From the world’s oldest winery to medieval monasteries, we share the best day trips from Yerevan, Armenia’s Pink City
After trekking the Highlander Svaneti and exploring Kazbegi in Georgia, I had a few days before my flight home so I hopped across the border to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.
Known as the Pink City for the volcanic rock used in its state buildings, Yerevan is a city with many faces. With evidence of settlement dating back to the 8th century BC, Yerevan is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities. While most of its ancient structures have now been removed, built over by Soviet-era tower blocks and monuments, the city still retains several alluring features – not least its position in the shadow of the fabled Mount Ararat.
Today, following Armenian independence in 1991, the city is modernising at pace, shaking off its Soviet past as contemporary art galleries, chic wine bars and sophisticated restaurants pop up along its tree-lined boulevards.
I spent a couple of days exploring the city on foot, visiting sites such as the stone steps and Arts Cafesjian Center at the Cascade Complex, Republic Square and the Armenian History Museum, and the haunting Armenian Genocide Memorial. I then used my remaining time to take some day trips from Yerevan. Fortunately, in a country the size of Armenia, it’s possible to squeeze a lot in and visit the major sites as well as a few lessser-known spots from a base in Yerevan.
Best day trips from Yerevan
From the ancient Areni Cave to the medieval monasteries of Geghard and Noravank, these are the best day trips from Yerevan.
1. Geghard Monastery
Distance from Yerevan: 37km
Tour duration: 5-6 hours
Price: $35 USD (with Garni Temple and Gorge)
Book the tour: viator.com
Geghardavank (Monastery of the Spear) is named after the spear that allegedly pierced Jesus Christ’s side at his crucifixion. The relic was kept in the monastery for 500 years after supposedly being carried there by the Apostle Thaddeus (Jude) in the 1st century AD.
The UNESCO-listed monastery is carved out of a cliff in the Upper Azat Valley just over an hour’s drive from Yerevan. With some of its structures dating from as early as the 4th century, the monastery was once known as Ayrivank (Monastery in the Cave) due to its rock-cut…
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