and fauna and for numerous caves, where ancient shoes and traditional winemaking facilities from the Chalcolithic period were discovered. It is also recognized as an Important Bird Area for globally endangered bird species and is home to the Caucasian Leopard. Along the trail, volcanic rock formations shift in color through the day.

The route reaches one of the highest points in the protected landscape, opening broad views across the canyon. Stop at observation points to watch Bezoar goats in their natural habitat, then continue to Noravank Monastery, a 13th-century monument set among dramatic red cliffs in Vayots Dzor. Afterward, drive to Areni Cave, then continue to Areni winery for a wine tasting session before driving on to Goris.

Areni Cave is known for discoveries dating back more than 6,000 years, including an early leather shoe and winemaking facility.

Immerse yourself in the landscapes and history of Syunik on a hike through ancient, abandoned villages, including Old Khot and Old Shinuhayr, with echoes of Armenia’s distant past. Set off from the village of Khot along rugged trails through ruined settlements, where nature has reclaimed stone houses, crumbling churches, and cave dwellings. Often called the Armenian Machu Picchu, this route opens panoramic views across the dramatic Vorotan Canyon before ending in Shinuhayr.

After the hike, continue to Khndzoresk Swinging Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge spanning the gorge of Old Khndzoresk. From the bridge, look down on the cave village below, once inhabited by hundreds of families in carved-out dwellings. During dinner, enjoy an authentic rural setting, taste Zhingyalov Hats, the Armenian national dish, and join a master class to learn how this flatbread stuffed with finely chopped wild greens is prepared.

Zhingyalov Hats is a traditional flatbread associated with Syunik and is filled with finely chopped wild greens.

After breakfast, head to Tatev Monastery, one of Armenia’s most remarkable sights, built on the edge of a cliff and surrounded by striking nature. Reach it by the Wings of Tatev cableway, which crosses the picturesque gorge of the Vorotan River and is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s longest reversible aerial tramway at 5752 m. After an excursion at the monastery, begin a hike of about 6 kilometers from the monastery to Devil’s Bridge along the wooded, winding trail of the Vorotan Gorge.

Devil’s Bridge lies over the Vorotan River, and you will have 20 to 40 minutes to explore this part of the gorge. Locals say the water flowing beneath the bridge has healing properties. The trail ends here, after which you will drive to the Armenian Stonehenge, called Zorats Karer or Karahunj, considered by archaeologists one of the world’s most ancient observatories used for astronomical purposes in prehistoric times. Then drive to Yerevan, stopping briefly near Khor Virap Monastery, the closest point to Mount Ararat, to admire the impressive view of the biblical Mount Ararat.

The Wings of Tatev is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest reversible aerial tramway in the world.

Complete check-out formalities before leaving Yerevan. A transfer is arranged to take you to the airport, keeping the final day straightforward and focused on your departure plans. The schedule is simple, with the day centered on the transfer and the timing of your onward travel.

After the transfer to the airport, depart Armenia. This closing day includes only the essential logistics, making it easy to plan around your flight while preserving a clear end to the 9-day route that began with your arrival in Yerevan.

Zvartnots International Airport serves as Yerevan’s main international gateway.