Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Type of Tour: Cultural / Budget / Historical / UNESCO Sites / Nature
Ideal For: First-time visitors, budget travelers, couples, small groups
Best Season: Year-round

This 4-day budget tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Armenia’s cultural heritage, ancient monasteries, and historic landmarks. Explore Yerevan’s vibrant streets, visit UNESCO-listed Echmiadzin and Zvartnots, admire Mount Ararat from Khor Virap, discover Noravank’s dramatic red cliffs, and explore Armenia’s rich manuscript legacy at Matenadaran.

Tour Highlights

✔ Explore Yerevan’s historic streets and cultural landmarks
✔ Visit Echmiadzin Cathedral, the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church (UNESCO)
✔ Discover the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral (UNESCO)
✔ Admire panoramic views of Mount Ararat from Khor Virap Monastery
✔ Explore Noravank Monastery, nestled among dramatic red cliffs
✔ Visit Areni-1 Cave, home to the world’s oldest known winery
✔ Discover ancient manuscripts at Matenadaran Museum
✔ Enjoy a well-paced, budget-friendly itinerary ideal for first-time visitors

Day 1 – Arrival & Yerevan Walking City Tour

Duration: 3–4 hours | Distance: 30 km | Meals: None

Meet your Santa Maria Tours representative at Zvartnots International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited capitals, founded in 782 BC as Erebuni.

Begin a guided walking tour along Baghramyan Avenue, Mashtots Avenue, and Abovyan Street, known for their historic buildings and early 20th-century architecture. Visit the History Museum of Armenia to learn about the country’s ancient civilization and cultural roots.

Continue to the iconic Cascade Complex, a monumental stairway with fountains, terraces, and panoramic city views leading toward the Opera and Ballet Theatre. Explore the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, showcasing Armenian and international contemporary art from the collection of Gerard L. Cafesjian.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan

Day 2 – Echmiadzin & Zvartnots Cathedral

Duration: 4–5 hours | Distance: 33 km | Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel to Echmiadzin (Vagharshapat), the spiritual heart of Armenia and the seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Visit Echmiadzin Cathedral, built in the early 4th century following Armenia’s adoption of Christianity as the world’s first Christian state.

On the return to Yerevan, stop at the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, a 7th-century architectural masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though destroyed by an earthquake in the 10th century, its reconstructed remains offer insight into early Armenian church architecture.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan

Day 3 – Khor Virap, Noravank & Areni-1 Cave

Duration: 7–8 hours | Distance: 260 km | Meals: Breakfast

Today’s journey takes you south to Khor Virap Monastery, one of Armenia’s most iconic pilgrimage sites. Learn about St. Gregory the Illuminator, who was imprisoned here for 13 years, and enjoy unforgettable views of Mount Ararat rising just across the border.

Continue to Areni village, known for its winemaking traditions. After lunch, visit Noravank Monastery, dramatically set within the red rock cliffs of the Amaghu River Gorge. Admire the refined 13th-century architecture and carvings by the master sculptor Momik.

On the return to Yerevan, stop at Areni-1 Cave (Birds’ Cave), where archaeologists discovered the world’s oldest leather shoe and the earliest known winery, dating back over 6,000 years.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan

Day 4 – Matenadaran, Vernissage & Departure

Duration: 3–4 hours | Distance: 13 km | Meals: Breakfast

Visit Matenadaran, one of the world’s richest repositories of ancient manuscripts, housing over 23,000 manuscripts and scrolls. Named after Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet, the museum offers deep insight into Armenia’s intellectual heritage.

Continue with a walk through Vernissage, Yerevan’s open-air arts and crafts market, and visit Victory Park, home to the iconic Mother Armenia statue overlooking the city.

Transfer to Zvartnots International Airport for departure.

Overnight: None