Welcome to Armenia! Your journey begins in the dynamic capital, Yerevan—a city older than Rome, and a place where ancient stone meets modern spirit. If you arrive early, join our optional midday walking tour to orient yourself among the wide boulevards, cozy cafés, and striking Soviet-era architecture.

That evening, we officially kick off our program with a welcome dinner at one of Yerevan’s most acclaimed restaurants. You meet your fellow travelers and hear from our lead local expert, who will set the stage for the week’s deep exploration of Armenia’s rich culture and civic evolution.

Overnight in Yerevan
Accommodation: Yerevan Tufenkian Heritage Hotel

We begin our first full day with an unflinching look at Armenia’s modern history. A private, guided tour of the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial will provide vital context for the trauma that shaped the Armenian people and their collective identity. More than 1.5 million Armenians were killed under Ottoman rule between 1915–1917. We lay flowers at the eternal flame to honor the lives lost and reflect on how remembrance fuels resilience.

Our lunch stop is a throwback to Soviet-era culinary culture at a restaurant that pays homage to mid-20th century Armenia. During our visit, we consider how 70 years of Soviet rule shaped modern Armenian life and explore the movement for Armenian independence that inspired the next generation’s activism.

In the evening, we enjoy a private Armenian brandy tasting. The brandy industry, once a Soviet export jewel, tells a fascinating story of innovation, geopolitics, and identity. One of Churchill’s favorites, Armenian brandy is more than a drink—it’s a symbol of both ancient craftsmanship and modern endurance.

Dinner follows at another of Yerevan’s renowned local restaurants.

Overnight in Yerevan
Accommodation: Yerevan Tufenkian Heritage Hotel

Start the day with traditional Armenian coffee, where we screen a powerful documentary chronicling the 2018 Velvet Revolution—a peaceful uprising that unseated a corrupt government and captivated the world.

Over lunch, at a farm-to-table “new Armenian” restaurant, we meet with a prominent activist who played a leading role in the movement. This intimate conversation will bring firsthand insight into how Armenia’s citizens translated protest into meaningful change.

Later, we visit Impact Hub Yerevan, a bustling nonprofit space that brings together Armenia’s civil society leaders. You hear from a curated panel of journalists, activists, and change agents whose work has driven transparency, civic engagement, and freedom of expression. This dynamic discussion explores how the movement was built, the inner workings of the revolution, and how its outcome affects civil society today.

In the evening, we gather for an early dinner before heading to a special night at the Armenian National Opera and Ballet House: an elegant moment to celebrate the power of creativity and connection that will define our journey together.

Overnight in Yerevan
Accommodation: Yerevan Tufenkian Heritage Hotel

Today we venture south to Vayots Dzor, one of Armenia’s premier wine regions and a cradle of human settlement dating back millennia. We have an al fresco lunch feast at NOA Winery set among the sun-dappled vines. Here, local wines meet farm-fresh dishes, creating the perfect backdrop to linger, sip, and savor Armenia’s winemaking heritage. 

Then we visit the Areni Wine Cave, home to the world’s oldest known winery, dating back to 4100 BCE. This active archaeological site gives us a glimpse into the sophisticated wine culture of the Chalcolithic period, revealing that winemaking is deeply interwoven with Armenian identity.

We continue to nearby Noravank Monastery, a stunning 13th-century complex dramatically situated in a narrow gorge made by the Amaghu River. Known for its intricate carvings and red stone facade, Noravank is a spiritual treasure that showcases the architectural mastery of medieval Armenia—the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 AD.

We end the day at a boutique, family-run vineyard tucked beneath Vayots Dzor’s crimson cliffs. With fine wine, fresh fruits, aged cheeses, and local meats, we savor the beauty of the land and the rich flavors of Armenia’s culinary revival. Winemaking in Armenia is undergoing a revival after decades of suppression under Soviet mandates that redirected grapes solely to brandy production. Today, winemakers are reclaiming ancient traditions and elevating Armenian wine to global acclaim.

Overnight in Vayots Dzor
Accommodation: Green Stone Boutique Hotel

Today, we travel north along the ancient Silk Road, learning how Armenia’s geography made it a vital connector between East and West. These historic trade routes fostered a legacy of openness and hospitality that continues to shape its civil society mindset.

We stop at the picturesque Noratus Cemetery, home to the largest surviving collection of khachkars (cross-stones)—an art form that carries both religious and civic symbolism—in the world. This atmospheric site offers a poignant window into medieval Armenian spirituality, storytelling, and collective memory.

Lunch is on the shores of Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world, where we dine on locally caught fish. We continue on to Dilijan, a forested mountain town often called “the Switzerland of Armenia,” where we meet youth who are carrying forward civic activism today.

We spend our afternoon at the United World College Dilijan, a pioneering international school that brings together high school students from around the world. There, we meet a leading Armenian expert on political movements and civic action who, as a tireless activist played an integral role organizing civil society, and has since designed one of the region’s first courses on collective action. She leads us, alongside political science staff and students, in a dynamic session exploring the theory and practice of collective action movements in Armenia, and the application of these lessons at home.

Spend the rest of your evening exploring the town or reflecting on the day in your tranquil mountain-side surroundings.

Overnight in Dilijan
Accommodation: Dilijani Tun Hotel

We begin the day with an optional early morning hike through the wooded trails of Dilijan—an opportunity to enjoy the quiet beauty of the landscape before diving into conversations about how Armenia’s young people are shaping its democratic future.

After breakfast, we spend the morning with a local NGO committed to deepening civic participation among young Armenians. Through firsthand stories from the organization’s leaders and youth activists, we examine how one generation is nurturing authentic activism in the next—encouraging youth to act from a sense of purpose and agency, and giving them the tools to lead change in their communities.

In the afternoon, we embark on an unforgettable private farm-to-table, fine dining culinary experience on one of Dilijan’s mountainsides,off the well-traveled path and surrounded by breathtaking views. We savor seasonal ingredients and local flavors in a setting that speaks to Armenia’s profound connection between land, culture, and care.

Overnight in Dilijan
Accommodation: Dilijani Tun Hotel

Today we travel to Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city and artistic capital. After a nourishing lunch at the beautiful teashop-restaurant Herbs and Honey under a canopy of dried herbs, we have time for personal exploration. Known for its humor, creativity, and grit, here you can find numerous independent galleries and art spaces.

Later in the afternoon, we gather for an interactive workshop with ArtLab, an organization of artists who use performance, street art, and graffiti to address cultural, social, and political issues. One of their current initiatives—The Laboratory of Contemporary Art and Art Activism—explores themes of post-Soviet identity, discontent, and peaceful resistance through public-facing installations and multimedia works. The artists will share examples of their past and current political art, like one project site in Gyumri, where artists have painted directly onto the walls of the Russian military base still stationed in the city. Then, we’ll roll up our sleeves to learn the techniques of graffiti and street art—and create our own pieces inspired by the themes we’ve explored together.

This evening, you’re free to explore Gyumri at your own pace. With its lively squares, colorful architecture, and cozy eateries, the city is perfect for a stroll and a dinner of your choosing.

Overnight in Gyumri
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Gyumri

We begin our day in Gyumri with a beloved local ritual—traditional Armenian coffee served alongside a famous Gyumri treat, the ponchik, a doughnut-like pastry filled with sweet cream or jam. It’s a moment to slow down, reflect, and savor the flavor of place.

The rest of the morning is yours to explore. We provide tailored recommendations based on your interests—whether that’s stepping into quiet art studios tucked into alleyways, visiting hidden galleries, or strolling through Gyumri’s historic center to take in its eclectic architecture and open-air murals. From provocative street art to emotionally charged sculpture, Gyumri offers a raw and compelling perspective on how art fortifies community, preserves memory, and nurtures hope.

We travel back to Yerevan in the early afternoon. Spend your final hours revisiting favorites or discovering what you may have missed. That might mean diving into one of Yerevan’s exceptional museums, returning to a beloved café, or strolling through the Vernissage Market—Yerevan’s open-air bazaar of handmade crafts, antiques, and political memorabilia.

We begin our final evening together with a private cocktail hour at one of Yerevan’s top mixology bars. We walk over to our farewell dinner spot where we savor traditional Armenian dishes while live music fills the room, the rhythms spilling into laughter, conversation, and clinking glasses.

Overnight in Yerevan
Accommodation: Yerevan Tufenkian Heritage Hotel