A two week trip through Armenia is an experience that combines ancient history, mountain landscapes, monasteries in impossible locations, delicious cuisine, and the distinctive hospitality of the Armenian people.
Although it's a small country, it's packed with places to discover: its modern capital, Yerevan; the imposing mountains that dominate the landscape throughout the country, with Mount Ararat at its forefront; and the southern cities, which offer a glimpse into a quieter side of the Armenian people.
On this 14-day itinerary, based on my own experience and accompanied by friends I met in Georgia, you'll be able to cover the essentials without rushing, with time to enjoy the most important sites, immerse yourself in the local culture, sample its delicious cuisine, and marvel at the authenticity of a destination still rarely visited by tourists. Armenia surprises you at every turn, and two weeks allow you to appreciate it in all its diversity.
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Regions that can be visited in Armenia
Although Armenia is a small country, each region has its own charm and is worth exploring to better understand its cultural and scenic diversity.
Yerevan and surrounding areas
The capital is the essential starting point. From here, you can take short excursions to iconic sites such as Khor Virap with its views of Mount Ararat, the Garni Temple, or the Geghard Monastery, a World Heritage Site.
Also in the surrounding area of the capital, you can visit Echmiadzin Cathedral, considered the first Christian cathedral in the world and a key place to understand the country's strong religious identity.
Southern Armenia: Goris
One of the most mountainous and spectacular areas. Here you'll find the Tatev Monastery, reached by the world's longest cable car, as well as picturesque villages like Goris and breathtaking canyon landscapes.
Northern Armenia (Lori and Tavush)
Although I didn't have time to visit this region, the north is the greenest part of Armenia. It's mountainous and has a more rural feel. The area is ideal for trekking and visiting monasteries like Haghpat and Sanahin. Tavush, near the border with Georgia.
Lake Sevan
The “Sea of Armenia,” a vast high-mountain lake offering beaches, monasteries on its shores, and a cuisine based on fresh fish.
What I liked most about Armenia
Of all the things I visited in Armenia, there are some places and moments that remain etched in my memory.
Mount Ararat
The first, without a doubt, was the view of Mount Ararat. It's breathtaking to see from different regions of the country: it rises from the plain and rises with mesmerizing majesty. It's not just a scenic spectacle; it also has profound historical and symbolic significance for Armenians, which makes it even more epic.
Khor Virap Monastery
Along those same lines, I was fascinated by the Khor Virap Monastery. Its location at the foot of Mount Ararat creates a unique contrast: the spirituality of the monastery in the foreground and, behind it, the grandeur of the mountain. It's a postcard I never tire of gazing at, and it perfectly sums up what Armenia is all about.
Goris and Tatev Monastery
Another of my favorites was Goris and Tatev Monastery. The town has a quiet charm, surrounded by mountainous landscapes and caves that invite trekking.
The monastery, perched high in a canyon, offers epic views that make it one of the most spectacular places in the country. It was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the trip.
My two week itinerary in Armenia
I stayed for six days in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. From there, I took the opportunity to explore not only the city itself, with its museums, squares, and cultural life, but also several of the major attractions located in the surrounding area.
Days 1-3: Yerevan: A guide to what to see, eat, and do in Armenia's capital (coming soon)
The Khor Virap Monastery is a landmark, famous for its stunning views of Mount Ararat in the background. It's one of the most photogenic and historical places I visited in Armenia.
Day 4: Khor Virap, how to get there from Yerevan, history, and the best view of Mount Ararat (coming soon)
The Etchmiadzin Cathedral is worth a visit as it is considered the oldest cathedral in Christianity. Its religious and cultural significance makes it a must-see destination for those who want to understand the country's spiritual history.
Day 5: Echmiadzin Cathedral, the Vatican of Armenia (coming soon)
The Garni Temple is the only vestige of the pagan period in Armenia. Its Hellenistic architecture and natural setting make it a unique place to explore and photograph.
The Geghard Monastery, partially carved into the rock, impressively combines history, architecture, and nature. A walk through its caves and interior chambers is unforgettable.
Day 6: How to visit Geghard Monastery, Garni Temple, and Symphony Stones in one day from Yerevan (coming soon)
Afterwards I moved to Goris, where I spent 4 days enjoying its particular charm. It's a city surrounded by mountains and rock formations that are reminiscent, just a little, of Turkish Cappadocia, with caves that can be explored on hikes.
From there, the star visit was the Tatev Monastery, one of the most epic places in Armenia, reached by cable car or by road, with impressive views of the canyons.
Days 7-10: Goris, Armenia's Little Cappadocia, and the epic Tatev Monastery (coming soon)
The trip continued with 3 days in Yeghegnadzor, a less visited area but one that has some things to offer.
I did a half-day trek to Spitakavor Church and visited Noravank Monastery, one of the most famous monastic complexes in Armenia, surrounded by reddish cliffs that make it even more spectacular.
Days 10-12: How to visit Noravank Monastery in Armenia (coming soon)
Finally, I returned to Yerevan, from where I finally said goodbye to my travel companions and crossed back into Georgia. This was the only option to continue my journey to Turkey, as the direct borders with Armenia remain closed.
Coming soon: Guide to traveling in Türkiye
It was a perfect ending to a tour that allowed me to discover different landscapes, cities, and monasteries in the country.
Can you visit Armenia in less than two weeks?
Yes, it is possible to explore Armenia in less time if you only have a few days, although you'll obviously want to prioritize the most iconic sites. For example, a 5 to 7 day trip can include the essentials of the country without feeling too rushed, combining Yerevan, the capital, a monastery such as Khor Virap or Geghard, combined with the Garni temple, and why not an additional excursion to a town in the south, to see mountainous landscapes.
This type of itinerary allows you to see the country's main attractions without overloading yourself with transportation. However, with less time, you won't be able to explore remote villages or distant monasteries in a leisurely manner.