The city of Gyumri is Armenia’s second largest and known locally as the country’s cultural capital, where many successful and world-renowned artists, actors, musicians, and athletes have hailed. This 1-day adventure, which include transportation from Yerevan and professional local guide services, will show you the best of the city, along with some exciting cultural delights along the way.
First you’ll head from Yerevan to the slopes of Mt. Aragats, where you’ll explore the Orgov Radio Optical Telescope, a massive telescope built into the ground that was once used by Soviet scientists to capture and decode radio signals from space, searching for signs of life beyond the known world. From Orgov, you’ll continue north to the Shirak Province, where your first stop will be 10th century Marmashen Monastery, a shining example of Armenian architecture, located on the banks of the Akhurian River. After exploring the monastery, you’ll stroll to the Riverside Grill Station, where professional local hosts and chefs will grill a delicious 3-course meal right there by the river in the open air, near the monastery. After lunch, you’ll head to the city of Gyumri, where you’ll embark on a walking tour of the city’s historic center, Kumayri. You’ll get to see the highlights of the city, learn about its history, get to know local people, and see why Gyumri is known for its art, music, architecture, handicrafts, films, and other cultural industries. Our professional local guide will lead you through the narrow, cobble-stoned streets of the city, where you’ll marvel at the creations of 19th century Armenian urban architects, and learn how the city got its distinct architectural style and image. Throughout your tour, you’ll uncover local cultural practices and delights, imagine what life was like here at the turn of the 20th century, and learn just why Gyumri is so important to the overall history and development of Armenia.
Here’s a rundown of all the local sites, sounds, smells, tastes, and feelings you’ll experience on this tour:
Pick up from Yerevan
Stop 1. Orgov Radio Optical Telescope, a massive telescope built into the ground on the slopes of Mt. Aragats, Armenia’s highest peak
Stop 2. Marmashen Monastery, a 10-century monastic complex located on the banks of the Akhurian River
Stop 3. Award-winning 3-course meal prepared outdoors on the bank of the Akhurian, with views of Marmashen Monastery
Stop 4. Walking city tour of Kumayri, the historic district of Gyumri
Drop off in Yerevan
If you or someone in your group has any food allergies or other travel-related requirements, please do let us know during the confirmation process after completing your booking on this platform. Our team will reach out over email to confirm your booking and finalize all the details.
Here’s why this experience stands out:
Cultural heritage preservation: This experience is all about Armenia’s cultural heritage. Your 1-day trip shows other travelers and local people that the sites you’ll visit are worth preserving and sharing.
Cultural exchange and education: You’ll learn a whole lot about the religious and cultural significance of the sites you’ll visit during this experience directly from a local, professional storytelling guide, who will help you connect to local ways of life and the history of Armenia.
Local, seasonal ingredients: All the dishes you’ll enjoy on this experience are cooked using seasonal ingredients sourced from local communities.
Native, authentic recipes: With the support of an expert Armenian food historian, the hosts of your dinner have created a menu that is true to the culinary and cultural traditions of the Ararat region, where the Yeranos Mountains are located and where you will experience a staple of the Armenian kitchen, BBQ in a traditional underground oven called a tonir.
Expertly trained community hosts: Your guides, chefs, and hosts have all been trained in hospitality, storytelling, first aid, the culinary arts, food hygiene, waste management, and environmental protection, so that you can enjoy your experience in comfort.
Transforming the lives of local people through meaningful and sustainable experiences like this one is why we do what we do at 2492. We believe that Armenia can be a wonderful place to both visit and live in, which is why each of the experiences on this platform were thoughtfully built not only to connect you with local people and ways of life, but also positively impact the lives and communities that you encounter. Learn more about how we do this by visiting ONEArmenia, our nonprofit arm advancing sustainable travel in Armenia.
