We’ll travel throughout the country on this dramatic road trip that takes you deep into the culture, heritage, and breathtaking sights of Armenia. For the full experience, we'll visit some of the best wineries, restaurants, and craftsmen in Armenia. We’ll marvel at Armenia’s landscape and ancient monuments up close and from above - as we float in our no-turbulence hot-air balloon… while sipping local bubbly.

Every evening, we’ll gather on the patio and chat about wine, food, Armenia, and history over glasses of amazing local, natural wines.

This adventure is also timed to the Yerevan Wine Days, a 3-day festival centered on Saryan Street, home to many wine bars. This event showcases Armenian and Artsakh wine producers, restaurants and cafes, wine master classes, music and charity.

The two most important things you need to know about this trip are that it is a truly unique opportunity in an as-of-yet relatively undiscovered destination ... and there are only 10 spaces available.

[su_accordion ][su_spoiler title="Itinerary"]Itineraries and daily schedules are subject to change. Also, it’s Armenia, where the unexpected becomes expected. We expect to do everything listed in the itinerary, though the order may be rearranged based on weather or other local conditions. Almost everything (food, wine, degustation ticket for Yerevan Wine Days, transportation, hotels, and visits) is included in the sticker price, though that souvenir you bought in Yerevan isn’t. And we have deliberately left a few mealtimes open for you to explore on your own.

May 30th, Tuesday

Our journey begins near the Georgian-Armenian border with a visit to the Haghpat Monastery and other gems of Armenian architecture. Then we head to Yerevan, Armenia’s capital city. Included meals: L, D

May 31st, Wednesday

After breakfast, a walking tour of Yerevan and a visit to the Nork district to gander at the traditional stone houses with wine cellars, sampling their wines and learning to make Armenian desserts. We’ll visit and “degust” at the Ararat Cognac Distillery brandy cellar and then visit a ceramics master studio. Included meals: B, L, D

June 1st, Thursday

Today’s the day for soaring over the most beautiful place in Armenia in our hot-air balloon*! Not far from Yerevan, we’ll check out the Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site built during the peak of Armenian medieval architecture, and then head over to the Temple of Garni, the only remaining Greco-Roman (first century AD) building in Armenia. Lunch begins with a lesson on making home-made lavash (Armenian bread, now a UNESCO entry on their List of Intangible Cultural expressions) and after lunch we head back to Yerevan for a sampling of traditional Armenian wines aged in karases (big clay pots). Included meals: B, L, D

*Optional - cost of $225/person and an early morning start.

June 2nd, Friday

From Yerevan, our day-trip will take us Chir's House, an innovative fruit orchard that specializes in organic fruit, we’ll sample sudzhuk (a kind of walnut-fruit sausage). Onwards - to Agarak archaeological site (Bronze Age) where we see wine presses from three periods and evidence of wine rituals. We’ll then head to the Wine History Museum for a comprehensive look at winemaking in Armenia and… of course, a tasting of Armenian wines. We'll make one more stop at Van Ardi winery, where they make wines that take advantage of the rocky volcanic soils of the area. Yerevan Wine Days opens today, so our evening plan clear! Included meals: B, L

June 3rd, Saturday

A morning romp around the Erebuni Fortress remains, where the city of Yerevan started. Last century, they discovered a 3000-year-old inscription in the fortress that ended: “By the greatness of Khaldi, Argishti, son of Menua, is a mighty king, king of Biainili, and ruler of Tushpa." We will visit then move to an area where we can visit a carpet showroom, a carpet factory, a food market and an open-air craft/souvenir market and exhibition area. In the middle of all that we will enjoy lunch at the restaurant of one of the best chefs in Armenia. And in the evening - don't forget about Wine Days! Included meals: B, L

Optional - visit to a world-class wine spa. Wine steam bath and more. Really. Cost varies by services requested.

June 4th, Sunday

Today more than most is about relaxation and exploration, sLoW down! You can finish shopping downtown, or maybe join us on a visit to the cultural center of Armenia, the Echmiadzin Cathedral. If you’re interested in the role of salt in cuisine and industry… Maybe you want to join us on a visit to the Salt Mine under Yerevan? Don’t forget Wine Days! Included meals: B

Note - this is a day of optional events and we will have an outline of costs based on group size for discussion during our first days.

June 5th, Monday

On the road again! We head to southern Armenia to explore the Ararat Valley, home to Khor Virap Monasatery and Tushpia Wines (degustation!). We contine on to the main wine-making region of Vayots Dzor, enjoy lunch with homemade wines, visit the Areni-1 cave, home to the oldest winery in the world (over 6000 years old!), and explore the Noravank Monastery Complex surrounded by incredible natural beauty. Finally, we pay a visit to Trinity Canyon Vineyards for a tour and degustation of some of Armenia's finest wines. We spend the night in Yeghegis, inhabited since the Stone Age. Included meals: B, L, D

June 6th, Tuesday

Our day starts with a visit to the Shaki Waterfall and a ride on the Tatever Cable Car for an exploration of the Tatev Monastery Complex, one of the most important centers of medieval Armenia. After lunch and a wine degustation at Old Bridge Winery, we head back to Yeghesis. Overnight in Yeghesis. Included meals: B, L, D

June 7th, Wednesday

Lake Sevan is both a national cultural mecca and one of the largest freshwater alpine lakes in the world. On our drive to the lake, we will stop at the 14th Orbelian Caravanserai, one of many stops along the Silk Route. The view - there are no words. We'll continue on to Vardenik Village to a "mountain goods" social enterprise to learn about moutain herb collection, and then to the Mikayelyan Family Farm for a cheese tasting. Near Lake Sevan - more spectacular sites and then on to Tsaghkung Village for an amazing cooking class and meal. Overnight in Tsakhkunq. Included meals: B, L, D

June 8th, Thursday

Today, after breakfast, we pack the van and head to Dilijan, a resort town within Dilijan National Park. Lunch and a cooking class will be in the Yenokavan village. Have you ever tried tree mushrooms and homemade Tavush wine? Our tour ends there; some of us head back to Tbilisi, while others return to Yerevan. In any case, we’re ready for another adventure. Included meals: B, L[/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title="The People"]

Michael Denner guide Armenia Tour Wine Group Leader

Michael Denner is Professor of Russian Studies at Stetson University and Editor of the Tolstoy Studies Journal. He has written a cookbook (along with Tinatin Mzhavandze) on Georgian cuisine. He’s climbed mountains. He’s walked across Russia. He’s a competitive powerlifter. He regularly wrestles alligators in Florida swamps. (Only one of the preceding is false.)

Hasmik Evoyan Guide Armenia Tour Wine Local Guide

Hasmik Evoyan comes from a background in business. For several years she worked with young people as a trainer, supporting them to discover their talents, personal strengths and develop their professional competencies. She was also an environmental activist and member of the opposition movement in Armenia. She has climbed mountains, earned her paragliding pilot's license, and traveled a lot. Her passion for traveling brought her to the tourism field where she currently works as a cultural, hiking, and wine guide in Armenia. She is in love with the unique culture and history of her motherland - Armenia. [/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title="Accommodations"]We will stay in the following hotels:

Yerevan: Silk Road Hotel
Yeghegis: Hotel Arevi
Tsaghkunq Village: Tsaghkunq B&B

Posted tour cost is based on twin/double accommodations. The single supplement is $180. Breakfast is included. If you need help/recommendations with booking accommodations before/after in Tbilisi, let us know.[/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title="Meals"]Breakfast is included at your hotels. Other meals as indicated in itinerary. Vegetarian/Vegan and other dietary needs will be accommodated, even featured. Armenia is generally a great location for vegetarians and vegans. [/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title="Payment and Cancellation Terms"]When completing the short "application" for this trip, you will pay a $50 non-refundable fee that is applied to the total trip cost. When your participation is confirmed on our end (you will receive an email) a deposit of $850 is due to hold your space. This is due by April 1. Full trip payment is due 30 days prior to arrival - by May 1.

Due to the limited space on this tour we need to keep strict cancellation terms. The deposit is non-refundable after April 1. Full trip cost is subject to the following schedule:

Cancellation in writing by May 10: 40% of total trip cost refundable
Cancellation in writing by May 20: 20% of total trip cost refundable

After May 20 no refund guaranteed. Because we know things happen, if somehow we are able to fill your spot, we will endeavor to refund as much as possible. If you have things going on in your life (or in the life of those around you) that could lead to cancellation, we recommend securing travel insurance.[/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title="Questions and Answers"]What’s sLoW tourism?
sLoW travel is a concept that challenges the traditional notion of travel as a means of quickly seeing and experiencing as many different places and activities as possible. Instead, slow travel encourages travellers to make meaningful connections with local people, cultures, food and music. It is based on the understanding that travel has the potential to be a learning experience, one that can be treasured in the present and for years to come, while also being sustainable for the environment and local communities. These goals can be achieved by staying in one location for an extended period of time, participating in local activities and traditions, and forming connections with the local community.

Wine… Armenia? What gives?
Armenia competes with places like Georgia and the Beqaa Valley as the birthplace of wine. The truth is, of course, we’ll never know, and that the search for the beginning of wine is fun and delicious.

During the Soviet era of Armenia, everyone there just knew that the best cognac and wines came from Armenia.

For Armenians, wine is just a way of life, something that accompanies every meal, ritual, meeting. Good wine is the result of hard work done by dedicated farmers, whose goal is to produce grapes that can express the unique character of their vineyard. Unlike industrial winemaking, which prioritizes production over quality, the risk taken by these farmers is rewarded with wine that has a true sense of place and flavor, rather than being tailored to meet market preferences. And where’s the best place to sample wine? At the vineyard itself, which is precisely what we’ll do. You’ll have a chance to hear the local vintners and farmers talk about the wine they’ve crafted for years.

Armenia is known for producing a variety of wines, including red, white, rose and sparkling wines. Some of the most popular varieties of wine produced in Armenia include Areni Noir, Voskehat, and Kaghany. These wines are made using grapes grown in the country's vineyards, which are known for their unique microclimates and soil conditions. Some of the other well-known wines from Armenia include Kangun, Karasi, and Armas. Overall, Armenian wines are known for their rich, robust flavors and their ability to pair well with a variety of foods.

What’s Armenian food like?
Amazing, like nothing you’ve ever tried.

Armenian cuisine is a unique blend of Mediterranean and Eastern flavors. Some of the most well-known dishes from Armenia include dolma (stuffed grape leaves), khorovats (grilled meat), and harissa (a porridge made from wheat and meat). Armenian bread, known as lavash, is also very popular and is often served with meals. Other popular dishes include khash (a soup made from cow's feet), and basturma (cured and dried meat).

We’ll not only enjoy the cuisine of Armenia made by some of the best cooks in the country, we’ll learn first-hand how to cook them. Imagine serving Armenian harissa at your next party!

What’s up with the vegetarian food in Armenia?
Since Armenia is an Orthodox Christian country, and they take fasting seriously, there’s an undiscovered parallel vegan and vegetarian tradition in Armenian cuisine. Basically, every national dish has a vegetarian version available upon request.

What UNESCO World Heritage sites will we visit?

Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin
Cathedral and Churches of Echmiadzin
Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley

Traveling Solo?
The listed price of this trip is per person based on double occupancy.

If you’re traveling solo, you’re in good company! With joy of good wine and food at the center of our trip to Armenia, there’s a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip. We have two options for you:

Shared Accommodations: You'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.

Private Accommodations: Have your own room, subject to availability, for a supplemental cost ($180). The capacity for private rooms is limited and will be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Activity Level?
Travelers should feel comfortable walking two to four miles over the course of each day, and walking on uneven terrains such as cobblestones or ruins. Several visits required stairs to access.

Arrival & Departure?
Our trip begins with a visit to the Haghpat Medieval Monastery complex on May 30. To give yourself time to settle into your accommodations before dinner, we recommend arriving in Tbilisi or Yerevan no later than 5 p.m. on May 29. Given the time difference — Yerevan and Tbilisi are both GMT+4, or 9 hours later than it is in New York City — we recommend arriving before May 29.

The trip concludes on the afternoon of June 8, with our lunch at the Berkti B&B in Yenokavan Village. There will be a free transport back to Tbilisi or Yerevan. We recommend leaving Armenia or Georgia no earlier than 9 a.m. on June 9.

Regarding Georgia. A food and wine story unto itself, yes, we will be leading a food tour here also soon enough. That being said, if you want to squeeze in a couple of days of food focus in Georgia, let us know and we will provide you with guidance on where to go and what to try.

Transportation?
Transfer to and from downtown Yerevan and Tbilisi at the beginning and end of the trip is included. Transfer from the Tbilisi or Yerevan airport can be arranged for an additional fee. Please contact us for more information!

During the road trip, we’ll travel in comfort and style in a Mercedes Sprinter van. Luggage rides along!

Breakfast and Daily Chats
Breakfast will be served every morning, buffet style. Every evening, we’ll find a place to relax and talk over wine.

Getting There
It’s easiest to get to Yerevan or Tbilisi from another city in Europe. Flights into Tbilisi (TBS) and Yerevan (EVN) are plentiful and cheap. The best cities to fly from are Paris, Amsterdam, Warsaw, and Istanbul. Flight Connections is the best way to find direct flights.

Direct (non-stop) flights to Tbilisi (TBS) - FlightConnections.com

If you need assistance/guidance with booking flights, contact us. We are happy to help.

What is the weather like?
Temperatures in early June in Armenia are moderate, highs ranging 75-85F during the day, falling to around 60F at night. [/su_spoiler]

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