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Armenia Tours and Travel

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YPT Tours To Armenia

Join one of our Armenia Tours to discover this little country located in the Caucasus. This former Soviet republic is full of ancient history, beautiful landscapes and interesting architecture, from ancient churches to brutalist Soviet buildings.

Armenia has a history stretching back millennia, evident in its ancient monasteries clinging to cliffsides and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Etchmiadzin Cathedral. It also offers dramatic landscapes, like the otherworldly rock formations of the Debed Canyon or the wildlife paradise of Dilijan National Park.

On our Armenia tours, you’ll travel across the country hearing stories of injustices and resilience, after the Armenian Genocide. You’ll also learn how the collapse of the Soviet Union impacted the country; when complex ethnic division intensified, causing recent wars between the neighbouring countries.

Group Tours To Armenia

We currently run a yearly Complete Caucasus tour where you can visit Armenia along with their neighbouring countries Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Confirmed Tour

Complete Caucasus Tour: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

9 Jun, 2027 – 17 / 19 Jun, 2027

  • 7 days / 9 days / 11 days
  • €
  • 1495 / 1695 / 2495

9 Jun, 2027 – 17 / 19 Jun, 2027

Complete Caucasus Tour: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

7 days / 9 days / 11 days
  • €
  • 1495 / 1695 / 2495
Confirmed Tour

Independent Tours
To Armenia

Having run tours to Armenia for many years, Young Pioneer Tours have been able to create a great network of local partners, hotels, guides and off-the-beaten-track itineraries and activities for Armenia. Prices depend on the number of people and what level of accommodation you desire, but YPT can arrange everything you need for a perfect independent trip.

Independent Armenia tours can focus exclusively on the country, or be combined with tours to Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey or any country where there are direct flights to.

Example Armenia Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Yerevan

  • Arrive at your leisure in Yerevan, the capital and largest city of Armenia. The city is well-connected to many European countries. Self-transfer to our centrally located hotel.
  • We will meet at 4:00pm in the lobby of our hotel for a pre-tour meeting. You’ll meet your fellow travellers, your YPT guide, and go over the itinerary.
  • We’ll head to the Ararat Distillery, which was popular during the Soviet era, particularly in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. Tour the Ararat museum and distillery, followed by a tasting session.
  • For dinner, we’ll head out to our favourite restaurant serving delicious khorovats, Armenian kebabs grilled over charcoal.
  • Overnight stay in Yerevan.

Day 2 – Yerevan

  • Breakfast at the hotel before we head out with our expert local guide.
  • We’ll start at Republic Square, locally known as “Hraparak”. Here you’ll find Soviet-era buildings functioning as the Government House, the History Museum, the National Gallery, and the Armenia Marriott Hotel.
  • We’ll continue down Northern Avenue to the Opera House, a grand building constructed to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Soviet Armenia.
  • Next is the Yerevan Cascade, consisting of 572 steps and 5 hillside terraces. From the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Yerevan and the Ararat Valley.
  • We’ll see the Mother Armenia monument, a powerful symbol of the country, representing peace through strength.
  • You’ll have some time to explore Victory Park at your own pace or visit the exhibition dedicated to the Nagorno-Karabakh War of 1988–1994 and the recent unjust war caused by Azerbaijan.

Afternoon

  • For lunch, we’ll head to a local restaurant that serves dolma, consisting of rice, minced meat, or offal, wrapped with grape leaves.
  • Next, we’ll experience the Yerevan metro system, making our way to Yeritasardakan Station. Opened in 1981, this futuristic-looking station also doubles as a bomb shelter.
  • We’ll then visit the Yerevan Railway Station, an impressive building constructed in 1956 and renovated in 2010 by Russian Railways. The railway museum offers insights into the history of Armenian and Soviet train journeys.
  • After a busy day, we’ll return to the hotel to relax and freshen up before heading out for dinner.
  • Overnight stay in Yerevan.

Day 3 – Yerevan – Kotayk Province – Gegharkunik Province – Sevan Peninsula – Yerevan

  • Early morning starts with breakfast at the hotel.
  • We’ll embark on a scenic road trip to the Kotayk Province, the only province that doesn’t share a border with a foreign country.
  • The Arch of Charents is a monument dedicated to the poet and Bolshevik Party member, Yeghishe Charents.
  • We’ll continue to the Garni Temple, a remarkable example of Greco-Roman architecture and the finest preserved Hellenistic building in the former Soviet Union.
  • Next, we’ll visit the Aghbyurak Reservoir, where we’ll find a monument dedicated to the 40th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Afternoon

  • We’ll have a picnic lunch, picking up supplies from a local store and enjoying our meal outdoors.
  • For aviation enthusiasts, there’s an opportunity to visit a Yakovlev Yak-40 plane, nicknamed the “Codling” by NATO.
  • Our journey continues through the Kotayk Province to Hrazdan. During the Soviet era, the city was heavily industrialized.
  • One of the most iconic images from a Vogue magazine photoshoot in Soviet Armenia features model Jerry Hall in a red swimsuit at the Arshaluys monument. This single image immortalized the sculptor, photographer, and model.
  • We’ll visit the Sevan Monastery, also known as Sevanavank, a monastic complex located on the Sevan Peninsula.
  • The Guesthouse of the Armenian Writers Union, situated on the shores of Lake Sevan, was a retreat for the Writers Union during the Soviet era.
  • We’ll head back to Yerevan, and on arrival, we’ll go straight for dinner and drinks.
  • Overnight stay in Yerevan.

Day 4 – Yerevan – Aragatsotn Province – Gyumri

  • Breakfast before we check out of our hotel and head towards Gyumri.
  • Armenia is set to unveil the world’s tallest statue of Jesus Christ, a monumental addition that will become a landmark attraction and boost tourism in the country.
  • We’ll then head to Tsovinar Lake to see an abandoned Tu-134 plane. During a flight from Lviv to Yerevan, the plane encountered a severe storm over Abkhazia.
  • We’ll arrive at the Byurakan Observatory, located on Mount Aragats, which was a major astronomy center in the Soviet Union. The observatory has monitored flare stars, supernovae, and hundreds of galaxies. Its ROT54 (Orgov Radio-Optical Telescope) recorded the explosion of a red giant, and numerous scientific articles were published in the USSR and the West.

Afternoon

  • Lunch at a local restaurant in Orgov. We recommend trying Lahmajun, Armenian flatbread with spiced lamb.
  • We’ll continue to Gyumri to see the impressive Mother Armenia monument, another female personification of Armenia. You’ll have free time to explore the complex at your own pace.
  • The Black Fortress, locally known as “Sev Berd,” is an abandoned Russian imperial fortress built after the Russo-Turkish War.
  • The Church of Saint Arsenius is the largest Russian church in Armenia. Named after the Archbishop of Serbia, the church is undergoing restoration after serving various purposes, including as an orphanage, cattle shelter, and even a cinema.
  • Check in to our hotel and head straight out for some delicious Armenian food and drinks.
  • Overnight stay in Gyumri.

Day 5 – Gyumri – Lori Province – Odzun

  • Early morning starts with breakfast before we check out, ready to explore the hidden gems of Gyumri and the Lori Province.
  • We’ll start at the Iron Fountain, a stunning example of Soviet modernism. Once a centrepiece of the Polytechnic University Campus, it miraculously survived the devastating 1988 earthquake that destroyed much of the surrounding area.
  • We’ll continue exploring Gyumri, visiting an abandoned textile factory where you’ll find a beautiful Soviet mosaic depicting the Great Patriotic War.
  • The Gyumri railway station is another highlight, with its impressive bas-relief “Victory” and a stunning stained-glass window adorning the dome.
  • Before leaving Gyumri, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God and the Holy Savior’s Church, the latter of which was severely damaged in the earthquake.

Afternoon

  • We continue towards Lori Province, stopping at a local restaurant along the way for lunch.
  • Upon arrival at our destination, we’ll do a 20-30 minute hike to reach an abandoned Pioneer camp, one of the best-preserved in Armenia. The highlight is the swimming pool adorned with a beautiful Soviet mosaic.
  • Next, we’ll head to Vanadzor, the third-largest city in Armenia, which was spared from the earthquake.
  • We’ll explore Vanadzor, including the impressive Soviet-era train station, where you can see how well-connected the city was to all the republics by examining the original wall map.
  • We’ll check into our hotel in Odzum and head out for dinner and drinks.
  • Overnight stay in Odzum.

Day 6 – Odzun – Lori Province – Yerevan

  • Breakfast at the hotel before we check out and head out to explore.
  • Odzun Church, constructed in the 5th-7th centuries, is famous for its funerary monument, a gift from an Indian king in the 8th century.
  • We’ll visit another abandoned Pioneer camp, which thrived during the Soviet era, where children would spend their summer and winter holidays.
  • Horomayr Monastery is a monastic complex that extends from the top to halfway down a cliff. The short hike is well worth it for the stunning views over the Lori Gorge.
  • We’ll continue our adventure to Sanahin Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of religious architecture. The monastery was protected as a historical and cultural monument during the Soviet era.
  • The Mikoyan Brothers Museum is a Soviet-era museum dedicated to brothers Anastas and Artyom Mikoyan. Anastas played a vital role in administering food throughout the Soviet territory, while Artyom was the co-designer of the MiG fighter jets.

Afternoon

  • Lunch, we’ll head to a café for coffee and traditional Armenian nutmeg cake. We’ll have some time to relax before we continue.
  • The Abandoned Cable Car Station is a popular destination for urban explorers. You can explore the site, which still contains the original control panel and machinery.
  • Haghpat Monastery, famous for its frescoes, overlooks the Debed River. Constructed between the 10th and 13th centuries, it’s a masterpiece of religious architecture. It is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site alongside the Sanahin Monastery.
  • Once we’re ready, we’ll take a scenic journey back to Yerevan. On arrival we’ll check into our hotel to freshen up and relax.
  • Dinner and drinks at a popular Armenian restaurant to celebrate our final night together.
  • Overnight stay in Yerevan.

Day 7 – Yerevan

  • A leisurely morning starts with breakfast – Tour concludes YPT can arrange additional nights in Yerevan and airport drop-off for a fee. We are more than happy to provide advice for ongoing flights.

Bespoke Tours to Armenia

Soviet architecture and monuments

Armenia is full of Soviet relics, monuments, brutalist architecture, abandoned buildings such as a Young pioneer camp and an abandoned resort. We can take you to the birthplace of the MIG jet designer, to Soviet cosmos observatories, great patriotic war memorials and more! At YPT we know the best hidden locations for all things soviet.

Armenian Culture

Armenia is home of some of the oldest churches and monasteries in the world and forts and castles from mediaeval times, for example the Medieval Goris Cave Dwellings. With our local guides, learn in depth about the singularities of this country, to understand the past and present conflicts in this region of the world.

Nature and hiking

The Caucasus mountains are a natural wonder, from the most iconic mountain Aragats, a volcano 4,090 m above sea level. And the beautiful forest mountains around Tatev, where you can also find the longest non-stop cable car for amazing views of the region.

Nagorno Karabakh

The Nagorno Karabakh region, also known as Republic of Artsakh, was an unrecognised state since 1994, that got de facto independence from Azerbaijan after two years of war. In 2023, this republic was dissolved, causing a mass departure of the population that was mostly of Armenia ethnicity. Unfortunately it’s not possible to visit the region just now (2024), but we are keeping an eye on when it will be possible to visit again, regardless of which state controls it.  For more information, please visit our page: Can you travel to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh)?

Filming in Armenia

Through our media arm Pioneer Media, we can make arrangements for productions, journalists, or others, to film within Armenia from big budget to guerrilla productions. We can also arrange meetings in country, as well as correct visas for journalist wishing to do projects within the country.

Frequently ask Questions about travel to Armenia

  • Do I need a visa to travel to Armenia?

    The majority of nationalities, including the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, the USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, do not need a visa to visit Armenia for a stay up to 180 days. More information can be found here.

  • What is the best time to visit Armenia?

    Spring to September would be the best time to visit Armenia, when temperatures are mild and there are less chances of rain. Winter can be cold, but can be a good option for those who enjoy snow.

  • Is Armenia safe for tourists?

    Armenia is mostly a safe country. You probably won’t notice anything nor feel threatened at any time, but precautions should always be taken. In Yerevan, like in any other city, avoid displaying your passport, large sums of cash and valuables.

    The regions bordering Azerbaijan are still tense and better to be avoided, although there haven’t been major violent incidents since September 2023.

  • What currency is used in Armenia?

    The currency in Armenia is the dram. $1 (USD) is worth approximately 388.87 Armenian Dram. We recommend checking the exchange rate prior to the tour. There are ATMs available in all the big cities and most businesses will accept credit cards. However, it is recommended to have cash, especially in the rural areas where ATMs can be hard to find and credit cards may not be accepted. Euros and US dollars can be easily exchanged.

  • Are there any health precautions I should take before travelling to Armenia?

    There are no compulsory vaccines to enter armenia. However, travellers are advised to check with their healthcare provider for vaccinations. Common recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, Poli, and routine vaccinations.

  • What is the local etiquette and customs in Armenia?

    There are no clothing restrictions in Armenia, but legs and shoulders should be covered when entering an Armenian church. Sometimes, women can also be asked to cover their hair. Even though homosexuality was decriminalised in 2003, the population can still be intolerant. A considerable degree of social disapproval and rejection remains, which is why public displays of affection between people of the same sex are discouraged, including in the capital, Yerevan.

  • Is it possible to use a SIM card for mobile communication in Armenia?

    You can get a SIM card when arriving at the airport. They are also sold in mobile provider stores. Alternatively, you can get an eSIM, for example on the Airalo app. There is WiFi in most hotels, restaurants and cafes. Note that in most rural areas the signal could be weak.

  • Why travel to Armenia with Young Pioneer Tours?

    We know where to find the most of the beaten track spots, we not only know some very cool places, but also how to save money and make the most of a trip to Armenia. By travelling with us, you’re sure to find YPT’s ethos of good times, jam-packed itineraries, great food discoveries and a healthy dose of partying.

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