8 Days Armenia the Diamond of the Caucasus!

After breakfast, we begin our guided tour of the city. We start with a visit to the History Museum of Armenia, offering an excellent introduction to the country’s rich past. We then continue our exploration on foot through the narrow streets of the old town.

We will see the majestic Opera House, the Republic Square, the Persian Mosque, the Mother Armenia statue, and the city's covered market, where you will have the chance to taste local delicacies.

Our tour continues with a visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum at Tsitsernakaberd, dedicated to the victims of the 1915 genocide by the Ottomans.

The rest of the day is free for shopping and strolling around beautiful Yerevan. Don’t miss the chance to try local specialties such as the famous lahmajoun and manti (small dumplings filled with minced meat, served with yogurt sauce and hot butter).

Overnight in Yerevan.

After breakfast, we depart to visit the Temple of Garni, a true gem of Hellenistic architecture from the 1st century AD and a symbol of pre-Christian Armenia.

Next, a unique experience awaits: we board 4x4 jeeps to explore the Garni Gorge, where we’ll admire the massive basalt columns formed millions of years ago by cooled and crystallized volcanic lava. Due to their perfect symmetry, the tall columns resemble a church organ and are famously called the “Symphony of Stones.”

We then continue to the Geghard Monastery, a 13th-century masterpiece partially carved into the rock.

We conclude today’s tour with a visit to a local home where we’ll watch the traditional preparation of Armenia’s famous lavash bread.

Return to Yerevan and overnight stay.

After breakfast, we depart for Etchmiadzin, the spiritual center of Armenia and seat of the Armenian Catholicos—often referred to as the “Vatican” of Armenia.

According to historians, the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, built in the 3rd century AD, is considered the oldest cathedral in the world. It was constructed at the guidance of St. Gregory the Illuminator, who brought Christianity to Armenia.

We will also visit the ruins of the Zvartnots Cathedral, a 7th-century architectural marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon returning to Yerevan, we’ll stop at the Vernissage open-air market, where you can find everything from unique rugs and kilims to handcrafted wooden items, silver jewelry, and semi-precious stones made by local artisans.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant with a folklore show.
Overnight in Yerevan.

After breakfast, we depart for the Khor Virap Monastery, located at the foot of Mount Ararat. This is one of Armenia’s most significant religious landmarks, closely tied to the country's Christianization. It is where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for many years. The site offers a stunning view of Mount Ararat, where, according to the Bible, Noah’s Ark came to rest after the Great Flood.

Next, we visit the village of Areni, famous for its wines, before heading to Halidzor, where we will board the world’s longest cable car (inaugurated in 2010) connecting the village to the Tatev Monastery.

The ride lasts about 11 minutes, offering spectacular views. Located on the edge of the Vorotan River Gorge, the Tatev Monastery played a vital role in Armenia's religious and educational history.

We continue to Goris, where we check in at the hotel.
Overnight in Goris.

After breakfast, we depart to visit Zorats Karer (also known as the "Armenian Stonehenge"), believed to be the oldest astronomical observatory in the region.

We then head to Noratus, where we’ll see a large collection of medieval khachkars (carved cross-stones), unique to Armenian culture.

Our final destination today is Tsaghkadzor, the country’s largest mountain resort, known for its lush greenery.

Check in at the hotel and overnight stay in Tsaghkadzor

After breakfast, another exciting day begins with a visit to Lake Sevan, the jewel of Armenia. Located at 1,900 meters above sea level, it is one of the largest and highest alpine lakes in the world.

In the same area, we’ll visit Sevanavank Monastery, situated on a peninsula with breathtaking views.

We then continue to Dilijan, often called the “Armenian Switzerland” for its rich forests, lakes, and natural springs.

We'll visit Parz Lake, nestled in the forest, and explore the Dilijan National Park, which features not only natural beauty but also historical and archaeological sites. One highlight is the Haghartsin Monastery, a beautiful example of medieval Armenian architecture.

Return to Tsaghkadzor and overnight stay.

After breakfast, we head back to Yerevan. On the way, we stop to take a cable car to the summit of Mount Teghenis, enjoying stunning views and fresh mountain air.

Upon arrival in Yerevan, you’ll have free time for shopping or a final meal.

In the afternoon, we transfer to the airport for the return flight.
Arrival in Larnaca in the evening, enchanted by a country rich in history, natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality!