Description
Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons to explore Armenia with a camera. In May and early June, valleys and mountain slopes are covered with flowers, bright poppy fields appear across the countryside, while snow still remains on the highest peaks. Mount Ararat is especially impressive at this time of year, rising above green valleys and flowering fields.
Over eight days, we will photograph sunrise at Khor Virap with Mount Ararat in the background, Noravank among its red cliffs, spring landscapes around Tatev and Goris, Shaki Waterfall, high-altitude Lake Sevan and green Dilijan. The journey also takes us to Smbataberd Fortress, Kasagh Gorge and the snow-covered peaks of Mount Aragats, as well as Garni, Geghard and the Symphony of Stones.
The Spring Armenia Photo Tour is eight days of sunrises, mountain roads, flowering valleys and constantly changing landscapes. The itinerary is planned not simply around famous landmarks, but around beautiful light and locations where spring Armenia is at its most photogenic.
Best time: May – June.
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: Garni – Geghard – Azat reservoir
- Early morning departure from Yerevan to a specially selected viewpoint for sunrise photography of Mount Ararat.
- 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.
- Continue to Geghard Monastery, partly carved into the surrounding rock, with time for both exterior and interior photography.
- Lunch and return to Yerevan for a short rest.
- In the late afternoon, departure towards Azat Reservoir for sunset photography, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and, in clear weather, Mount Ararat.
- Return to Yerevan.
- Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 3: Khor Virap – Ararat – Noravank – Tatev
- Early morning departure towards Khor Virap Monastery for sunrise photography with Mount Ararat in the background.
- Continue south through the Ararat Valley, with photography stops along the way for spring landscapes, flowering fields and Mount Ararat. The exact locations will be selected according to the flowering conditions.
- Continue into Vayots Dzor.
- Lunch and wine tasting at a local winery.
- Photography at Noravank Monastery, surrounded by the dramatic red cliffs
- Continue south towards Tatev.
- Arrival in the evening.
- Overnight in Tatev.
Day 4: Tatev – Goris – 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 towards Goris, with photography stops along the route.
- Lunch in Goris.
- Time to photograph Goris and its distinctive rock formations.
- Continue north with a stop at Shaki Waterfall for landscape photography.
- Arrival in Yeghegis, in the mountains of Vayots Dzor, in the evening.
- Overnight in Yeghegis.
Day 5: Smbataberd Fortress – Sevan – Dilijan
- After breakfast, departure by 4×4 towards Smbataberd Fortress, situated high above the valleys of Vayots Dzor.
- Continue to Tsaghats Kar Monastery, with time for landscape and architectural photography.
- Travel through the mountains towards Lake Sevan, with photography stops along the shore.
- Visit Noratus, known for its remarkable collection of medieval khachkars — Armenian cross-stones.
- Lunch.
- Continue towards Dilijan, surrounded by the green forests and mountains of Tavush.
- Overnight in Dilijan.
Day 6: Dilijan – Haghartsin
- After breakfast, time for photography and a walk in Dilijan National Park.
- Continue through the forested mountains towards Haghartsin Monastery, surrounded by the greenery of Dilijan National Park.
- Time for photography of the monastery and surrounding spring landscapes.
- Lunch.
- Return to Yerevan.
- Free time in the evening, with an opportunity to explore Yerevan’s wine bars or enjoy live jazz.
- Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 7: Saghmosavank – Mount Aragats
- Departure towards Saghmosavank Monastery, dramatically situated above the Kasagh Gorge.
- Photography of the monastery, gorge and, in clear weather, Mount Ararat.
- Continue towards Mount Aragats, with photography stops for its snow-covered peaks and spring mountain landscapes.
- Visit Amberd Fortress, situated high on the slopes of Mount Aragats.
- Lunch.
- Return to Yerevan.
- Free time.
- Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 8: Yerevan
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Morning walk through Yerevan, with time for street photography and shopping at Vernissage, the city’s open-air market for Armenian handicrafts, art, jewelry and traditional souvenirs.
- Farewell lunch.
- Optional visit to the Yerevan Brandy Company for a tour and tasting, depending on the departure time.
- Transfer to Zvartnots International Airport.
Tour price:
| Persons |
Price – AMD |
Price – USD |
| 2 pers |
595 000 AMD |
1545$ |
| 3 pers |
500 000 AMD |
1298$ |
| 4 – 5 pers |
440 000 AMD |
1142$ |
| 6 – 9 pers |
415 000 AMD |
1078$ |
| 10 – 12 pers |
381 000 AMD |
990$ |
| 13 – 15 pers |
357 000 AMD |
927$ |
Single room supplement — 83000 AMD / 215$
The tour price includes:
- Meeting and Transfers Airport – Hotel – Airport
- Accommodation with double occupancy (3* hotels and guest houses)
- Comfortable transport with a driver for the entire route
- Photo guide services
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Welcome Dinner
- Seven lunches
- Entrance tickets to the indicated museums and cultural centers including to Tatev ropeway
- Wine tasting at winery
The tour price does not include:
- Flight to Yerevan and back
- Medical insurance
- Other dinners
- Excursion with tasting to “Yerevan brandy factory” – possibly on the last day – 10000 AMD / 26$ /
- Additional alcohol outside the program
