The Ultimate Adventure in Armenia

Touch down in Yeravan, 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 pavement 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 amphitheatre. Head out for a welcome dinner in Yerevan to a traditional Armenian restaurant.

Head out of Yeravan after breakfast for your first taste of open Armenian roads, with some stunning backdrops. You'll stop at Khor Virap monastery, the closest view point 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 wine making facilities in recorded history. The main course today is an adventure deep into Magel Cave, 1.7km deep and full of narrow passages. Slip on a helmet and headtorch as your guides lead you through the labyrinthian 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.

Tuck into breakfast and set off for a big day hiking and exploring after eating into the journey on the road yeterday. 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.

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.

Enjoy some downtime this morning to soak up the lake, heading to the shore for a memorable wild swim before breakfast. Heading deeper into north 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 10km 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 cosy chairs before dinner and a night beneath the stars in luxury bell tents.

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' time. 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 2360m for an epic panorama. Back in Dilijan, enjoy some downtime in this quaint spa town.

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 north-eastern 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...

Your ultimate adventure around Armenia reaches an epic conclusion today as you hike to the southern summit 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 3888m. If conditions are good, you’ll have lunch on the summit looking down on all of Armenia and deep into neighbouring 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.

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