Description
Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons for a photography journey through Armenia. In October, the forests of Tavush and Lori turn dozens of shades of yellow, red and gold, the mountain air becomes especially clear, and the soft autumn light creates ideal conditions for landscape photography.
Over nine days, we will photograph sunrise over Mount Ararat from Khor Virap, Noravank among its red cliffs and Tatev in the early morning light, before crossing the mountains towards Lake Sevan and Dilijan. Several days are dedicated to Armenia’s most colorful autumn landscapes — Haghartsin and Makaravank surrounded by autumn forests, Lastiver Gorge, Lake Parz and Lake Gosh.
The journey ends with another sunrise overlooking Mount Ararat, followed by Garni, Geghard, the Symphony of Stones and Azat Reservoir.
The Autumn Armenia Photo Tour is nine days of sunrises, mountain roads, golden forests and constantly changing landscapes. Rather than simply visiting beautiful places, the itinerary is planned to reach them when Armenia’s autumn colors and light are at their best.
Best time for the tour: October.
Program
Day 1: Yerevan
- Arrival in Yerevan.
- Meeting at Zvartnots International Airport and transfer to the hotel.
- Sightseeing tour of Yerevan, with the first opportunities for street and architectural photography.
- Welcome dinner.
- Free time.
- Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 2: Khor Virap – Ararat – Noravank – Tatev
- Early morning departure from Yerevan to a specially selected location for sunrise photography of Mount Ararat.
- Continue to Khor Virap Monastery, one of Armenia’s classic viewpoints towards Mount Ararat.
- Travel into Vayots Dzor.
- Lunch with local hosts.
- Photography at Noravank Monastery, surrounded by the dramatic red cliffs
- Visit a local winery for wine tasting.
- Continue south towards Syunik and travel to Tatev.
- Overnight in Tatev.
Day 3: Tatev – Yeghegis
- Early morning photography of Tatev Monastery and the surrounding mountains in the first light of the day.
- Breakfast and a short rest.
- Continue through the landscapes of Syunik, with photography stops along the Vorotan Gorge.
- Lunch.
- Continue north and stop at Shaki Waterfall for landscape photography.
- Travel into Vayots Dzor and arrive in the mountain village of Yeghegis in the evening.
- Overnight in Yeghegis.
Day 4: Sevan – Dilijan
- Breakfast.
- Morning photography around Yeghegis and the surrounding mountains.
- Continue through a scenic mountain pass towards Lake Sevan.
- Photography stops at different locations along the lake, capturing Sevan and the surrounding autumn landscapes.
- Lunch.
- Weather permitting, an optional boat trip on Lake Sevan can be arranged.
- Continue towards Dilijan.
- Walk and photography in the historic part of Dilijan and its surroundings.
- Overnight in Dilijan.
Day 5: Haghartsin – Makaravank – Yenokavan
- After breakfast, departure towards Haghartsin Monastery, hidden among the forests of Dilijan National Park.
- Time for photography of Haghartsin surrounded by the autumn colors of the forest.
- Continue through Tavush towards Makaravank Monastery, situated high in the mountains and surrounded by dense forest.
- Photography of Makaravank and the surrounding autumn landscapes.
- Continue towards Yenokavan in the evening.
- Overnight in Yenokavan.
Day 6: Lastiver
- After breakfast, begin a hike through the forests and Lastiver Gorge.
- The trail leads through colorful autumn woodland towards the caves, mountain river and waterfalls of Lastiver.
- Plenty of time for landscape and nature photography along the route.
- Return to Yenokavan.
- Lunch.
- Free time in the afternoon.
- Optional ziplining or horseback riding can be arranged for those interested.
- Overnight in Yenokavan.
Day 7: Lake Parz – Lake Gosh – Goshavank
- After breakfast, departure towards the mountain lakes of Parz and Gosh, surrounded by the colorful forests of Dilijan National Park.
- Photography around Lake Parz and Lake Gosh, where autumn foliage is reflected in the water on calm days.
- Lunch.
- Visit Goshavank Monastery.
- Return to Yerevan in the evening.
- Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 8: Garni – Geghard – Yerevan
- Early morning departure towards the Arch of Charents for sunrise photography of Mount Ararat, weather permitting.
- Continue to Garni Temple, with time for architectural and landscape photography.
- Descend into Garni Gorge to photograph the Symphony of Stones, an impressive natural formation of basalt columns.
- Lunch.
- Continue to Geghard Monastery, partly carved into the surrounding rock.
- On the way back to Yerevan, stop at Azat Reservoir for landscape photography.
- Return to Yerevan.
- Free time.
- Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 9: Yerevan
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Depending on the departure time, free time for a walk through Yerevan, street photography or a visit to Vernissage, the city’s open-air market for Armenian handicrafts, art, jewelry and traditional souvenirs.
- An optional visit to Matenadaran or the Ararat Brandy Company can also be arranged.
- Transfer to Zvartnots International Airport for departure.
Tour Price:
| Persons |
Стоимость – AMD |
Стоимость – USD |
| 2 pers. |
680 000 AMD |
1765$ |
| 3 pers. |
570 000 AMD |
1480$ |
| 4 – 5 pers. |
497 000 AMD |
1290$ |
| 6 – 9 pers. |
437 000 AMD |
1135$ |
| 10 – 12 pers. |
405 000 AMD |
1050$ |
| 13 – 15 pers. |
381 000 AMD |
970$ |
* Depending on the exchange rate, the cost of the tour in rubles and dollars may change. The price is indicated at the exchange rate on 20.11.2024. rates: USD – 385
Single room supplement —100 000 AMD / 260$
The tour price includes:
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels and guesthouses based on double occupancy
- Airport–hotel–airport transfers
- Transportation with driver throughout the itinerary
- Photography guide
- Breakfasts
- Welcome dinner
- Seven lunches
- Entrance fees according to the program
- Wings of Tatev cable car ticket
- Winery visit and 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 ziplining and horseback riding in Yenokavan
- Optional Ararat Brandy Company tour and tasting
- Alcoholic beverages outside the program
- Travel and medical insurance — recommended
- Personal expenses
The exact timing and order of photography locations may be adjusted according to weather, autumn colors and the best available light.
