Our 3-Days Short Trip Itinerary in Armenia

My sister has decided that, for this year, she wants to spend her birthday in Armenia! So I, together with her friend, decided to join her on this trip.

Sevan Lake

We initially thought of availing the packaged tour offer from a travel company here in Dubai, but we were not lucky enough as there were only a couple of vouchers and it has already sold out when we checked. We were in a tight budget so we had to work around with what we have.

We had no choice but to plan out our trip by ourselves.

We booked a good cheap flight, economical hotel and we were referred to a local tour company. We want to see the places and touristic spots outside the city. I cross-checked his rates against the other local agencies… finally, we decided to go with this referred company instead. That’s because 1: He was highly recommended by my sister’s friend, and 2: His rates are very good.

Now, for the visa to enter the country… since we’re Filipinos, we can get our visa on arrival.

However, to avoid long queues at the airport and save time, I suggested we apply ahead online. Within the same day, we received our visas.

True enough, once we reached our destination, there was quite a long queue for Visa on Arrival. We arrived at the airport a little past midnight and we were extremely tired as we came straight from work! Good thing, our guide/tour agency included pickup/drop off on our 2-days packaged tour, and our guide was already waiting for us at the airport arrivals.

Now, straight to the hotel for a good rest!

We had a total of 2 full days and a half day in Armenia. The first 2 days were spent exploring outside the city, and on the last day, we just went around exploring the city of Yerevan. We booked our hotel near the Republic Square, which is practically the center of Yerevan, so most of the touristic spots are just around the corner/ within walking distance.

Beautiful view of the canyons. Just had to stop to capture this amazing view. Can’t help but jump for joy!

Anyway, let me share with you our 3-days itinerary:

Day one – we started our trip from 10AM and came back to Yerevan at 6:30 PM

Sevan Lake – about an hour drive from our hotel in Yerevan, we reached this expansive lake. Sevan lake is the largest body of water in Armenia and the Caucasus region. It is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude (alpine) lakes in Eurasia. The lake is situated in Gegharkunik Province, at an altitude of 1,900 m (6,234 ft) above sea level.

Sevanavank Monastery -considered as the oldest monastery in Armenia, Sevanavank Monastery is a monastic complex located on a peninsula at the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. Sevanavank is one of the most visited location in Armenia due to its close proximity to the capital, Yerevan.

Sevanavank Monastery

Garni Temple – The only Hellenic temple left in Armenia. The temple was restored in 1966 after an earthquake damaged the structure in 1679. It is the best-known structure and symbol of pre-Christian Armenia.

Geghard Monastery –  a medieval monastery in the Kotayk province of Armenia, being partially carved out of the adjacent mountain, surrounded by cliffs. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Geghard Monastery

Cascade Steps –

view from the Cascade steps, Yerevan, Armenia

is a giant stairway made of limestone in Yerevan, Armenia. Inside the Cascade, underneath the exterior steps, are seven escalators that rise along the length of the complex. There are also exhibit halls connected to some of the landings along the escalators which compose the Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art.

 

 

 

Day two – we started our trip early, around 8AM and came back to Yerevan around 8:30 PM

The sight of that bird flying above the church was something I didn’t wanna miss! I just had to snap quickly!

Khor Virap Monastery -Khor Virap’s notability as a monastery and pilgrimage site is attributed to the fact that Gregory the Illuminator was initially imprisoned here for 13 years by King Tiridates III of Armenia. Saint Gregory subsequently became the king’s religious mentor, and they led the proselytizing activity in the country. In the year 301, Armenia was the first country in the world to be declared a Christian nation

Areni Winery – I consider this as a MUST! Before leaving Armenia, make sure to include a visit to Areni Wine factory and taste the wide range of wines they have available! I particularly loved the Blackberry, Pomegranate, 16-year old Dry Red wine and 20 Year old Dry red wine.

Winery

Noravank Monastery –  a 13th-century Armenian monastery, located 122 km from Yerevan in a narrow gorge made by the Amaghu River, near the town of Yeghegnadzor, Armenia. The gorge is known for its tall, sheer, brick-red cliffs, directly across from the monastery. The surrounding view of the monastery is just breathtaking. Make sure you have enough space on your memory card!

Noravank Monastery

The Cable Car ride

Tatev Cable Car – a 5.7 km (3.5 mi) cableway between Halidzor and the Tatev monastery in Armenia. It is the longest reversible aerial tramway built in only one section, and holds the Guiness World Record for Longest non-stop double track cable car. The cable ride offers amazing views of the town and forest below.

Tatev Monastery – The Tatev Monastery is a 9th-century Armenian Apostolic monastery located on a large basalt plateau near the Tatev village in Syunik Province in southeastern Armenia. The term “Tatev” usually refers to the monastery. Around the monastery complex is a gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains. I also noticed a hiking trail sign on the opposite side of the monastery.

Shaki Waterfall –  a waterfall in Armenia with a height of 18 m. It is located in Syunik Province. The Shaki Waterfall is situated 6 km from the town of Sisian.

Because we finished our trip early and we have enough time, our guide took us to this beautiful waterfalls.

 

Day 3

Genocide Museum – The Armenian Genocide memorial complex is Armenia’s official memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide, built in 1967 on the hill of Tsitsernakaberd in Yerevan.

People leave flowers to show their respects to the victims of the Armenian Genocide

Blue Mosque – the only mosque in Armenia. The Blue Mosque is an 18th-century Shia mosque in Yerevan, Armenia. During the Soviet era, the mosque stopped its services and housed the History Museum of Yerevan.

 

Vernissage market – Yerevan Vernissage is a large open-air market in Yerevan, Armenia. The name of the market is the derived from the French word vernissage. Here you will see a variety of items, from unique pieces of art, handmade crafts to vintage items.

just some of the stuff you will find at the Vernissage Market

Places outside the city usually require long drives to get to, from one touristic spot to another. Our guide was very helpful. He has planned out our schedule carefully in order for us to enjoy our visit and see as much wonderful places as we can over our limited schedule. He also knows his history and his country very well!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s our budget / expenses for the whole trip:
3 Nights, 3 days
Departure from Dubai T2: Wednesday  9:30PM
Arrival Yerevan : Thursday 00:30 AM
Departure from Yerevan Airport: Saturday, 6:30PM
Arrival Dubai T2: 9:30PM

 

Air Ticket (Roundtrip) – AED 1,100.00 / person; via FlyDubai

Hotel :  AED 500.00 – total for a standard Triple Room incl Breakfast for 3 persons; 3 nights stay

Tour Guide : AED 1,100.00 – 2 days full tour, w/ Pick up and Drop Off, incl entries/tickets to sights

Food: 60-80 aed / meal – Good for 3 persons

Wine (Areni Winery) – costs from AED 22.00 to USD 40 per bottle

 

For more of our photos from Armenia, check them out here.

If you intend to visit Armenia soon and will need a guide, I highly recommend My Armenia Tours. Very accommodating and budget friendly too!