Wander and Wine: The Armenian Way
Armenia Small Group Tour
Tour Overview
Armenia: Vineyards & Valleys is an immersive journey through one of the world’s oldest winemaking regions, blending scenic hikes with rich cultural encounters and unforgettable tastings. From the dramatic basalt cliffs of the Azat Gorge to the high-altitude trails near Amberd Fortress and the forested paths of Dilijan National Park, each walk reveals a different side of Armenia’s raw, rugged beauty. Along the way, discover ancient monasteries carved into mountains, explore the world’s oldest known winery at Areni-1 cave, and sip bold, distinctive wines at boutique vineyards nestled beneath snow-capped peaks. With time to explore historic Yerevan and the spiritual heart of Echmiadzin, this tour offers a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and indulgence in the cradle of viticulture.
Tour Highlights
• Explore incredible Armenian architecture from ancient and medieval times
• Experience Armenian winemaking region
• Try your hand at making traditional Armenian flatbread at a Lavash masterclass
• Breathe in the pristine air at picturesque alpine Lake Sevan n
• Visit the spiritual heart of the Armenian Church at Echmiadzin
• Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Dilijan – known as the little Switzerland of Armenia
Tour Rating
To help our travellers choose the right tour for them we have applied a grading system of 1 to 5. Tours with a fitness level of 1 will generally be suitable for all ages and will not be particularly strenuous, whereas tours with a fitness level of 5 are likely to be physically challenging. To find out more please contact our well-travelled team who will often have first-hand experience of the destination.
Fitness
3/5
Unexplored
3/5
Culture
5/5
History
4/5
Wildlife
1/5
Tour Pace
4/5
Map + Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Yerevan
Upon arrival in Armenia, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Overnight Tufenkian Historic Hotel or similar. No meals.
Note if you arrive early we can provide a quote for early check in and for any extra activities you may wish to do.
Yerevan
Set on the edge of a ravine above the River Hrazdan, Yerevan is a mixture of architectural styles, with some imposing Soviet-era buildings as well as residential homes where different types of stone are used. Concentric boulevards spill outwards from the city centre interspersed with parkland, and this sense of space and greenery gives Yerevan an almost rural feel at times. The main street of bars, restaurants and shops is Abovian, running north from Republic Square. The cathedral of St Gregory the Illuminator was built with money from the enormous Armenian diaspora to celebrate 1,700 years of Christianity in Armenia. The covered market stands opposite the Blue Mosque, which has been recently restored. A range of museums cover everything from art to natural history – one of the most impressive is the Matenadaran, devoted to ancient manuscripts.
Day 2: Yerevan – Symphony of stones’ - Garni & Geghard-Brandy Factory
Travel to Kotayk province to explore Geghard Monastery, astonishingly partly carved out of a mountain. Continue to Garni. Continue to nearby Garni to visit the pagan temple. Have lunch in the village of Garni in an authentic rural environment with a master-class of baking lavash - traditional Armenian flatbread.
After lunch take a 1 hour walk in the gorge of the Azat River. The duration of the walk is approximately 1 hour, with no difficult passages. The walk starts from the village of Garni, taking you down to the Azat river gorge and the famous “Symphony of Stones” basalt columns, located at an altitude of about 50 meters above the ground. Difficulty: Easy to Medium.
Difficulty: Easy to Medium.
Duration: 1 hour
Walking distance: 3.4 km
Altitude: 1230-1400 m
Finish the day by visiting the legendary Yerevan brandy factory, one of the symbols of Armenia and an integral part of its historical and cultural heritage. Armenian brandies are made exclusively from high-quality grapes of Armenia and crystal spring water, using a traditional method of double distillation introduced in 1887. Tour the factory before a brandy tasting. Overnight Tufenkian Historic Hotel or similar (BL)
Geghard
Geghard means 'spear', and this church set in a narrow gorge is reputed to have once contained the spear which pierced the side of Christ on the cross; the spear now lies in the treasury at Echmiadzin. Built up against a cliff face, the main cathedral was constructed in 1215, but the first monastery on the site is thought to date from the 4th century AD. The monastery is decorated with reliefs depicting animals, crosses and geometrical shapes.
Garni
Garni is a heathen temple which is the only surviving monument of the Hellenistic period in Armenia. The temple is dedicated to the God of the sun Mithra and was built in the 2nd half of the 1st c A.D. during the reign of king Trdat I. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1679, the temple of Garni was reconstructed in the 1970’s and is now made up of both original and replacement masonry and is situated in a splendid location overlooking an impressive natural canyon.
Day 3: Amberd Fortress - Van Ardi Winery
This morning travel to the medieval fortress of Amberd, the ‘fortress in the clouds’, located on the slopes of Mount Aragats, 2100m above sea level. The trail today extends between the village of Antarut and Amberd and can be hiked starting from either location. Take some time to explore the 10th-century fortress complex, which also features the Vahramashen Church (also known as the Church of Amberd).
Duration: 4 hours
Walking distance: 7.1 km
Altitudes: 2174-1689 m
Next we visit Van Ardi Winery. In 2008, an unyielding faith in the art of wine drove Varuzhan Mouradian and his family to uproot their lives in Los Angeles and embark on a generational journey in Armenian wine culture. Van Ardi is the first boutique winery in Armenia and a key player in its wine renaissance. The vineyards are sloped south-southeast, at an altitude of 1,050m above sea level. Meet with the winemakes and enjoy a wine tasting experience. We then continue to Vernissage, a large open-air market for souvenirs, carpets, and jewellery. This evening is at leisure. Overnight Tufenkian Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 4: Amaghu Hike - Areni-1 cave – Noravank – Old Bridge
This morning, around 0830hours we leave and head to Vayots Dzor. Our first stop is Amaghu, from where we walk to the monastery of Noravank. The walk takes about 1.5-2 hours, passing through moderate terrain surrounded by high cliffs and deep gorges. You will pass parallel to the Gnishik River during the last 30 minutes of the trail.
Duration: 2 hours
Walking distance: 3.5 km
Altitude: 1390-1558 m
Uncover the secrets of the 6.000 years old winery in Areni-1 cave before proceeding to the unique Noravank – a splendid monument of medieval Armenian architecture surrounded by significant natural beauty. Historians say the church is reminiscent of tower-like burial structures created in the early years of Christianity.
Next stop at Old Bridge winery. They started as a family business in 1998.Their vineyards are located on the right-hand bank of the Arpa River, next to the village of Arpi at the altitude of 1250-1300 m above sea level. Enjoy wine tasting and lunch.
After lunch we stop at Momik Family Winery for wine tasting and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the vineyards surrounded by mountain range before heading to the hotel. Overnight Lele Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 5: Trinity Winery - Tushpa Winery - Yerevan
After breakfast we drive to Trinity Winery established in 2009 in Aghavnadzor village close to Areni Cave. Trinity Wines are filled with traditions, legends and faith. Enjoy wine tasting and meeting the wine makers. Drive back to Yerevan and stop at Tushpa winery in Ararat Province. This winery is nestled below the Biblical Mt. Ararat. Their 6 hectares of vines are planted on 800m above sea level. The soil is clay and consists of sedimentary rocks. Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Tufenkian Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 6: Sevan – Hike Parz Lake – Goshavank - Hovaz Wine Rooms
Journey to beautiful Lake Sevan, the ‘Blue Pearl#’ of Armenia where we have a short stop. Continue to Dilijan, also known as Armenian Switzerland, and you’ll find yourself in a strikingly different climate zone and landscape, covered with thick forests.
Drive to Parz (Crystal) Lake to start the hike in Dilijan National Park. Walk along stunning forest trails, cross the wildly beautiful Areguni pass and reach Goshavank Monastery where the great scholar of the 13th century Mkhitar Gosh is buried. Look out for morning birds that are particularly active at this time of the year and explore the enchanting nature of the park while taking a gentle walk on well-defined forest trails. For those with more energy to burn we offer a short but fantastic extension to Lake Gosh.
Duration: 3 hours
Walking distance: 8 km
Altitudes: 1232-1423 m
After lunch in Goshavank visit Hovaz Wine Rooms in Dilijan; a cozy place where you can enjoy Armenian wines with meat and cheese snacks, and take part in the sparkling wine production processes. Overnight at Tufenkian Historic Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 7: Echmiadzin Cathedral - Karas Winery
This morning drive to Echmiadzin. The cathedral is the oldest Christian church in Armenia. Its building began in the 4th c immediately upon the adoption of Christianity. According to a church legend, the site of the Cathedral was indicated to Gregory the Illuminator in a revelation.
Drive to the biggest winery of Armenia “Tierras Armenia” Karas. Eduardo Ernekian and Juliana Ernekian, uncle and niece, are responsible for the premium vineyard property. Bodega del Fin Del Mundo in Argentina. They founded Karas in 2002 in Armavir, whose volcanic terroir is equally unique. We take a tour of the winery and enjoy a wine tasting before heading back to Yerevan for your final night. Overnight Tufenkian Historic Hotel or similar (B)
Echmiadzin
The spiritual centre of the Armenian Church, Echmiadzin was the setting for a series of visions by St Gregory the Illuminator, where columns of fire turned into churches. The first monastery was built, like many others in Armenia, on the site of a pagan temple in the 4th century, rebuilt in the 5th century in a different style and then renovated in the 17th century. The cathedral treasury is a museum of religious relics, and is where the spear from Geghard that is said to have pierced Christ as he hung on the cross is stored. The treasury also contains a piece of wood said to be from Noah's Ark, which came to rest on the summit of Mt Ararat, today situated in Turkey but long part of Armenia.
Day 8: Depart Yerevan
At a suitable time you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight (B)
Tour Inclusions
Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Feedback from our Travellers
Foreign Office Travel Warnings
Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Armenia that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
Visa Information
At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals do not require a visa for a tourist visit to Armenia. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.
British Nationals - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Nationals - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Australian Nationals - www.smartraveller.gov.au
Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.
Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.
As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.
Passports
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Vaccinations & Protection
As with travel to most parts of Eastern Europe, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent maybe recommended.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
Local Conditions
When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.
The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.
Essential Info
