NOTE:  If flying from the US, you will need to depart on June 5 because of the time change, which will have you arriving typically around 4am Armenia time on the 7th.

11-Day Armenia Tour Itinerary (June 5-17, 2025)

Join Chuck and Connie Holton for an Unforgettable Journey Through Armenia

Day 1: June 5

Travel to Yerevan

• Depart for Armenia. Depending on your departure point, you will lose about 9-12 hours due to time zone changes and arrive early on Day 3 (June 7).

Day 2: June 6

In Transit

• Continue traveling. Most flights will have a layover in Europe (Vienna, Athens, or Doha) before connecting to Yerevan, Armenia.

Day 3: June 7

Arrive in Yerevan

• Morning: Arrive in Yerevan very early in the morning and settle into your hotel. Take time to rest and freshen up.

• Afternoon: Explore Yerevan’s charming streets. Visit Republic Square, the iconic Cascades, and the Vernissage Craft Market.

• Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant with traditional Armenian cuisine. Relax and recover from your journey.

Day 4: June 8

Amberd Fortress, Aragats Mountain, and Return to Yerevan

• Morning: Depart Yerevan for the Amberd Fortress, a 7th-century fortress located on the slopes of Mount Aragats.

• Late Morning: Explore the ruins of the fortress and the stunning surroundings.

• Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic lunch on the slopes of Mount Aragats, Armenia’s highest peak, with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

• Evening: Return to Yerevan for some rest, followed by a relaxing dinner at one of the city’s finest restaurants.

Day 5: June 9

Geghard Monastery, Garni Temple, and Lake Sevan

• Morning: Depart early for the Geghard Monastery, a 4th-century marvel carved into rock.

• Late Morning: Explore Garni Temple, a pre-Christian pagan site with stunning views.

• Afternoon: Head to Lake Sevan, Armenia’s largest freshwater lake, and visit Sevanavank Monastery perched on the hilltop.

• Evening: Arrive in Ijevan and stay overnight at a nature resort nestled in the scenic forests.

Day 6: June 10

Dilijan and Haghartsin Monastery

• Morning: Explore the lush forests of Dilijan National Park, often referred to as the “Armenian Switzerland.”

• Late Morning: Visit the hidden Haghartsin Monastery, set deep in the forested mountains.

• Afternoon: Travel through scenic landscapes to the Sanahin Monastery and Kobayr Monastery, where you’ll take a short, moderately challenging hike.

• Evening: Return to Ijevan for a relaxing evening at the resort.

Day 7: June 11

Haghpat Monastery and Drive to Jermuk

• Morning: Visit the stunning Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Late Morning: Explore the Zarni-Parni Cave Complex with its fascinating medieval history.

• Afternoon: Begin your journey south to Jermuk, a serene town known for its mineral-rich hot springs and beautiful mountain scenery.

• Evening: Settle into a luxury spa hotel in Jermuk and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Day 8: June 12

Relaxation Day in Jermuk

• All Day: Take a break from the sightseeing and enjoy the natural beauty of Jermuk. Spend the day relaxing at the spa, soaking in mineral baths, or taking a peaceful hike through the mountains.

• Optional Activities: Explore Jermuk Waterfall, enjoy a nature walk along Jermuk Gorge, or take the scenic Jermuk Ropeway for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

• Evening: Group dinner at a local restaurant featuring Jermuk’s fresh, mountain-inspired cuisine.

Day 9: June 13

Jermuk to Tatev Monastery

• Morning: After a final relaxing morning in Jermuk, drive to Tatev Monastery.

• Afternoon: Take the Wings of Tatev Cable Car—the world’s longest non-stop cable car—and experience breathtaking views over the Vorotan Gorge.

• Evening: Stay overnight at a village farm-stay in Tatev, where you’ll experience authentic Armenian hospitality. Dinner will be prepared by your hosts, and you may share rooms depending on your group size.

Day 10: June 14

Tatev Monastery and Return to Yerevan

• Morning: Visit the spectacular Tatev Monastery, perched on the edge of a dramatic canyon.

• Late Morning: Begin your journey back to Yerevan, stopping along the way for sightseeing or rest.

• Afternoon: Arrive back in Yerevan. You’ll have free time to explore the city or relax before dinner.

• Evening: Dinner at a traditional restaurant in Yerevan.

Day 11: June 15

Yerevan: Genocide Museum, Yerablur Cemetery, and Free Time

• Morning: Visit the solemn Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum.

• Late Morning: Pay your respects at Yerablur Military Cemetery, where Armenia’s heroes, including many who fell in the 2020 Artsakh War, are laid to rest.

• Afternoon: Free time to explore Yerevan’s cultural sites or do some last-minute shopping.

• Evening: Optional group activity—an evening stroll in the heart of Yerevan or a visit to a local café.

Day 12: June 16

Helping Local Families and Farewell Dinner

• Morning: Spend the day meeting with local families who have been affected by the 2020 war in Artsakh. Listen to their stories, pray with them, and help in any way possible.

• Afternoon: Visit the Zvartnots Cathedral Ruins or other nearby historical sites.

• Evening: Celebrate the journey with a Farewell Dinner in Yerevan, where you’ll enjoy a dinner theater and dancing to perfectly cap off the memories made and the lives touched during the trip.

Day 13: June 17

Departure

• Early Morning: Flights back to the U.S. typically depart around 4 AM, arriving home the same day.