Description
In winter, Armenia changes completely: mountain peaks are covered with snow, the air becomes especially clear, and familiar landscapes take on an entirely different character. It is a season of colorful sunrises over Mount Ararat, snow-covered Aragats, winter landscapes around Lake Sevan, ancient monasteries among the mountains and soft evening light — ideal conditions for landscape photography.
Over eight days, we will photograph sunrises and sunsets from carefully selected locations, capturing Mount Ararat and Mount Aragats, Khor Virap and Noravank, winter Tatev, Lake Sevan, Dilijan and Haghartsin. The journey also includes Garni, Geghard and the Symphony of Stones, as well as the mountains of Tsaghkadzor — with plenty of time for Armenian cuisine, local wine and cozy winter evenings in Yerevan.
The Winter Armenia Photo Tour is designed both for passionate photographers and for travelers who simply enjoy creating beautiful images. There is no need to rush from one attraction to another: the itinerary is planned around photography, allowing us to reach interesting locations when the winter landscape and light are at their best.
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: Sunrise Ararat – Garni – Geghard
- Early morning departure from Yerevan to a specially selected viewpoint for sunrise photography of Mount Ararat.
- Continue to Garni, with photography of the ancient temple and the surrounding winter landscapes.
- Descend into Garni Gorge to photograph the Symphony of Stones, with its impressive basalt columns.
- Late breakfast.
- Continue to Geghard Monastery, partly carved into the surrounding rock, with time for both exterior and interior photography.
- On the way back to Yerevan, we will also stop to photograph the very scenic Azat Reservoir.
- Return to Yerevan and rest.
Day 3: Saghmosavank – Mount Aragats
- Early morning 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 for winter landscape photography of the snow-covered mountain and its surroundings.
- Lunch featuring khash, one of Armenia’s traditional winter dishes.
- Return to Yerevan and rest.
- Late-afternoon departure for sunset photography from a location selected according to the weather and light conditions.
- Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 4: Khor Virap – Noravank – Areni
- Early morning departure towards Khor Virap Monastery for photography of the monastery with Mount Ararat in the background.
- Continue through Vayots Dzor to Noravank Monastery, surrounded by the red cliffs of the Amaghu Gorge.
- Time for landscape and architectural photography.
- Continue to Areni, one of Armenia’s best-known wine regions.
- Lunch with local hosts and time to relax.
- Evening photography at a location selected for the best available sunset light.
- Overnight in Goris
Day 5: Tatev – Yerevan
- After breakfast, departure towards Tatev.
- Photography of Tatev Monastery and the surrounding winter landscapes of Syunik, with views across the Vorotan Gorge.
- Lunch.
- On the return journey, visit a local winery for wine tasting.
- Arrival in Yerevan in the evening.
- Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 6: Tsaghkadzor – Sevan
- After breakfast, departure towards Tsaghkadzor, Armenia’s best-known ski resort.
- Take the cable car into the mountains towards Mount Teghenis, with panoramic winter views and, in clear weather, towards Mount Ararat, Mount Aragats and Lake Sevan.
- Time for mountain and winter landscape photography.
- Those interested can also spend some time skiing or snowboarding.
- After lunch, continue towards Lake Sevan for afternoon and evening photography.
- Return to Tsaghkadzor.
- Overnight in Tsaghkadzor.
Day 7: Dilijan – Haghartsin
- After breakfast, departure towards Dilijan.
- Photography in and around Dilijan, surrounded by the forested mountains of Tavush.
- Continue to Haghartsin Monastery, hidden among the forests of Dilijan National Park.
- Time for photography of the monastery and surrounding winter landscapes.
- Lunch and return to Yerevan.
- Free time.
- Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 8: Yerevan
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Free time and a walk through Yerevan.
- Depending on the departure time, there is an opportunity for street photography, museums, Vernissage or an optional visit to the Yerevan Brandy Company.
- Lunch.
- Transfer to Zvartnots International Airport for depar
Tour price:
| Persons |
Price – AMD |
Price – USD |
| 2 pers |
560 000 AMD |
1455$ |
| 3 pers |
470 000 AMD |
1220$ |
| 4 – 5 pers |
405 000 AMD |
1050$ |
| 6 – 9 pers |
385 000 AMD |
1000$ |
| 10 – 12 pers |
352 000 AMD |
915$ |
| 13 – 15 pers |
328 000 AMD |
852$ |
* 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 – 60 000 AMD / 155$
The tour price includes:
- Meeting and Transfers Airport – Hotel – Airport
- Accommodation in hotels with double occupancy and in guest houses
- Comfortable transport with a driver for the entire route
- Photo guide services
- Breakfasts
- Welcome Dinner
- Seven lunches
- Entrance tickets to the indicated museums and cultural centers including the ropeway in Tatev
- Winery visit with tasting
The tour price does not include:
- Flight to Yerevan and back
- Other dinners
- Ski equipment rental on the 6th day for those who wish
- Excursion to the Yerevan Brandy Factory (possible on the last day – 25$)
- Additional alcohol outside the program
- Medical insurance
The exact timing and order of photography locations may be adjusted according to weather, snow conditions and the best available light.
