4 days in Armenia

Dear Lilioftheworld.com reader, here is Izabela, your guest writer. Today I am taking you to Armenia – a relatively new and less popular travel destination. My late sister and I shared a common passion – to explore hidden gems. And here I am, keeping a promise I gave her – to continue her mission to show you the world alongside the love of her life and the tiny little princess they brought to this world. So let me share my view on what to visit in Armenia.

Is Armenia on your bucket list? I honestly doubt that, but by the end of this post I am sure that I will be able to change your mind. If I have to be fully transparent, I only chose it as I found these cheap flight tickets to Yerevan, but I am so happy I did! We spent three and a half days in the country in total.

Useful Tips

1. Interesting facts about Armenia

• Ancient Civilization: Armenia is one of the world’s oldest countries with a recorded history spanning over 3,000 years. It is located in the South Caucasus region and is bordered by Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran.
• Mount Ararat: The iconic Mount Ararat, located within the borders of Turkey, is traditionally considered to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark according to biblical accounts. It is a significant symbol for Armenians, even though it’s not within Armenia’s current borders.
• Christianity: Armenia was the first nation to officially adopt Christianity as its state religion in the early 4th century, around 301 AD. This historical event has a major influence on the country’s culture and identity.
• Armenian Genocide: One of the most tragic events in Armenian history is the Armenian Genocide, which took place during World War I. It is estimated that between 1 and 1.5 million Armenians were killed by the Ottoman Empire. This event continues to shape Armenia’s collective memory and international relations.
• Armenian Alphabet: The Armenian alphabet, invented by Mesrop Mashtots in the 5th century, has 39 characters. It is unique and distinct from other alphabets, making Armenian language and culture stand out.
• Apricot Origin: The apricot fruit is believed to have originated in Armenia.
• Lavash: Lavash is a traditional Armenian flatbread that holds cultural significance. UNESCO recognized it as an intangible cultural heritage item in 2014. It plays a role in various rituals and is often used to wrap food.

  

2. Transportation

If I had a driving license I would probably have rented a car as most of the places of interest are outside Yerevan. Road conditions are very good for driving on your own! But as I do not have one – this was not an option for me. The positive thing was that there were a few good travel agencies that offer affordable group trips. They combine several destinations which allows you to visit multiple places in a day. We have not checked the public transport options, I assume there are good ones. But as I said – most interesting places are spread around the country, so it will be very time consuming to use a public transport. I will tell you more about the group excursions in a bit.

Regarding the transportation to and from the airport, you have three main options:

• Private transfer – the most expensive one. Your hotel will organize it for you, tend to cost around 8,000-10,000 ADM or €19-€23 as of July 2023.
• Taxi/Yandex (local Uber) – costs around 3,000-5,000 ADM, which is €7-€12 (July 2023).
• Bus 201 – the cheapest option, 300 ADM or €0.70. This one takes 30-40 minutes to reach the airport and leaves every 30 minutes between 7am and 10pm. Keep in mind that is a small bus and does not have much space for luggage, even fitting your carry-on suitcase will be a challenge.

3. Acommodation

We stayed in Yerevan and traveled around during the day. I would recommend staying in the city center as most of the tourist attractions are in this area. In my opinion either close to the Cascade complex or Republic Square is the most convenient. The prices of the hotels are very affordable, we selected mid-range hotel with breakfast included.

4. Best time to visit

The best time to visit Armenia depends on your interests and the type of experiences you want to have. Whether you are interested in exploring historical sites, enjoying outdoor adventures, or experiencing local culture and festivals, Armenia offers something unique and captivating throughout the year.

Armenia has a continental climate, so temperatures can vary greatly between regions and altitudes. Yerevan, the capital city, enjoys a mild climate with warm summers and relatively cold winters. Higher-altitude areas like Tsaghkadzor and Dilijan can experience cooler temperatures and more snowfall, making them popular destinations for winter activities.

5. How long should you stay?

It depends on your preferences and availability. Our visit was short and not enough to explore significant part of the country. But it can give you a glimpse of what it has to offer. If you plan accordingly you can manage to see many places as we did.

6. Some more practical tips from my visit

• Local currency is called Armenian dram, €1 = 420ADM (July 2023). However, card payments are widely accepted and you can survive without exchanging any money quite easy. The only places where they do not accept cards are small shops/kiosks, some souvenir shops (Vernissage market) and the bus to the airport.
• English is not widely spoken, even in the capital. However, if you know Russian you will be perfectly fine. Do not count on reading the signs, almost all of them are in Armenian!
• There is wi-fi almost everywhere, even in the small travel agency buses!
• They love cilantro, it’s in everything!
• People love take-away drinks, the only queues I have seen were at these stands.
• Armenians rarely smile. This is quite odd, but the fact is that they don’t look very welcoming, which is not true, because they are. But it does not show on their faces 😀

  

Now let me move to the most interesting part – what to see and visit in Yerevan and Armenia in general.

What to see in Armenia!

We dedicated 2 of our 3 and a half days to trips around the country and the rest we spent in Yerevan. So let me start with what to visit while in Yerevan.

1. Watch the Lights and Music fountain show at the Republic Square

Your journey through Yerevan should begin at the iconic Republic Square. This central hub is surrounded by impressive government buildings and features the “Dancing Fountains” that come alive with music and lights in the evenings. The history and architecture of the square offer a peek into the country’s past and present. The show starts at 9pm every night.

2. Enjoy the sunset from the Cascade Complex

A blend of art and architecture, the Cascade is a scaled-up-staircase that connects the city center to the Monument Neighborhood. As you ascend the steps, you’ll discover outdoor art installations, sculptures, and panoramic views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat. The Cafesjian Center for the Arts, housed within the Cascade, is a heaven for modern art enthusiasts.

3. Admire the Cafesjian Sculpture garden

Explore an outdoor collection of sculptures, both modern and traditional, at the Cafesjian Sculpture Garden. The garden’s unique setting and thought-provoking artworks create a serene and contemplative atmosphere.

4. Shop at Vernissage market

Immerse yourself in Armenian craftsmanship and culture at the Vernissage Market. This open-air bazaar is a haven for traditional arts, crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. Engage with local artisans and discover unique pieces that reflect Armenia’s artistic spirit.

5. Taste Ararat cognac at the local factory/museum

No visit to Yerevan is complete without exploring the fascinating world of Armenian brandy, and the Ararat Cognac Museum provides the perfect opportunity to do just that. Nestled in the heart of the city, this museum is a haven for brandy enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone curious about the intricate process behind crafting the finest spirits. There is a limited number of daily tours, so I would highly recommend booking in advance. The basic entrance fee was around 20 euro (July 2023).

6. Visit the Blue Mosque

While predominantly a Christian country, Armenia is also home to religious diversity. The Blue Mosque, built during the 18th century, is a beautiful piece of Islamic architecture. Visitors can admire the intricate details and peaceful atmosphere of this historic mosque. You can enter for free.

7. Get lost in the city

Yerevan’s city center is not that big so you can easily move around by foot. Do not forget to look up and photograph the unique buildings. It is a good mixture of old Sovietic architecture and contemporary western cafes and restaurants. Interesting spots are the Opera and theater building, Charlez Aznavour square, Vardanyan’s park, etc.

8. Feed the pigeons at Kathoghike St. Astvatsatsin Church

Kathoghike St. Astvatsatsin Church, also known as Katoghike Church, is an ancient Armenian Apostolic church located in the heart of Yerevan, Armenia. It holds significant historical and architectural importance, as it is one of the oldest surviving churches in the city and a testament to Armenia’s Christian heritage.

And of course there are plenty of museums and monuments dedicated to Armenian history, the Genocide and Armenian art, but I am usually not the one visiting museum, so I cannot recommend any.

Where to eat and drink in Yerevan?

You cannot leave Armenia without visiting a traditional tavern. These are places where people gather to socialize, eat, drink, and enjoy live entertainment. We visited a couple that we really liked. As usual, wherever I go I must visit a rooftop bar as I am a huge fan of rooftop views. Below you can find some recommendations for restaurants and bars in Yerevan:

• Gata Tavern – has live music at night, the service was great and the food is delicious!
• Dari Tavern – it also has a live band, I liked it slightly less than the first one, but it was a cool place as well.

• Mirzoyan library – amazing hipster coffee place. It’s very popular among digital nomads. I highly recommend ordering their Pahlava ice-cream, it’s to die for!

• Mamoor – bar/restaurant close to the Republic square. We only went for drinks, but it has great vibe.

  

• Cascade Royal – my rooftop bar recommendation. I’ve researched all of them and in my opinion it has the best view in town! It’s located right above the Cascade complex, so you’ll need to climb all 556 stairs to get there, but the view towards the mount Ararat is definitely worth it!

The other two days we dedicated to trips outside Yerevan. There were some busy working weeks prior to my trip to Armenia, so I had to do all of the research while waiting for the boarding at the airport 😀 Let me tell you more about the day trips that we selected.

Day trips from Yerevan

As mentioned earlier, we decided to go on organized group tours in order to visit more places at ones. We used the services of  Yerani Travel – everything was very well curated and our guide was extremely entertaining. He was giving us enough information without being boring. They offer a number of tours and it really depends on what you want to visit and how long you would like it to be. It is also important to take into consideration what day you want to travel as some of the excursions are not departing every single day. We selected two of them which length was approximately 7-8h each.

1. Day trip to Garni area

Travel itinerary of the trip (link here): Arch of Charents, Geghard monastery, Symphony of Stones, Garni temple + a bonus – visiting a local restaurant where they show you how to make lavash bread. The price of the whole trip was around 27 euros per person (July 2023).

• Arch of Charents

  The Arch of Charents is a notable landmark that pays tribute to a prominent Armenian poet and serves as a cultural and artistic symbol for the country. It features a large stone arch with a statue of Yeghishe Charents on top. The statue depicts Charents holding a book and looking into the distance. The arch and the statue are positioned against the backdrop of the beautiful Armenian landscape. It offers a great view towards mount Ararat.

• Geghard monastery

  Geghard Monastery is an ancient complex that dates back to the 4th century. However the main cathedral was likely built in the 13th century. The name “Geghard” means “spear” in Armenian, and it refers to the biblical spear that wounded Jesus during the Crucifixion. The monastery complex’s remarkable rock-cut architecture is a notable feature. Skilled artisans have partially carved several of the buildings and chapels into the surrounding cliffs, resulting in a unique and breathtaking sight.

• Symphony of stones 

  This is a unique geological formation known as the “Basalt Organ Pipes” or “Symphony of Stones” located in Garni Gorge near the village of Garni. It consists of hexagonal basalt columns that resemble organ pipes, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the “Basalt Organ Pipes.” These columns are the result of volcanic activity and the cooling and solidification of lava flows millions of years ago.

• Garni temple

The Garni Temple, believed to have been built in the 1st century AD during the reign of King Tiridates I of Armenia, is a pagan temple dedicated to Mihr, the sun god in the Armenian pantheon. The temple stood as a symbol of Hellenistic influence on Armenian architecture and culture. Throughout its history, the Garni Temple faced various challenges, including an earthquake in 1679 that severely damaged the structure. In the 20th century, they carried out restoration efforts to reconstruct parts of the temple using original and newly quarried stones.

2. Day trip to lake Sevan

Travel itinerary (link here): Dilijan, lake Partz, a reserve for noble deers, Haghartsin monastery, Sevanavank monastery and lake Sevan. The length of this trip was around 8h as it is further away compared to Garni region. The price was around 37 euro per person. (July 2023)

• Dilijan

  

  Dilijan, also known as the “Armenian Switzerland,” is a picturesque town located in the Tavush Province of Armenia. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, lush forests, and serene landscapes. It offers a serene escape from the bustle of modern life, making it a favorite spot for both travelers and those looking for a peaceful retreat.

• Lake Parz

  

  This lake lays in Dilijan national park. there is  restaurant with a bar, paddle boats ropes course and zip lines that make it a great attraction for kids.

• The reserve for noble deers

  This reserve was created to help increasing the population of Caucasian noble deer. Starting with only two left in the nature, they currently have 36 deers inhabiting the reserve.

• Haghartsin monastery

  Haghartsin Monastery is a medieval Armenian monastery complex located near Dilijan. It dates back to the 10th century, with various structures built over the centuries. The complex includes several churches and chapels, each with its own distinct architectural features. The main churches are St. Grigor (St. Gregory), St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), and St. Stepanos (St. Stephen). These churches’ adortnation includes intricate carvings, decorative elements, and khachkars (Armenian cross-stones).

• Sevanavank monastery and lake Sevan

  Lake Sevan, often referred to as the “Jewel of Armenia,” sits at 1900m above sea level and is one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world. It is surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes. The peninsula jutting into Lake Sevan is home to a cluster of attractions, including Sevanavank Monastery, which is one of the notable sites in the area. The complex includes two churches and offers panoramic views of Lake Sevan and the surrounding landscape from its elevated location. The vistas make it a favorite spot for photography and contemplation.

Thank you for reading along! I hope I helped you decide what to see in Armenia!

For more great short trip ideas, please take a look at our dedicated Weekend Escapes section.

Lilioftheworld.com wishes you Happy Travels!