Planning an Armenia itinerary can feel overwhelming. Tourism is still in its early stages of development, and the language barrier presents additional challenges.
Even with Google Translate, we often found things were misunderstood, and Google reviews didn’t always match reality. A restaurant could have poor online ratings yet still be packed with locals. That unpredictability is part of the adventure.
Armenia rewards the effort with dramatic mountains, monasteries carved into cliffs, hearty food, and welcoming people.
Most travellers begin and end in Yerevan, but since we entered from Georgia, our journey started in Gyumri, which turned out to be our favourite destination in Armenia. This Armenia travel itinerary covers the highlights and can be tailored to work as either a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-day trip.
Quick Travel Tips for Armenia
Currency: Armenia uses the dram (AMD). The dram is not supported on money transfer apps like Wise or Revolut.
What worked best for us was PaySend, which lets you transfer money directly to a local card. This was essential since many guesthouses prefer to be paid with a card. PaySend was a real saviour during our trip.
Language: Armenian is the primary language, and Russian is widely spoken. English is not standard outside Yerevan, so expect some communication challenges.
Transport: The local taxi app is called GG. It is cheap and convenient, but not perfect. Place names are not always in English, and the pin system can sometimes be inaccurate.
Having a guide will make your Armenia itinerary much smoother. A guide helps with transport, ordering food, and explaining traditions you would otherwise miss.
It also makes the whole Armenia tour itinerary more enjoyable. Check out local guides here for the perfect Armenia itinerary.
Armenia Itinerary Day 1: Yerevan Highlights
Most visitors arrive in Yerevan, Armenia’s capital. If you have limited time, consider spending your first day exploring the city before heading into the countryside.
Things to do in Yerevan:
• Republic Square for the fountains and atmosphere
• Cascade Complex with its staircase and city views
• History Museum of Armenia for cultural context
• Vernissage Market for souvenirs and crafts
Yerevan is also full of trendy cafes and restaurants where you can try khorovats (Armenian barbecue), dolma, and lavash bread.
If you are on a short Armenia 3-day itinerary, you may want to skip staying overnight in Yerevan and head straight into the countryside.
Armenia Itinerary Day 2: Garni and Geghard
Garni and Geghard can be visited as a day trip from Yerevan, but staying one night in Garni allows for a slower pace.
Garni Temple
Garni Temple is the only surviving Greco-Roman style collonaded building in Armenia. Perched on a hill with mountains all around, it is one of those postcard-perfect sights where you really feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
The columns and setting give it a unique atmosphere compared to other historical sites in Armenia, and it’s easy to spend a while just soaking it all in.
Symphony of Stones
From the temple, you can head down into Garni Gorge to see the Symphony of Stones, a dramatic stretch of towering basalt columns formed by volcanic activity.
They resemble giant organ pipes stacked neatly against the cliffs, with a river running alongside them, making the whole scene even more impressive.
We walked as far down the hill as we could and cooled off with a quick dip in the icy water, it was such a refreshing stop on a hot day.
A word of warning: do not take a local taxi that drops you at the bottom of the gorge. Instead, use the miniature train that runs from the top, which is easy, cheap, and family-friendly.
Where To Eat in Garni
• 7 Qar Restaurant sits on a cliff edge with incredible views. If you go with a guide, they may arrange a lavash-making demonstration.
When we asked on our own, they wanted to charge us, so it is definitely better with a guide. The food was okay, but the views made it worth it.
Garni Avenue Cafe and Restaurant is perfect for coffee, cake, or a lighter lunch if you want a break from traditional food.
If you’d like to try an affordable, hands-on lavash class (the local flatbread), here’s a little secret the tour guides don’t usually mention: it takes place in the garden of Harmonia.
You may need to book in advance, but we were lucky enough to slip in between two sessions. Our kids loved getting involved, and afterwards we enjoyed fresh lavash served with local condiments.
Geghard
About 30 minutes outside Garni is Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is partly carved straight into the rock.
Walking through its dark stone chambers feels entirely different from other monasteries we visited in Armenia, more ancient, raw and almost otherworldly.
I don’t know if “Neolithic” is the right word, but that’s the vibe it gave off, like stepping into something much older than its actual medieval roots.
Inside one of the main chambers, a single ray of light shines down from above, cutting through the darkness in the centre of the church. It was such a magical moment, and the kids were in awe.
Just a short walk from the monastery is Geghardi Lich, a traditional wooden restaurant with open sides that overlooks the gorge.
In summer, it’s perfect, breezy, simple and very local. When we visited, they even offered a free lavash bread-making demonstration as we arrived, which was a real highlight alongside the hearty food. Staying overnight in Garni allows you to visit both sites at a leisurely pace.
Armenia Itinerary Day 3: Dilijan
After Garni, head into the hills to Dilijan, which people often refer to as the Switzerland of Armenia. I don’t know if I’d go that far, but it is definitely greener, cooler and feels like a breath of fresh air compared to the heat in Yerevan.
The first thing you notice is the fresh water springs around town. Locals pull up in their cars and fill huge bottles to take home, and you can drink straight from them. In fact, these fresh spring water fountains can be found throughout Armenia.
Dilijan is built on hills, and if you stay up high like we did, walking down into town is fine, but you’ll want a ride back up. The GG taxi app works here, although it can be a little clunky, so having a driver’s number can be helpful.
There’s a small park in town with a treetop ropes course that was a big hit with the kids. If you’re more into hiking, Dilijan National Park has plenty of trails, though even just wandering around the forest edges is lovely.
The old town is also worth a walk. It features cobblestone streets, small craft shops, and a glimpse of traditional village life. It isn’t big, but it gives you a feel for how the area once looked.
When it came to food, we ate out in town and found a mix of cuisines. Like most of Armenia, though, ordering wasn’t always straightforward. The language barrier often led to things coming out a little differently than expected.
About twenty minutes outside town, you’ll find Wolf Glamping, a quirky little spot with A-frames in the woods, campfires, and plenty of family activities.
The main draw for the kids was the giant rainbow slide, and they would have happily stayed there all day. It’s a fun option if you want to switch things up from hotels and guesthouses.
Gamping Wolf Mount is well worth a couple of nights if you have the time.
Dilijan was one of those places that grows on you the longer you stay. If you are only doing a 3-day Armenia itinerary, you will only scratch the surface, but with four or five days, you can slow down and really enjoy it.
Armenia Itinerary Day 3: Lake Sevan
From Dilijan, we took a day trip out to Lake Sevan, which is one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world. Sitting at around 1,900 meters above sea level, it covers almost 5% of Armenia’s entire land area, so it’s pretty hard to miss on the map.
The lake itself is stunning, with bright blue water and mountains all around. We couldn’t resist getting in for a dip, even though the water was on the chilly side. It felt fresh and clean, making it well worth the effort.
That said, Sevan is definitely not set up for visitors in the way you might expect. There aren’t many nice restaurants or cafes around the shoreline where you can sit back and enjoy the view.
Facilities are pretty basic, so it’s more of a “bring your own snacks and enjoy the nature” kind of stop.
It’s still worth seeing, even just for an afternoon, but go with managed expectations. The beauty is there, the infrastructure isn’t. If you have a guide, they might know the best picnic spots or quieter coves to make the most of it.
Armenia Itinerary Day 4: Gyumri
Gyumri ended up being our favourite stop in Armenia, and I honestly wish we had stayed longer. It has a chilled, authentic energy, and somehow feels far more kid-friendly than anywhere else we visited.
Every restaurant we went into had play areas inside, making it way easier to eat out without chaos.
One of the cutest things was the giant crossword wall. The kids got to write their names in Armenian, paint them on tiles, and stick them up on the wall. It’s called the ‘Wall of Namea and can be found at Varem Marem pottery shop in the backstreets of Gyumri.
If you happen to be in Gyumri over the weekend, don’t miss the water fountain show in the centre of town. It’s set to music and mesmerised the kids for ages. All of the locals congregate and socialise near the fountain on weekends.
Now, Gyumri isn’t just about play zones (though there are plenty of those), there are some memorable sights too.
The Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God, also known locally as the Seven Wounds, stands proudly on the north side of Vartanants Square.
Built in the late 19th century (1884-ish) and sitting across from the famous Holy Saviour’s Church, it’s a striking cruciform Armenian Apostolic cathedral with a massive central dome flanked by two smaller ones.
The original domes were lost in the ’88 quake, but the replacements now sit in the churchyard as a quiet reminder of what’s been rebuilt.
On the southern side of the same square is Holy Saviour’s Church, completed in 1872. It was modelled after the Ani Cathedral, but on a much larger scale, and it gave the area a sense of presence back in the day.
It even served as a concert hall during Soviet times and was repaired after the earthquake in the early 2000s
Food is part of the Gyumri magic. There’s a super local treat called a ponchik, think an almost air-filled doughnut with a delicate shell that gives way to fluffy sweetness.
The spots called Ponchik Monchik are everywhere, one on the main square and another in the park (where there’s a giant bouncy castle right next door).
The kids could not get enough. Another fun café, Baby Lu, has ample indoor space for kids to play while parents enjoy a moment to themselves. We also tried Ahwaz, a tasty Syrian spot that was a delicious detour from the usual Armenian fare.
Another highlight for the kids was the Museum of Illusions. It’s full of quirky interactive exhibits and photo ops.
Walking around the historic Kumayri district was lovely too – the red-and-black tuff stone buildings have survived two major earthquakes and give Gyumri a genuine heart and story.
It was the combo of time-worn architecture, lively squares, and extra kindness for families that made Gyumri stand out. If you’re plotting an Armenia itinerary, especially with kids, don’t miss this gem.
Variations of this Armenia Itinerary
3-day Armenia itinerary
If you are short on time, stick to the highlights. Spend your first day in Yerevan, then head out to Garni and Geghard with an overnight in Garni so you are not rushing. On the third day, make your way to Dilijan for a taste of the mountains and then return to Yerevan for your flight.
4-day Armenia itinerary
With an extra day, you can add Gyumri, which was hands down our favourite stop. Begin in Yerevan, followed by Garni and Geghard, with an overnight stay in Garni. Then, proceed to Dilijan, and continue to Gyumri before circling back to Yerevan.
5-day Armenia itinerary
This is where the trip starts to feel relaxed. Follow the 4-day route, but spend a bit longer in Dilijan for hiking, fresh air, and maybe even a night at Wolf Glamping.
Alternatively, give yourself an extra day in Gyumri to soak up the family-friendly cafés, ponchik doughnuts, and weekend fountain show.
6-day Armenia itinerary
Add a mix of both. Two nights in Dilijan give you time for the ropes course, a little hike, and some downtime, then move on for two nights in Gyumri so you can enjoy the squares, museums, and the laid-back vibe without feeling rushed.
7-day Armenia itinerary
A whole week lets you really slow down. Begin and end in Yerevan, spend one night in Garni to explore both the temple and Geghard at your own pace, then stay two nights in Dilijan, and conclude with two nights in Gyumri. This balance gives you city, history, mountains, and family fun all in one loop.
Final Thoughts
Armenia isn’t the easiest country to travel around. The language barrier is real, information online can be patchy, and even apps like Google Maps or reviews aren’t always reliable. But that’s precisely what makes it feel like a bit of an adventure.
This Armenia itinerary pulls together the main highlights into an easy route so you don’t waste time figuring things out on the spot. You’ll get a mix of ancient temples, dramatic monasteries, mountain towns and plenty of good food along the way.
Whether you go for three, four or seven days, the memories will stick with you. From the ponchik doughnuts in Gyumri to the basalt cliffs of Garni Gorge, it’s a country that surprises you in ways you don’t always expect.
Having a guide will smooth the journey and unlock extras, such as bread-making demos or hidden viewpoints, but even without one, this Armenia itinerary provides a good base for exploring one of the Caucasus’ most fascinating spots.
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