Armenia Tours & Holidays
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays
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Overview
Discover a unique culture and explore the adventures that await, whilst indulging in traditional local cuisine on our Armenia Tours. Located in the heart of the Caucasus, this beautiful mountainous land is yet to be touched by mainstream tourism. Whilst its neighbouring countries, Georgia and Azerbaijan grow in popularity, Armenia stayed quiet, but maybe not for long. The fact that Armenia has its own alphabet speaks volumes about the rich culture and fierce independence of this small country. ...
Discover a unique culture and explore the adventures that await, whilst indulging in traditional local cuisine on our Armenia Tours. Located in the heart of the Caucasus, this beautiful mountainous land is yet to be touched by mainstream tourism. Whilst its neighbouring countries, Georgia and Azerbaijan grow in popularity, Armenia stayed quiet, but maybe not for long. The fact that Armenia has its own alphabet speaks volumes about the rich culture and fierce independence of this small country. Armenia was the first country to fully adopt Christianity in 301 AD. Today, its landscapes are scattered with an enthralling collection of ancient churches and medieval monasteries. With a history that has been complex and at times tragic, Armenia is full with a richness and resilience that is hard to beat. The tree-lined streets and stylish architecture of Yerevan provides an intriguing contrast to the towering presence of Mount Ararat. which can be seen from most places in the Armenian capital city. Reputedly the final resting place of Noah’s Ark, this iconic mountain sets the tone for the biblical overtones that seem to infuse the towns and villages of this fascinating country. Adventure awaits in the lush forests of the north and the craggy mountains to the south. The rich mix of flora and fauna compliments an ever-changing landscape that provides an ideal backdrop for walkers, nature lovers and culture buffs alike.
Start your journey
Group tours
Travel to Armenia with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (usually max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader.
TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS
Whether you want to travel on one of our award-winning itineraries or build your own journey from scratch, our expert consultants will help create the perfect tour for your tastes and budget. Below are a few suggestions of the kind of trips we can offer, all of which can be tailored to you.
EXAMPLE ITINERARIES
HIGHLIGHTS OF ARMENIA
BEST EXPERIENCES
Visit the striking Sevan Monastery
The largest and highest lake in the Caucasus, at Lake Sevan you can visit the picturesque Monastery of Sevan, built in 874 and on a small peninsula overlooking the lake.
Learn how to make lavash
Visit a nearby village and take part in a bread making masterclass in a local home. Armenia’s national bread, called “lavash”, is included in the UNESCO intangible heritage list and is a delicious snack enjoyed across the nation.
Visit Tatev Monastery by cable car
Visit the 9th century Monastery of Tatev, set on the edge of a deep gorge on the Vorotan River. A former centre for the arts and sciences, it has been a bastion of culture and learning for centuries and its location offers spectacular views of the valley.
Explore Yerevan's backstreets
Discover the heritage of Yerevan, visiting the city's oldest quarters, home to narrow streets and a multitude of architectural and cultural influences, with some of the residences and buildings dating from the times of Ottoman, Persian, and Muslim rule.
Discover Armenia’s ‘Switzerland’
Well known for its forests, springs and rich biodiversity, Tavush is home to rare species of plants, golden eagles, wolf, wild cat and some 150 different types of birds, making it a haven for walkers.
Learn to paint petroglyphs
Witness a very traditional technique, as you are instructed on how to paint petroglyphs and Urartian inscriptions on ceramic cups or plates while sharing short stories about their meaning and history.
Learn a craft of the Tavush region
The Telik Centre promotes the preservation of Tavush craft traditions through supporting women to build their own social enterprise and earn an income. Here you can take part in an artisanal masterclass and learn about the great work being done.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT
Dilijan
Surrounded by a heavily forested area of mountains, Dilijan is a popular spa town, famous for its mineral water. The surrounding countryside is home to a great variety of fauna, as well as 240 species ...
Goris
Winding roads through gorges and along lakes lead you to the pretty town of Goris. The main town, set down in the valley, has leafy streets with traditional buildings, and a church with sheep shaped gravestones....
Yerevan
Yerevan, Armenia's capital with a population of over 1 million people is an attractive city of wide tree lined boulevards and stylish buildings built of the local pink volcanic tuffa stone. From most ...
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
B&B Armenia, Dilijan
Stay at the B&B Armenia in Dilijan, known as Armenian Switzerland, popular with skiers and mountain bikers. This three-star bed and breakfast has stunning mountain views which can be enjoyed from the…
Mirhav Hotel, Goris
Mirhav Hotel is a centrally located, newly built hotel designed according to Goris' traditional architectural style. Its nineteen rooms are simply but stylishly furnished with local carpets and…
The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Yerevan
One of the first luxury hotels in the historic centre of Yerevan, the Alexander Collection provides a blend of contemporary and classic interiors with quality service. Each of the 114 rooms and suites…
Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel, Yerevan
Close to the centre of Yerevan, this newly opened hotel has the delightful blend of modern and traditional Armenian decor that the Tufenkian brand does so well. Rooms are a good size and are decorated…Discover more
WHEN TO GO
The weather conditions can be extremely varied (even within the course of a day!). The Greater Caucasus Range moderates local climate by serving as a barrier against cold air from the north and the relatively small territory covers different climatic zones, which are determined by distance from the Black Sea and by altitude. The climatic zones range from humid subtropical to snow and glaciers.
Meet the expert, Natalie
Natalie is our Causcaus expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Natalie by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
LGBTQIA+ Guidance
When planning to travel as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, there may be additional things you wish to consider doing, such as:
- Speaking to one of our travel experts for information about travelling in your chosen destination and local attitudes towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community
- Checking the Human Dignity Trust map which highlights regions and countries which are potentially dangerous to LGBTQIA+ people, or Equaldex, which tracks the progress of LGBTQIA+ rights around the world.
- Checking the ‘Local laws and customs’ section of your country's official foreign travel advice page
- Looking for any updates for your desired destination on the Human Rights Watch LGBTQIA+ rights page
- Buying a recommended guidebook, as many include an LGBTQIA+ section and advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers
USEFUL INFORMATION
Health and Vaccinations
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Armenia though you should be up to date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Please note we are not medical professionals and so we highly recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
Currency
In Armenia the official unit of currency is the Dram. This is a closed currency and can only be exchanged in country.
To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com.
Cultural Sensitivity
In Armenia when visiting churches and cathedrals women should cover their heads with a scarf or hat, while men should take their hats off.
On our tours we frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your guides will be able to advise you accordingly.
Language & Religion
The dominant religion in Armenia is Christianity with over 93% of Armenians belonging to the Armenian Apostolic Church. Other religious denominations in Armenia are the Baptists and Presbyterians. The Armenian language has its own alphabet and consists of 38 letters. Over 90% of the people in the country speak Armenian while ¾ of the population speak Russian while English is becoming increasingly more possible.
Time
Armenia is 4 hours ahead of GMT.
A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com.
Food and drink
Armenian food is the experience of a lifetime in more ways than one, not only is it unforgettable once experienced, to understand its incredibly complex nuances, one needs an entire lifetime. It has enough variety to keep you engaged forever in discovering its delicacies. Armenian food has a huge range incorporating all indigenous produce, vegetarian or otherwise.
Food in Armenia is serious business, with set rules of what to eat when and in what combination. Armenia's food customs state that the lunch and before-bed suppers are to be light and easy on the stomach. Foods of Armenia are also dependent on seasonal traditions, warmer and richer foods are prepared in winter while cooler, lighter varieties are prepared in summer. The food habits of Armenia are also dictated by the geographical boundaries of the land. Armenian Cuisine is very intimately related to east European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern variety.
Travelling Solo In Armenia
All of our small group tours are designed to cater for solo travellers: the number of solo travellers will vary from tour to tour, but usually over half will be travelling alone. Get all of the excitement of discovering new places combined with the security of travelling with an organised group, with like minded people.