Armenia Tour Packages

1. About Armenia
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Armenia
4. Armenia At A Glance
5. Top Reasons To Visit Armenia
6. Best Time To Visit Armenia
7. Top Cities to Visit In Armenia
8. Top Things To Do In Armenia
9. Shopping In Armenia
10. Dos and Don’ts For Indian Travellers
11. Foods To Try Out In Armenia
12. Art And Culture In Armenia

Eastern Armenia, also known as the First Republic of Armenia, gained its independence in 1918. The Russian Army conquered Armenia in 1920. It was a part of the Soviet Union until 21st September 1991, thereby becoming one of the first nations to gain independence from the Soviet Union. Occasional fights took place between Azerbaijan and Armenia regarding the control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region after the independence of the latter, and these fights eventually led to a war. Armenia’s current constitution was drafted in 1995. It was amended first in 2005 when the form of government was changed from a presidential system to a semi-presidential system. It was amended again in 2015 when the country transitioned from a semi-presidential system to a parliamentary democracy. Armenia has been a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) since 2014.

The economy of Armenia includes various sectors, such as agriculture, industrial production, trade, construction, and transport. Agriculture plays a significant role in the country’s economy, especially small-scale farming. The major industries in Armenia include mechanical engineering, chemical, metalworking, foodstuffs, petrochemical, light, marble, granite, limestone, and non-ferrous metallurgy. Some of the products grown in the country are watermelons, melons, tobacco, grapes, wheat, potatoes, sugar beet, and plants that produce essential oils.

• Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion, back in 301 AD.
• The winery within the Areni-1 Cave in Armenia is said to be the oldest known winery in the world.
• Armenia is home to the longest reversible aerial tramway in the world, known as the Wings of Tatev.
• Lavash, which is the traditional Armenian bread, was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2014.
• The Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Armenia is considered to be the oldest cathedral in the world.
• The Armenian alphabet is very unique, consisting of 39 letters.
• Yerevan, which is the capital of Armenia, is known to be one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
• The apricot is the national fruit of Armenia.
• Chess is a mandatory subject in Armenian schools for kids between grades two and four.
• Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, is called the ‘pink city’ because of the pink tuff stone that was used to create many of its buildings.

• The main international airport in Armenia is the Zvartnots International Airport.
• Always carry a copy of your passport when you’re out sightseeing, in case a law enforcement official requests to see it.
• The taxis in Yerevan are pretty affordable and serve as a good alternative to public transportation.
• If you’re hailing a taxi in Yerevan, remember to only go for registered taxi services.
• Although having tap water in the urban areas of Armenia is acceptable, it’s best to avoid it. Always carry bottled water wherever you go.
• Remember that it’s illegal to take photographs of uniformed officers and government or military sites.
• Waterborne and foodborne diseases can be common in Armenia, which is why tourists should remember to drink bottled or boiled water and avoid eating undercooked or raw food.
• Remember that some medications are illegal in Armenia, including certain sleep-inducing tablets and medicines with codeine. Therefore, check your medicines before you travel with them.

Here are some of the reasons why you should book GT Holidays’ Armenia tour packages immediately:

The rich historical and cultural heritage of Armenia is evident through its monasteries, cathedrals, and architectural ruins. The monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, located in the Lori Province of Armenia, for example, are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for their intricate architecture. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site to take note of is the Geghard Monastery, which was established by Gregory the Illuminator. Some of the other cultural and historical spots you can visit with our Armenia tour packages include the Garni Temple, Zvartnots Cathedral, and Khor Virap.

One of the main joys of visiting a new place is getting to taste the destination’s cuisine, which is what you can do with our Armenia tour packages. The culture of the country is well reflected through the beloved dishes that have been passed down from one generation to another. Meat, fish, greens, dried fruits, and dairy products are some of the staples in Armenia’s cuisine. Try out khorovats, which are considered Armenian shish kebabs. You can’t miss having lavash, the popular Armenian bread which has been recognised by UNESCO. Remember to also drink some Ararat, the world-renowned Armenian brandy.

Beyond the beautiful landscapes and gorgeous tourist attractions, another reason why visiting Armenia is a delight is because of the warm and hospitable nature of the locals. Armenians welcome tourists with open arms and do their best to make them feel comfortable. Don’t be surprised if you get invited to a local’s home, especially in the villages and remote regions. When you do, remember to bring a gift for the locals and listen intently as they talk about their ancient traditions and legends while serving you Armenian delicacies.

Did you know that Armenia was recognised as the ‘Destination of the Year for Adventure Tourism’ at the PATWA International Travel Awards in 2025? This alone should give you an idea of the number of adventurous activities you can indulge in with our Armenia tour packages. Be it water-based adventures, such as paddleboarding, rafting, and jet skiing, or something like paragliding, ziplining, or rock climbing, Armenia has it all.

Did you know that Armenia is one of the oldest wine regions in the world? The winery within the Areni-1 cave complex discovered by archaeologists proves that winemaking was practiced at this location about 6,000 years ago. The total vineyard surface in Armenia is said to be approximately 15,574 hectares, with the country being home to over 150 wine producers. We can also arrange some wine tasting tours for you in the province of Vayots Dzor with our Armenia tour packages.

The climate of Armenia is mostly dry and continental, but the climate does vary depending on the region. Most of the country, particularly in the areas of higher altitude, experiences a continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The western region, on the other hand, has an arid continental climate, characterised by extremely hot summers, relatively mild winters, and low rainfall. Let’s take a look at what each season in Armenia is like so you can accordingly decide when to book our Armenia tour packages:

Armenia is gorgeous during springtime, with flowers blossoming all around and the sight of apricot trees with their soft pink and white colours. The temperature during this season ranges from 10 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. The pleasant weather makes it perfect to indulge in outdoor activities. There are fewer crowds at this time. Some of the festivals you can enjoy during spring with our Armenia tour packages include Yerevan’s International Jazz Day and the Dolma Festival.

During the summer season, the temperature in Armenia oscillates between 11 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius. In the cities and lowlands, though, it gets incredibly hot, with the temperature often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Despite the high temperature, you will find locals enjoying the sunshine and spending time at the many outdoor cafes and restaurants, especially in the capital city. The weather is cooler in the hill stations, and you can take up trekking and hiking opportunities in the provinces of Tavush and Lori. This is the ideal time to engage in swimming and watersports at Lake Sevan. The festivals you can experience at this time with our Armenia tour packages include the Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival, Yerevan Beer Festival, and Dilijan Wine Festival.

During the autumn season, the temperature in Armenia ranges from 15 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. The landscape is filled with hues of yellow and orange, and it’s the perfect time to explore historical locations, such as Khor Virap and Garni Temple. Autumn in Armenia is associated with agricultural bounty and harvesting, and tourists must visit the vineyards at this time and go wine tasting. Some of the festivals that take place in Armenia at this time are the Harvest Festival, Gata Festival, Areni Wine Festival, and Erebuni-Yerevan Festival.

In the winter season, the temperature in Armenia ranges from 5 degrees Celsius to -5 degrees Celsius. Between December to February, the temperature during the day doesn’t usually go beyond 0 degrees Celsius. The nights are even colder, often falling below 0 degrees Celsius, and be prepared for the mountainous areas to have temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius. Amidst this snow-covered wonderland, you can enjoy activities such as skiing, ice skating, sledding, and snowboarding. The beauty of Christmas markets and festive decorations makes the winter ambience of Armenia lively. Remember that the snowfall could lead to road closures, so plan your trip accordingly. There are usually fewer tourists at this time. The events and festivals to enjoy with our Armenia tour packages during this season include the Snow Art Festival, Christmas, and New Year.

Yerevan is the capital of Armenia and its largest city. Serving as the cultural, administrative, financial, and industrial centre of Armenia, the city is located along the Hrazdan River, which is the second largest river in the country. Despite being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Yerevan has a modern and vibrant spirit, perfectly blending its contemporary energy with its rich historical past. Walk around Republic Square, which is home to noteworthy buildings and pieces of architecture. This includes the Government House, the History Museum of Armenia, and the National Gallery of Armenia. You can also enjoy some breathtaking views of Mount Ararat from Yerevan. With GT Holidays’ Armenia tour packages, you can visit many of the popular places in Armenia’s capital city, such as the Matenadaran, Cascade Complex, and Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Dilijan is a town situated in Armenia’s Tavush Province. Nestled in the northern region of Armenia, it’s often called the ‘Switzerland of Armenia’ because of its picturesque landscapes, lush forests, and alpine meadows. The town is also known for its rich wildlife and is home to four national parks. The most popular one to visit with our Armenia tour packages is the Dilijan National Park. There are plenty of activities you can engage in amidst its natural beauty, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park has about 40 species of mammals, 800 species of beetles, and around 150 bird species. The other tourist attractions in Dilijan you can visit are the Haghartsin Monastery, Goshavank Monastery, and Lake Parz.

Gyumri is the second largest city in Armenia. It was once a part of the Soviet Union, during which several factories were set up, thereby transforming the city into a significant industrial hub. You can visit the historical Russian imperial fortress called the Black Fortress. Also known as Sev Berd, the construction of the fortress started in the 1830s. As you go around Gyumri, make sure to visit the Kumayri Historic District, Mother Armenia, Vardanants Square, and the Gallery of Mariam and Eranuhi Aslamazyan Sisters.

Jermuk is among the most popular resort towns in Armenia. Located in the Vayots Dzor province, it’s situated at a height of 2,080 metres above sea level. Highly renowned for its mineral waters and hot springs, the healing nature of Jermuk’s waters helped in popularising it as a spa destination. The wellness properties of the town’s waters have been recognised since ancient times. During the Soviet era, various wellness facilities and hotels were constructed in the region to capitalise on the town’s natural mineral resources. The symbol of Jermuk is a deer, and there’s an interesting story behind it. According to legend, a wounded deer once came to seek refuge in the town’s mineral waters and was miraculously healed because of it. This is how the symbol of a deer came to be associated with Jermuk. The places to visit in the town with our Armenia tour packages include the Jermuk Waterfall, Gndevank Monastery, Jermuk Ropeway, and Jermuk Mineral Water Gallery.

Wondering which places you can explore with our Armenia tour packages? Here are the tourist attractions you can visit with your family and the thrilling activities you can participate in during your trip to Armenia:

Lake Sevan in Armenia is among the largest freshwater and alpine lakes in Eurasia. Located in the Gegharkunik Province in the northern part of the Armenian Volcanic Highland, the lake is nestled 1,905 metres above sea level. The lake is divided into two connected parts. There is the Bolshoy Sevan located in the southeastern part, with a depth of 131 feet. The other is called Maly Sevan, which is deeper and situated in the northwestern part and has a maximum depth of 282 feet. Widely popular as the national treasure of the country, Lake Sevan is known as the ‘jewel of Armenia’.

The Geghard Monastery is located in Armenia’s Kotayk province in Azat Valley. Back in the day, Geghard Monastery was known as Ayrivank, which means ‘Monastery of Caves’ in Armenian. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Founded by Gregory the Illuminator in the 4th Century, the monastery was partially carved out of a mountain, and the complex includes churches, tombs, and monastic cells.

The Garni Temple is the only surviving pagan temple in Armenia. Built by King Tiridates I in 76 AD, it stands as a shining example of Hellenistic architecture. The temple complex houses the ruins of a Roman-style bath and a two-storey royal palace, both of which date back to the late 3rd century. The structure bears resemblance to the Temple of Haldi in Musasir. While the latter was dedicated to God Haldi, Garni Temple was dedicated to Mithra, the Sun God. In 2011, the Museum-Reservation of Garni was awarded the Melina Mercouri International Prize by UNESCO for the Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes.

The Tatev Monastery is an Apostolic monastery situated close to the Tatev village in Armenia’s Syunik Province. Founded in the 9th century, it overlooks the Vorotan River. During the medieval period, the monastery complex housed a university that contributed massively to the development of science, philosophy, and religion in the country. The complex has three churches, namely Saint Astvatsatsin, Saint Grigor, and Saint Poghos-Petros. The journey to reach the Tatev Monastery is even more interesting, as it includes riding the Wings of Tatev, which is the longest reversible aerial tramway in the world.

The Areni-1 Cave in Armenia, also known as Birds’ Cave, is a cave complex located in the Vayots Dzor province of the country. The cave is home to the oldest winery in the world, dating back to 4100 BC. A team of Armenian and Irish archaeologists unearthed the winery in 2007. Another interesting discovery associated with the Areni-1 Cave is that of a shoe. In 2008, archaeologists discovered the world’s oldest leather shoe within the cave complex.

Noravank Monastery is an Armenian monastic complex that was founded by Bishop Hovhannes in 1105. The term ‘Noravank’ means ‘new monastery’ in Armenian. The monastery was once closely related to the Tatev Monastery and University of Gladzor through their educational activities and libraries. Among its most popular bishops was Bishop Stepanos Orbelian, who wrote the historical text called The History of the State of Sisakan.

The Amberd Fortress in Armenia is located on the southern slope of Mount Aragats. Perched at an altitude of 2,300 metres above sea level, it was founded in the 7th century. Also known as the ‘Fortress in the Clouds’, the fortress was invaded towards the end of the 11th century by Seljuks from Central Asia.

The Zvartnots Cathedral is situated about 20 km away from Armenia’s capital, Yerevan. Constructed during the 7th century, the cathedral was ruined during an earthquake in the 10th century. Also known as the ‘Temple of the Vigilant Angels’, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The cathedral is renowned for its medieval Armenian architecture, featuring a central dome supported by four huge pillars and a rectangular layout.

Khor Virap is an Armenian monastery located in the Ararat Valley, with the mesmerising Mount Ararat serving as its background. The name of the monastery translates to ‘deep dungeon’ in Armenian. The location has historical significance as this is where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years. The imprisonment was ordered by King Tiridates III due to Saint Gregory’s preaching of Christianity. After witnessing the healing powers of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the king was left in awe and decided to convert to Christianity. This eventually led to Armenia becoming the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion.

• Wakeboarding, waterskiing, and jet skiing on Lake Sevan
• Paragliding from Mount Hatis
• Ziplining in Tsaghkadzor, the Hrazdan Gorge, and Yenokavan
• Hot air balloon rides in Yerevan
• Rafting in Debed River
• Paddleboarding on the Azat Reservoir
• Rock Climbing in the Noravank Gorge

Armenia surely has some interesting souvenirs for tourists to check out. Listed below are the things to shop for in Armenia and the best places to shop from:

If you’re looking for a particularly unique Armenian souvenir to take back home for your loved ones, then you can’t go wrong with Armenian brandy. While there are various kinds of brandy to pick from, the one named Ararat is the most popular across the world. There are various sizes available, so you can choose something based on your preference.

The art of carpet weaving in Armenia is an ancient tradition reflecting the rich history and artistic heritage of the country. These carpets are available in numerous colours, shapes, and sizes. One of the most popular places in Armenia where you can buy carpets from is the Vernissage Market in Yerevan.

The traditional jewellery of Armenia is decorated with unique religious and cultural symbols related to the country. As you explore the markets of Armenia with our Armenia tour packages, you will come across gold jewellery, silver jewellery, and also those adorned with gemstones. Remember to also check out the unique pomegranate jewellery available in the country.

Armenia is known for its delicious dried fruits, which include peaches, plums, and apricots. The dried fruits in Armenia are dried naturally in the sun. Rich in vitamins and minerals, these can either be consumed on their own or you can also dip them in chocolate to increase the sweetness.

In addition to traditional wine, Armenia is known to produce some of the most exquisite fruit wines. These fruit wines are often made from raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, cherries, plums, and apricots. At the moment, the country has over 400 varieties of grapes, all of which contribute to the wine production in Armenia.

A khachkar is an Armenian memorial stele that is carved from stone by skilled artisans in the country. The stele has a cross along with intricate motifs and geometrical patterns, including religious elements, rosettes, and botanical designs. These were added to UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010. If you want to carry back a piece of Armenian art and history, then you can buy a khachkar for yourself.

• Vernissage Market: For jewellery, scarves, paintings, wooden items.
• Yerevan Mall: For makeup, clothes, bags.
• Treasures of Nina: For clothes, bags, accessories, souvenirs.
• Dalma Garden Mall: For perfumes, shoes, accessories, fashion brands.

• While credit and debit cards are accepted in the bigger markets in Armenia, it’s better to carry cash when you travel to the remote regions, as they may not accept online payments.
• Bargaining and negotiating are common and acceptable in the Armenian markets.
• Check out the locally made souvenirs, as they help support the local artists and their livelihoods.

• When you visit someone’s home in Armenia, remember to bring a little gift. This could also include flowers for the host/hostess or a little toy for a child.
• Learn some basic Armenian phrases, such as ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’, as this shows a certain amount of respect towards the locals.
• Always be respectful towards the religious and spiritual locations in Armenia, and remember to dress modestly when you visit such places.
• If you meet an elderly person, treat them with respect and listen intently as they speak or give advice to you.
• The culture of Armenia is quite conservative, so stay away from public displays of affection.
• Keep the surroundings of the country clean as you go sightseeing. Don’t litter, and remember to throw any garbage only when you spot a trash can.
• Don’t make any insensitive comments regarding the country’s history.
• Disrespecting figures of authority, such as law enforcement officials, should be strictly avoided.

The food of Armenia consists of recipes that have been passed down across generations, reflecting the traditional lifestyle of Armenian people and their rich cultural heritage. Meat forms a primary component in many dishes in Armenia, such as dolma and khorovats. Some of the other staples in Armenian cuisine are dairy products, fish, dried fruits, and healthy greens. Spices are used liberally in Armenian households, and the people experiment with spice combinations that make the dishes unique. A thin flatbread called lavash is present in almost every meal in Armenia, and the gatherings often feature Ararat, which is a popular brandy in the country. Let’s take a look at some of the most delicious Armenian foods that you must try out during your holiday with our Armenia tour packages:

Dolma is not just a dish in Armenia, but rather an integral cultural element seen in most Armenian gatherings and celebrations. Wrapped in grape leaves or cabbage leaves or even other kinds of leaves, dolmas are stuffed with rice and minced meat. You can also go for the vegetarian version of a dolma, where the stuffing could include tomatoes, onions, cabbage, eggplant, and peppers. Dolmas are usually served with pita bread and either plain yoghurt sauce or a garlic yoghurt sauce.

Khorovats are one of the most beloved traditional dishes in Armenia. This barbecue dish can be considered the Armenian version of shish kebabs. Different kinds of grilled meat can be used to make this dish, including chicken, pork, beef, and lamb. Khorovats are usually served alongside roasted vegetables. The other side dishes could include flatbreads, yogurt-based sauces, onions, and tomato-cucumber salad. The grilled skewers are usually marinated in tomato paste, red wine, and onions.

Basturma is the name for traditional cured beef in Armenia. This air-dried beef is a popular item in Armenian charcuterie boards. Some of the spices used to season the meat are paprika, garlic, cumin, turmeric, and fenugreek. Made as a thinly sliced appetiser, basturma is filled with intense flavours and served along with bread and cheese.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, then you can’t go wrong with the traditional Armenian pastry known as gata. This buttery, mildly sweet, and flaky pastry is available in various shapes and sizes, depending on the region, and could either be plain or decorated. Some of the ingredients that go into making this dessert are eggs, flour, sugar, butter, heavy cream, and yeast. At times, an Armenian yoghurt named matsoni is also added to the recipe. It’s particularly eaten during special occasions, celebrations, and gatherings.

Lavash is the term for a traditional Armenian flatbread. The dough for lavash is made using wheat flour, water, and salt. As the dough rises, it is made into tiny lumps which are then rolled flat and baked inside a clay oven called a tonir. Lavash can be eaten in various ways. It can be dipped in hummus or wrapped around cheese, meats, or pickles. You can also wrap it around in a way so as to make a large sandwich.

Ghapama is a unique Armenian dish made using a stuffed pumpkin. The pumpkin is usually stuffed with rice, dried fruits, nuts, cinnamon, and honey. This dish is commonly prepared during festive occasions, such as Christmas and New Year’s. It’s particularly prepared during autumn and winter, which is when pumpkins can be easily found in the market.

Khash feels like a warm hug during the cold months, which is why it’s particularly enjoyed during the winter season. It’s a traditional Armenian soup made using boiled parts of a cow or sheep, such as the stomach, head, or feet. Some of the other ingredients that could be added to khash are bell peppers, onions, carrots, and different types of greens. Garlic is used to amplify the flavour of this dish. It’s usually served with lavash, and some also enjoy having vodka with it.

The music of Armenia has a long history whose roots lie in the Armenian highlands. In the ancient era, Armenian music was primarily dominated by gusans. These were singers, storytellers, dancers, instrumentalists, and professional folk artists who were prevalent in medieval and ancient Armenia. Such was their popularity that the affluent families would often hire private gusans for their own entertainment. The era of gusans was followed by ashugs, who were traditional folk artists skilled at playing string instruments. With time, duduk gained more and more popularity in Armenia’s music scene, and is now recognised as the country’s national instrument. It was also declared by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

According to the Greek philosopher and historian, Plutarch, Armenia’s first theatre was built during the rule of Tigranes the Great. The popularity of theatre in Armenia grew during the 19th and 20th centuries. The drama and culture groups would perform in places such as Baku, Constantinople, and Tbilisi. During the 1920s, Armenian theatres were opened in Kiev, Moscow, and other cities that had a prominent Armenian population.

The Armenian applied arts include weavers, jewelers, and potters who have acquired skills that were passed on to them across generations. There has been a rich history of jewellery making in Armenia, with some belief that it possibly dates back to the Bronze Age or even earlier. By the 6th century BC, pottery had gained popularity in Armenia. The peak of applied arts in the country is usually thought to be carpet weaving. Armenian carpets have diverse motifs and colours, and often feature symbols related to dragons and eagles. A set of rules was carefully observed by the Armenian women who created these carpets. As time went by, Armenian carpets became famous worldwide and were bought by tourists who visited the country from all over the world.