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Of course, it’s impossible to see all of Armenia’s sights in a week, but with careful itinerary planning, you can explore the main attractions. While you can try to do this yourself using public transportation or renting a car, we recommend consulting with professionals and booking a tour program in advance for your stay in Armenia. This will save you time exploring the sights and planning your itinerary to ensure you don’t miss anything interesting. You’ll also learn a lot from experienced guides during this trip.
What to see in Armenia in 7 days to avoid missing out on the highlights.
Yerevan
Armenia’s capital, with its nearly 3,000-year history, will captivate you at first sight. Visitors like to call it the “Pink City” due to the large number of buildings made of tuff—a volcanic pink stone. Yerevan is a modern European city with beautiful streets and numerous cafes that stay open until late at night.
You should begin your exploration of the city from the beautiful main square, Republic Square, with its unique singing fountains.
Another popular attraction in the city is the Cascade Complex. Climb the steps to the top for a stunning view of the city against the backdrop of Mount Ararat.
Between Republic Square and the Cascade Complex is the beautiful Yerevan Opera House. A short walk from the square to the theater takes just a few minutes, via Abovyan Street and Northern Avenue.
Be sure to stop by the unique Matenadaran Museum of Ancient Manuscripts, which crowns the city’s main avenue, Mashtots Avenue.
Also, visit the Erebuni Museum, where you’ll learn about the city’s history.
Other popular spots for tourists include the Vernissage flea market, where you can find the most beautiful souvenirs, and the GUM food market, where you’ll find the most delicious gifts for your friends—dried fruits, various spices, delicious homemade cheeses, and fresh Armenian lavash.
Another iconic place that visitors to Yerevan must visit is the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Tsitsernakaberd Park.
A sightseeing tour of Yerevan will help you discover the most beautiful and iconic corners of our capital.
Garni and Geghard
The pagan temple of Garni and the monastery of Geghard are among the most popular attractions among visitors to Armenia. These two magnificent architectural monuments are less than an hour’s drive from Yerevan, in close proximity to each other.
Garni is the only surviving monument from pre-Christian Armenia. In Garni, you can also stroll through the beautiful Azat River gorge and see the unique natural wonder “Symphony of Stones.”
The Geghard monastery complex, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and carved out of the rock, offers a stunning panorama of the biblical Mount Ararat.
And if you turn off the main road and drive a few kilometers, you can also admire the beautiful Azat Reservoir against the backdrop of the vibrant landscapes of Mount Yeranos.
Yerevan
Lake Sevan
If you’ve come to Armenia, you’re sure to visit one of the world’s largest high-altitude lakes – Lake Sevan.
Sevan is located at an altitude of approximately 1,900 meters above sea level and is surrounded by mountain ranges.
The lake consists of two parts – Greater and Lesser Sevan – connected by a small strait. In ancient times, Sevan was called the Geghama Sea.
Here you can not only bask in the high-altitude sun and dive into the cool, fresh waters of Lake Sevan, but also sample the famous Sevan crayfish and trout.
Echmiadzin
Another landmark for every tourist is Armenia’s religious center, Etchmiadzin, home to the country’s main cathedral.
According to legend, the first patriarch of Armenia, Grigor Lusavorich (the Illuminator), dreamed that the Only Begotten, or Christ, descended from heaven with a fiery hammer and indicated the site for the cathedral. On this site, where an ancient pagan temple stood, in 303, the church was founded. It was named Etchmiadzin, which in Armenian means “place of the descent of the Only Begotten.”
A must-see is the museum, which houses holy relics, ecclesiastical vestments embroidered with gold and pearls, the staffs and crosses of the Catholicoses, and numerous ritual objects crafted from gold, silver, and ivory.
Etchmiadzin also contains other beautiful churches: the Churches of St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, and St. Shoghakat. According to legend, these churches were erected in honor of the martyrs—the first Christian women who fled Rome from imperial persecution. These churches are: Surb Hripsime, Surb Gayane, and Surb Shoghakat. The churches were erected on the sites of the martyrs’ deaths of these three holy virgins.
Etchmiadzin also contains three more ancient monuments. According to legend, these churches were erected in honor of the martyrs—the first Christian women who fled Rome from imperial persecution. These churches are: Surb Hripsime, Surb Gayane, and Surb Shoghakat. The churches were erected on the sites of the martyrs’ deaths of these three holy virgins.
Khor Virap
One of the most beautiful views of Mount Ararat opens from here.
This fortress-monastery is a pilgrimage site, one of the most revered sites in Armenia, sacred to the Armenian Apostolic Church.
The monastery was built between the 6th and 17th centuries, over the dungeon where Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the baptizer of Armenia, languished for spreading Christianity until King Tiridates decided to adopt Christianity as the state religion (in 301). The dungeon where the holy elder suffered was the royal prison (“Khor Virap” – “deep pit”). Prisoners were lowered here into a pit teeming with poisonous snakes and scorpions. According to legend, Saint Gregory the Illuminator remained in this pit for 13 years.
Noravank Monastery and the village of Areni
It’s now impossible to imagine a trip to Armenia without visiting Noravank Monastery. The monastery complex, built in the 13th century AD, is located 120 km from Yerevan, on the ledge of a narrow, winding gorge of the Arpa River in the Vayots Dzor province. The monastery blends so harmoniously with the surrounding beautiful red cliffs that it creates a unique natural and architectural ensemble.
The village of Areni, located immediately adjacent to Noravank, is the winemaking center of Armenia. It is the name of the main Armenian grape variety in Armenia. An ancient winery and a shoe dating back approximately 6,000 years have also been discovered in a cave in Areni.
A tour of Khor Virap and Noravank is one of the most interesting and memorable day trips on our calendar.
Tatev Monastery, the village of Khndzoresk and the town of Goris
Another popular excursion is to Tatev, where the Tatev Monastery rises like a mighty and impenetrable fortress on a cliff precipitating into the Vorotan River gorge. We’ll reach Tatev via the longest cable car in the world, stretching over the Vorotan gorge. The cable car’s maximum elevation is 320 meters.
We recommend a two-day tour to Tatev, as we’ll visit many interesting and iconic sites along the way.
For example, the ancient cave village of Khndzoresk, with its swinging suspension bridge across the gorge.
We’ll stop in Goris, one of the most beautiful and unique cities in Armenia.
Dilijan
Having become popular among tourists thanks to the film Mimino, the resort of Dilijan also deserves your attention.
After all, here you can take a walk through the beautiful Dilijan National Park. The most popular hiking route is the trail from Lake Parz to Lake Gosh.
In addition, visit the ancient monasteries of Goshavank and Haghartsin, each of which deserves special attention.
And also take another short walk to the small but also very interesting monasteries – Matosavank and Jukhtak.
Modern Dilijan is also associated with the UWC business school, the old Dilijan complex and numerous hospitable guest houses.
Therefore, if possible, choose a 2-day excursion to Dilijan to see the local beauty.
Gyumri
Another city deserving special attention is undoubtedly Armenia’s second-largest city, Gyumri.
Gyumri is renowned above all for its vibrant atmosphere and its people.
The people of Gyumri are a unique people. Besides their incredible strength of spirit, they are also renowned for their sparkling humor. In Armenia, Leninakan humor (as it has been called since Soviet times) is considered particularly sophisticated, similar to Odessa humor. And the Gyumreans joke, just as they speak, in their own dialect, which differs slightly from the traditional Armenian language.
A tour of Gyumri includes a stroll through the old town, where ancient buildings miraculously survived the devastating earthquake, cobblestones echoing centuries of history, a promenade through the picturesque central park, the Chapel of St. Archangel Michael, the City Museum, and interactions with locals—all of this will allow you to experience the spirit of the city and soak up its unique, warm atmosphere.
Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries
The Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries are located near the town of Alaverdi in the Lori region, which, along with Tavush and Syunik, is one of the greenest areas of Armenia. Both complexes are protected by UNESCO.
These two monasteries are very similar. So similar, in fact, that according to one legend, they once argued and quarreled over which of them was the more important and beautiful. Ultimately, Sanahin declared, “I am the most beautiful and important, because I am older than you.” The name “Sanain” means “older than this.”
A tour of Haghpat and Sanahin is an opportunity to get to know this amazing region and the people who live here.
Yenokavan and Lastiver
Near the city of Ijevan lies the village of Yenokavan, a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
It is home to the best active park in Armenia. During a tour at Yell Extreme Park, you can go horseback riding through stunning mountain forest landscapes, fly across a gorge on the most beautiful zipline, try your hand at rock climbing, and much more.
We’ll also take a walk to the Lastiver caves. The road to Lastiver runs along a beautiful gorge covered in dense forest. An easy walk of an hour and a half through this marvelous forest will take you to a magical place—a bustling mountain river with a waterfall, wooden huts straight out of a fairytale, and ancient caves with rock paintings. Lastiver is beautiful at any time of year. You’ll love this place so much that you’ll want to return again and again.
Tsaghkadzor
If you enjoy winter activities, you’ll definitely want to visit Tsaghkadzor. It’s home to Armenia’s main ski resort. Tsaghkadzor is located just 60 km from Yerevan, near the town of Hrazdan.
But Tsaghkadzor isn’t just a winter destination; it’s a popular destination for Yerevan residents and numerous tourists during the hottest months to breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Jermuk
Another famous resort in Armenia is undoubtedly the town of Jermuk. Renowned for its mineral springs, the town is located 170 km from Yerevan, between Tatev and Noravank. So if you’re looking for a few days of quiet relaxation, drinking delicious and healthy mineral water, and enjoying the town’s sanatoriums, you definitely need to come to Jermuk.
Jermuk is also home to a waterfall with the beautiful name “Mermaid’s Hair.”
You can also take a “natural bath” in a geyser located near the town.
Mount Aragats
If you love mountain peaks, you definitely need to climb Armenia’s highest mountain, Aragats. It stands at 4,090 meters. Aragats has four peaks, between which lies a volcanic crater 350 meters deep. The highest is the northern peak at 4,090 meters, followed by the western peak at 4,007 meters, the eastern peak at 3,916 meters, and the southern peak at 3,879 meters.
The best time to climb Aragats with a hiking guide is between June and October.
Also located on the mountain’s slopes is the ancient fortress of Amberd, the small Lake Kari, and one of Armenia’s most beautiful waterfalls, Gegharot.
Kasakh Gorge and the monasteries of Saghmosavank and Hovhannavank
Between Yerevan and Mount Aragats lies one of the most picturesque gorges—the Kasakh Gorge. At the edge of the gorge are two monastic complexes, Saghmosavank and Hovhannavank. It also offers a beautiful view of Mount Ararat.
Shake Waterfall and Karahunj Complex
What else to see in Armenia? On the way to Tatev, we make a stop at the nearby Zorats Karer (or Karahunj) complex and Shake Waterfall. Karahunj, one of the oldest observatories in the world, dates back approximately 7,500 years.
Karahunj, or Zorats Karer, is an ancient megalithic complex located in Armenia’s Syunik Province, near the town of Sisian. It is a huge megalithic complex consisting of over 200 vertical stones, each up to 3 meters high and weighing over 50 tons. Most of the stones have holes through them, each 5-7 centimeters in diameter.
Wineries of Armenia
What’s a trip to Armenia without visiting at least one winery? In recent years, dozens of unique and inimitable wineries have emerged in the country. These wineries, in addition to producing wonderful wine from indigenous grape varieties, also love to entertain guests, demonstrating and explaining how they make their unique wines. So, whether you’re on a tour of Noravank or en route to Tatev, be sure to visit the Old Bridge and Trinity wineries. Head to Garni and stop by the Gevorkyan Winery on your way back. And if you’re planning on visiting Saghmosavank or Amberd Fortress, choosing a stop will be a real challenge. You’ll have to choose between the small family-run Van Ardi winery, the fairytale Voskevaz castle, or the massive Armenia Wine factory. And this isn’t a complete list of the exciting wineries that have opened in Armenia over the past 10 years. So, if you’re a big fan of this drink, we look forward to seeing you on our exciting wine tour of Armenia’s finest wineries.