Armenia Holidays Packages

Nestled in the heart of the South Caucasus, Armenia is a land shaped by ancient civilisations and majestic landscapes. As one of the world’s oldest countries, it boasts a proud heritage, bordering Georgia, Iran, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. Whether you’re chasing history, culture, or natural beauty, Armenia offers a captivating mix that's difficult to resist.

For travellers craving authenticity, Armenia feels untouched by mass tourism. Its serene monasteries, olive-toned valleys, and rugged highlands invite exploration. The capital, Yerevan, is a study in contrasts: standing stones and Soviet façades stand alongside vibrant cafes, boutique shops, and a lively arts scene.

Hospitality here goes far beyond politeness—it’s personal. Armenians often treat guests as family, opening their homes and kitchens. You’ll find that local generosity is woven into everyday life, from spontaneous invites to heartfelt conversations over homemade treats.

On a practical note, Armenia is refreshingly budget-friendly. Whether you seek boutique luxury or on-the-road backpacking, your money stretches far—accommodations, food, transport, and experiences all offer excellent value.

So, if you’re drawn to off-the-beaten-path discovery, time-honoured traditions, and mountain-starred skies—all without breaking the bank—Armenia is waiting for you.

Top Destinations in Armenia

Yerevan – The Vibrant Capital

Yerevan is Armenia’s cultural heartbeat. Its dusty pink buildings—quarried from nearby Mount Ararat—bathe the city in a soft glow at dawn and dusk. Start your day at Republic Square, where grand fountains dance to nightly lights and music. Nearby, the History Museum of Armenia offers a deep dive into the nation’s millennia-spanning past, from Stone Age artefacts to medieval relics.

Next, ascend the Cascade Steps, a tiered ascent graced by modern art sculptures and cascading fountains. At the top, you’ll find sweeping views across the city, framed by distant snow-capped peaks. Just below is the Cafesjian Centre for the Arts, home to contemporary sculptures, rotating exhibits, and indoor-outdoor galleries.

Don’t skip the bohemian beats of Vernissage Market—a weekend bazaar where artisans sell handmade carpets, leather goods, jewellery, and religious icons. At night, Yerevan thrives. Rooftop bars, jazz clubs, and open-air concerts bring a youthful energy. Sample Armenian brandy at a cabinet-style bar or savour wine from boutique producers under the stars.

Why it matters: Yerevan encapsulates Armenia’s soul—ancient, artistic, social, and welcoming.

Lake Sevan – Armenia’s Blue Pearl

Just an hour’s drive from Yerevan, Lake Sevan spreads its turquoise waters across the high-altitude plateau. Stretching across 950 km² at over 1,900 m above sea level, it’s among the world’s largest freshwater alpine lakes.

The jewel in Sevan’s crown is Sevanavank Monastery, a pair of 9th-century churches perched on a rocky peninsula. Walk along the lakeshore and sample freshly grilled ishkhan (lake trout) at family-run stalls under canvas awnings. In summer, the lake becomes a hub for kayaking, boating, and sunbathing.

For photographers, sunrise shots with the churches framed by mists over the water are unforgettable. Sevan doubles as a cultural retreat: in winter, the frozen panorama offers a quiet, almost meditative retreat.

Why it matters: Nature’s beauty meets spiritual calm and local culinary delights in perfect harmony.

Dilijan – The Armenian Switzerland

Often called “Armenia’s Switzerland”, Dilijan lies within pine-forested hills and mist-softened ridges. It's the gateway to Dilijan National Park, where emerald forests, turquoise springs, and winding trails invite walkers and wildlife lovers alike.

The town’s colonial-era wooden homes line cobbled streets that smell faintly of resin and brewing coffee. Step into the charming Old Town with its small galleries, tea houses, and craft cafes. Artisans sell handmade pottery, scarves, and miniature church models.

A short drive away are the Haghartsin and Goshavank monasteries—secluded sanctuaries from the 13th and 12th centuries, respectively. Here, monks still chant daily rituals. Hike or drive to nearby mineral springs that locals swear by.

Winter brings gentle snowfall and a cosy alpine feel, while summer delivers thrilling camping, horseback riding, and forest bathing.

Why it matters: A serene, artsy retreat imbued with natural and spiritual charm.

Tatev – Cliffside Wonder

In Armenia’s rugged south, the Tatev Monastery perches dramatically above the Vorotan Gorge. Dating from the 9th century, its twin churches, library, and refectory once housed thousands of monks. Today, it’s both a spiritual site and a panoramic wonder.

The star of the show is the Wings of Tatev—the world’s longest reversible cable car at nearly 6 km. The aerial journey lifts you across swirling gorge mists, past cascades and sheer cliffs. At the top, inside the monastery’s stone walls, you’ll find carved khachkars (cross-stones), chapels, and a sense of timeless peacefulness.

Time your visit for early morning or late afternoon to enjoy soft light on the stone. A short hike to nearby viewpoints gives sweeping valley vistas.

Why it matters: a majestic blend of aerial adventure and spiritual heritage.

Geghard & Garni – A Peek into the Past

A pair of contrasting cultural sites lies just a day trip away from Yerevan. Garni Temple is a beautifully restored 1st-century, Greco-Roman-style pagan temple—unique in this region. Standing upon a basalt cliff and framed by a river canyon, it represents Armenia before its Christian transformation.

In stark contrast, Geghard Monastery is partly carved into a rock face. Dating from the 4th century, it was bolstered in the medieval era. The echoing halls still hold centuries-old frescoes and chapels recessed into the cliff.

Between visits, walk the sandy paths of the Azat River Gorge—a striking formation of basalt columns. Guided hikes here may reveal rare plants, birds, and incredible natural acoustics.

Conclude with lunch at a nearby guesthouse, often cooked under your watch in a traditional tandoor—fresh flatbread, grilled meats, and herb-infused freshwater fish.

Why it matters: See Armenia’s spiritual and pagan roots in one immersive stretch

Cultural Insights

A Taste of Armenian Cuisine

Armenian cuisine is soulful, regional, and rooted in traditional cooking methods. Here’s what to savour:

Khorovats: Juicy skewers of marinated meats and veggies grilled slowly over embers. It’s communal, slow-paced cuisine.

Lavash: Thin, soft flatbread baked in stone ovens, perfect for wrapping meats or catching stews.

Dolma: Home-style dolma includes grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat—each household has a signature style.

Harissa: A hearty daytime or winter dish, blending cracked wheat and chicken or lamb into a porridge-like comfort food.

Beyond dishes, Armenia’s culinary scene often features:

Armenian brandy — especially Ararat, equal in India and Russia to cognac.

Fruit wines, including cherry, pomegranate, and peach.

Fresh vegetable salads, drizzled with local sunflower oil and herbs.

At the table, expect conversation as lively as the food. Supras (feasts) are enhanced by a tamada (toastmaster), who leads formal toasts with humour and poetry.

Traditions & Warmth

Armenia’s identity centres on its 1,700-year tradition of Christianity—it was the first nation to embrace it as a state religion in 301 AD. Armenian Apostolic churches, with their pointed domes and carved crosses, mark hills across the land. Many are UNESCO sites or still host daily liturgies.

Guests here are gifts. A stranger may extend tea or waffles, just to chat. Tradition can even include impromptu folk music or dance in the streets. For many visitors, these heartfelt encounters become the most enduring memories.

Festivals Worth Experiencing

Armenia graces the calendar with celebrations that immerse you in tradition and joy.

Vardavar (July) – An ancient festival of purification here transformed into a nationwide water fight. Locals, young and old, douse each other in rivers, lakes, and city squares. Expect laughter, wet clothes—and great viral pics.

Wine Days (May) – Held in Yerevan and key regions like Areni—Iran’s oldest vineyard. Stalls overflow with saperavi, arenui, and obscure vintages. Expect folklore performances and harvesting demos.

Golden Apricot Film Festival (July) – Yerevan’s film fest attracts directors, critics, and cinephiles from around the world. Screenings include thought-provoking shorts, documentaries, and Armenia’s boldest features.

These events give you a window into local life, creativity, and communal laughter.

Adventure Awaits

Hiking & Nature

Armenia’s mountains, canyons, and forests invite walkers of all abilities.

Mount Aragats (4,090 m) towers over Yerevan at sunrise. Its four-peak crater is a lunar-like highland perfect for experienced hikers.

Debed Canyon near Dilijan and Lori offers trail networks, monastery hikes, and dramatic gorge scenery.

Tsakhkadzor, Arevik, and Lake Kari offer high-altitude tracks, wildflower meadows, and brisk air.

Expect clear paths, sparse signage, and quiet solitude—unless it’s a weekend crowd enjoying local-packed picnics.

Skiing in Tsaghkadzor

In winter, the mountain town of Tsaghkadzor becomes Armenia’s premier ski playground. A 45-minute drive from Yerevan brings you to well-groomed slopes, modern lifts, and snow schools. The town also hosts world-class athletes for training.

Above the pistes, mountaineers’ cabins offer hot tea and pastries. Nearby, the Kecharis Monastery stands beneath snow-dusted peaks, offering an unforgettable winter postcard scene.

Ski gear is inexpensive to rent. Lift tickets cost a fraction of European rates. Beginners and families are welcome alongside experienced riders.

Practical Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–June): Mild weather, blooming hills, ideal hiking conditions.

Autumn (September–October): Harvest season, crisp air, wine festivals.

Winter (December–February): Cold, snowy, perfect for skiing in Tsaghkadzor. Early spring may have snow at altitude.

Currency

 The Armenian Dram (AMD) is best carried as cash in smaller towns. ATMs are available in cities. Credit cards are widely accepted in Yerevan.

The Language

Armenian uses its own alphabet. In cities, younger locals speak English and Russian. A few Armenian phrases (“bari gisher” = good evening, “shnorhakalutyun” = thank you) go far.

Getting Around

Yerevan: Compact, walkable, with a metro and buses. Taxis are safe and affordable. Ride-hailing apps operate in the city centre.

Intercity: Marshrutkas (shared minibuses) are frequent and low-cost.

Car Rental: Recommended for exploring national parks and rural monasteries. Roads are gradually improving, but some mountain roads may be rough.

Local Advice

Dress modestly when visiting churches—cover shoulders and knees.

Armenian hospitality is heartfelt—rise to the tamada’s toast, and expect to sit through several.

Tap water is generally safe in cities; bottled for mountain visits.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1–2:

Arrive in Yerevan.

Explore Republic Square, the National Gallery, and quaint cafés.

Evening: Enjoy Armenian brandy and a traditional Supra with live music.

Day 3:

Day trip to Garni for its temple and gorge views.

Head to Geghard for a spiritual site and swirling rock-cut halls.

Return to Yerevan via lunch with locals, perhaps grilled fish or lavash.

Day 4:

Drive to Lake Sevan.

Hike or walk to Sevanavank.

Lunch by the water.

Visit a lakeside resort for a relaxed evening.

Day 5:

Journey to Dilijan, with stops in forested valleys.

Explore woodcarver shops and sip herbal tea.

Visit Haghartsin and Goshavank monasteries.

Day 6:

Drive south to Tatev.

Ride the Wings of Tatev cable car.

Explore the monastery and take a short hike.

Overnight in nearby villages for stargazing.

Day 7:

Return via Areni—sample wine at a boutique winery.

Visit wine caves and chat with vintners.

Evening back in Yerevan—ideal for a final shopping spree or theatre.

Day 8:

Leisurely breakfast at a bohemian café.

Visit any missed museums or markets.

Depart for the airport.