Essence of Armenia

The Essence of Armenia tour offers an eight day journey through the country’s culture, cuisine and regional traditions, combining guided visits with meaningful local experiences that reflect Armenia’s varied landscapes and communities. You begin in Yerevan with a city tour, time at the Lusik Aguletsi house museum and a class where you prepare Gata before visiting the Gum market and enjoying dinner with folk music. The route continues to the Yezidi Temple of Aknalich and the medieval Amberd Fortress before reaching Gyumri, where local restaurants and a walking tour introduce the character of the city. Meetings with Molokan families in Fioletovo, time at Parz Lake in Dilijan National Park and dinner in a local home add a clearer sense of daily life in northern Armenia. Travel moves toward Lake Sevan for a boat trip and a visit to Sevanavank before continuing to Noratus for a khachkar carving class and a tasting at Mikaelyan’s cheese farm. Stops at the Selim Caravanserai, Noravank and the Areni Cave lead into lunch and wine tasting at Momik Winery before returning to Yerevan. Your final day includes Garni Temple, the Symphony of Stones and a lavash baking session in a village home, followed by time at Vernissage, where local artisans present handmade pieces that reflect regional traditions. The tour brings together cultural landmarks, food traditions and opportunities to learn from local families, offering a thoughtful introduction to Armenia’s heritage and regional flavours.