Armenia in 9 Days

This article is an itinerary.

Armenia

Day One in Armenia

• Arrive in Yerevan
• Visit tourist information office (Nalbandyan 3)
• Visit the Parajanov Museum (surrealist director able to make art out of all manner of junk)
• Half day trip to Echmiadzin Cathedral (mother church), Zvartnots Cathedral ruins.
• Dinner at the Club (Agump), drink at Melody Cafe in the Opera Square

Day Two in Armenia

• Breakfast at Artbridge before heading to the following sites in Central Armenia
• Take a day trip to Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery (UNESCO)
• Hike to Aghjots Vank from Garni. Continue to explore Khosrov Reserve if you are inclined (S. Stepanos Monastery, Fortress, old inhabited caves, canyons - might need car/guide).
• Dinner at Amrots, stroll the Northern Avenue, check out the fancy fountains of Republic Square

Day Three in Armenia

• Quick breakfast sandwich at Yum Yum (try the basturma!)
• Head north to Lori
• Visit Saghmosavank en route
• Visit Akhtala
• Visit Odzun
• Spend night at Tufenkian Avan Dzoraget.

Day Four in Armenia

• Breakfast at Tufenkian hotel.
• Head to Haghpat and Sanahin UNESCO Monasteries.
• Hike to Kobayr Monastery (15 min)
• Hike to Horomayri Monastery (45 min) or Surp Grigori Monastery (35 min)
• Head back to Yerevan, spend the night

Day Five in Armenia

• Visit Matenadaran (Illuminated Manuscripts Collection)
• Visit Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum
• Explore the city (and vernissage if it's the weekend)
• Have dinner at Central Cafe
• Sleep in Yerevan

Day Six in Armenia

• Head to Southern Armenia, get an early start.
• Visit Khor Virap Monastery and the views of Mt. Ararat en route
• Visit Noravank Monastery's two double decker church and brick red cliffs
• Visit some other sites of your choice in the area. Choose from:
  • Selim Caravanseray
  • Smbataberd Fortress
  • Mozrov or Arjeri Caverns (requires guide)
  • Tsakhats Kar Monastery
  • Areni wineries
• Sleep in Jermuk

Day Seven in Armenia

• Soak in one of the spas in Jermuk, take a bath, and hit the long road to...
• Zorats Karer - Armenia's cruder and much older roadside "Stonehenge"
• Tatev Monastery
• Satan's Bridge spring fed pools (risk a treacherous climb down to the cavern and underground river below if you like)
• Spend the night in Goris at Mrhav B&B.
• Return to Yerevan or take a side trip to nearby Nagorno-Karabakh (see separate section on page)

Day Eight in Armenia

• Head north to Yeghegnadzor where you can take the highway directly to Lake Sevan (Martuni). Head northwest along the shores.
• Visit Noratus, Armenia's largest khachkar cemetary
• Visit Hayravank Monastery, overlooking the lake
• Visit "Kghzi", the peninsula with Sevanavank and the more popular beaches
• Eat fish and crayfish on the shores of the lake!
• Head to Dilijan and spend the night.

Day Nine in Armenia

• Explore Dilijan
• Visit Haghartsin and/or Goshavank Monastery
• Have fish by the river - try Getap Restaurant
• Visit a Molokan (Russian Amish type sect) Village
• Head back to Yerevan to depart the following day, or on to Georgia