Armenia - 04 Nights - A Fascinating Blend of History, Nature, and Timeless Monasteries
For our second trip, we decided to go somewhere affordable and relatively nearby. Armenia popped up as an attractive tourist spot, with the weather being fantastic just at the end of March, ticket prices being very cheap from Air Arabia in Sharjah and the whole trip costing around AED 4600 for a couple for 04 nights.
Armenia, nestled in the Caucasus region, is a land of rich history and breathtaking landscapes. From the vibrant capital city of Yerevan to the serene beauty of Lake Sevan, Armenia offers a diverse range of experiences. We explored the ski resort town of Tsaghkadzor, savored the wines of Areni, and immersed ourselves in the culture and natural beauty of this fascinating country.
Air Arabia from Sharjah proved to be a very affordable and comfortable flight, with the flight duration being around 3 hours. E-Visa is required for indian citizens who are U.A.E. residents. It is affordable and a very easy process. We received our visas within 3 working days.
We decided to plan our excursions before – hand via trip advisor, ski resort town of Tsaghkadzor, Lake Sevan, Khor Virap, and Areni Winery were covered within 02 days. The remaining days we spent walking in the center of Yerevan, where our hotel was booked within walking distance of major attractions and restaurants. Holiday Inn Express popped up at Agoda, with an attractive rate for 04 nights, and major landmarks and restaurants, as well as the pick up point for Trip Advisor excursions being within walking distance, making it a very easy choice.
Helpful Links
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Google Maps Itinerary List - Curated by us, this list covers every must-visit spot from our itinerary, including restaurants, historic sites, and hidden gems. It’s like having a local guide in your pocket!
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Armenia Visa Application Link - https://evisa.mfa.am/
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Hotel - Holiday Inn Express - Agoda Link. Centrally located, cozy, and with a fantastic breakfast spread to fuel your adventures. Highly recommended for comfort and convenience.
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Flights - Air Arabia. With affordable rates and convenient flight schedules, this airline made our journey smooth and budget-friendly. Perfect for travelers from the UAE.
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Trip Advisor Group Tour: Khor Virap, Noravank, Hin Areni Wine Tour, Tasting and Birds-Cave
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Taxi / Uber - Yandex GO app for Android. Similar should be available for iOS on the app store.
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We opted to get a local sim in Yerevan, but if you want, you can go for an e-sim package. When required, I opt for BNESIM. Use code G2GS9T2A and enjoy a €5 discount on all BNESIM products! https://apps.bnesim.com/?esim_app=1
Getting There
Air Arabia from Sharjah had very cheap tickets to Yerevan, presumably since it was off season in March. The journey was just around 3 hours. Baggage and meals included.
Armenia offers e-visa for U.A.E. residents with a very easy process and costs just 8 USD per person for 21 day stay. We received our visas within 03 business days of sending the application.
We made the unfortunate mistake of exchanging currency at the airport. Later realized that we ended up with a horrible exchange rate. Fortunately we exchanged a part of our budget, just for getting the sim card and calling a taxi at Yereven. The currency Armenian Dram (AMD) is weaker compared to both the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) and the United States Dollar (USD). Approximately, 1 USD equals 385 AMD and 3.67 AED, while 1 AED equals 105.26 AMD.
Before departure we downloaded the app Yandex GO which is basically like Uber for Armenia. Also decided just to get a sim card at the airport. For us that was more convenient at the time.
Accommodation
During our planning we decided to check out popular attractions in Armenia, and tried to find hidden gems in the city by browsing various forums, reddit, TripAdvisor etc. After mapping out pins on google maps and discovering that the center of Yerevan is an ideal parking spot for us, since the streets are walkable, and many attractions are nearby. The pick up point for our excursions was also within walking distance, albeit a bit further down the block.
Our criteria for choosing a hotel were as below:
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Must include breakfast
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Close to most attractions within the city
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Cheap but comfortable
We finally ended up on Holiday Inn Express as our hotel of choice.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Yerevan
The journey began with excitement as we landed in Yerevan, the vibrant capital of Armenia. The crisp March air greeted us as we stepped out of the airport, hinting at the adventures to come. After a smooth transfer to the Holiday Inn Express, we couldn’t wait to start exploring. The hotel’s central location was perfect, allowing us to dive right into the heart of the city. Walking through the streets of Yerevan, we soaked in the lively atmosphere, visited Republic Square, and explored Vernissage, an open-air market filled with antiques, souvenirs, and local delicacies. Dinner at Phoenix Iranian Restaurant was a delightful end to our first day. As we settled in for the night, the excitement for the days ahead was palpable.
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Day 2: Exploring Tsaghkadzor and Lake Sevan
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we made our way to the TripAdvisor pick-up point for our first group tour. The day’s adventure took us to the ski resort town of Tsaghkadzor. Walking through the serene Kecharis Monastery and taking in the crisp mountain air felt like a refreshing escape. The ropeway ride was exhilarating, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. Next, we visited the tranquil Sevanavank Monastery by the stunning Lake Sevan. The shimmering waters and peaceful surroundings were simply magical. Lunch during the tour, a trout barbecue treat, was a gastronomic highlight. As we returned to Yerevan, we reflected on the beauty of Armenia’s natural and spiritual landscapes. Dinner at Zeitouni Restaurant was the perfect way to unwind after a fulfilling day.
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Day 3: Areni Winery and Historic Wonders
The day began with breakfast at the hotel, fueling us for another exciting excursion. Our group tour took us to Khor Virap, an iconic monastery offering breathtaking views of Mount Ararat. The serene beauty of the site left us in awe. Next, we traveled to Noravank, a dramatic monastery set amidst towering red cliffs. Each location seemed to carry the whispers of Armenia’s rich history. A visit to Hin Areni Winery added a delightful twist to the day, where we learned about Armenia’s ancient winemaking traditions. The highlight was the Birds’ Cave, where ancient artifacts added a sense of mystery to our journey. Snacks along the way kept us energized, and dinner at Lavash Restaurant back in Yerevan was a warm and comforting end to the day.
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Day 4: Discovering Yerevan
Our final full day was dedicated to immersing ourselves in the charm of Yerevan. After breakfast, we wandered through the city’s streets, discovering hidden gems and enjoying the laid-back vibe. After lunch at Taboule Restaurant, the afternoon was spent leisurely exploring, soaking in the local culture, and picking up unique souvenirs. For dinner, we decided to try something different — visiting a local grocery store to sample Armenian snacks and confectionaries. It was a fun and authentic way to connect with the local flavors. As we walked back to the hotel, the city’s twinkling lights seemed to bid us a fond farewell.
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Day 5: Goodbye, Armenia
The final morning began with a sense of calm as we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. With our bags packed, we decided to savor the city one last time with a short stroll around its lively streets. The fresh breeze and the hum of daily life felt like a fitting farewell. The ride to the airport was reflective — a quiet pause to relive the highlights of our journey. While parting with Armenia was not easy, it was with hearts full of gratitude for the unforgettable moments and the warmth of its people. On the flight back to Sharjah, we found ourselves already reminiscing about the enchanting experiences and dreaming of a return to this beautiful land.
Armenia had truly captivated us with its history and landscapes. It’s a destination we’d recommend to anyone seeking a blend of adventure, culture, and tranquility.
Cost
The currency Armenian Dram (AMD) is weaker compared to both the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) and the United States Dollar (USD). Approximately, 1 USD equals 385 AMD and 3.67 AED, while 1 AED equals 105.26 AMD.
Below is the total cost of our trip.
Final Thoughts, Tips and Advice
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Check whether you require a visa to travel.
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Majority of the people speak Russian, a few of them speak broken english. Use a translate app to help yourself in conversations.
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If you plan to deal in Cash, make sure to get your currency exchanged anywhere but the airports. Cards are accepted in majority of places, but we personally dealt in cash.
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Compare your roaming packages or opt for an e-sim if it is cheaper than getting a sim card in Yerevan (which cost us 3000 DRAM or 7 US Dollars).
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March can be quite cold. Temperatures were ranging from 1°C to 12°C (34°F to 54°F). Make sure to pack warm clothing, including a good coat, gloves, sweaters and thermal layers.
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A lot of sightseeing locations and landscapes are at high altitudes, like Lake Sevan and Tsaghkadzo, and can be extremely chilly and windy so keep that in mind.
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Despite the cold, days can get sunny. Get suncscreen & moisturizers to take care of your skin.
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The center of Yerevan is very accessible for walking and the weather is great as well. March is off-peak season, so you can enjoy popular tourist spots without large crowds.
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If you do want to go a bit further away from the City, opt to use Yandex GO, the Uber alternative in Yerevan.
Overall we had a great time in Armenia. It offers a rich tapestry of history, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural experiences, making it an enchanting and affordable destination for travelers.