Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Type of Tour: Cultural / Budget / Historical / Nature / UNESCO Sites / Short Break
Ideal For: First-time visitors, solo travelers, small groups
Best Season: Year-round

Discover the cultural and historical highlights of Armenia on this 3-day tour. Explore Yerevan’s historic avenues, visit Khor Virap Monastery with its stunning views of Mount Ararat, admire the 13th-century Noravank Monastery, and uncover ancient winemaking traditions at Areni Wine Cave. A perfect introduction for first-time visitors seeking history, culture, and natural beauty.

Tour Highlights

✔ Explore Yerevan, including Baghramyan and Mashtots Avenues, Abovyan Street, and the History Museum of Armenia
✔ Visit the Cascade Complex and the Cafesjian Center for the Arts
✔ Discover Khor Virap Monastery with panoramic views of Mount Ararat
✔ Explore Noravank Monastery set amid red cliffs and carved by sculptor Momik
✔ Stop at the Areni Wine Cave (“Birds’ Cave”), home to the oldest winery and 3,900-year-old human shoe
✔ Enjoy a relaxed, engaging journey blending culture, history, and nature
✔ Perfect short, budget-friendly tour for first-time visitors

Day 1 – Arrival & Yerevan Walking City Tour

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

Arrive at Zvartnots International Airport and meet your Santa Maria Tours representative. Transfer to your hotel in Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest capitals, founded in 782 BC (Erebuni).

Begin a guided walking tour of Yerevan’s main streets: Baghramyan and Mashtots Avenues, Abovyan Street, full of historic architecture. Visit the History Museum of Armenia to learn about ancient Armenian civilization.

Continue to the Cascade Complex, an architectural masterpiece with terraces, fountains, and panoramic views over the Opera and Ballet Theater. Explore the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, home to Armenian and international contemporary art.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan

Day 2 – Khor Virap, Areni, Birds’ Cave & Noravank

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

Drive to Khor Virap Monastery, founded in 642 CE, with stunning views of Mount Ararat. Discover the legend of St. Gregory the Illuminator, imprisoned here for 13 years. Enjoy lunch in Areni village.

Continue to Noravank Monastery, nestled among brick-red cliffs in the Amaghu River gorge. Admire 13th-century ornate architecture and khachkars by sculptor Momik. On the way back to Yerevan, visit the Areni 1 Cave (“Birds’ Cave”), where the world’s oldest winery and a 3,900-year-old human shoe were discovered.

Overnight: Hotel in Yerevan

Day 3 – Departure

Duration: 1 hour | Distance: 13 km | Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, private transfer to Zvartnots International Airport for your return flight, taking home unforgettable memories of Armenia’s history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Overnight: None