• • Learning about the Armenian Genocide through the many exhibits at the Genocide Museum and seeing the eternal flame at the nearby memorial
  • Watching a sea of traffic converge at Republic Square
  • Wandering countless stalls of pickled vegetables, fragrant spices, and live animals at the Armenian Market in Yerevan
  • Climbing the many steps of the Cascade for a bird’s-eye view of Yerevan
  • Staring in awe at the Hellenic Garni Temple and admiring the vast valley below
  • Crawling around the Geghard Monastery and finding dark cavernous rooms illuminated by filtered sunlight
  • Gazing up at the 23 meter statue of Mother Armenia and exploring the Military Museum that tells the story of Soviet Armenia
  • Descending the 7 meter ladder into the dark well of the Khor Virap Monastery with Mt Ararat in the distance

Armenia in 1 Week

Day 1-2, Yerevan: Spend the first day exploring Yerevan, Armenia’s bustling capital city. Learn about a dark period in the country’s history at the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum. Continue the history lesson with a visit to the Mother Armenia statue and the collocated Military Museum that tells the story of Soviet Armenia. Walk down M. Mashtots Ave., one of the city’s main thoroughfares, and climb the stairs of the Cascade for a great workout and expansive views of the city. Don’t forget one of Yerevan’s most unique cultural experiences – its main market which promises to stimulate all senses with live animals, fresh vegetables, and fragrant spices.

Day 3-4, Outside Yerevan: Within a relatively short drive of Yerevan, several rich day trips are available. Experience Armenian history with a visit to the Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery. Learn more about the country’s religious history with a visit to the Khor Virap Monastery, a well-known pilgrimage site with Mt Ararat looming in the background. While there, make sure to descend the monastery’s 7 meter well (deep beneath the floor) for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Day 5, Dilijan: For some fun in the mountains, head north to Dilijan. Explore the historic center and then hike through the surrounding mountains.

Day 6-7, Lake Sevan: Take a couple days to relax at Lake Sevan. Enjoy time on the beach and enjoy some of the popular summertime activities such as beach volleyball and waterskiing.