If you’re planning to explore Armenia by car, this itinerary will save you hours of planning. In just seven days, we drove around 900 km, climbed the country’s highest mountain, visited countless ancient monasteries, rode the longest reversible cable car in the Caucasus, and finished our trip at Armenia’s “sea” – Lake Sevan.
How Much Does a Week in Armenia Cost?
Our 7-day trip cost approximately €624 per person, including flights.
Biggest expenses per person:
- Flights from Bratislava (Wizz Air): €112
- Car rental: €131
- Accommodation: €152
- Food: €110
Armenia is relatively affordable. Fuel cost around €1.30 per litre, parking was usually only €0.50, and entrance to most monasteries is completely free.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Buy a Viva SIM card – 20 GB of data cost us less than €8.
- Yandex Maps worked best for navigation, while Yandex Go is the go-to app for taxis.
- Credit cards are accepted more often than we expected, but carrying some cash is still a good idea.
- English isn’t widely spoken. Knowing a few words in Russian can be surprisingly helpful.
- One more thing: Armenian drivers are… “creative”. If you don’t enjoy stressful driving, consider joining organized tours or using taxis—they’re inexpensive.
Day 0 – Arrival in Yerevan
Our evening direct flight from Bratislava landed in Yerevan around 2 a.m. After passport control (my friend Adam was questioned for a while because of an Azerbaijani stamp in his passport), we bought a Viva SIM card (20 GB for €7.70) and ordered a €3 Yandex Go taxi to the city centre.
We finally crawled into bed after 3 a.m. with one simple goal: survive the first night.
Accommodation: Metropol Hotel, Yerevan (€62/night for two)
Day 1 – Exploring Yerevan & Saving Our Road Trip
After a sleepless night, we headed out to explore Armenia’s capital. We wandered around Republic Square, enjoyed our first Armenian brunch, and visited Working Class Café, where my acquaintance Daria works. I had met her a month earlier through BlaBlaCar in the Czech Republic. If you’re in Yerevan, I highly recommend stopping by for coffee.
In the afternoon, disaster struck – our rental booking through Discover Cars was cancelled at the last minute. After an hour of phone calls, we managed to rent a car from the local company Homy Cars for a similar price (€263 for seven days). An amazing and professional attitude, highly recommended.
Before leaving the city, we visited Mother Armenia, the Cascade Complex, and the Armenian Genocide Memorial, then drove to the mountain village of Byurakan.
Highlight: Saving our road trip at the last minute.
Overnight: Old Byurakan Guesthouse (€31/night for two)
Day 2 – Climbing Aragats & Khor Virap
Early in the morning, we drove to Lake Kari (3,200 m), the starting point for the hike to Mount Aragats, Armenia’s highest peak.
We reached the South Summit (3,860 m). The wind was so fierce that we quickly realised why hiking in shorts wasn’t the smartest decision.
On the way back, we stopped at the abandoned Soviet ROT-54 Radio Optical Observatory, where we managed to get inside after “convincing” the guards with a small tip. We ended the day at Khor Virap Monastery, enjoying one of the most iconic views of Mount Ararat, now located in Turkey.
Highlight: Climbing Aragats and watching the sunset over Mount Ararat.
Overnight: Veni Vedi Vidi, Vedi (€45/night for two, breakfast included)
Day 3 – Canyons, Noravank & Red Cliffs
We started the day with a short walk through Angel’s Canyon, followed by a refreshing swim in a natural pool.
Next came lunch in Areni, Armenia’s famous wine region, before visiting one of the country’s most spectacular monasteries – Noravank, beautifully surrounded by dramatic red cliffs.
Later, we explored Magellan Cave before driving to the town of Goris.
Highlight: Noravank is easily one of the most photogenic places in Armenia.
Overnight: Eriks Guesthouse, Goris (€43/night for two)
Day 4 – Old Khndzoresk & Armenian Hospitality
In the morning, we hiked around the fascinating cave dwellings near Goris before visiting Old Khndzoresk.
Getting there wasn’t easy – we had to drive a rough 3 km off-road track in our tiny rental car and then cross a long suspension bridge on foot.
There we met a group of elderly locals who had actually lived in those caves decades ago. They invited us to share homemade food, local fruit brandy and stories in Russian. Without a doubt, it was one of the most authentic moments of our entire trip.
Later, we continued to Tatev Monastery.
Highlight: Meeting the locals was unforgettable.
Overnight: Anush B&B, Tatev (€35/night for two, breakfast included)
Day 5 – Tatev, Cable Car & Zipline
Without question, the most action-packed day of the trip.
We first descended to Devil’s Bridge, then hiked to the remote Great Hermitage of Tatev. Along the way we crossed a stream, almost stepped on a snake, and eventually met a monk who politely informed us that a sports bra and a shirtless Adam weren’t exactly appropriate monastery attire. Oops.
Next came an incredible 2.5 km zipline with four sections, operated by Tatev Zipline. The instructors were friendly, professional, and made the whole experience unforgettable. The ride cost around €38 (16,000 AMD).
After the adrenaline rush, we took the famous Wings of Tatev cable car before stopping at Shaki Waterfall on our way to Lake Sevan.
Highlight: Both the zipline and the cable car are absolutely worth it.
Overnight: Luxury Collection Hotel, Lake Sevan (€45/night for two)
Day 6 – Dilijan National Park & Lake Sevan
We started the day with one of our favourite hikes of the trip – a climb to Mount Dilmac in Dilijan National Park.
Twice we were chased (or at least thoroughly intimidated) by huge shepherd dogs, but in the end we were rewarded with breathtaking views and a refreshing stop at the Hidden Waterfalls.
In the evening, we swam in the chilly waters of Lake Sevan and watched the sunset from Sevanavank Monastery.
Highlight: Dilijan National Park and Armenia’s “sea.”
Overnight: Luxury Collection Hotel, Lake Sevan (€45/night for two)
Day 7 – Garni, Symphony of Stones & Heading Home
Before flying home, we visited Garni Temple, the only surviving pagan temple in Armenia, followed by the nearby natural wonder known as the Symphony of Stones. Both are easy day trips from Yerevan.
After returning the rental car, enjoying one last lunch in the capital, and heading to the airport, our flight back to Bratislava went smoothly.
Is Armenia Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
In just one week, we explored towering mountains, ancient monasteries, deep canyons, caves, and the stunning shores of Lake Sevan.
Armenia isn’t a country where everything runs perfectly. The roads can be rough, drivers are fearless and crazy, and English isn’t widely spoken. But that’s exactly what gives the country its raw authenticity.
If you enjoy road trips, hiking, and destinations that are still off the beaten path, Armenia will pleasantly surprise you.
As for me? Once was enough – but I’m really glad I went. Maybe Georgia next?
If you want to receive all articles which I publish, feel free to sign up below.
And if you liked the article and you want to contribute for my future MiliMundo travels (hopefully accident free), don´t hesitate and do it now.
If you want to know more about CENTRAL AMERICA – click HERE. About SOUTH AMERICA HERE.
PS: Looking for great travel insurance with great prices for your future travels? Insurance which you can book even when your journey has already started? Have a look at The True Traveller. I am more than happy with them.
