Armenia Escorted Tours

Escorted Tours to Armenia

The Essence of Armenia

Landlocked but encircling a huge, high-altitude lake, Armenia is home to verdant valleys and rugged mountain peaks, a green and gregarious capital city, a haunting history, hardy pragmatism, and a heavenly collection of medieval monasteries.

Why Choose a Tour in Armenia?

From snow-capped mountains to deep river canyons, via forests and alpine meadows, Armenia is splendidly scenic, with an equally colourful culture, and a history as chequered as its landscapes. Both are evidenced in ancient memorials, monasteries, and manuscripts, and in brutalist structures from its time under Russian rule.

Yerevan is the largest city and the country’s capital. With musical fountains fronting government buildings, tree-lined avenues redolent of Paris or St. Petersburg, and gardens and greenery softening the look of Soviet blocks, it is a bewildering blend of old and new, east and west; where traditional teahouses share the streets with stylish wine bars, and a clutch of universities add a youthful vibe.

Lake Sevan is the largest body of water in the country and in the Caucasus region. At almost 2,000m above sea level, it is also among the largest high-altitude lakes in Eurasia, and covers 5% of Armenia with pristine beauty, popular beaches, and panoramic views from its ‘kghzi’ peninsula.

History and heritage are revealed in the Greco-Roman Garni Temple, the country’s only classical structure still standing; in Echmiatsin’s cathedral, built in 303AD and known as the world’s earliest domed church; and in Noraduz cemetery, amid the 900 ‘khachkars’, ornately carved medieval memorials.

Monasteries are tucked in tranquil, secluded, and improbable settings. Crowning a wind-whipped hilltop, the 10^th-century Haghpat Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site; Noravank stands alone and isolated in a red-rock gorge; Khor-Virap looks out from a craggy perch to magnificent views of Mount Ararat, where legend has it that Noah’s Ark reached dry land; and the Geghard Monastery complex is part cliff-front construction, part carved-out cave.

Armenia’s road routes are remarkable journeys, especially the Selim (aka Vardenyats) Pass. Snaking through mountains in the middle of nowhere, at an altitude of 2,410m, its landmark monument is Orbelian’s Caravanserai, one of the best-preserved on the Silk Road, built in 1332 to offer shelter to traders, travellers and their animals.

Jules Verne’s journeys in Armenia are teamed with touring in neighbouring Georgia, to explore its highlights from the Black Sea shore to blissful mountains.

When to go on Armenia Holidays

Generally warm and arid in low-lying regions, colder and wetter at higher elevations, Armenia’s continental climate varies considerably with altitude. Around the capital, at 1,000m, daytime temperatures in spring and autumn hover between 22 and 28°, rising to 30-35° from June to August. Lake Sevan, at 2,000m, averages 10° cooler.

Jules Verne’s journeys in Armenia are scheduled from May to October, the most temperate climes.

Who are Armenia Tours Suited To?

Cities and small towns display the country’s character and culture; churches and monasteries reveal its medieval Christian art; and the scenery will certainly appeal to landscape photographers. Jules Verne’s journeys here are in sociably small groups,with like-minded travellers, to experience the character of Armenia.

Why Book Armenia Tours with Jules Verne?

With 45 years’ experience and a passion for creating extraordinary adventures, Jules Verne takes you to iconic landmarks and lesser-known sites, with expert tour guides who share their local knowledge, and show you hidden gems. Our journeys in Armenia include meeting for a cup of tea with a Molokan community; tastings of local wine, Armenian brandy, and Lavash flatbread; a cruise on Lake Sevan, and a performance of choral music in Geghard Monastery.

Our guided tours to Armenia are ABTA and ATOL-protected, and we offer a 100% price guarantee, so you can book with complete confidence.