Hiking Tour In South Of Armenia

Arrival at Zvartnots International Airport. Meet & greet. Transfer to the hotel in Yerevan. Hotel check-in.
In the late morning we start a 3 – 4 hour walking tour of Yerevan, a colorful modern capital, at the same time one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world the history of which goes back to 782 B.C. We start our exploration with the Republic Square with it magnificent buildings enhanced by singing fountains. Walking down the Abovyan Street, one of the oldest streets in Yerevan which was on the Great Silk Road, we continue to, Northern Avenue, Opera House, Cascade, Ring Park encircling the downtown, ending the tour with a visit to the City Bazaar.
Overnight in Yerevan
Meal plan: breakfast

Early morning 3 km nature walk to a real fairy-tale area. Breathe fresh mountain air enriched with the fragrance of dozens of wild colorful flowers as you walk the trail leading us to the medieval Tapi Castle with romantic stories and tales associating with the site.
Afterwards light walk and photography in Angels’ Canyon in Armenia’s only desert, a marvelous place to fully enjoy the nature! This is a stunning natural canyon in the Ararat Province that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie!!! While there, try to be a part of the legend when angels come down to Canyon at midnight.
Our next stop is at Khor Virap Monastery, a 4^th century castle-like fairy-tale monastery, the most iconic site in Armenia. Its location, near the closest point to biblical Mount Ararat within Armenian borders, offers a spectacular view of the snow-capped mountain, the national symbol of Armenia.
Later we will relax in a village house and enjoy an authentic lunch spiced with a cheese making master class by our charming hostess.
Late afternoon light makes a trip to Noravank a magical experience as it enhances the vibrant red and orange hues of the adjacent giant rocks and mountains. Your guide will show you around the impressive medieval monastery revealing all its secrets to you.
If time permits we can visit Areni-1 Cave to see the oldest winery in the world.
Overnight in Goris
Hiking distance: 8km / 5 miles, easy to moderate

Today we will have a fabulous nature walk along some incredible abandoned cave towns of Armenia frozen in time.
We start our hike from Old Shinuhayr village marveling at a waterfall.  Our trail offers spectacular open views of Old Khot village (“The Armenian Machu Picchu”) spread mysteriously on a mountain slope descending the Vorotan Gorge. We explore the cave apartments and are fascinated by the geological formations on the place looking like “fairy-chimneys”.
We have a relaxing ride on the “Wings of Tatev” aerial tramway which holds the World Guinness Record as the longest reversable cable-car (5,7km/3.5mi). The ropeway provides a scenic view of the Vorotan River Canyon with skyscraping snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, green forest glades as well as the 9^th century castle-monastery of Tatev perched on the edge of a giant cliff. We get off the tram to explore the miraculous monastic complex which boasts having one of the oldest universities in medieval Europe. Marvel at the gorgeous architecture of the elegant churches, exquisitely carved stone-crosses and enjoy the ascetic atmosphere of the site.
Lunch in a beautiful garden where you taste the typical dishes of Syuniq region.
Overnight in Goris
Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles (medium difficulty)
Ascent/Descent: 1260/1550m

This morning we explore the quant and charming Goris, a town in orchards where the houses have the same unique architecture with arch-shaped windows and red roofs. See old Old Goris cave town from a viewpoint.
Later we drive to Karahunj known as the “Armenian Stonehenge”, the oldest observatory in the world which is 7500 years old. There are 223 vertically standing stones 84 of which have holes. The ancients were gazing the stars using them as telescopes.
Lunch in a lovely riverside restaurant. Later we visit Shaki Waterfall along the way.
Continue driving to Jermuk, Armenia’s first-class spa town with hot springs at 2080m inside a natural forest surrounded by alpine meadows. Taste the famous Jermuk mineral water in the drinking-gallery. Visit the stunning Mermaid’s Hair Waterfall. Take a chair-lift to the mountain top for the breathtaking views of the town. If you feel adventurous, you can take a 4×4 to the hot springs outside the town and bathe inside a natural bath-tub with its bubbling waters (optional and highly recommended!).
Dinner and overnight in Jermuk
Light walk: 2-3km / 1.5 miles (easy)

Early in the morning we have a beautiful hike to the 5^th century King Smbat’s Castle (Smbataberd) with the most breathtaking panoramic views of bottomless gorges with tiny villages, sky-scraping snow-dusted peaks. You may even spot a heard of bezoar goats here as you descend into a meadow, only to hike up again, this time to Tsakhats Kar medieval monastic complex. The rest of the trail is downhill to the village of Yeghegis. On our way we will see an 800-year-old Jewish cemetery with Hebrew and Aramaic inscriptions on some of the tombstones.
Lunch and wine tasting in Yeghegnadzor “Wine Country”. Succulent “khorovats” (barbecue) is on the menu! At the best local winery taste their blow-your-socks off Areni (a deep, full-bodied red) wines made according to traditional wine making techniques used in Armenia thousands of years ago, including the fermentation in terracotta vessels, called karas in Armenian. Drive back to Yerevan
Overnight in Yerevan
Hiking Distance: 10.17km / 6.3 miles (medium difficulty)
Ascent/Descent: 1563m/2086m

Transfer to the airport, departure