Description
Nine days by 4×4 across Armenia — from the rocky gorges of Vayots Dzor to the mountains of Syunik, the green forests of Tavush and the volcanic landscapes of the Geghama Mountains. This is a journey for travelers who want to combine Armenia’s famous landmarks with real mountain routes and places rarely reached by regular tourist groups.
The route takes us through Khor Virap, Noravank and Tatev before heading south towards Kapan and Mount Khustup. From there, the journey continues through the mountains of Vayots Dzor towards Lake Sevan and Dilijan, followed by 4×4 adventures to Mount Dimats, the high-altitude Gegharot Waterfall on Mount Aragats and finally through the Geghama Mountains towards Mount Azhdahak.
Every day reveals a different side of Armenia — ancient monasteries and fortresses, wineries, mountain lakes and waterfalls, forests, volcanic plateaus, real off-road driving and picnics surrounded by mountains.
This 9-day Jeep Tour in Armenia is one of our most extensive adventure programs, created for travelers who want not only to see Armenia, but to cross different regions of the country and experience its wild, mountainous side.
The itinerary may be adjusted depending on the season, weather and road conditions.
Program
Day 1: Arrival in Yerevan
- Arrival in Yerevan.
- Meeting at Zvartnots International Airport and transfer to the hotel.
- Sightseeing tour of Yerevan, including the historic center and some of the capital’s main landmarks.
- Welcome dinner at an Armenian restaurant.
- Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 2: Khor Virap – Noravank – Areni – Tatev
- After breakfast, departure towards Khor Virap Monastery, one of Armenia’s most famous pilgrimage sites, with spectacular views of Mount Ararat on a clear day.
- Continue into Vayots Dzor and visit Noravank Monastery, dramatically surrounded by the red cliffs of the Amaghu Gorge.
- Visit Areni-1 Cave, an important archaeological site where remarkable evidence of early winemaking and an ancient leather shoe were discovered.
- Continue to a local winery for lunch and wine tasting.
- Drive south into Syunik and cross the Vorotan Gorge aboard the famous Wings of Tatev cable car.
- Visit Tatev Monastery, one of the most important medieval monastic complexes in southern Armenia.
- Overnight in a guesthouse in Tatev.
Day 3: Tatev – Mount Khustup – Kapan
- Breakfast and a short morning walk in Tatev.
- Departure towards Mount Khustup by 4×4 vehicle.
- Continue along mountain roads and off-road tracks high onto the slopes of Khustup, one of the most recognizable mountains of southern Armenia.
- Stops along the route to enjoy panoramic views across the mountains of Syunik.
- Picnic in the mountains.
- Continue to Kapan in the evening.
- Overnight in Kapan.
Day 4: Kapan – Vahanavank – Baghaberd – Vorotnavank – Shaki Waterfall – Yeghegis
- After breakfast, visit Vahanavank Monastery, located in the mountains near Kapan.
- Continue to the ruins of Baghaberd Fortress, one of the historic strongholds of Syunik.
- Travel north through the mountain landscapes of southern Armenia and visit Vorotnavank Monastery.
- Continue towards Shaki Waterfall, with time for a short walk and photos.
- Drive into Vayots Dzor and arrive in the mountain village of Yeghegis in the evening.
- Overnight in a small hotel surrounded by mountain scenery.
Day 5: Smbataberd – Lake Sevan – Dilijan
- After breakfast, departure towards Smbataberd Fortress, dramatically situated above the valleys and mountains of Vayots Dzor.
- Continue through the mountains towards Lake Sevan.
- On the way, stop at a local cheese farm for a tasting of Armenian cheeses.
- Lunch at a restaurant overlooking Lake Sevan.
- During the warmer months, there is time to relax by the lake and, if desired, take an optional boat trip on Lake Sevan.
- Continue towards Dilijan, surrounded by the forests and mountains of Tavush.
- Overnight in Dilijan.
Day 6: Mount Dimats – Haghartsin – Yerevan
- After breakfast, departure by 4×4 vehicle towards Mount Dimats.
- Continue along mountain and off-road routes through alpine meadows and rocky highlands, with wild horses often seen along the way.
- Stops at panoramic viewpoints overlooking the mountains and forests of Tavush.
- Picnic in the mountains.
- After descending from Dimats, visit Haghartsin Monastery, hidden among the forests of Dilijan National Park.
- Return to Yerevan in the evening.
- Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 7: Mount Aragats – Gegharot Waterfall
- After breakfast, departure by 4×4 vehicle towards Mount Aragats, the highest mountain in modern-day Armenia.
- Continue along high-altitude mountain roads through the volcanic landscapes of Aragats towards Gegharot Waterfall.
- Fed by melting mountain snow, the waterfall is especially powerful in early summer.
- Time for a walk and picnic near the waterfall, surrounded by the highlands of Mount Aragats.
- Return to Yerevan in the evening.
- Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 8: Geghama Mountains – Mount Azhdahak – Garni
- One of the most adventurous days of the journey.
- After breakfast, departure from Yerevan by 4×4 vehicle into the Geghama Mountains.
- Follow remote high-altitude roads through the volcanic landscapes of the Geghama Range, driving as close as road conditions allow to Mount Azhdahak.
- From here, begin the hike towards the 3,597 m summit of Azhdahak, where a small crater lake lies inside the extinct volcano.
- On a clear day, the summit offers panoramic views towards Mount Ararat, Mount Aragats, Lake Sevan and the Geghama Mountains.
- Ancient petroglyphs can also be seen along the route.
- Picnic in the mountains.
- On the return journey, visit Garni Temple and descend into Garni Gorge to see the Symphony of Stones.
- Return to Yerevan in the evening.
- Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 9: Yerevan
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Free time in Yerevan.
- Depending on the departure time, optional visits can include museums, Vernissage, Yerevan’s open-air market for Armenian handicrafts, art, jewelry and traditional souvenirs, or a tour and tasting at the Ararat Brandy Company.
- Lunch.
- Transfer to Zvartnots International Airport for departure.
Tour price per person: from 505 000 AMD / 1295$
*The final price depends on the number of participants and 4×4 vehicles required and is calculated individually for each group.
The tour price includes:
- Airport–hotel–airport transfers
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels and guesthouses based on double occupancy
- 4×4 vehicle with driver throughout the itinerary
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Entrance fees according to the program, including the Wings of Tatev cable car
- Breakfasts
- Welcome dinner
- Eight lunches
- Cheese tasting
- Wine tasting
The tour price does not include
- International flights to and from Armenia
- Dinners not specified in the program
- Optional boat trip on Lake Sevan
- Optional tour and tasting at the Yerevan Brandy Company
- Travel and medical insurance — recommended
- Personal expenses
