How much does it cost to go on a Armenia Road Trip in Armenia?
Your journey starts at the Yerevan Airport. It is precisely the place where you can collect your rental vehicle.
The trip starts at the Yerevan Airport where those travellers who would like to rent a vehicle have a number of options to choose from. The final destination of this around 120-kilometre stage is the beautiful Gyumri, the second largest city in Armenia. Along the way, you’ll have an opportunity to admire the constantly changing landscape through your car window.
In Gyumri, there exist a number of sightseeing options that await you. Its long history can be seen at every corner. The lovers of the topic will be especially interested in the archaeological sites that are scattered outside the city limits. You can also try visiting such places as Marmashen Monastery, Saint Alexandra the Martyr's Russian Orthodox Church, and Gyumri City Hall.
Your next stage will take you north through such settlements as Mayisyan, Keti, Pokrashen, or Musayelyan to arrive at Tashir. There, you’ll pass the halfway point of this lap. Take M3 road and travel south to reach the beautiful Vanadzor. Along the way, you’ll have a unique opportunity to admire the beauty of the Stepanawan Dendropark. Nearby, you’ll also find the remains of a fortress from the 3rd millennium BC.
After leaving the Stepanawan Dendropark, you’ll be only at a stone’s throw away from Vanadzor. On your way, you’ll pass such places as Gjulagarag, Bazum, and Darpas. Vanadzor is the third largest city in the country and can boast a very scenic location among the verdant hills, which you’ll have the opportunity to admire while driving into the city.
In Vanadzor, the capital of Lori Province, you should definitely visit such places as old khachkars, the beautiful Downtown, Vanadzor Central Park, and Saint Gregory of Narek Cathedral. After leaving the city and heading for your final destination of this stage, you’ll notice dense flora through your car window. It is characteristic for this part of the country.
This stage of your trip will take you along the beauty of Armenian natural parks. You’ll have an opportunity to take additional stopovers at such places as the Getik State Sanctuary or the Dilijan National Park, which is one of the four protected natural areas in the country. Reaching Navur will take you around 3 hours without any additional breaks.
In order to reach the town of Navur, you need to drive along H38 road. This small settlement is everything that travellers searching for an escape from congested cities seek. Through your car window, you’ll admire stunning topography which is the quintessence of Northern Armenia. Verdant hills, misty peaks, and beautiful flora are characteristic of the Navur’s nearest vicinity.
After a short break in Navur, hop in your car to head for your next destination, namely Vardenis. This part of your road trip will be especially scenic owing to the fact that it runs along the shores of Lake Sevan, the largest body of water in the whole country. You can even take an additional stopover to admire the beauty of this place. Interestingly, the only island that can be found on the lake is home to a medieval monastery.
Vardenis is located at a stone’s throw from Lake Sevan. You’ll reach it by taking M14 road. Vardenis enjoys a stunning location against the backdrop of Vardenis Mountains, which you can admire along the way. While in the city, the must-see attractions include medieval khachkars, the Monument of Perished Soldiers, and the Holy Mother of God Church.
After some time spent in Vardenis, you will travel to the last destination of this stage, namely Shaki. It is located at a distance of 171 km away. For those who are into nature reserves, there’s an option of an additional stopover in Herher State Sanctuary. Along the way, you’ll admire more mountainous Armenian terrain.
Shaki is a small town which is best known for the Shaki Waterfall. It’ll be an ideal place for those who seek some tranquillity during their road trip. Here, you’ll feel a true unity with nature. On all sides, you’ll be surrounded by scenic views and dense flora. From Shaki, continue your trip towards Goris located at a distance of 154 km away.
Along your way to Goris, you’ll pass such settlements as Noravan, Vaghatin, or Vorotan. Goris can boast one of the most scenic locations in this part of Armenia. Around the town, you’ll admire beautiful arid fields, green hills, and interesting monuments dotting the landscape.
While in Goris, you shouldn’t miss such highlights as the Goris Gate, the settlement of Old Kores, the Surp Hripsimé Basilica, or Saint Gregory Cathedral. There are also numerous viewpoints around the city which will allow you to admire the settlement and its nearest surroundings from afar.
This stage of the trip is almost 200 km long. Through your car window, you’ll see stunning mountain ranges which are the epitome of Southern Armenian geography. After some time spent in the south, your trip will take you north to Ararat located against the backdrop of the mountain of Urts.
Along your way to Ararat, you’ll drive through such places as Rind, Chiva, or Zangakatun. The rural Armenia will charm you with its beauty and idyllic ambiance. Take some time to see the highlights of Ararat and then hit the road in order to reach the final destination of this road trip, which is again the Yerevan Airport.
Those who have opted for car rental option should leave their cars at the airport. However, reaching it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your Armenian journey. The distance from the airport to the city centre of Yerevan is 12 km. The two available options to get there are bus transfer or taxi transfer.
Yerevan is both the capital and the largest city of the stunning Armenia. It is a true urban jewel that will take you on a journey around its most notable highlights. Those who would like to delve deeper into the city’s history should definitely consider a visit at the History Museum of Armenia, the Erebuni Historical and Archaeological Museum-Reserve, or the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum.
Sightseeing around Yerevan doesn’t only entail focusing on history. You can also take a stroll around the gardens which are part of the Cafesjian Centre for the Arts, try some of the delicacies of Armenian cuisine at one of the restaurants in the City Centre, or admire the architecture of Yerevan’s main cathedral, Surp Sarkis. The lovers of art will be additionally pleased with a visit at the National Gallery of Armenia.