Explore Armenia's hidden trails: Step off the tourist path and into the heart of authentic Armenia. Our Hidden Trails Tour is designed for curious travelers who want to experience both the country’s famous landmarks and its rarely visited treasures.
This journey blends the best of both worlds — from iconic sites like Geghard Monastery and Lake Sevan, to hidden villages, ancient ruins, and breathtaking landscapes few travelers ever see. Along the way, you’ll meet local families, explore untouched nature, and discover stories that don’t appear in guidebooks.
If you’re looking for a deeper, more meaningful adventure in Armenia, the Hidden Trails Tour is your invitation to explore the country beyond the ordinary.
Day 1: Arrival
- Meet and greet, transfer airport/hotel
- OVERNIGHT: 3* Hotel in Yerevan
Day 2: The Soul of Yerevan: Guided Walking Tour
- Republic Square: The heart of Yerevan, known for its elegant architecture, historical buildings, and the iconic singing fountains that light up the evenings.
- Cafesjian Center for the Arts: A modern art museum inside the Cascade Complex, showcasing both international and Armenian contemporary art with panoramic views over the city.
- Opera and Ballet Theater: An architectural gem and cultural hotspot, the Opera House is the centerpiece of Yerevan’s artistic life, surrounded by beautiful parks and cafés.
- Northern Avenue: A lively pedestrian street connecting Republic Square to the Opera House, lined with modern boutiques, restaurants, and sculptures.
- Soviet-Era Underground Metro: Take a ride on Yerevan’s surprisingly artistic metro system, built in the 1980s, known for its deep stations and Soviet modernist design.
- Kond Old Block: One of Yerevan’s oldest surviving neighborhoods, where narrow alleys, stone houses, and authentic local life reveal the hidden soul of the city.
- MEALS: Breakfast
- OVERNIGHT: 3* Hotel in Yerevan
Day 3: Yerevan to Gyumri: Urban Charm & Spiritual Silence
- Gyumri — The Artistic City: Discover the charm of Gyumri, Armenia's second-largest city, known for its historical buildings, creative spirit, and colorful markets. Explore Vardanants Square, the Kumayri Historic District, and the local art scene.
- Black Fortress (Sev Berd): Perched above the city, the Black Fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views of Gyumri and the surrounding countryside. Learn about its history and significance, and enjoy the serene atmosphere at this iconic site.
- Marmashen Monastery: Experience the serenity of this 10th-century monastery set on a scenic hill, known for its stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings.
- MEALS: Breakfast
- OVERNIGHT: Jinjotel Guesthouse in Gyumri
Day 4: Dsegh, Bardzrakash & Tsover Lake
- Dsegh Village: Start your journey in Dsegh, a picturesque village nestled in the mountains. Known for its serene atmosphere, it offers stunning views and rich cultural history.
- Hike to the Ruins of Bardzrakash Monastery: Begin your journey with a hike to the hidden Bardzrakash Monastery ruins, a peaceful 13th-century site nestled in nature.
- Panoramic View Trail: After exploring the monastery, continue along a scenic panoramic trail offering breathtaking views over the Debed Gorge and surrounding landscapes.
- Tsover Lake: A peaceful, scenic lake surrounded by nature, offering a serene escape with calm waters and breathtaking views.
- MEALS: Breakfast
- OVERNIGHT: Chamich BB in Debed
Day 5: Hidden Monasteries Hiking Tour — From Odzun to Kobayr
- Odzun Monastery (5th-7th Century): One of Armenia’s oldest basilica-style churches, offering beautiful views over the Debed Gorge.
- Hiking Route from Odzun to Horomayr & Kobayr: From Odzun village, enjoy a scenic hike through the Debed Canyon, reaching the hidden gems Horomayr and Kobayr monasteries.
- Horomayr Monastery (10th-13th Century): A hidden monastery partly built into the cliffs, known for its peaceful setting and dramatic landscape.
- Kobayr Monastery (12th Century): A medieval monastery with preserved frescoes and stunning views, tucked away in a lush canyon.
- Gosh Village: A cozy mountain village, known as the birthplace of the famous medieval scholar Mkhitar Gosh
- MEALS: Breakfast
- OVERNIGHT: Arevi Hotel in Gosh
Day 6: Monasteries & Forest Trails of Tavush
- Goshavank Monastery (12th-13th Century): A remarkable monastic complex, known for its finely carved khachkars and elegant medieval architecture.
- Hike to Aghavnavank (12th Century): Enjoy a scenic hike through Dilijan National Park’s oak forest to reach the peaceful and hidden Aghavnavank Monastery.
- Haghartsin Monastery (10th-13th Century): Nestled deep in the forest, this beautifully restored monastery is one of the Tavush region’s most treasured spiritual sites.
- Hike to Hidden Waterfall: Take a short, self-guided hike through the forest near Haghartsin Monastery to discover a peaceful, hidden waterfall — a perfect spot for nature lovers.
- Dilijan: Known as “Armenia’s Little Switzerland,” Dilijan charms visitors with its nature trails, old town streets, and cozy atmosphere.
- MEALS: Breakfast
- OVERNIGHT: Daravand Guesthouse in Dilijan
Day 7: Silk Road Legacy: From Orbelyan Pass to Zolakar
- Hike to Matosavank Monastery (13th Century): Hike on your own through the forest to reach the serene Matosavank Monastery, a hidden gem offering peace and beautiful surroundings.
- Hayravank Monastery (9th-12th Century): A cliffside monastery on the shores of Lake Sevan, offering panoramic lake views and ancient charm.
- Noratus Cross-Stones (Khachkar Field): The largest collection of medieval khachkars (cross-stones) in Armenia, an open-air stone art museum.
- Zolakar Village: Visit a well-preserved traditional Armenian house in Zolakar Village.
- Orbelyan Mountain Pass: A historic and scenic mountain pass that connects the Vayots Dzor and Ararat regions. Once part of the Silk Road, it offers stunning views of rugged landscapes and is a key historical route in Armenia.
- Orbelian Caravanserai (14th Century): A well-preserved Silk Road caravanserai that once sheltered travelers crossing the rugged mountain passes.
- MEALS: Breakfast
- OVERNIGHT: Arevi Hotel in Yeghegis
Day 8: Panoramas & History: Smbataberd, Zorats, and Yeghegnadzor
- Hike to Smbataberd Fortress (9th Century): Enjoy a scenic hike up to Smbataberd Fortress, perched on a hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the Ararat Valley and surrounding landscapes.
- Zorats Church (5th Century): A small, ancient church known for its unique architecture and historical significance, offering a glimpse into early Christian Armenia.
- Yeghegnadzor: The capital of the Vayots Dzor region, a picturesque town nestled between mountains, known for its ancient history, local wine culture, and stunning landscapes.
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch Box
- OVERNIGHT: Gohar's BB in Yeghegnadzor
Day 9: Cliffs and Canyons: Spitakavor Monastery Hike & Jeep Ride
- Hike from Vernashen to Spitakavor Monastery (13th Century): Start your adventure with a scenic hike from Vernashen to the Spitakavor Monastery, a 13th-century site perched on a cliff, offering stunning views of the surrounding valley. Afterward, enjoy a jeep ride back to Vernashen.
- Noravank Monastery (12th-13th Century): After the hike, visit the famous Noravank Monastery, renowned for its beautiful location in the red rock canyon.
- Return to Yerevan: End the tour with a drive back to Yerevan, reflecting on the day’s adventure and the beautiful historical sites.
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch Box
- OVERNIGHT: 3* Hotel in Yerevan
Day 10: UNESCO Monasteries & Volcanic Wonders Tour
- Garni Temple (1st Century): Explore the Garni Temple, the only Greco-Roman colonnaded building in Armenia, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Azat River gorge.
- Geghard Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 4th-13th Century): A UNESCO-listed site, Geghard Monastery is known for its rock-cut architecture and tranquil setting in the cliffs of the Azat River gorge.
- Symphony of Stones: Visit the Symphony of Stones, a natural formation of hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity, resembling a grand organ in the heart of the Azat Gorge.
- Azat Reservoir: Enjoy the scenic views from the Azat Reservoir, where you can gaze upon the beautiful waters with a stunning backdrop of the legendary Mount Ararat.
- MEALS: Breakfast
- OVERNIGHT: 3* Hotel in Yerevan
Day 11: Departure
- Transfer to airport
PRICE € 1590
per person (based on two participants)
Price includes:
- Hotel accommodation with breakfast
- 2x lunch boxes
- Excursions that are part of the program
- Professional English speaking Guide during city tour in Yerevan
- Local Hiking Guide services (to Bardzrakash, Horomayr, Kobayr, Smbataberd and Spitakavor)
- English speaking driver/coordinator
- Transportation in comfortable air-conditioned car
- Jeeping service as per itinerary
Price excludes:
- Air ticket
- Entrance visa
- Single room surcharge
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance
- Optional cancellation insurance
- Tips for bus driver and guide
- Personal expenses