Armenia trip | Sleeping under the stars in Armenia

In the morning, you’ll set off on a half-day city tour of Yerevan, during which you’ll discover all the capital’s main sights. Yerevan is known as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history dating back to the 8th century BC. The city is bustling with life, featuring open-air cafés, eateries and lively markets. Enjoy panoramic views of the Opera House, the breathtaking backdrop of the two snow-capped biblical peaks of Mount Ararat, Swan Lake, the chic Northern Avenue and the impressive Republic Square, one of the city’s most beautiful and iconic spots.
You will then travel to the village of Garni, famous for its Hellenistic pagan temple dating from the 1st century AD. It is the only pagan temple in Armenia to have survived the country’s Christianisation. The location is made all the more special by the beautiful landscape and the impressive views of the gorge and surrounding mountains.
You will then visit Geghard Monastery (4th century AD), which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with special protection status. The complex comprises several churches and tombs, most of which are carved directly out of the rock, representing a highlight of Armenian medieval architecture. The whole site is situated in a stunning natural area, surrounded by steep cliffs at the entrance to the Azat Valley. Geghard is a favourite spot among locals for baptisms and weddings; with a bit of luck, you may unexpectedly witness a traditional ceremony.
The route also takes you through the gorge of the Azat River, where you can admire the natural wonder known as the ‘Symphony of Stones’ or ‘Basalt Organ’. These impressive basalt columns were formed by slowly flowing lava and constitute one of Armenia’s most beautiful geological formations. It is also a popular picnic spot for the region’s residents.

You leave Goris and continue your journey. Visit Khndzoresk, situated on the steep slope of a gorge, with both natural and man-made caves that were inhabited until the 1950s. Walk across Khndzoresk’s ‘Swinging Bridge’, a suspension bridge that connects the old and new parts of the village and hovers high above the gorge. To reach the bridge, you’ll need to descend quite a few steps.
You will then take a ride on the world’s longest cable car, the Wings of Tatev (5.1 km long). During the ride, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over the Vorotan Gorge. Once at the top, you’ll reach the Tatev monastery complex, once one of the first universities in medieval Europe. The church seems, as it were, to ‘grow out of the rocks’, which lends the complex a special grandeur. The monastery is also known as one of the first universities in Europe during the Middle Ages.
Finally, visit the Shaki Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Armenia. The sound of the falling water and the scent of the mountains make this an inspiring and unforgettable experience.
At the end of the day, you’ll leave your car in a dedicated, secure car park and be taken to Anapat Canyon by 4x4. This journey takes you along unpaved tracks and through breathtaking landscapes, giving you the full experience of a genuine off-road adventure. Once you arrive in the canyon, you’ll find yourself in the heart of a rugged and unspoilt nature reserve, surrounded by imposing rock formations and impressive gorges. Spending the night here is a unique experience: you’ll literally be sleeping in the heart of nature, surrounded by silence, a starry sky and the sounds of the surrounding canyon.

You’ll travel to Etchmiadzin, the centre of Armenian Christianity, often referred to as the ‘Vatican City of Armenia’ and the seat of the Holy See of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Visit Etchmiadzin Cathedral, built between 301 and 303 AD and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the world’s first state Christian church, the cathedral is renowned for its unique architecture and magnificent frescoes, which were painted over the centuries by successive generations of artists from the same dynasty. According to legend, Jesus Christ descended from heaven here to indicate where the church should be built.
You can also visit the 7th-century Zvartnots Cathedral, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was excavated and restored in the early 20th century. The cathedral’s bold design and construction represent the pinnacle of medieval architectural innovation. The original structure was a masterpiece of the Middle Ages, featuring unique design and construction techniques that influenced architecture worldwide.
Finally, you will return to Yerevan, where you will spend the night in the same hotel as during the first few nights of your trip. Here, you will also return your hire car and enjoy a final night in the capital before your journey home begins.