Armenia Complete Tour Guide

Ride the Cable Car to Tatev Monastery
Tatev Monastery, built between the 9th–13th centuries, sits dramatically on the edge of a deep gorge. You can only reach it by riding the world’s longest reversible cable car — the Wings of Tatev — which stretches 5,752 meters (over 3.5 miles) and soars 320 meters (1,049 feet) above the Vorotan River. The 15-minute ride offers breathtaking views, and a round-trip ticket costs 5,000 AMD. The monastery itself features 10th-century frescoes, vaulted ceilings, and panoramic photo spots. It’s about a 3.5-hour drive from Yerevan.

Explore Shikahogh State Reserve
As Armenia’s second-largest forest, Shikahogh is rich in wildlife like leopards, bears, and wild goats. The trails lead through lush mountains to hidden waterfalls, Iron Age tombs, remote monasteries, and even abandoned villages. The hike from Mount Khustup to Shishkert village (11 km) is especially scenic, though challenging and not always well-marked.

Swim in Lake Sevan
Lake Sevan, known as the “Armenian Sea,” is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world. It’s perfect for relaxing, swimming (if you can handle the cold!), and visiting lakeside monasteries. You can also wild camp for free along the shore. Located just 65 km (40 miles) from Yerevan, it’s easily accessible by marshrutka (minibus) in about an hour.

See Geghard Monastery
Partly carved into the cliffs of the Azat River Gorge, Geghard Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 4th century. It’s named after the holy lance that pierced Jesus’ side. Visitors often collect water from the sacred spring inside the Avazan Chapel. Entry is free.

Visit Echmiadzin Cathedral
Just 20 km (12 miles) from Yerevan, Echmiadzin is considered the oldest cathedral in the world, built after Armenia became the first country to adopt Christianity in 301 CE. The on-site museum (1,500 AMD) holds religious relics, including a piece of the True Cross, the Holy Lance, and a fragment of Noah’s Ark.

Wander Through Gyumri
Gyumri is Armenia’s second-largest city and one of its oldest. Begin at Vardanants Square and head into the Kumayri Historic District, filled with 19th-century architecture. Visit the Dzitoghtsyan Museum of Social Life (1,000 AMD) and the Aslamazyan Sisters Museum (300 AMD) to learn about Armenian culture and women’s history.

Relax in Jermuk’s Thermal Springs
Jermuk is Armenia’s top spa town, famous for its 40+ natural mineral springs. Visit the Gallery of Water to sample the healing waters and explore the area’s natural beauty, including the 70-meter Jermuk Waterfall. Spa hotels start at 15,000 AMD per night, and the town is about 3 hours from Yerevan.

Discover the Army of Stones (Karahunj)
Karahunj, or Zorats Karer, is Armenia’s mysterious prehistoric stone circle — often called the “Armenian Stonehenge.” The site features over 200 stones with strange, manmade holes, thought to have been used for astronomical purposes as early as the 6th century BCE.

Join a Wine Tasting Tour
Armenia has over 500 native grape varieties and a winemaking tradition dating back 6,000 years. Visit Areni, home to the world’s oldest known winery, or book a wine tour from Yerevan. Prices range from 37,000 AMD for a single-winery trip to 75,000 AMD for a full-day experience.

Explore the Erebuni Fortress and Museum
Founded in 782 BCE, Erebuni Fortress is even older than Rome and gave Yerevan its name. The site includes both outdoor ruins and an indoor museum with 12,000+ artifacts from the ancient Urartian kingdom. Admission is 1,000 AMD or 2,500 AMD with a guided tour.

Visit Noravank Monastery
Nestled in a dramatic red rock canyon, Noravank is a 13th-century monastery known for its stunning carvings and unique location on the valley floor — unlike most monasteries in Armenia that sit high on mountain peaks. Entry to the monastery is free, and the on-site museum costs 500 AMD. It’s located about 122 km (76 miles) from Yerevan.