Culture & heritage
Garni Temple
Kotayk
A first-century Greek-style temple of grey basalt columns on the edge of a gorge, a short drive from Yerevan.
Discover : Garni Temple
Central Asia & Caucasus
Armenia
Ancient monasteries beneath Mount Ararat
Overview
Why visit Armenia?
Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion, and its landscape is dotted with stone monasteries in dramatic places: carved into a cliff at Geghard, on a peninsula in Lake Sevan, on the edge of a gorge at Tatev. Above it all, on clear days, rises the snowy double peak of Mount Ararat.
Yerevan, the capital, is a relaxed city of pink volcanic stone, open-air cafés and evening fountains, and almost every sight in the country can be reached on a day trip from it. Armenian food has plenty for vegetarians, from flatbread, cheese and herbs to grilled vegetables and lentil soups, and Yerevan has a good choice of Indian restaurants.
Five or six days covers Yerevan, Garni and Geghard, Lake Sevan, Khor Virap and Tatev comfortably, at a pace that leaves time for long lunches. The trip suits families, senior travellers and anyone interested in history, and combines easily with Georgia by road.
Things to see
Top attractions in Armenia
The sights we build itineraries around. Tell us which ones you want, and we will plan the days for you.
Culture & heritage
Geghard Monastery
Kotayk
A medieval monastery partly carved out of the living rock of a cliff, with dim chambers lit by shafts of daylight and remarkable acoustics.
Discover : Geghard Monastery
Nature & scenery
Lake Sevan and Sevanavank
Sevan
A vast high-altitude lake in the mountains north-east of Yerevan, with two ninth-century churches on a peninsula above the water.
Discover : Lake Sevan and Sevanavank
Adventure
Tatev Monastery and Wings of Tatev
Syunik
A ninth-century monastery on the rim of a deep gorge, reached by the Wings of Tatev, one of the world’s longest cable cars.
Discover : Tatev Monastery and Wings of Tatev
Culture & heritage
Khor Virap Monastery
Ararat Province
A hilltop monastery on the Ararat plain with the closest views in Armenia of Mount Ararat, rising just across the border.
Discover : Khor Virap Monastery
Landmark
Yerevan Cascade
Yerevan
A giant white stone stairway climbing a hillside in central Yerevan, lined with fountains and sculptures, with views towards Mount Ararat.
Discover : Yerevan Cascade
Landmark
Republic Square Yerevan
Yerevan
Yerevan’s grand oval square of pink tuff buildings, with musical fountains in front of the National Gallery on summer evenings.
Discover : Republic Square YerevanGood to know
Planning a trip to Armenia
Do Indians need a visa for Armenia?
Yes. Indian passport holders can apply for an e-Visa online before travel, and we help with the application. We check the current process, including any options for travellers who already hold certain other visas, when we confirm your trip.
Can we see Mount Ararat from Armenia?
Yes, on clear days, from Yerevan, the top of the Cascade and especially Khor Virap monastery. The mountain itself stands across the border in Turkey, and it is most often clear early in the morning and in spring and autumn.
Is Armenia suitable for senior travellers?
Yes. Most sights are reached by road with short walks, and Yerevan is compact and easy to explore. Some monasteries involve steps and uneven ground, so we adjust the pace and build in rest time.
What currency is used in Armenia?
The Armenian dram. Cards are widely accepted in Yerevan, but carry cash for markets, roadside stalls and village stops.
Let's plan your next holiday
Plan your Armenia holiday
Fill in the form and we'll use your details to prepare a suitable itinerary and quotation.
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