Mountains and Monasteries in an Ancient Land

Armenia & Karabagh

Tour Cost Departures & Leaders Trip Rating Download Full Itinerary Route Map Suggested Reading List Reserve This Trip Terms & Conditions

Set on a 6,000-foot plateau of mountain highlands, Armenia is one of the cradles of Western civilization. Christianity came here in 300 AD, and the landscape is dotted with stone-carved monasteries and frescoed churches perched in dramatic locations. We explore from bustling Yerevan, with its sidewalk cafes, to the mountainous republic of Karabagh in the east. Along the way, we discover the sacred spiritual places, many of which are World Heritage listed, visit open-air markets with a rich abundance of locally grown fruits, enjoy grilled fish from Lake Sevan, go winetasting in the Areni vineyards, sample Armenian brandy (Winston Churchill’s favorite), and overnight at a sunny spa town, with a chance for a soak in thermal springs. We enjoy wonderful hospitality everywhere we go in this welcoming land.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-3
Yerevan, Armenia / Geghard

Armenia’s capital, Yerevan (3,300'), is a vibrant blend of commerce and culture and one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history dating to the 8th century BC. We visit the huge central market, with sun-ripened fruit and fresh Armenian cheeses, and visit the famous Yerevan Brandy Factory, founded in 1888, for a tasting tour. Also on our explorations are Echmiadzin Cathedral—the Vatican of Armenia—and the amazing 4th century Geghard Monastery, carved out of solid rock with a sacred spring in the interior.

Days 4-6
Jermuk / Sisian / Goris

The Khor Virap Monastery, built in the 4th century, has one of the most spectacular settings in the world, on a plateau facing Mount Ararat, snow-capped symbol of Armenia and Biblical resting place of Noah’s Ark. Surrounded by vineyards, Khor Virap is a pilgrimage site for Christians and Armenians from all around the world. After wine-tasting at Areni village, we overnight in the old spa town of Jermak, with an option to soak in the healing waters in a picturesque highland setting. We visit 7,500-year-old Karahunj, the Armenian equivalent of Stonehenge, then head up to a crater lake at 10,800 feet on Mt. Tsghuk for a picnic and a look at impressive Ughtasar petroglyphs. Overnights are at the quiet country town of Sisian and the lovely mountain town of Goris, with its 19th century stone houses and leafy avenues.

Days 7-10
Shushi, Karabagh / Stepanakert / Tzapatagh

In the green, rolling hills of Karabagh, we visit Shushi, an ancient walled town housing the beautiful white Ghazanchetsots Cathedral. From Sepanakert, the capital, we visit magical Dadivank Monastery, set in a forested gorge, then continue around the shores of Lake Sevan (6,500'), whose serene turquoise water sparkles like a jewel surrounded by tawny mountains.

Days 11-14
Debet Canyon / Mt. Aragatz

Beautiful Debet Canyon holds two stunning World Heritage monasteries, Hagpat and Sanahin, along with Odzun, a pagan fertility monument. We head up to Kari Lake for a picnic at the foot of Mt. Aragatz (13,415') and visit Ani, the 10th century capital of Armenia, on our way back to Yerevan. Depart on Day 14.

Questions? Email Us	Download Full Itinerary	Reserve This Trip

Tour Costs $4495 (13-15 members) $4795 (9-12 members) $5195 (6-8 members) Single supplement: $595 *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

Trip Rating Rating Explanation

Departures & Leaders

Route Map

© Wilderness Travel  |  Contact Us  |  1-800-368-2794

Privacy Policy | Site Map | Home | Free Catalog | About WT | Our Trips
E-Newsletter | Reserve a Trip | Contact Us | Private Journeys | Exploratories
Special Events | Testimonials | Special Offers | Photo Gallery | Toucan Club

All content and photography within this website is copyrighted and
may not be reproduced without the express permission of Wilderness Travel.  CST 1007696-40