Legends of the Land: Armenia History Tour

Upon your arrival at Zvartnots International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Yerevan. After check-in at 2:00 p.m. and a brief rest, your exploration of Armenia’s capital begins. Known as the “Pink City” for the hue of its tufa stone buildings, Yerevan enchants visitors with its historic charm and graceful urban landscape. Your first stop is the famous Cascade Monument—a giant open-air stairway boasting 572 steps and stretching 118 meters high. Atop the structure, panoramic views reveal the Opera House, Swan Lake, Republic Square, Abovyan Avenue, and, weather permitting, the iconic silhouette of Mount Ararat.
If it’s a weekend, enjoy a stroll through Vernissage, Yerevan’s open-air market filled with handmade crafts and antiques. Continue to Tsitsernakaberd Hill to visit the poignant Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. End the day with a visit to the Megerian Carpet Factory, where you’ll observe traditional weaving techniques and uncover the symbolic meanings woven into the colorful Armenian rugs. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by a lively folklore performance. Overnight in Yerevan.

After breakfast, depart for the historical village of Garni, home to the only surviving pagan temple in Armenia. Dating back to the 1st century AD, the Temple of Garni is dedicated to the sun god Mihr and stands as a testament to Armenia’s pre-Christian past. From here, descend into the Garni Gorge to witness the awe-inspiring Symphony of Stones—an incredible natural formation of perfectly hexagonal basalt columns created by volcanic activity.
Continue on to the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, partly carved into a mountain and surrounded by towering cliffs. The monastery, founded in the 4th century, is named after the spear (“geghard” in Armenian) that pierced Christ’s side and once resided here.
Your spiritual journey continues to the city of Etchmiadzin, the religious center of Armenia. Visit the Etchmiadzin Cathedral*, believed to be the oldest cathedral in the world and the official seat of the Catholicos of All Armenians.
Return to Yerevan in the evening and rest at your hotel.
*Note: Etchmiadzin Cathedral is currently under restoration, but visitors can still explore its grounds and accompanying museum.

Start your day with a scenic drive to Khor Virap Monastery, a sacred site with deep ties to Armenia’s conversion to Christianity. According to legend, St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned in a deep underground cell here for 13 years before leading King Tiridates III to adopt Christianity in 301 AD. The monastery’s position offers breathtaking, close-up views of Mount Ararat, making it one of the most photographed places in Armenia.
Continue to the Areni cave complex, a remarkable archaeological site where the oldest known leather shoe was discovered in 2008. Afterward, stop by a local winery in the village of Areni to enjoy a tasting of Armenia’s famous fruit wines.
Next, drive through a dramatic canyon to reach Noravank Monastery, beautifully nestled among towering red cliffs. This 13th-century complex features intricate carvings and a two-story church set against a surreal backdrop of steep rock formations. Return to Yerevan in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

This morning, set off for a historical journey into Armenia’s spiritual and cultural roots. First, travel to Amberd Fortress, dramatically perched at 2,300 meters above sea level on the slopes of Mount Aragats. Often referred to as the “fortress in the clouds,” Amberd dates back to the 7th century and offers commanding views over the surrounding highlands. Despite its age, many parts of the fortress and its adjacent church are remarkably well-preserved.
After exploring the site, head to the village of Oshakan, where Saint Mesrop Mashtots—the inventor of the Armenian alphabet—is buried. His final resting place lies beneath a cathedral erected in his honor, rebuilt in 1875 by Catholicos George IV. This site holds profound cultural and spiritual significance for the Armenian people.
Return to Yerevan in the afternoon and enjoy free time for last-minute exploration or relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel by noon. You’ll then be transferred to Yerevan International Airport for your departure flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of Armenia’s history, heritage, and hospitality. End of the tour.