Located in the South Caucasus, Armenia is a country rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. While the vibrant capital city of Yerevan offers tons of options for activities and experiences, the true essence of Armenia can be discovered through incredible day trips.
After spending some time in Yerevan, we decided to rent a car and hit the road to explore more of Armenia.
Yerevan is a bustling city, especially at nighttime. In the city, you will find hip cafes, locals driving G-Wagons, stylish restaurants, beautiful architecture, and a cool bar scene.
Day Trips from Yerevan
The rest of the country is quite a contrast to the modern capital of Yerevan. It feels a bit like traveling back in time in the best way – ancient monasteries, sleepy towns, locals selling freshly-picked produce on the side of the roads.
Yerevan is a fantastic base for day trips and visiting the rest of the country.
In this guide, we’ll share information about destinations that are just a short drive away from the city. From ancient monasteries to serene lakeshores, each day trip is an unforgettable adventure.
Table of Contents
- Driving in Armenia
- Rental Car Pickup in Yerevan
- Day Trip 1: Garni
- Day Trip 2: Dilijan
- Day Trip 3: Khor Virap
- Day Trip 4: Lake Sevan
- Day Trip 5: Etchmiadzin
- Day Trips FAQ
Driving in Armenia
For most of our road trip, we didn’t have any issues driving in Armenia.
If you aren’t careful and don’t pay close attention, that could be a different story though.
That’s not to say that you shouldn’t rent a car in Armenia or won’t be safe. We had an amazing time driving in Armenia and would 100% do it again.
First off, the scenery while driving is stunning with picturesque mountains and old monasteries to keep your eyes busy – if you’re the passenger, of course.
But when it comes to the roads and drivers, be prepared for a bit of chaos. Lane markings are sometimes more like suggestions, and horn honking is a form of communication. People tend to drive fast and sometimes pass in places you wouldn’t think possible.
The roads have a blend of old Soviet-era cars and modern vehicles, all trying to coexist. Parking can be a creative exercise, and sometimes you might find cars parked in places that seem physically impossible, especially in Yerevan.
As with driving anywhere, pay close attention to other drivers around you. And don’t be surprised if you encounter livestock on the road – the cows and sheep have their own places to be!
Road Conditions
If you are traveling to the main tourist destinations of Armenia, especially near Yerevan, most of the roads are paved and signs are well-marked.
Many of the roads around the country are not great though. Plan to be on the constant look-out for pot holes. There are also quite a few roads that are paved and then suddenly become dirt. It’s all part of the adventure though, right?
Traffic Police
When driving from Yerevan to Dilijan, we saw MANY traffic police with cars pulled over on the side of the road.
We weren’t pulled over at any time in Armenia, so we aren’t sure exactly what the police were pulling people over for. It was likely speeding though. Be cautious and follow the rules of the road, even if others are not.
There are speed cameras almost everywhere in Armenia. They are usually marked with a sign, but they can be easy to miss.
We did read online that traffic police may flag you down for minor infractions, including speeding, and negotiate fines on the spot. We can’t say for certain exactly what happens since this (luckily) didn’t happen to us.
So, driving in Armenia can be an exciting mix of breathtaking landscapes and an “anything goes” approach to the rules of the road. Just keep your wits about you, and you’ll be able to visit some unforgettable places.
Rental Car Pickup in Armenia
We rented our car through Hertz in Yerevan.
There are many well-know car rental companies to choose from, including Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, Enterprise, and more.
We wanted to begin our trip by spending a few days in Yerevan first, so we didn’t pick up our rental car at the airport. Instead, we decided to rent directly from the Hertz in the Yerevan city center.
Renting a car in a foreign country always causes a bit of nerves and hesitation with so much talk about scams and ridiculous charges from rental car companies. However, we had an amazing experience renting from this Hertz location.
When we dropped the car off, the manager even offered to drive us back to our hotel so we didn’t have to walk!
Day Trip 1: Garni Temple & Geghard Monastery
Distance from Yerevan: Approximately 40 kilometers
Travel Time: About 1 hour
Depart from Yerevan and drive eastward, passing through quiet villages and rolling hills. After about an hour on the road, you’ll reach the Garni Temple – a stunning piece of Hellenistic architecture on a cliff overlooking the Azat River Gorge. The views here are stunning.
Explore the temple’s intricate design, soak in the panoramic views, and capture the essence of Armenia’s history.
Garni Temple Entrance Cost: $3.75 (There is also the option for a guided tour in English for $12.49, but we did not do this.)
From Garni, it’s only a short drive to the Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The monastery is renowned for being partially carved into the rockface, offering a blend of nature and architecture that is nothing short of mesmerizing.
We visited on a Sunday and it was quite busy, but still absolutely beautiful and very peaceful.
Spend time wandering through the chambers and marveling at the delicate stone carvings that adorn the walls. The acoustics of the main chamber create a unique auditory experience that adds to the monastery’s mystique.
The sunlight shining into the monastery is a view that we will never forget.
Geghard Monastery Entrance Cost: Free
We also HIGHLY recommend visiting the Azat Reservoir while you’re in this area. It is approximately a 20 minute drive from Garni Temple.
This was one of our favorite stops in Armenia! We saw cars driving on the roads lower in the reservoir, but we just admired the view from the top.
This spot is marked as Azat Lake Viewpoint on Google Maps.
Day Trip 2: Dilijan National Park
Distance from Yerevan: Approximately 100 kilometers
Travel Time: About 2 hours
For nature enthusiasts, Dilijan definitely needs to be on your bucket list for day trips from Yerevan.
Depart from Yerevan and head northward, embarking on a scenic drive that takes you through picturesque landscapes. After about two hours, you’ll find yourself within the “Armenian Switzerland.”
Don’t miss stopping along the way for some fresh corn from one of the many roadside stands.
Begin your day trip with a hike through the park’s lush forests. As you explore the park’s winding trails, you’ll stumble upon the Haghartsin Monastery Complex, a hidden gem nestled amidst the greenery. This 10th-century architectural wonder showcases the fusion of Armenian medieval design with the natural surroundings.
You can also drive directly up to the Haghartsin Monastery. There is parking along the road. It is a tight squeeze on the side of the road if it’s busy, but there was a local helping cars park and taking tips.
Harghartsin Monastery Complex Entrance Cost: Free
Day Trip 3: Khor Virap & Noravank
Distance from Yerevan: Approximately 50 kilometers
Travel Time: About 1 hour
If you’re like us, this is one of the stops that brought you to Armenia.
A day trip from Yerevan to Khor Virap and Noravank is a great way to explore Armenia’s historical and spiritual heritage. Setting out from Yerevan, travel southwest for about an hour, enjoying the changing landscapes along the way.
Khor Virap, our first destination, is an iconic monastery with a view that will take your breath away.
Against the backdrop of the majestic Mount Ararat, where biblical history meets Armenia’s present, you’ll uncover the tale of Saint Gregory the Illuminator. The monastery’s underground chamber, where he was imprisoned, adds an powerful layer to the site’s significance.
Khor Virap Entrance Cost: Free
Mount Ararat is also said to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark.
Continuing on, your next stop is Noravank, a complex that emerges from the heart of a narrow gorge. The Surb Astvatsatsin Church, with its intricate red rock façade, stands as a testament to Armenian architectural talents.
Noravank Monastery Entrance Cost: Free
Day Trip 4: Lake Sevan & Sevanavank
Distance from Yerevan: Approximately 70 kilometers
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours
The “Blue Gem” of Armenia awaits your discovery on a day trip to Lake Sevan. Depart Yerevan and drive northeast, tracing the shores of the Hrazdan River as it leads you to this stunning high-altitude freshwater lake.
Our jaws DROPPED when we saw Lake Sevan for the first time. The water is insanely, beautifully blue.
Arriving at Lake Sevan, take a moment to soak in the serene views and choose from a variety of water activities, from boating to simply lounging on the lakeshore. We choose to relax and admire the lake from different viewpoints along the road.
A short drive along the lake’s perimeter brings you to the Sevanavank Monastery, standing proudly on a peninsula that reaches into the waters. The churches here offer a glimpse into Armenia’s early Christian history.
Take the stairs up to the hilltop for sweeping panoramic views of the lake.
This a great option for day trips from Yerevan, but you could also stay the night in Dilijan or around the lake to have more time exploring this area.
Sevanavank Monastery Entrance Cost: Free
Day Trip 5: Etchmiadzin
Distance from Yerevan: Approximately 20 kilometers
Travel Time: About 40 minutes
Etchmiadzin is a significant religious and historical center in Armenia. Depart Yerevan and drive west to reach Etchmiadzin, also known as Vagharshapat.
This is a great option for day trips from Yerevan because it is not very far from the city center. There are also options to travel here using public transport or a taxi if you don’t have a rental car.
It’s renowned as the religious capital of Armenia, home of the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, which is one of the oldest and most revered churches in the country.
Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the grandeur of the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent church holds immense cultural and religious significance for Armenians and is considered the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Apart from the cathedral, you can explore the nearby museums, historic sites, and beautiful architecture that reflect Armenia’s rich heritage. The Etchmiadzin Cathedral complex includes the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians, and various religious buildings.
Along the drive from Yerevan, you can also stop at Zvartnots Cathedral, which is the ruins of an iconic church from the 7th century.
Zvartnots Cathedral Entrance Fee: $3.25
Armenia Day Trips FAQ
Which side of the road does Armenia drive on?
Armenians drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Do I need an International Driver’s License?
We rented our car from Hertz and they did ask to see our International Driver’s License.
Do I need to rent a 4×4?
It depends where you are visiting. We drove to all of the locations in this blog in a standard sedan and did not feel the need to have a 4×4. However, if you are visiting during winter or planning to drive to more remote areas, you might find a 4×4 to be necessary. For us, it wasn’t.
While there are tons of options for day trips from Yerevan, these are 5 incredible options to add to your Armenia itinerary.
From the peaceful tranquility of monasteries to the beauty of lakeshores, each day trip offers a glimpse into Armenia’s soul. Whether you’re seeking historical insights or a quiet day with nature, these day trips are a way to step off the beaten path and embrace the essence of Armenia.
Save It For Later
If you found this Yerevan day trips guide useful, save this post for future reference. Know someone else visiting Armenia soon who will find this helpful, then why not share it with them?
Have a question about planning a trip to Armenia? Then head to the Contact page and drop us a message.
