4.8

The Ultimate Adventure in Armenia

  • Armenia
  • 8 nights

A cracker in the Caucasus. Roam around the stunning mountains, rivers, lakes and ancient monasteries of this low-key gem of a country

What's Included?

  • Activities & Certified GuidesAll itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides
  • Accommodation7 nights in locally owned hotels & guesthouses, 1 night in a stunning glamping spot
  • Meals8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners
  • TransfersAirport transfers and everything in between
  • GearAll of your rafting, caving & zip-lining gear
  • Maximum group size: 14Join small n’ sociable groups of like-minded, active and outdoorsy people – designed to be solo-friendly

From…excluding flights

Highlights

  • Hike valleys, gorges, swinging bridges, and forests, building up to the pinnacle of the trip: summiting the 12,756 ft southern peak of mighty Mount Aragats

  • Raft a whitewater river in Tumanyan, dive into Lake Sevan for open water swims and zipline over a forested gorge hundreds of feet deep

  • Explore Yerevan's vibrant food and drink scene, taste Armenian wine at an award-winning winery, and enjoy a traditional Armenian BBQ masterclass

  • Visit the monasteries of Khor Virap and Tatev, stop in traditional villages, and be wowed by views of snow-capped peaks in a country largely untouched by tourism

Itinerary

    Day 1

    Welcome to Armenia

    Hotel
    Twin share
    Lunch and dinner included
    Show Day 1 detail

    Touch down in Yerevan, Armenia's capital, and meet your host at the airport. Many flights into Yerevan land early, so we've arranged early check-ins at the hotel so you can catch up on some sleep after any overnight flights. You'll meet up with your guides and fellow adventurers this afternoon to explore the city. In recent years Armenia's capital has cast off its Soviet shackles and embraced a youthful, cosmopolitan outlook. Picturesque streets are lined with sidewalk cafes open late into the evenings, and an enthusiastic nightlife scene buzzes in the city – jazz is especially popular, with plenty of underground bars and clubs where you can watch skilled musicians jamming away. You'll also head out to Garni village on the outskirts, known for its temple, and to the 'Symphony of Stones' - a natural grand amphitheater. Head out for a welcome dinner in Yerevan to a traditional Armenian restaurant.

    Day 2

    Epic monasteries, caving, wine tasting and an Armenian BBQ class

    Caving
    3hrs
    Driving
    3.5hrs
    Hotel
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 2 detail

    Head out of Yerevan after breakfast for your first taste of open Armenian roads, with some stunning backdrops. You'll stop at Khor Virap monastery, the closest viewpoint of the Biblical Mount Ararat over the border in Turkey. Continue on to Areni village, to head into the cave known as Areni 1, where archaeologists recently discovered the oldest winemaking facilities in recorded history. The main course today is an adventure deep into Magel Cave, 1 mile deep and full of narrow passages. Slip on a helmet and flashlight as your guides lead you through the labyrinthine network of tunnels to reach the larger chambers, home to large colonies of bats. After continuing your journey to the southeast part of Armenia, near the Azerbaijan border, you'll stop at Yeghegnadzor for an Armenian feast. Headed up by a local chef, you'll get hands-on with an Armenian barbecue masterclass to discover 'khorovats' – the art of grilling. Prepare vegetable skewers and kebabs with a variety of accompaniments and Armenian wine, all in a really lovely courtyard setting with a beautiful view over the valley. Finish up a big first day at your hotel in Goris.

    Day 3

    Hiking the foothills and Tatev Monastery

    Hiking
    3-4hrs · 4mi · 1312ft up · 1312ft down
    Hotel
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 3 detail

    Tuck into breakfast and set off for a big day hiking and exploring after making progress on the journey on the road yesterday. From the village of Khot, a quaint and serene spot nestled in the heart of Armenia, you'll pick up a hiking trail to Hin Khot, meandering through stunning landscapes with panoramic views of wild Armenia. After three hours or so, wrap up and head to Halidzor, a small village and gateway to the spectacular Tatev Monastery. Hop on the famous 'Wings of Tatev' cable car – the longest non-stop double track cable car in the world. The ride offers breathtaking aerial views of the Vorotan Gorge and the wider landscape. Arrive at the majestic Tatev Monastery, perched on a cliff overlooking the gorge. This 9th-century monastery is a significant cultural and historical site of architectural beauty and a serene setting. Explore the monastery complex, its ancient churches and frescoes before taking the cable car back down and heading back to Goris for dinner.

    Day 4

    Swinging bridges and glistening Lake Sevan

    Hiking
    3hrs · 4mi · 656ft up · 656ft down
    Driving
    4hrs
    Hotel
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 4 detail

    Explore the area around Goris further on foot today, setting off for a hike to the old city of Goris in Khndzoresk, an absolutely incredible route including the Khndzoresk swinging bridge, an iconic highlight of the area nestled in lush landscapes. Soaking up the last of your time in this corner of Armenia, you'll bid farewell, settling in for the drive north, stopping in the town of Vayk and at the historic Selim Caravanserai, a 14th-century roadside inn on the Silk Road. Arrive at Lake Sevan and soak up the views over the second-highest freshwater lake in the world from your guesthouse on the edge of the lake.

    Day 5

    Lake swims, river rafting, and an epic glamping spot

    Rafting
    2-2.5hrs · 7mi
    Driving
    3hrs
    Glamping
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 5 detail

    Enjoy some downtime this morning to soak up the lake, heading to the shore for a memorable open water swim before breakfast. Heading deeper into northern Armenia, you'll continue the journey towards Tumanyan, one of the adventure corners of the country. Hopping out on the banks of the Debed River, you'll get kitted up before jumping on the raft with an expert guide and hitting the water. Navigate the thrilling rapids rushing through the Debed River canyon, journeying 6 miles in total including a spot to jump into the river from an old bridge. Dry off and relax into a serene evening at Armenia's most gorgeous glamping spot on the road to Dilijan, grabbing a sundowner and taking in the sunset from cozy chairs before dinner and a night beneath the stars in luxury bell tents.

    Day 6

    Warm up summit of Mount Dimats

    Hiking
    4-4.5hrs · 6mi · 1640ft up · 1640ft down
    Hotel
    Twin share
    All meals included
    Show Day 6 detail

    Breakfast at the glamping spot before finishing the drive to Dilijan, known as Armenia's 'Little Switzerland.' Today's hike to Mount Dimats is a warm-up for your big summit effort, coming up in a couple of days. You'll hop in a 4x4 first for a drive deep into the Dilijan National Park, then hit the rugged trails with spectacular scenery all around, eventually reaching the high point at 7,742 ft for an epic panorama. Back in Dilijan, enjoy some downtime in this quaint spa town.

    Day 7

    Ziplining and forest hikes in Armenia's best-kept secret

    Zip-lining
    1hr
    Hiking
    3-4hrs · 4mi · 984ft up · 984ft down
    Driving
    3hrs
    Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 7 detail

    A short way away from Dilijan is one of Armenia's best-kept secrets. Lastiver, in the Tavush region, is a wild and rugged area of northeastern Armenia, covered in forests punctuated by clear rivers and waterfalls. Kicking things off, you'll ramp up the adrenaline with an otherworldly ziplining escapade high over the forest gorge. Next up, your guide will take you on a wonderful forested route to soak this place up, heading into a deep gorge before descending to cascading waterfalls and the most scenic meadows in Armenia. Bidding this magical combo of Lastiver and Dilijan goodbye, you'll make the journey back to Yerevan for dinner and a good night's sleep to prepare for the culmination of the adventure tomorrow...

    Day 8

    Summit Mount Aragat's southern peak

    Hiking
    5-6hrs · 6mi · 2297ft up · 2297ft down
    Hotel
    Twin share
    Breakfast and lunch included
    Show Day 8 detail

    Your ultimate adventure around Armenia reaches an epic conclusion today as you hike to the southern summit of Armenia's highest mountain – Mount Aragats. Driving out of Yerevan to the trailhead at Kari Lake on the slope of Mount Aragats, your hike sets off along the slopes of this extinct volcano. Gradually eat into the elevation, slowly gaining height along the long ascent as the expansive views open up behind you en route to the summit. Mount Aragats is a volcanic massif with four peaks, you'll top out on its southern summit at 12,756 ft. If conditions are good, you’ll have lunch on the summit looking down on all of Armenia and deep into neighboring Turkey with incredible views of Mount Ararat. Then it's time to descend, back down the mountain to Kari Lake from where you'll drive back to Yerevan. Tonight, head out into the vibrant capital to toast today's successful summit over dinner, and move on to a bar or two to catch some of Yerevan's renowned jazz musicians doing their thing.

  9. Day 9

    Goodbye, Armenia

    Breakfast included
    Show Day 9 detail

    The adventure comes to an end today as your host drops you off at the airport in Yerevan in time for your onward flight.

Practical Stuff

Getting There

Nearest airport
Zvartnots International Airport (EVN)
Pick up
Zvartnots International Airport, Yerevan (EVN)
Any time on Day 1
Drop off
Zvartnots International Airport, Yerevan (EVN)
Any time on Day 9

Detailed Logistics

Transfers

Your host will pick you up on arrival at Yerevan's Zvartnots International Airport and transfer you to your hotel downtown. Some flights to Yerevan arrive in the middle of the night or very early in the morning, so we have included early check-in on Day 1 so you can settle straight into your room and rest up from any long journeys to reach Armenia. On Day 9, your host will drop you off back at the airport in time for any onward flights that day. Private transfers between the airport and Yerevan are included if you arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 9. If you extend your stay with extra nights accommodation through our host, they can arrange a private transfer outside of the set trip dates for a small fee. See Optional Extras for details.

Travel options

There are a variety of indirect flight options to Yerevan from the UK and North America, with stops in Cyprus, Sofia, Vienna, Rome, Budapest and Istanbul en route, depending on your carrier. There are numerous direct flights to Yerevan from major airports across Europe.

Trip level explained

Level 2

Easy-Moderate

Most of the hikes on this trip are easygoing, lasting 3-4 hours without too much elevation gain or loss to get through. However, you'll need an additional push on the penultimate day to reach the southern summit of Mount Aragats. This involves 5-6 hours of hiking with around 2,300 ft of ascent and descent to get through on some steep, loose sections; the altitude of 12,756 ft will make things additionally challenging. If you wish to skip the summit of Aragats, you are welcome to do your own thing in Yerevan.

You won't need any experience for any of the other activities, though it is important to note that if you suffer from claustrophobia you may wish to sit out the caving on Day 2. Your guide will assist if this is the case.

What if i need to skip an activity?

You are welcome to skip any of the activities on this trip. Please discuss this with your host, as onward travel to the next destination will need to be factored in if any guests sit out an activity. If you suffer from vertigo or just don't fancy the ziplining, there is the option to go horseback riding instead.

What will I need to carry?

You'll only need a daypack of 20-30 liters for each of the hiking days on this trip. Your main luggage will remain in your hotels and will be transported for you throughout the trip.

High altitude (over 8,200 ft): factors to consider

This trip visits locations at or above 8,200ft, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness (opens in new tab), also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.

Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group well-being, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.

Before booking, we recommend considering your personal health, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions, and consulting a medical professional if you’re unsure. Arriving early to allow your body to acclimatize can also make a big difference.

Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.

Remote environment: factors to consider

Some parts of this trip take place in areas where access to medical facilities and emergency services may be limited. This may mean that reaching medical care takes longer than you might normally expect, or that local medical facilities have fewer resources than those you may be used to at home.

If someone becomes unwell or injured, initial treatment may be provided locally before onward travel to a larger hospital or city for further care. Evacuation could involve changing the planned route or using different forms of transportation to reach appropriate medical facilities. Mobile phone coverage may also be intermittent in some locations.

Your guide is trained to manage situations in remote environments and will monitor the group and respond appropriately if any issues arise. However, it’s important that you let your guide know straight away if you feel unwell or experience any health concerns during the trip.

Before booking, consider your personal health and ability to travel in locations where access to medical care may be delayed. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns, we recommend seeking advice from a medical professional and discussing them with your host before traveling.

All travelers must have suitable travel insurance that covers the activities included in the trip and emergency medical evacuation if required.

What is and isn't Included?

What's included

  • Guided caving experiences inside Areni and Magel caves
  • Wine tasting at an award-winning winery
  • Guided visits to Khor Virap and Tatev monasteries, including cable car journey to reach Tatev
  • Guided hikes at Khot, Khndzoresk, Mount Dimats, Lastiver and the summit of Mount Aragats
  • Guided rafting adventure down the Debed River in Tumanyan region
  • Ziplining at Lastiver
  • Armenian BBQ masterclass

  • English-speaking local guide and tour leader
  • Expert rafting, caving and ziplining guides
  • Sommelier for the wine tasting and chef for the Armenian BBQ masterclass
  • Additional mountain trekking guide for the summit of Mount Aragats

  • 3 nights in a 4-star hotel and spa in the capital, Yerevan
  • 2 nights in a homely, traditional hotel in Goris
  • 1 night at a lakeside hotel at Lake Sevan
  • 1 night at a stunning glamping spot near Dsegh Village
  • 1 night at a charming boutique hotel in Dilijan

  • All 8 breakfasts included at each of your hotels, guesthouses and glamping spot
  • All 7 lunches, a mix of carefully selected restaurants and cafes and packed lunches
  • 6 dinners sampling traditional Armenian foods, including an Armenian barbecue class
  • Wine tasting session at an award-winning winery

  • Arrival transfer from Yerevan Airport
  • Departure transfer to Yerevan Airport
  • All other transfers throughout the trip

  • Rafts, paddles, helmets and life jackets for the rafting
  • Helmets, headlamps and gloves for the caving experiences
  • Safety gear for the ziplining activity

  • Entry fee for Khor Virap monastery
  • Entry fee and cable car ticket for Tatev Monastery

Where You'll Stay

Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.

  • Felinger Collection Hotel & SPA.

    Yerevan

    Stay

    Yerevan

    Your nights in the Armenian capital will be spent at Felinger Collection Hotel & Spa, a 4-star accommodation with an indoor pool, sauna, and hammam. There's a beautiful bar and dining area with incredible views over the city and Mount Ararat in the distance. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with private bathrooms.

  • Wow Glamping, Armenia

    Glamping

    Stay

    Glamping

    You'll bed down at WOW Glamping*, the first glamping spot in Armenia. It's located in the village of Dsegh in the Lori Region, the hometown of Hovhannes Tumanyan – the 'pan-Armenian Poet'. Here you can kick back and enjoy the stunning natural landscapes. Bell tents are allocated on a twin- or triple-share basis, and are decorated in a high-end style with Armenian touch. There are shared toilets and bathrooms, and towels are provided. There is also an open-air café and cozy tea house. The menu here consists of eco-products mainly from Dsegh village.

    *Depending on availability, some groups may instead stay at Glamping Park, a unique spot which offers a comfortable night's rest in geodesic domes, with an on-site restaurant and wide open views to the beautiful countryside.

  • Mina Hotel, Goris, Armenia.

    Goris

    Stay

    Goris

    You'll spend two nights at Mina Hotel in Goris, surrounded by the mountainous Syunik region. The hotel is a cozy and quiet stay, providing the ideal base for exploring Khndzoresk and the Tatev monastery. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en suite bathrooms.

  • Sevan Up Inn, Sevan, Armenia.

    Lake Sevan

    Stay

    Lake Sevan

    At Lake Sevan, you'll stay at the Sevan Up Guesthouse, a lakeside hotel with 20 comfortable rooms, a restaurant and an inviting pool overlooking the lake. You'll stay in a twin-share room with en suite bathrooms.

  • Armenia Guesthouse, Dilijan.

    Dilijan

    Stay

    Dilijan

    In the lush, green forested mountainous area of Dilijan, you'll stay in a charming, family-run boutique guesthouse. Simply called Armenia Guesthouse Dilijan, it underplays what a lovely spot this is to soak up the surroundings after exploring Mount Dimats. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en suite bathrooms.

What You'll Eat

Kick start each day with breakfast at your hotels and glamping spot along the route, with a selection of cereals, fruits, Armenian pastries and breads, preserves and tea & coffee. On days out adventuring you will have lunch boxes provided with sandwi…

Food and Dietary info

Kick start each day with breakfast at your hotels and glamping spot along the route, with a selection of cereals, fruits, Armenian pastries and breads, preserves and tea & coffee. On days out adventuring you will have lunch boxes provided with sandwiches, a salad and dessert (cookies, fruits etc). In restaurants, you will find traditional Armenian dishes – lamb, eggplant, yogurt and bulgar wheat are all staples of the Armenian diet. Armenian meze, served with a traditional bread called lavash, is a must. For dessert, be sure to try baklava. You'll sample and help to prepare some classic Armenian barbecue dishes during your masterclass, with veggie and meat skewers, lavash bread and Armenian salads. The meals in Armenia are generally meat-based, though vegetarians and vegans can be catered for if you let your host know in advance. Food allergies or other special dietary requirements can also be catered for, just let your host know on the passenger info form.

Optional Extras

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation

Single room in Yerevan
…/per night
Twin/double room in Yerevan
…/per night

Upgrades

Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade
…

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and glamping tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).

Transfers

Each way
…

To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.

All extras must be paid before your trip starts.

Ratings & Reviews

4.816 reviews
  • 3 stars (0)
  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (0)

Category rating

Food
4.0
Guides & crew
5.0
Accommodation
4.0
Itinerary
4.0

Latest Reviews

  • Margaret C.

    Great adventure with lots of activities and finishing on top of Mount Aragats was the highlight. Our guide Anahit was superb, friendly, informative and just lovely person. My only criticism was too much time was given to lunch! Far too much food and time wasted that could have been spent at some of our one night stays where we had little opportunity to explore. Just tweak the schedule and it will be perfect!

  • Michael M.

    Lovely mix of activities and culture. Particularly enhanced by our guide "Anahit". She really did play a great part in making this trip fantastic!

  • Jennifer D.

    Unique country with amazing scenery and midblowing volcanic formations. Saw many things I've not seen in other countries. My only criticism is that the hikes were wonderful, but apart from one, they were out and back - would've much preferred circular walks or a drop off and pick up in a other location. The itinerary was more relaxed than on other trips, wasn't expecting that but actually grateful for the laid back style.

  • Hollie H.

    Armenia is a stunning country and absolutely should be witnessed. Pros for the trip: + All of the accommodation was excellent. + The food was plentiful + Our guide was brilliant and knew almost everything you could want to know about Armenia Cons: - You move a lot and therefore it doesn’t feel like you ever truly get to relax on any of the evenings - The programme could have been condensed as two cave house hikes back to back felt really samey. It would have been better to save one of those days for a day in Yerevan at the end. - The first day is jam packed and more consideration should be given to lunch. Making kebabs isn’t a needed activity - instead we should arrive with this food already prepared (we can see it in the oven but absolutely do not need to make them). On this day we ate breakfast at 7am and then ate lunch at 3pm - unnecessarily long. - There was hardly any free time until the last two nights. This made everyone feel incredibly exhausted. - There were too many monasteries etc included. Around the glamping there are tons of lovely grassy trails, included some of these would have been nice. For lake Sevan, there was essentially no point staying there as we arrived at 7pm and left at 9am. This could have been better considered to include a morning hike around the lake? Overall Armenia is a stunning country and has some unbelievably brilliant sights. Anahit was a fantastic host but I think the agenda should be adjusted to give the places we are staying more limelight, which would give greater variety and also feel less like we are driving sleeping driving walking most days.

  • Michael L.

    Very well constructed tour of Armenia which seamlessly mixed thrilling activities like rafting and caving with the beautiful nature of the mountains and gorges. The driving was comfortable and modest in length considering how much of the country we experienced and always mixed with great activities. Very welcoming country/people. Excellent guide and high quality accommodation with plenty of food. This is Armenia done comprehensively.

  • Marcus B.

    This trip had everything. From adventure activities and hiking in stunning natural landscapes, to delicious local food and visits to beautiful historic sites. It was great to be able to share the experience with a lovely group of people too. It was a well-organised, varied itinerary which made for a very memorable trip. The white water rafting and night staying in the glamping pods were personal highlights for me. The cultural element should definitely be shouted about more because Armenia is an extremely interesting country, rich in history. Anahit was a brilliantly knowledgeable guide and made the trip even more enjoyable. It was a fantastic first MBA adventure and I would absolutely recommend!

  • Kimberley T.

    The tour had loads of variety in terms of landscapes, culture, food and activities. It was a memorable trip with fantastic scenery, interesting history and a great bunch of people. Armenia has lots to offer and it felt like we really experienced a good cross section of the country in a short space of time. Recommended!

  • Sarah C.

    Good mix of activity alongside culture. I feel that the itinerary listed on line does not do justice to the cultural element of the trip although this may have been better than expected due to our very knowledgeable guide.

  • Jonathan W.

    It was a good trip, but definitely not the best MBA trip I've ever been on. There was a lot of time in the van, and the scenery was good but not unreal.

  • Jane H.

    We had a group of 10 intrepid travellers ranging in age from 30 - 60 (me being the upper age). It was a fabulous group of like minded people who got on well together. It is a full packed schedule of sightseeing, activities and hiking with driving in between. The bus was comfortable so I didn’t find the distances a problem. Most of the meals were provided and the food was delicious, home cooked, fresh and plentiful. We seemed to be eating a lot!! Anahit our guide was lovely. Excellent historical knowledge and an experienced mountaineer. She set a perfect pace especially when it was very hot. She was good at rounding us up and getting us organised when we had a lot to pack in. The accommodation was all really comfortable and clean and staff and Armenian people in general couldn’t do enough for us. The mix of sightseeing, activities and hiking was good with plenty of historical knowledge provided by Anahit. The tour doesn’t cover much of Yerevan so if you have extra time a walking tour and visit to some of the sights there is well worth it. I thoroughly recommend this tour you won’t be disappointed.

Customer Photos

4.816 reviews
  • 5 stars (12)
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  • 3 stars (0)
  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (0)
Showing all 16 reviews

  • Fantastic trip

    Margaret C. October 2025
    Great adventure with lots of activities and finishing on top of Mount Aragats was the highlight. Our guide Anahit was superb, friendly, informative and just lovely person. My only criticism was too much time was given to lunch! Far too much food and time wasted that could have been spent at some of our one night stays where we had little opportunity to explore. Just tweak the schedule and it will be perfect!

  • Great experience!

    Michael M. October 2025
    Lovely mix of activities and culture. Particularly enhanced by our guide "Anahit". She really did play a great part in making this trip fantastic!

  • Fabulous little country

    Jennifer D. October 2025
    Unique country with amazing scenery and midblowing volcanic formations. Saw many things I've not seen in other countries. My only criticism is that the hikes were wonderful, but apart from one, they were out and back - would've much preferred circular walks or a drop off and pick up in a other location. The itinerary was more relaxed than on other trips, wasn't expecting that but actually grateful for the laid back style.

  • Gorgeous scenery but perhaps too much movement

    Hollie H. September 2025
    Armenia is a stunning country and absolutely should be witnessed. Pros for the trip: + All of the accommodation was excellent. + The food was plentiful + Our guide was brilliant and knew almost everything you could want to know about Armenia Cons: - You move a lot and therefore it doesn’t feel like you ever truly get to relax on any of the evenings - The programme could have been condensed as two cave house hikes back to back felt really samey. It would have been better to save one of those days for a day in Yerevan at the end. - The first day is jam packed and more consideration should be given to lunch. Making kebabs isn’t a needed activity - instead we should arrive with this food already prepared (we can see it in the oven but absolutely do not need to make them). On this day we ate breakfast at 7am and then ate lunch at 3pm - unnecessarily long. - There was hardly any free time until the last two nights. This made everyone feel incredibly exhausted. - There were too many monasteries etc included. Around the glamping there are tons of lovely grassy trails, included some of these would have been nice. For lake Sevan, there was essentially no point staying there as we arrived at 7pm and left at 9am. This could have been better considered to include a morning hike around the lake? Overall Armenia is a stunning country and has some unbelievably brilliant sights. Anahit was a fantastic host but I think the agenda should be adjusted to give the places we are staying more limelight, which would give greater variety and also feel less like we are driving sleeping driving walking most days.

  • Amazing adventure in Armenia

    Michael L. September 2025
    Very well constructed tour of Armenia which seamlessly mixed thrilling activities like rafting and caving with the beautiful nature of the mountains and gorges. The driving was comfortable and modest in length considering how much of the country we experienced and always mixed with great activities. Very welcoming country/people. Excellent guide and high quality accommodation with plenty of food. This is Armenia done comprehensively.

  • A wonderful first MBA adventure in an impressive country

    Marcus B. September 2025
    This trip had everything. From adventure activities and hiking in stunning natural landscapes, to delicious local food and visits to beautiful historic sites. It was great to be able to share the experience with a lovely group of people too. It was a well-organised, varied itinerary which made for a very memorable trip. The white water rafting and night staying in the glamping pods were personal highlights for me. The cultural element should definitely be shouted about more because Armenia is an extremely interesting country, rich in history. Anahit was a brilliantly knowledgeable guide and made the trip even more enjoyable. It was a fantastic first MBA adventure and I would absolutely recommend!

  • Varied itinerary, wonderful country

    Kimberley T. September 2025
    The tour had loads of variety in terms of landscapes, culture, food and activities. It was a memorable trip with fantastic scenery, interesting history and a great bunch of people. Armenia has lots to offer and it felt like we really experienced a good cross section of the country in a short space of time. Recommended!

  • Appropriate title for the trip

    Sarah C. September 2025
    Good mix of activity alongside culture. I feel that the itinerary listed on line does not do justice to the cultural element of the trip although this may have been better than expected due to our very knowledgeable guide.

  • Pretty good - but not the best MBA trip I've been on

    Jonathan W. September 2025
    It was a good trip, but definitely not the best MBA trip I've ever been on. There was a lot of time in the van, and the scenery was good but not unreal.

  • A fantastic adventure holiday

    Jane H. August 2025
    We had a group of 10 intrepid travellers ranging in age from 30 - 60 (me being the upper age). It was a fabulous group of like minded people who got on well together. It is a full packed schedule of sightseeing, activities and hiking with driving in between. The bus was comfortable so I didn’t find the distances a problem. Most of the meals were provided and the food was delicious, home cooked, fresh and plentiful. We seemed to be eating a lot!! Anahit our guide was lovely. Excellent historical knowledge and an experienced mountaineer. She set a perfect pace especially when it was very hot. She was good at rounding us up and getting us organised when we had a lot to pack in. The accommodation was all really comfortable and clean and staff and Armenian people in general couldn’t do enough for us. The mix of sightseeing, activities and hiking was good with plenty of historical knowledge provided by Anahit. The tour doesn’t cover much of Yerevan so if you have extra time a walking tour and visit to some of the sights there is well worth it. I thoroughly recommend this tour you won’t be disappointed.

  • A fantastic and well organised trip

    Max B. August 2025
    This trip was fabulous, a great group of people and a varied and well organised programme over 8 days. It is full on, as in order to get everything in things need to stick roughly to schedule. Armenia is a beautiful country, and you get plenty of active moments as well as plenty of quieter ones. Our guide Anahit was very knowledgable and incredibly passionate about sharing her country's culture and history with the group. You will not be hungry on this trip, I'm not sure the concept of a light lunch has reached Armenia yet. The food is brilliant but there is a lot of it. The hikes on the trip were relatively easy for someone with reasonable fitness, but would be perfectly achievable if a little more challenging for someone who is a bit unsure whether they're up to it. I would very much recommend this trip to anyone wanting a nice trip off the beaten track but who isn't looking for a multi-day expedition style trip. Fulfilling days, beautiful sites, comfortable hotels, good food, great wine and if you're lucky (like I was) a fantastic bunch of people.

  • Amazing debut trip!

    Priya B. July 2025
    Given that this was MBA’s first Armenia trip, it was very good! The overall experience was well-organized and enjoyable with only minor setbacks. The local guide team was truly wonderful and our guide, Anahit, went above and beyond to deliver a fun trip. Positives: 1. The itinerary was well-planned with the right amount and content of activities. The rafting day was switched due to weather (thoughtful move by Sati from the tour company) and I would actually suggest keeping that altered schedule. It was nice to rest our legs in between two days of more demanding hikes. 2. One of my bags was damaged during the journey to Yerevan and our guides were great about helping me get it repaired quickly. 3. The tour company was flexible with needing to change plans (hotel booking for extra night) as I dealt with various logistical challenges due to military conflict in neighboring countries. Of note, Armenia felt very safe throughout. 4. The tour company manager (Sati) checked in frequently with all travelers and was incredibly helpful throughout the trip. 5. Ample amounts of vegetarian food were provided at nearly every meal and I was very appreciative. 6. Solely for our comfort, the tour company provided private rooms for a few nights for all travelers, which was incredibly thoughtful. 7. Daily plans were communicated clearly, transportation was seamless (even when our van broke down once), our driver was great. . Minor suggestions for improvement: 1. The breakfast and lunch provided on the final and most difficult hike did not align with my dietary requirements. I was therefore hungry and dizzy with a headache for a substantial portion of the hike. I would suggest being more attentive to this particularly on more active days. 2. Given that most of the group arrived in Yerevan very early in the morning, the welcome dinner that night might have been more enjoyable if it was earlier and quieter. The restaurant that we went to had loud music which was difficult to appreciate and hindered the group getting to know each other early. We also did not have a farewell dinner, which would have been a nice way to bid our guide and driver goodbye. 3. The group members hiked at different paces and I was slow. On the first hike, I got lost and was harassed by some males because the group was so far ahead and the guide did not notice. This was remedied for the most part on subsequent hikes. However, on the last and most challenging hike over uneven terrain (volcanic shale, snow), it was hard to know which path to follow and I often twisted my ankle and generally moved slower because I feared worse injuries. A second guide would have been helpful. 4. It would’ve been useful to have had laundry services at any hotel where we spent more than 1 night. I wasn’t aware that the hotel in Yerevan had the option of a half-day booking. This would’ve been good to know in advance as my flight wasn’t until 1:40am and the extended booking would’ve allowed me to do laundry before continuing with my travels. 5. I would suggest staying at 1 hotel for the 3 nights we were in the Dilijian area instead of 3 different ones. 6. The hotel in Goris did not have AC and the room was quite small for sharing. When we slept with the windows open, we were bitten by mosquitoes. 7. It would have been good to know that we needed to give advance notice to use the hot tubs at the glamping eco-lodge. Since we only stayed for one night, we did not get to use them. 8. Hotel pickup at 11pm for my 1:40am flight resulted in a very rushed experience at the airport. I suggest an earlier pickup. Overall, I enjoyed this trip with its variety of activities and caring guides and would recommend it to other travelers.

  • Wonderful trip

    Judy M. July 2025
    The varied activities together with our excellent guide, Anahit, provided a great insight into Armenia, its history and culture. Hiking through abandoned cave villages, into deep gorges, to the top of Mount Dimats and finishing with the southern peak of Mount Aragat, introduced us to the very varied landscape of the country. Caving, the zip lines and rafting were all fun, though I wish all had been longer. I would strongly recommend staying on at least an extra day in Yerevan to experience this lively, vibrant, very clean capital with its amazing building, small city parks, huge choice of restaurants and great jazz clubs.

  • Unforgettable adventures in beautiful Armenia

    AIKATERINI K. July 2025
    I recently completed this very versatile and action-packed tour in Armenia, with beautiful hikes, river rafting, caving, ziplining, wine tasting and cultural immersion. I particularly enjoyed climbing on Mount Dimats (with stunning views) and Mount Aragats (with the breathtaking volcano crater), as well as hiking through the abandoned village of Old Khot and the cave city Khndzoresk. Among the highlights were also the spectacular monasteries Khor Virap and Tatev, and the accommodation at the amazing glamping spot. Of course, this experience would not have been the same without our fantastic guide, Anahit, a lovely, knowledgeable person, with outstanding guiding skills, patience, and the warmest smile!

  • Absolutely Fantastic!

    Paul S. June 2025
    This was an amazing trip that far exceeded my expectations! I signed up mostly because of the activities (caving, hiking, rafting, ziplining, food classes) and because it fit my time-window for being away. I knew almost nothing about Armenia. I came away not only energized by the activities, but also kind of blown away by the country. A crossroads between Asia, Europe and the Middle East, aspects of all of that seep into Armenia's culture and incredibly rich history. Yerevan, the capital, is a beautiful, energetic, cosmopolitan, clean (!!!) and well-functioning city. And the nature in the outlying provinces was often breathtaking. Both the MBA host (Sati) and guide (Anahit) were fantastic -- with deep knowledge of Armenia and its history. Both were professional, friendly, attentive, easy-going and well-organized -- a joy to interact with! I was impressed at how, when the forecast unexpectedly showed rain on a day were supposed to do a long hike, they immediately pivoted, switching that day for another on the itinerary that would be less impacted by the weather. I was also impressed that, although my flight arrived into Yerevan at 2:00am, Sati was online, texting me to make sure everything went smoothly at 3:30! Accommodations were in line with what I've experienced on similar trips with Intrepid and GAdventures (this was my first MBA trip), although I will put in a huge plug for the ecopods we stayed in for the night of "glamping. " Just superb! In fact, as we spend three days in or close to the Dilijan area, but change hotels three times, I would strongly suggest that future trips stay in the same place at least two of the three nights, as it's much easier when you don't have to pack/unpack all the time; and, optimally the multiple nights would be in the ecopods! I'd also recommend that a day or two in advance, people are given the option of paying to have their hot tub turned on, as each pod has a private, outdoor hot tub, with an incredible view, but they take 7 hours to heat, so we were unable to use them on our one night there. Food was excellent and overly plentiful -- there was always a huge quantity leftover, to the point that I had to ask our guide what they did with it all. Always multiple fresh salads, lots of meat, some fish, and tons of freshly baked bread. The activities were excellent and kept us on our toes! Caving was great, hiking beautiful (especially the capstone summiting of Mt. Aragats on the last day!), and zip-lining super fun. If you're big into rafting, you may be disappointed, as it's just a two-hour trip, but it's always nice to be out on the river and there were plentiful Class II and III rapids. The "BBQ Class" was not really a class at all, so don't get your hopes up for that, but the wine-tasting was much more interesting and better than expected, in terms of both the activity itself and the quality of the wine at Trinity (I live an hour from Napa Valley, so not easily impressed). Overall, this was a superb trip that may have been my first with MBA, but certainly won't be my last!

  • An absolute hidden gem!

    Michael R. June 2025
    If like me you know very little about Armenia before this trip, it will likely exceed all your expectations! It really is a hidden gem of a country with lots of history and stunning scenery. I think the rating of moderate is accurate. If you don’t like tight spaces the caving will be a bit of a challenge but it is absolutely doable with a calm attitude. Likewise with Mt Aragat, it’s a significant jump in altitude from the rest of the trip but the hike is gradual and more than manageable and the view at the top is worth every step! Sati, Anahit and our driver Gary were all fantastic and were really invested in making sure we had a memorable time. Sign up to this trip, you won’t regret it 😁

Before You Travel

What to Pack

Backpack with hiking gear laid out

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.

Kit List

What's included?
  • Safety gear for rafting & ziplining
  • Helmets, headlamps and gloves for caving
What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Soft overnight duffel bag or backpack
  • Daypack (5-8 liters)
  • Waterproof liner for daypack

CLOTHES

  • Light waterproof/windproof jacket for the days on Mount Dimats and Mount Aragats
  • Light waterproof pants
  • Fleece jacket or similar for evenings and higher altitude parts of the trip
  • Gloves and warm hat for Mount Aragats summit
  • Base layers for extra warmth during the Aragats summit
  • Warm jacket and hiking pants for Aragats summit
  • Buff or neckscarf
  • Lightweight pants/shorts/skirts
  • T-shirts
  • An old long sleeved shirt and pants for caving (these will get dirty and scuffed up!)
  • Underwear and socks
  • Swimwear
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunhat
  • Sleepwear
  • Hiking boots (worn-in)
  • Gaiters (optional; these can help on the summit of Aragats if there is snow)
  • Old sneakers or trail runners for the caving, ziplining and rafting
  • Sandals

OTHER

  • Hiking poles (recommended for Mount Aragats)
  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Ear plugs
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Reusable water bottle x1 liter (or x2)
  • Biodegradable wet-wipes
  • Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks (opens in new tab)
  • Water purification tablets/treatment system if you want to fill up from natural water sources

FAQs

The only activity that depends on the weather during this trip is the Mount Aragats summit. Your host will be monitoring the conditions for the summit throughout the trip and will decide when the conditions are clear. An alternative hike, which includes Mount Aragats but not summiting, will be arranged if conditions are not suitable for summiting.

There's a main guide throughout the trip from Day 1 to Day 9 leading all the hikes and excursions. Additional specialist guides will join for the caving, rafting, ziplining and summit of Mount Aragats.

Sure can! Just ask your host and they will be able to store it for you in Yerevan.

The tap water is safe to drink in Armenia, so you can fill up at hotels and restaurants throughout the trip. Your host will carry enough water in a large container in the van on days out where multiple refills will be required by the group. Armenia is famous for its spring waters, so if you have a filter bottle or other filtration method then please bring that with you to safely enjoy natural water sources on your hikes. Have a read of our guide to the best water filters for adventurers. Be sure to pack at least 1 liter of water carrying capacity in bottles and/or bladders to fill up before each day of activity.

The overlanding style of this trip means there are a few long drives. This style of travel allows you to see the best of Armenia in the time available, including accessing some remote areas and incredible locations for experiencing the wild natural environment and meeting local communities. The driving is undertaken in large, comfortable 14-16 seat 4WD minibuses, plus a support car to transport the main luggage. The longer journeys will be broken up with multiple stops and you'll also enjoy two consecutive nights in most places, thus avoiding having to pack and move accommodation each day.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).

If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Armenian summers are dry, sunny, and warm. From May onwards, temperatures rise after the long winter, and by June the days are long and clear, perfect for outdoor activities. June can still see occasional rainfall, especially in the mountains, but it’s mostly dry, with temperatures from 59°F to 82°F depending on the region you are in. July and August are the hottest and driest months, with temperatures ranging from 68°F in the higher altitude regions, and rising to up to 97°F in the lower areas such as Yerevan during these months. Your host is a locally-based specialist in Armenia and will factor in conditions throughout the summer to ensure you have the most comfortable and safe experience of the country while on your outdoor adventures.

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 225kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

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Departure dates

  • Thursday 16th July 2026

    to Friday 24th July 2026

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