Armenia in 5 days: an itinerary city by city

What the route costs

17 of 22 are free; 5 charge entry — prices below, check them on site.

Armenia itinerary: how the five days work

The first three days are the 3-day Yerevan itinerary: the centre on foot and two trips out of town, back to Yerevan each night. Then north to Dilijan, west through Vanadzor to Gyumri, and from Gyumri back to Yerevan: about 3 hours by train or 2.5–3 hours by minibus.

Transfers are short — 1–2.5 hours — and best done in the morning. On the way to Dilijan, almost on the highway, is Sevanavank monastery on Lake Sevan.

By car or without

Easiest by car or with a driver: in Dilijan, Haghartsin and Lake Parz are 14–18 km from the centre, and there are few direct buses between Dilijan and Gyumri. Without a car: buses or taxis from Yerevan to Garni, Geghard, Etchmiadzin and Khor Virap, a minibus to Dilijan, and the train from Yerevan to Gyumri, about 3 hours.

The towns on the route

Yerevan — the 572-step Cascade, the tuff Republic Square and the Matenadaran manuscripts. Dilijan — a resort in the forests of the national park, with Sharambeyan Street and the Mimino statue. Gyumri — Armenia's second city: the Black Fortress, Vardanants Square and the streets of old Kumayri.

Where to stay

Three nights in Yerevan, one in Dilijan and one in Gyumri. If you would rather not move, Dilijan also works as a day trip from Yerevan.

Armenia in 7 days

Add the south with Tatev monastery. Yerevan has itineraries for 1, 2 and 3 days.

How to do it right

• The Matenadaran is closed on Sundays and Mondays, Garni on Mondays.
• The Dilijan local museum is closed on Mondays.
• Dress modestly for monasteries; women wear a headscarf in church.
• Armenia uses the dram (AMD). Cards work in Yerevan cafés and museums; minibuses and markets want cash.
• Leave the gorges before dark: the mountain roads have no lights.

Questions