Armenija – naTOURa.si

12. – 26. junij 2026

fifteen-day trip • plane and minibus

The country, which most people know only for its numerous monasteries, conceals priceless natural and cultural treasures that most visitors overlook, leading to a completely mistaken impression of Armenia. Formed by numerous volcanoes, the country lies in the Lower Caucasus region and offers travellers beautiful views of mountains, rivers, gorges, lakes, waterfalls, steppes, and rocky semi-deserts. The ancient Armenian people, who have preserved their identity through culture throughout their long history on the Silk Road, display pride and immense hospitality, combined with commercial ingenuity and survival skills. All of this makes Armenia a land that leaves a lasting and unforgettable impression on every visitor.

Day 1: Friday, 12 June 2026

Departure from Slovenia and arrival in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, in the early morning hours of the following day.

Day 2: YEREVAN: Saturday, 13 June 2026

In the late morning, depart for a sightseeing tour of Yerevan. First, visit the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Museum, dedicated to the 1.5 million Armenians who died in the genocide as a result of decisions made by the Turkish government in 1915. Later, visit the History Museum of Armenia to learn about Armenia's long and rich history. In the evening, have dinner at a restaurant in the city centre. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3: Sunday, 14 June 2026

After breakfast, we will drive to the foot of Aragats, the highest mountain in present-day Armenia, and visit the famous Amberd fortress, which offers a beautiful view of the Ararat Valley. We will also drive to Lake Kari, where the former astronomical station is located, and enjoy a short hike in the surrounding area. After a pleasant walk, we will have a tasting of Armenian wines, followed by a drive to the city of Gyumri, where we will walk through the renovated city centre. Dinner and overnight stay in Gyumri.

Day 4: Monday, 15 June 2026

After breakfast, we will drive from Gyumri to Lake Arpi National Park, which is noted for its distinct ecosystems and biodiversity compared to the rest of Armenia. The area is also significant for birds, with more than 140 species recorded, many of which nest here. The park hosts the largest colony of Armenian gulls and is the only habitat of the Dalmatian pelican in Armenia. Of the 670 plant species found here, 22 are endemic to the park. We will walk along the lake shore and climb a low hill above it (approximately 6 km walk, 100 m elevation gain) to observe the flora and fauna.

Next, we will drive to the village of Hartashen, where we will walk to the “Avenue of Megaliths”, which consists of 760 basalt menhirs arranged in three rows. We will explore the purpose of this monument, which dates from the period between the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.

Our next stop will also be something special, as the Stepanavan Arboretum is the only garden in the South Caucasus where a forest has been converted into an arboretum. Most of the park remains covered by indigenous forest, but on the outskirts we can also find exotic and rare tree and other plant species.

After the tour, we will drive to the city of Stepanavan, where we will have dinner and stay overnight.

Day 5: Tuesday, 16 June 2026

In Lori province, where the city of Stepanavan is located, there are many smaller lakes, the most famous of which is probably Lake Lokvanje. Water lilies are very rare in Armenia and are therefore protected. After breakfast, we will hike from Stepanavan to Lake Lokvanje, situated above the picturesque canyon of the Dzoraget River, admiring the landscape and flowers along the way. Afterwards, we will drive to the village of Haghpat, where we will first visit the monastery of the same name, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and learn about its extremely important cultural role in past centuries, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 6: Wednesday, 17 June 2026

In the morning, we will continue our journey to the village of Odzun on the edge of the Debed River Canyon, which we will slowly descend on foot to the river, passing the ruins of the Kobayr Monastery, nestled against the high cliffs of the canyon (9 km walk, 300 metres of elevation gain). Through the town of Alaverdi, we will then drive south to the town of Dilijan, where we will walk through the restored old town centre, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 7: Thursday, 18 June 2026

Our destination will be Dilijan National Park, situated in the region of the Pambak, Aregouni, and Miapor mountain ranges at an altitude of 1,000 to 2,200 m above sea level. The park's main feature is its mesophyll forests and high biodiversity. Our ride will end at Lake Parz, where an 8 km hike through forests and meadows to the village of Gosh (200 m ascent and 300 m descent) will begin. There, we will visit Goshavank Monastery, renowned for its former university, notable manuscripts, and exceptionally beautiful khachkars.

Next, we will drive to the village of Hankavan, a former Greek village known for its thermal mineral water. Today, there are several thermal baths there that we will be able to use. Dinner and overnight stay in the village of Hankavan.

Day 8: Friday, 19 June 2026

In the morning, we will walk through the hydrological protected area to the Hankavan waterfall (approximately 5 km, with about 200 m of ascent and descent). Afterwards, we will drive to the Geghard Monastery, which was built in the early Middle Ages and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The sword with which Jesus was wounded was kept in the monastery for some time. After the tour, we will drive to Garni, where the restored pagan temple, a symbol of pre-Christian Armenia, is located, and there we will learn about pre-Christian history. Dinner and overnight stay with local residents in the village of Garni.

Day 9: Saturday, 20 June 2026

In the morning, we will take a short walk below the village of Garni to see the impressive basalt columns known as the "Symphony of Stones". Next, we will drive to the Khor Virap Monastery (4th–17th centuries) south of Yerevan, which offers a beautiful view of the biblical Mount Ararat, where Noah's Ark is said to have landed. Khor Virap stands on a low hill, and St Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned here for 13 years before Christianity became the official state religion in 301. The former Armenian capital, Artashat, was also located nearby. We will then continue to the famous archaeological site of the Areni-1 cave, where we will see notable discoveries such as the world's oldest leather shoe and the oldest known winery. Afterwards, we will drive to the 13th-century Noravank Monastery, a masterpiece of Armenian architecture situated in a narrow gorge and surrounded by high red cliffs. We will continue through the beautiful landscape of Vayots Dzor province to the town of Sisian, where we will have dinner and stay overnight.

Day 10: Sunday, 21 June 2026

In the morning, we will first visit the prehistoric archaeological site of Karahunj, also known as the “Armenian Stonehenge”. This ancient observatory is considered one of the oldest in the world. From there, we will take an easy hike through meadows to the Shaki waterfall, which is regarded as one of the largest and most beautiful in Armenia.

We will return to Sisian, where we will visit a small local history museum. In the courtyard, we will see the famous petroglyphs from the Ughtashar site and distinctive tombstones. The ethnological collection is also of interest. We will then continue our journey to the town of Goris, where we will have dinner and stay overnight.

Day 11: Monday, 22 June 2026

Not far from the town of Goris, we will visit the famous cave village, which offers beautiful views of the ruins of the old settlement, churches, tombs, springs, and a suspension bridge connecting the banks of the gorge. Khndzoresk is an ideal place for exploring. At the end of the 19th century, Old Khndzoresk was the largest village in Eastern Armenia. Afterwards, we will take a ride on the longest gondola in the world to the village of Tatev, where the monastery of the same name (UNESCO) is located, situated above the gorge of the Vorotan River. The monastery was built in the 4th century on the site of a former pagan sanctuary, at an altitude of 1,600 m, in the midst of a beautiful and wild landscape. From the village of Tatev, we will walk to the gorge of the Vorotan River, where there will be an opportunity to swim in the pools. We will then drive to Goris, where dinner and overnight accommodation will be provided.

Day 12: Tuesday, 23 June 2026

After breakfast, we will head north again, crossing the pass where the oldest preserved Armenian caravanserai, Selim, is located. For centuries, Armenia was part of the Silk Road, which connected Asia to Europe, and along the route from southern Armenia to Lake Sevan, several old stone bridges have also been preserved. After crossing the pass, we will begin to descend towards Lake Sevan, whose area is protected as a National Park due to its significant natural value. We will learn about the severe manipulation of nature by humans and the environmental consequences of such actions. We will also stop by the lake for a cold drink and a swim. Before returning to Yerevan, we will visit the old cemetery with the most beautifully preserved Armenian tombstones, the Khachkars of Noratus, and along the way, we will visit a deposit of volcanic glass—obsidian. Upon returning to Yerevan, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 13: Wednesday 24 2026

In the morning, drive to the Zvartnots Archaeological Park, where the remains of the famous cathedral are located. We will then continue to Echmiadzin, the former Armenian capital where the seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Next, we will drive to the important Metsamor Archaeological Park, where we will visit the museum and see the legacy left by the inhabitants of this site from the Palaeolithic to the Middle Ages. Finally, we will visit the new Yazidi temple in the town of Aknalich and learn about the largest ethnic minority in Armenia, the Yazidis. We will return to Yerevan for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 14: Thursday, 25 June 2026

We will also spend the last day of our trip in Yerevan. After breakfast, we will visit a fascinating museum dedicated to the renowned Armenian painter Lusik Aguletsi, followed by a tasting of Ararat Armenian cognac. In the afternoon, there will be time to visit the famous Vernisage open market, where it will be possible to buy local products and souvenirs. In the evening, we will have a final dinner together and a short overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 15: Friday, 26 June 2026

Early morning drive to the airport and return to Slovenia.

Authors of the programme: © Janja Benedik & Arsen Minasyan, 2025.

Organizer and provider of the program: © naTOURa, Janja Benedik s. p..

The price per person depends on the number of registered participants.

8-9 participants: 2.840,00 € + flight ticket,
10-11 participants: 2.600,00 € + flight ticket,
12-13 participants: 2.420,00 € + flight ticket,
14-15 participants: 2.300,00 € + flight ticket,
16-17 participants: 2.210,00 € + flight ticket.

When the departure is confirmed, the lowest package price is paid. If the final number of participants is smaller, the price difference is paid. Flight ticket price: from €400.00, departing from Brnik.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

Minibus transport as specified in the programme and all associated costs,
13 × full board (breakfast, lunch or packed lunch, dinner) in a double room, 1 × breakfast,
leadership by a Slovenian guide with a TZS licence and an English-speaking Armenian guide,
All entrance fees as per the programme,
preparation and organisation of the trip.

ADDITIONAL CHARGES ON DEMAND:

single room: 220,00 €
Trip cancellation insurance with Zavarovalnica Triglav,
Travel insurance abroad.

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Any additional entrance fees, food and drinks, or items not listed in the programme.
tips for local guides and drivers.

Recommended travel gear:

Comfortable low to mid-high hiking shoes,
sun protection (hat, cream),
hiking poles (optional, not essential).

If any passengers are unable to complete all the hikes, they may choose to drive instead of walk at no extra charge, provided prior arrangement is made with the guide.

SELECTED JOURNEY

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Validity of personal document until:

1. Name and surname

1. E-mail address

1. Phone number

1. Date of birth

1. Personal document number:

1. Validity of personal document until

2. Name and surname

2. E-mail address

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2. Date of birth

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I wish to stay overnight in (choose)

Name and surname of the fellow traveler with whom I would like to share a room:

Double room without a selected companion:

Since I don't know anyone I can share a room with, I want you to find someone. If you can't find anyone, you will provide me with a single room for an extra charge, as indicated in your offer.

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I agree that naTOURa, a travel agency, Janja Benedik s. p., will take out travel cancellation insurance for me (and my fellow travellers in the same contract) and in my behalf with Zavarovalnica Triglav d. d. for the above-mentioned arrangement.

CONSENT TO THE CONCLUSION OF TRAVEL CANCELLATION INSURANCE

I agree and confirm with my signature that under no circumstances will I request a refund of the sum insured for the travel cancellation insurance if I cancel the trip for any reason or if the trip is cancelled due to force majeure (natural disaster, war, epidemic, etc.) or insufficient number of participants. naTOURa acts only as an intermediary when taking out the insurance and the General Terms and Conditions of Zavarovalnica Triglav apply to the insurance taken out.

I agree that the travel agency naTOURa, Janja Benedik s. p., will take out international travel insurance with Zavarovalnica Triglav d. d. for me (and fellow travellers who have the same contract) and on my behalf for the above-mentioned arrangement.

CONSENT TO THE CONCLUSION OF TRAVEL INSURANCE

I agree and confirm with my signature that under no circumstances will I request reimbursement of the sum insured for the foreign travel insurance if I cancel the trip myself for any reason or if the trip is cancelled due to force majeure (natural disasters, wars, epidemics, etc.). naTOURa acts only as an intermediary when taking out the insurance and the General Terms and Conditions of Zavarovalnica Triglav apply to the insurance taken out.

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