Our 4×4 holidays cover a wide variety of terrains and landscapes.
Travelling off road can take you further, wilder, deeper than other ways of travelling. Adventurous types can get to grips with some truly far flung places. Families can explore, experience and learn more about the world around them.
• Family orientated 4×4 adventures
• Off road adventure
• Explore the culture and landscape
• Accompanied with well prepared expedition vehicle
Day 1
Arrival to Yerevan. Transfer from the Airport. Hotel Accommodation. Overnight in Yerevan.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: B,L,D
Day 2
Yerevan – Amberd Fortress – Artik – Gyumry
After breakfast at the hotel we will have short briefing on the tour, board Toyota land cruisers and will drive to the North to the highest mountain of Armenia Aragats (4090 m) to visit Amberd Fortress a midcentury fort-city built during the 10th century. We will enjoy the landscape surrounding the fortress and alpine flowers near the fortress and on the wings of Aragats. Then we will have lunch. After lunch we will visit Saghmosavank Monastery built in 125 by the Noble Vache Vachutian. Leaving the monastery we will drive to the North-East towards Gyumry, which is the second city in Armenia visiting on the way Artik town rich with the monuments of Armenian culture. Here we will visit Harichavank Monastery built in 1201 and situated in the village of the same name in the Shirak district, on a cape formed by shallow ravines and the rivers flowing in them. Leaving the monastery we will continue our way to Giumry. After accommodation in the hotel in Gyumry we will have short city tour visiting the most interesting places and sights in one of the oldest cities in Armenia, which is also famous place for its historical-cultural traditions, strong art and crafts, education and also by film making industry (a lot of films were produced in Gyumry). After city tour we will have dinner tasting the food specific to Gyumry’ famous kitchen. Overnight in Gyumri.
Overnight: Hotel in Gyumri
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Gyumry – Arjut – Kurtan – Sanahin – Haghpat
After Breakfast at the hotel we will drive to the North-East towards Lori Region and after reaching village Arjut we will continue our way through the mountainous way towards Pushkin Pass. From there we will take our way Dzoraget river to the connection of Debed River canyon, surrounded by the mountainous beautiful natural and historical sites. Having lunch in Kurtan village we will drive to Sanahin village stopping on the way in one of the most beautiful places in northern Armenia called Sanahin Monastery Complex included in UNESCO Heritage Site. The complex was built in 966 A.C. and stands on a high plateau, amidst low structures, against the background of steep forest-grown slopes of Bazum ridge. After excursion in the complex we will drive to the hotel in Haghpat village surrounded by the rich flora where we will have dinner specific to the northern Armenian kitchen.
Overnight: Hotel in Haghpat
Meals: B,L,D
Day 4
Haghpat – Dilijan
After Breakfast at the hotel we will drive to Haghpat Monastery built in X century and standing against the background of steep forest-grown slopes of Bazum ridge. Leaving Haghpat Monastery we will drive to the South towards Ijevan town taking off-road through mountainous landscapes. Having picnic lunch in the nature we will continue our way to Dilijan National Park located on the upstream pool of Aghstev river, and surrounded by the Lesser Caucasus mountains. Here we will visit Goshavank Monastery built in XII century. Leaving the monastery we will continue our way to Dilijan town, where we will have dinner and stay for overnight.
Overnight: Hotel in Dilijan
Meals: B,L,D
Day 5
Dilijan – Lake Sevan – Selim Pass – Yeghegis – Sisian
After Breakfast we will drive to the South towards to Lake Sevan, which is the largest lake in Caucasus as well as one of the largest, and highest freshwater lakes of the world located on 1897m above sea level, depth is 90m, an area-1260km square, lengh-70km, width-55km and the volume is 58billion cubic meters. In summer, the middle temperature of lake surface is 18-23 degrees above zero, which is very convenient for swimming. After reaching the shore of Lake Sevan we will walk to the top of Sevan peninsula to visit Sevanavank monastery built in 305 A.C. by the daughter of King Ashot Bagratuni – Mariam and during the 9th century became the royal citadel of the Armenian Kings. Leaving the Peninsula we will drive to the South-West towards Selim Pass climbing up over 2,410m and following the historic Silk Road and visiting on the way Caravanserai built in 1331. Continuing our way we will drive to Eghegis State Sanctuary where we will first have picnic lunch, then we will visit the Fortress of King Smbat located on the top of mountain and built X – XI centuries with high and wide (2-3 m) pyramid type fort-walls and protected by the Artabuni River and deep canyons. From the fortress there is an amazing view to Tsakhats Kar Monastery and magic jeep route connecting it with the Citadel and telling us about the local legends and story about these two historical monuments. Leaving the fortress and monastery we will drive to Sisian town passing on the way Lake Spandaryan. We will stay for overnight in the hotel in Sisian, where we will have dinner participating in lavash baking and dinner, accompanied with performance of young dancers’ ensemble of Sisian.
Overnight: Hotel in Sisian
Meals: B,L,D
Day 6
Sisian – Tatev Monastery(Tatev Ropeway) – Old Khndzoresk – Sisian
After breakfast at the hotel we will drive to Tatev Monastery Complex built in 895-906, which is one of the most important Education and Religion Centers situated in medieval Syunik region and is under UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the way we will take Tatev Wings ropeway, which is the longest two-way ropeway of the world and flies above deep Vorotan gorge opening breath-taking views of the Vorotan Canyon. Visiting Tatev Monastery we will enjoy Tatev ensemble fitting in perfectly with the mountainous landscape around it. This gives the ensemble an original and majestic appearance. During the XIV and XV centuries it was famous for its university. Leaving Tatev Monastery we will have lunch in Tatev village, where we will explore Armenian village hospitality hosted by the local family, getting acquainted village family life, their culture and traditions. After lunch we will drive to Old Khndzoresk village, where we can visit the canyon of ancient cave residences of the people. On the way we will enjoy surrounding mountainous sights and beautiful city Goris. We will hike to the Old Khndzoresk gorge, while the jeeps will drive to the other side of the Gorge and meet us. Leaving these amazing cave residences we will drive back to the hotel in Sisian town, where we will have dinner and stay for overnight.
Overnight: Hotel in Sisian
Meals: B,L,D
Day 7
Sisian – Ukhtasar Mountain – Aghavnadzor – Areni – Yerevan
After breakfast at the hotel we will drive to one of the most ancient megalithic constructions of the world called Zorats Karer (Stonehenge). The two-meter pointed blocks last precisely from the south to the north, fencing large territory, in the center they form a correct circle. There is a hypothesis, that Zorats Karer is an observatory built in VI mil. B.C. Scientists have found similar constructions in many areas of Europe. The most known of them is the Stonehenge in England (II mil. B.C.). Leaving the Stonehenge we will take off-road rout to drive up to Ukhtasar Mountain. This trip is optional depending on the season. Driving closely to the top of Camel mountain (3300 meters above sea level) we will hike up to the lake called “Ukhtasar”, enjoy sightseeing and visit one of the unique wonders of the world, rock carvings of Ukhtasar Mountain from pre-historic era. After interesting mountainous excursion we will drive to Aghavnadzor village where we can explore Armenian village life typical to Vayots Dzor District culture and traditions. Introduction of old Armenian lifestyle, experiencing the hospitality and participating in Armenian Lavash (bread) baking and tasting, honey squeezing and tasting, cheese making and tasting and homemade wine and vodka tasting and also we can choose from national Armenian dishes such as tolma, harisa, apur, ghapama and many others during our lunch hosted by the local family. After Lunch we will drive to Areni Village to visit Areni Wine Factory, where we will be introduced and degustate different wines made with “Arnei” grape sort. After wine tour we will drive to Ararat Valley and enjoying the panoramic view of Ararat we will reach Yerevan, where we will have dinner and again enjoy night Yerevan.
Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan
Meals: B,L,D
Day 8
Yerevan City Tour(including Brandy Factory “Ararat”)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit Victory Park – Mother Armenia, from where we will have beautiful view of Yerevan. Our next stop will be at Matenadaran known as The Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, containing over 16,000 manuscripts documenting the centuries-old history of the Armenian nation, art, literature, and natural sciences. Manuscript art is one of the most unique examples of Armenia’s medieval culture. Then we will have lunch. After lunch we will visit Yerevan famous Brandy Factory “Ararat”, where we will be introduced with the history of Armenian Cognac with following degustation. Leaving Brandy factory visit Memorial of Armenian Genocide. Then we will walk in the center of the city visiting the monument to famous architect A. Tamanyan, Opera House. We will have Farewell Dinner in one of the nice restaurants in the center of Yerevan, tasting Armenian kitchen and enjoying Armenian music. After dinner we will embark on an evening tour of Yerevan city that includes walking through nice Northern prospect towards the Republic Square, where we can enjoy the Large Dancing Water Fountains. Late in the evening transfer to the Airport.
Meals: B,L
IMPORTANT: The above itinerary should be taken only as a general guide. While we will make every effort to adhere to it a variety of factors, including adverse weather conditions, political instability, or difficulties with transportation, can lead to enforced changes. When travelling to remote locations such as this, a flexible approach from all team members is necessary. If during your holiday the itinerary is effected by immediate or local circumstances, the leader will make any changes that are necessary. There will be an experienced local professional English-speaking guide and one or more support vehicle drivers. Trip participants need to bring their own personal clothing and equipment. Some items of equipment are available for hire from our local partners; please request information at the time of booking. We strongly recommend that you purchase your own personal equipment.
If you have any specific questions you would like answered please Contact Us and we will be pleased to help.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL: Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. This tour makes every effort to support the local economy by staying in family-run hotels that source locally produced food. It is important to generate income for the local economies, which are predominantly agricultural. We visit small local cooperatives where possible that incentivize more agricultural production. Staying in guesthouses allows us to walk away from the tourist route and sample some real Armenian hospitality as well as providing an income for smaller communities.
What’s Included
* English-speaking Tour leader/driver
* Airport – Hotel – Airport transfers
* All land transport throughout the trip
* All activities as per itinerary with all entry fees
* Hotel accommodation for 8 nights (hotels 3*)
* Breakfasts for 8 days
What’s Not Included
* Travel insurance
* Armenia Visa
* Soft and alcoholic drinks with the main meals unless otherwise specified, souvenirs etc.
Accommodation
3* hotels
Additional Pricing Information
The deposit for this trip is: 200 USD
Please note: If you have special dietary requirements (e.g. Vegetarian), let your Tour Manager know so they can notify restaurants.
- DAY 1
• Arrival to Yerevan
• Republic Square
• Heart of Armenia
- DAY 2
• Short briefing
• Visit Amberd Fortress
• Alpine flowers
- DAY 3
• Amazing Debed River canyon
• Beautiful nature and historical sites
• Specific Armenian kitchen
- DAY 4
• Picnic lunch in the nature
• Dilijan National Park
• Lesser Caucasus mountains
- DAY 5
• Lake Sevan pearl of Armenia
• Following part of Silk Road
• Lavash making and dinner
- DAY 6
• Tatev monastery by the longest cable tram in the World
• Visit Old Khndoresk cave town
• Explore Armenian village hospitality hosted by local family
- DAY 7
• Zorats Karer observatory (Armenian Stonehenge)
• Explore Armenian village life style
• Visit Areni winery for wine taste
- DAY 8
• Soviet-style facades
• History of the city
• Brandy Factory tour