20 best excursions in Yerevan

The most ancient civilization of the prehistoric state of Urartu left a lot of unique "evidence" of its existence. Having become an independent country, modern Armenia is actively developing the tourism industry. More and more Russian-speaking tourists flock here to see the extraordinary beauty of the mountainous country and its monuments. Therefore, group and individual excursions in Yerevan in Russian have become the main element of the tourist destination.

Lake Sevan, pagan Garni and Geghard cave monastery

Becoming a member of a "chamber" excursion around the outskirts of Yerevan, you will plunge into the world of interesting legends. Your imagination will be amazed by authentic ancient buildings set against the backdrop of landscapes of unearthly beauty. A friendly Caucasian guide will treat everyone to fruits and national sweets. The world famous high-mountainous lake Sevan with fresh water - the priceless "pearl of Armenia" makes you freeze with delight with its incredible beauty.

The turquoise-blue surface of the water is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges covered with snow caps. The coastal landscape of the unique reservoir, rich in fish, is picturesque and diverse. Here you can breathe the purest air to your heart's content. A rare piece of luck - in the 21st century. see a pagan temple like Garni, which has become a symbol of Armenia. It was built in the Hellenic style in the 1st century. n. NS. and was dedicated to the Sun God Mithra. The earthquake of 1679 destroyed the sanctuary, but the magnificent appearance of the architectural masterpiece of Hellenism was "resurrected" from the ruins. Pre-Christian history comes alive when you look at the majestic Garni colonnade.

The Geghard monastery complex leaves a truly unforgettable experience. The scale of its premises, carved into the rocks of a gloomy canyon, is striking. It is hard to imagine how much effort the monks put into manually hollowing out the rocks! Everything here shocks and delights.

Bright colors of Yerevan

A 3-hour walk through the evening Yerevan will allow you to get to know the sacred places of the city, to feel the spirit of its 3-thousand-year history. Narrow old streets will reveal the secrets of the past and introduce you to the unique oriental architecture. The connection of times will visibly appear before you in the form of buildings. In the guide's story, the heroes of Armenian legends and true historical figures, whose names are forever inscribed in the monuments, will come to life. A uniquely beautiful view of the city, shining with rainbow lights, will open from above.

Walk down the famous "Cascade" and enjoy the authenticity of the Old Town. A visit to one of the churches here will be a spiritual and aesthetic shock (in a good way). Once on pl. Republic, you will admire the play of light and water of the famous Singing Fountains. A pleasant touch in the "accord" of the promenade will be the tasting of Armenian dishes in the restaurant of national cuisine.

Tasting and history tour in Yerevan and its surroundings

An 8-hour car trip with an experienced guide is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of iconic objects of antiquity, to be literally under the clouds and from there to observe the stunning panorama of Armenia. 40 km from Yerevan, near the border with Turkey, there is another symbol of ancient Armenia - the monastery-fortress Khor Virap. It was built on the site of a medieval prison, whose prisoners were thrown into a pit to certain death. Gregory the Illuminator spent 15 years here. Powerful walls of the building personify strength and reliability, over which time has no power.

At an altitude of 30 m above sea level, there is a narrow crevice among the mighty rocks. This is the entrance to the Bird Cave, discovered by an Armenian archaeologist in 2007. He discovered an impressive space with an abundance of bird nests (hence the name). Upon further research, it turned out that people lived here for 4 millennia BC. Evidence of this - fragments of pottery, shoes, skulls, the remains of a winery. The indelible impressions of penetration into eternity will remain for a long time.

In the hospitable country house of the Lada guide, emotional communication awaits everyone at a delicious dinner with tasting of homemade wines. You will prepare meals for the feast together with the hostess. If you wish, you have the opportunity to spend the night, and in the morning you can still admire the surrounding beauty on the way to Yerevan.

Travel to Khor Virap and Noravank monasteries

In the country, one of the first to adopt Christianity, many ancient sanctuaries have survived. For 6 hours of the trip you will visit 2 monasteries. In with. Areni will see the divine Ararat up close, hear a lot of interesting information. A truly breathtaking picture will open before you: against the background of the majestic peaks of Ararat, the tower of the Khor Virap monastery-fortress (deep pit) rises.

You will find out which famous religious figure was held in a church pit for 13 years. You will see authentic cells, guest houses, service buildings of the 17th century. The road along the winding bank of the river. Arpa leads to Noravank monastery. Against the background of sheer red rocks, you will see a 2-storey old church. Noravank is an architectural masterpiece of the outstanding Armenian sculptor Momik, with whose name the legend about the founding of the miracle monastery is associated.

Discover the beauty of nature in Armenia

Unique natural and man-made monuments, the majestic beauty of mountain peaks, gorges and canyons await everyone on an 8-hour trip around the outskirts of Yerevan. A tremulous excitement will seize you at the pass, where in June 1829 the brilliant classics of Russian literature met. The pass described by Pushkin in the documentary story "Journey to Arzrum" will open before you irresistible landscapes from its height. Once on the edge of the deep Dzoraget canyon, you will see a truly fantastic picture.

Among the steep cliffs, covered with greenery of age-old moss and shrubs, the river of the same name flows like a winding gray ribbon. Numerous grottoes gape with a mysterious depth. On the way to the Lori Gorge, you will have time to see enough of the flavor of the Greek and Armenian villages, lost among the mountains and gorges. The surrounding landscapes are stunning with marvelous views. Feel like climbers going down the rocky path to the river. Debed, and going up again.

High above the river. Debed, there are 2 monasteries (10th century) - examples of Armenian architecture of the Middle Ages. You will get an idea of ​​that era and feel the spirit of those times. Seeing the stone crosses, you will learn that these are "khachkars", you will understand their purpose and types. The guide will tell you in detail about one of them. You will surely enjoy lunch at a typical Armenian establishment.

Sightseeing tour of Yerevan

During a leisurely walk (4.5 hours), you will see iconic sights - symbols of a long-suffering and great country. The secrets of little-known corners, traditions and life of old-timers will be revealed. The old city will amaze the imagination with incredible scale and grandeur constructions, unique museums. You will not remain indifferent at the sight of the Cascade, "Mother Armenia", Victory Park, the memorial to the victims of the genocide.

Touch the antiquity in the famous Matenadaran, admire the paintings of local artists. In the New Town, conquer the sweep of Northern Avenue, the beauty of modern buildings made of multicolored tuff. Get a complete picture of contemporary Armenian art in the museum complex named after Cafeschyan. Pleasant moments await in cozy cafes, where Caucasian hospitality is combined with amazing Armenian dishes.

Sevan and Dilijan: the marvelous nature of Armenia

The opportunity to visit the beautiful Lake Sevan, in the popular resort of Dilijan, provides a 5-hour excursion. You will fall under the spell of azure waters, virgin forest and ancient monasteries. The pearl of Armenia - Sevan is the largest lake in the country with fresh water.More than 20 mountain rivers flow into it, filling it with melt water. Luxurious mountain landscapes surround the azure expanse, in the depths of which trout splash. An ancient monastery made of black tuff makes a stunning impression.

Do you remember how the hero of F. Mkrtchyan from the film "Mimino" praises his Dilijan? You will also fall in love with this wonderful resort town, surrounded by blue mirrors of lakes and green forests. Walking along the picturesque streets, you will see local architectural sights. Complete your experience with views of medieval monasteries around the city.

Lake Sevan, ancient monasteries, ethnic master classes

A 10-hour auto excursion along the foothills and highlands of Armenia is a vivid impression of everything you have seen. The enchanting beauty of Sevan, pine and deciduous forests, the amazing harmony of nature and ancient monasteries will not leave anyone indifferent.

• You will not be able to take your eyes off the landscapes opening from the windows of the bus on the way to Lake Sevan - they are so magnificent! A halt near the shore of Sevan will give you an aesthetic pleasure from the view of the unique lake. Treating yourself to freshly prepared fish dishes will add positive emotions.
• The ancient monasteries of Haghartsin and Sevanavank, merged with nature, will conquer you with their architecture and touching authenticity. You will hear the story of their origin in an interesting guide.
• In the resort Dilijan, feel the fertile microclimate created by the surrounding forests. You will see an inimitable sculptural composition - 3 famous heroes of "Mimino".
• Take a short course in pottery (ethnic master class) and woodcarving.
• If you wish, you can plunge into the thermal springs.

In the main Christian places of Armenia. Echmiadzin and Zvartnots

The Ararat Valley will open its arms to you, where you will "walk" the path of development of Christianity from inception to flowering. Rare churches and temples will become visual objects, at the sight of which you will feel the breath of centuries. The former greatness of the Temple of the Vigilant Angels (Zvartnots) will reveal before you the partially restored ruins of an ancient sanctuary damaged by a strong earthquake.

Even from them you will conclude how grandiose this religious building was. Visiting the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians, the religious center of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Echmiadzin - acquaintance with the cradle of Christianity. Glean a lot of information in the local museum, admire the cathedral. You will enter the building of the former seminary, which is now the Art Gallery.

The best way to learn Armenian cuisine

Becoming a member of such a 10-hour excursion, penetrate the secrets of the famous Armenian cuisine, famous all over the world. Feel the flavor of an oriental bazaar, learn how to cook true Armenian dishes and taste the taste of divine wines. It is difficult to describe the picturesque nature of the Yerevan market in words, it is better to see the whole variegated range of cheeses, vegetables, fruits and other products on the plentiful counters. You will become familiar with new types of cheese, exotic pickles and methods of their preparation.

After a stroll through the market, you will head to a hospitable country house. On the way, you will see a relict cave with prehistoric finds. A visit to one of the oldest wineries will be a pleasant highlight of the trip. Here you will taste high quality Armenian wine.

A real gastronomic feast awaits you in a cozy home, where you will take part in the preparation of delicious national dishes. It will not do without dolma (the subject of laudatory odes of "professor" Khachikyan-Mkrtchyan), without juicy barbecue-khorovats. Kyalagosh, Baskirtat and other dishes with unusual names for you will become known to you.

Khor Virap, Noravank and Areni - the best in the south of Armenia

A trip through the Ararat valley, rich in grape plantations, will delight you with wonderful impressions. Red rocks, grottoes and caves, ancient Christian shrines, amazing landscapes await you. Khor Virap, located on the river bank of the Araks, at the foot of the holy Ararat, will shake you with its mighty monastery walls and great history. You know about the role of Gregory the Illuminator in the formation of Christianity in Armenia.

The legendary Noravank, a work of art of the monastery architecture, will delight you with the beauty of lines and shapes. The story about its creator, the enamored architect Momik, will also impress. In the cradle of Armenian wine traditions - the village of Areni, visit a winery, taste the taste of several varieties of wine. Then you will walk through the relict Cave of Birds, learn about the stunning finds and feel yourself in another dimension.

Garni pagan temple and Geghard monastery

A trip to the iconic shrines of Armenia will introduce you to the main Christian symbols. You will see a priceless monument of Hellenic architecture. You will visit the monastery monastery, in which, according to legend, the spear of Longinus was kept, which pierced the body of Jesus.

Seeing the majestic colonnade of the Temple of Garni, you seem to find yourself on a piece of land of Ancient Hellas - this is how the features of Hellenism are precisely observed in the pagan sanctuary. Hear the history of its construction, find out who was the initiator of this and how the temple was rebuilt after the earthquake.

After visiting Garni, go to the Goght River, where the Christian monastery Geghard is located in a picturesque gorge. One cannot help but freeze from amazement at the sight of the gray walls and domes of the monastery against the backdrop of mighty rocks. You will learn that this complex, founded by Gregory the Illuminator, suffered a lot of destruction not only from earthquakes, but also from human hands. It was in the Garni temple (according to legend) that the spear of Longinus was located.

Culture and heritage of Yerevan

You will learn about the most interesting facts and events from the history of the city, everyday and cultural traditions during an 8-hour trip around Yerevan. Unique buildings, structures and institutions will serve as visual aids.

• Feel the national flavor at the Vernissage, where handicrafts are presented in abundance.
• You will taste the product of the "Ararat" brandy factory and appreciate the art of its manufacturers.
• You will visit Echmiadzin - the historical center of the Apostolic Church of Armenians, visit the local Cathedral. If you're lucky, listen to the beautiful singing of the male choir.
• In the Museum of Spiritual Relics, you will see a plaque from Noah's Ark, an authentic Spear of Destiny and stone crosses.
• The cave labyrinth will amaze you not so much with its huge dimensions (depth 21 m, length 150 m, 7 rooms), as with the scale of the work of the Armenian Levon.

A walk in the evening Yerevan will introduce you to the most outstanding architectural structures, Republic Square and the Singing Fountains.

The road to the temple: about Christianity and art

During the educational excursion, uniting the themes of religion, history and art, the close connection between the past and the present of Yerevan is traced. A visit to ancient Christian shrines and modern institutions awaits you. A sightseeing walk along the old and new streets, inspection of the Blue Mosque, the Cascade, monuments will give a vivid idea of ​​the city that personifies antiquity and youth.

Having visited the Cathedral, you will learn a lot of interesting things from the history of Christianity in Armenia from the distant past to the present. The 13th century chapel, the Church of the Holy Mother of God Zoravor and the new church of St. Anna. Matenadaran - the repository of ancient manuscripts will impress with the number and linguistic variety of rarities.If you choose the Museum of Modern Art, you will be captivated by the talented works of famous sculptors and artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Travel to the cave city and Tatev monastery

The most vivid sensations and impressions await you on a trip through the mountains. Ascents to dizzying heights, descents into millennial caves, incredible views of mountain gorges. Khndzoresk is an ancient city located on the slope of the mountains - the first stop on the way from Yerevan. Here you will see unusual caves resembling giant nests of swallows, "hanging" on the rocks in several tiers.

Take an extreme walk on a suspension bridge over a deep gorge. The cable car (the longest in the world) "Wings of Tatev" will take you after a short halt to the Tatev Monastery. Flying "on the wings" literally under the clouds, you will see stunning views of the river gorge below. Vorotan. The feeling of "bird flight" is unforgettable.

The Tatev Monastery (9th century), considered to be the focus of spiritual strength, will make an indelible impression. The unique architecture of the religious building, the beauty of the surrounding nature will enchant you. The history of Tatev, which became the center of science and art in the 14-16th centuries, will be an important discovery. The final "chord" of the trip - arrival at the healing springs with 3 types of healing water, acquaintance with the "bridge of Satan".

Photo walk in the Pink City

A fascinating voyage (3.5 hours) in a relaxed, without officialdom, atmosphere will allow deeper to reveal the traditions and mentality of Armenians, their way of life and culture. Your photo lenses will capture amazing atmospheric objects and spaces. The significant symbols of Yerevan will appear before you in all their glory. The vernissage will amaze you with its unique exhibits. At Republic Square, admire its architecture and sights. The famous modern building - the Cascade will present the brightest "photo frames", as well as the ancient church.

The Yerevan flavor will be revealed throughout the promenade. You will understand why the city is called pink by seeing the bright facades of the houses. You will have the opportunity to compare the arrangement of the Yerevan courtyards of different eras. Visiting an elite staircase, an old carpet shop and an artist's workshop, you will once again be convinced how diverse and colorful the life of the city is, where antiquity and modernity go hand in hand.

Wine tour: Khor Virap - Areni - Noravank

In this excursion, you will discover the unique nature of Armenia, amazing Christian buildings, incredible Armenian hospitality and the exquisite taste of local wines. The Ararat valley will meet you with amazing mountain landscapes. You will admire them on the way to the Khor Virap monastery, especially revered by the Armenians.

Located on the banks of the river. Araks, not far from the border with Turkey, Khor Virap resembles a mighty "guard" guarding the homeland. A stunning view of the majestic Ararat will enhance the impression of the reliability of the borders. At the next shrine - the architectural pearl of Noravank, you will freeze from admiration from the view of the monastery and be imbued with the story of the romantic love of its creator.

Picturesque gorge r. Arpa will become an enchanting backdrop for the visit. Areni, where guide Anna will invite all participants, get acquainted with the long-term wine traditions of her family. Learn interesting facts from family technologies of wine production. At a hospitable table, you will taste several varieties of wines with various "zest".

Master class on desserts of Armenian cuisine

In a country with such a rich history as Armenia, a special national cuisine could not but appear. A variety of Armenian desserts can satisfy the tastes of the most discerning gourmets. There is hardly a person who would not like baklava, gata or nazuki. During the master class, you will discover the secrets of preparing these amazingly tasty and healthy desserts.

All the subtleties of "creating" confectionery masterpieces, the dosage of the constituent ingredients and products will become known from an experienced guide in the role of a pastry chef. By observing his actions and manipulations, you yourself can prepare some kind of dessert. Upon returning home, you will delight your family and friends with confectionery novelties.

For 3 hours of fun communication, you will learn the history of the appearance of traditional Armenian desserts, which products are used most often. Get detailed answers to all your questions. In conclusion, treat yourself to aromatic coffee with cooked "snacks".

Little Switzerland in Armenia

On an 8-hour trip, you will meet with the truly unearthly beauties of the natural and architectural gems of Armenia. Paradise corners of "Little Switzerland" will enchant you with its bright tones and half-tones, the divine harmony of forests, water, mountains and ancient monasteries.

On the way to the natural miracle - Lake Sevan, you will hear a lot of interesting things from your guide, admire the surroundings from the windows of a comfortable mini-bus. The amazing blue of the water surface of Sevan, the necklace of snow-white peaks along its banks will captivate your imagination. Visiting Senavank Monastery, you will understand how strong the spiritual connection between nature and Armenian culture is.

There will be no limit to your delight in the Dilijan Nature Reserve. The richest beauty of these places will really seem like Switzerland. The slopes covered with dense forest, picturesque gorges, rocks are amazing. The Haghartsin and Goshavank monasteries will "reveal" the secrets of their appearance, captured in the official history and romantic legends.

Six types of Armenian temples and their secrets

The Armenian people, who were the first to adopt Christianity, created many religious symbols. A trip to Christian shrines - 6 ancient monasteries - an exciting immersion in the fateful history of Christianity in Armenia. In the small mountain villages you meet along the way, you will get acquainted with the life and way of life of local residents and see the ruins of the princely palace.

At the picturesque slopes of the extinct volcano Aragats, you will visit the ancient temples of the 7th century:

• Church of st. Hripsime (Vagharshapat city) is the first central domed authentic temple in the world. It stood for 13 centuries without destruction.
• In the Aruchavank temple, you will see the preserved frescoes and the unique method of building the dome.
• In the Temple of Vigilant Angels (Zvartnots) you will admire the amazing sculptural decorations of the facade, learn the extraordinary history of the shrine.
• Church of St. Gregory (Hovhannavank monastery) will give an insight into the earliest religious architecture.
• In the church of St. Karapet (Hovhannavank) you will get acquainted with the peculiarities of the domed hall.
• The cross-domed church of Karmravor (the city of Artashak) will surprise you with its extraordinary vitality (14 centuries)

A wonderful excursion will end with a pleasant visit to the "Paradise Tabernacles" - the garden of a local resident, where you can enjoy juicy fruits.