5-day UNESCO World Heritage Tour Armenia5 Days | Yerevan, Echmiadzin, Zvartnots, Garni, Geghard, Sevan, Dilijan, Haghpat, Sanahin

UNESCO World Heritage Tour Armenia is a perfect program for those, who want to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the first Christian country in the world and add iconic UNESCO sites to their bucket list. The program incorporates the sacred temples of Echmiadzin and Zvartnots, the monastery of Geghard, the breathtaking nature of the Lori region, superb views, monumental monuments, and many unforgettable places, flavored with warm hospitality and delicious cuisine.

Tour itinerary:

Expand All Collapse All

Day 1: Yerevan – arrival

Arrive in Yerevan, meet your driver, and transfer to the hotel. After check-in (from 12:00), enjoy free time to discover the city.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Yerevan – Echmiadzin – Zvartnots – Yerevan

After breakfast, drive out of the city to Etchmiadzin, the Holy See of Armenia and the residence of the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church – the Catholicos of All Armenians. Continue to the ruins of Zvartnots. This was, reputedly, the most beautiful cathedral in the world before it collapsed in the earthquake of 930. Etchmiadzin and Zvartnots were added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 2000.
Return to explore Yerevan, the oldest capital city in the South Caucasus, which is known as the “Pink City”. Our first stop will be at the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex on Tsitsernakaberd Hill. Next, visit the Cascade Monument, a 500-meter high, 50-meter wide limestone staircase with no less than 572 steps. From the top of the monument, enjoy a breathtaking city view that includes the Opera House, Mount Ararat, Swan Lake, Republic Square, and Abovyan Avenue, all of which we’ll see as we walk the streets of Yerevan.
At 19:00, go to a traditional local restaurant for a welcome dinner.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Yerevan – Garni – Geghard – Sevan – Dilijan

After breakfast depart Yerevan and drive to Garni, the only pagan temple in Armenia that survived the introduction of Christianity in the 4th century.
The next stop is the Geghard (“spear”) monastery complex. The beautiful landscape surrounding the complex is framed by towering cliffs. Decorative art cut into the rocks reflects and explains Medieval development in this region. The complex was established in the 4th century around the sacred spring inside the cave. Geghard Monastery was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 2000.
Drive to Lake Sevan, “The Jewel of Armenia” and one of the largest high-mountain freshwater lakes in the world. Stop at Sevanavank to visit the remnants of the monastery that include two temples – Surb Arakelots and Surb Karapet standing among numerous khachkars - carved cross-stones. The view from there is simply magnificent: the mountains surround the lake from all sides and snow tops are seen almost on the entire perimeter and disappear behind the horizon.
Drive to Dilijan for the overnight.

Day 4: Dilijan – Haghpat – Sanahin – Yerevan

In the morning drive to Lori region and visit the Monastery of Haghpat (added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 1996) and and Monastery of Sanahin (added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 2000). This stunning example of Armenian traditional architecture was erected in the 10-13th centuries. Standing on a hillside, Haghpat beautifully overlooks the Debed River. The location of the monastery was chosen to protect the peace and seclusion of its monks.
Drive back to Yerevan for overnight.

Day 5: Yerevan – departure

Breakfast and hotel check-out (by 12:00). Free time until your transfer to Yerevan International Airport. Departure. The end of UNESCO World Heritage Tour Armenia.

Price includes:

All transfers (1-2 pax by sedan, 3-4 pax by Mercedes Vito or similar, 5-10 pax by Mercedes Sprinter passenger van);
Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
Sightseeing tour program with local English-speaking guide;
Entrance tickets to sights as per itinerary;
Dinner in Yerevan (day 2);
Bottled drinking water.