KIKINETWORK TRAVEL
kiki@kikinetwork.com
Kiki 608-858-2733

October 3 - 11, 2026

Price per person

• Double occupancy per person - USD $5579

• Single supplement - USD $1990

Armenia: Journey to the Land of Echoing Stone and Fire

Discover the world's oldest Christian nation on this meticulously crafted 8-day expedition through a land where spirituality and geology converge in dramatic fashion. Armenia rewards the sophisticated traveler with what mass tourism has yet to discover: cliff-carved monasteries that predate European cathedrals, alpine landscapes rivaling Switzerland's beauty, and a cultural authenticity increasingly rare in our modern world. From Yerevan's elegant "Pink City" boulevards to the turquoise expanse of Lake Sevan, one of the world's highest freshwater lakes, this journey unveils a civilization defined by resilience and profound artistic achievement.

Your itinerary balances architectural masterpieces with natural splendor: explore Etchmiadzin, the world's first cathedral, and Geghard's haunting monastery carved directly into living rock (both UNESCO sites). Stand before the region's sole surviving Greco-Roman temple Pagan temple of Garni, then traverse the breathtaking Kasakh Gorges to Saghmosavank's precarious cliffside perch. In Dilijan National Park—Armenia's "Little Switzerland"—medieval Haghartsin Monastery emerges from pristine forests, while the northern reaches reveal Haghpat's UNESCO-listed medieval complex commanding views over the Debed Gorge.

Beyond monuments, this is a journey of authentic immersion: participate in traditional lavash-baking with local villagers, savor regional wines at carefully selected vineyards, and witness the vivid Byzantine frescoes at Akhtala Fortress. Every element is thoughtfully orchestrated for discerning travelers seeking substance over spectacle, a rare opportunity to explore one of civilization's most fascinating yet underappreciated crossroads.

Secure your voyage to Armenia, departing Saturday, October 3rd, and begin your journey through the Land of Echoing Stone.

For more information about this trip, call 1-603-858-2733 or click here to email Kiki

Price per person

Double occupancy per person - USD $5579
Single supplement - USD $1990

Quick Summary

Itinerary Detail

Day 0: Fly out, Saturday, October 3

Day 1: Arrival in Yerevan, Sunday, October 4

Arrive Yerevan

Once you arrive at the Zvartnots International Airport in Armenia's beautiful capital city of Yerevan a private transfer will collect you from the airport to your hotel. After check-in the rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from your journey.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: The Alexander
Meals: None

Day 2: Etchmiadzin & Zvartnots Excursion, Sunday, October 5

Etchmiadzin & Zvartnots Journey

Journey to Etchmiadzin, the spiritual heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Step inside Etchmiadzin Cathedral (UNESCO) — the very first cathedral in the world — and admire the nearby St. Hripsime Church, an icon of early Christian architecture. Continue to the evocative ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral (7th century), where arches frame dramatic views of Mount Ararat. Pause for a relaxed wine tasting and lunch at a local winery, before returning to Yerevan for an evening at leisure.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: The Alexander
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Leisure

Day 3: Yerevan Discovery Tour, Monday, October 6

Yerevan Discovery Tour: Experience the charm of Yerevan

We will start the day exploring the Republic Square, framed by elegant pink-tufa buildings and animated by musical fountains. Then visit the Cascade Complex, a monumental stairway adorned with modern sculptures and panoramic city views. We will stroll along Abovyan Street, lined with boutiques, galleries, and cafés.

Add on Adventure: (additional cost) Vernissage open-air market for Armenian crafts and souvenirs and evening ballet/opera performance (payable on spot).

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: The Alexander
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Yerevan – Saghmosavank –Haghartsin – Dilijan, Tuesday, October 7

Yerevan – Saghmosavank –Haghartsin – Dilijan

Leave Yerevan behind as dramatic gorges unfold before you—raw, ancient, and utterly captivating. At Saghmosavank Monastery, perched vertiginously above the Kasakh Canyon, pause to absorb views that have inspired pilgrims for centuries.

Ascend into Dilijan National Park, Armenia's enchanting "Little Switzerland," where alpine forests and crystalline air create an unexpected sanctuary. Over lunch, let the tranquility settle in before discovering Haghartsin Monastery—a medieval masterpiece cradled in woodland seclusion, where stone and nature exist in perfect harmony.

Your evening unfolds in Dilijan itself, a cultured mountain town where old-world charm meets genuine Armenian hospitality.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Tufenkian Old Dilijan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Akhtala & Haghpat Monasteries, Wednesday, October 8

Akhtala & Haghpat Monasteries

Travel north into Lori province, a land of fortresses and gorges. Discover Akhtala Fortress and Monastery, renowned for its vivid medieval frescoes. Continue to Haghpat Monastery (UNESCO), a jewel of Armenian architecture with commanding views of the Debed Gorge. Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Dilijan in the evening for time at leisure.

We will travel north into Lori province, a land of fortresses and gorges. Discover Akhtala Fortress and Monastery, renowned for its vivid medieval frescoes and scenic setting. Continue to Haghpat Monastery (UNESCO), a jewel of Armenian architecture with commanding views of the Debed Gorge. We will have lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Dilijan in the evening for time at leisure.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Tufenkian Old Dilijan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at leisure

Day 6: Dilijan – Lake Sevan –Yerevan, Thursday, October 9

Dilijan – Lake Sevan –Yerevan

Ascend to Lake Sevan, a vast alpine expanse shimmering at 1,900 meters—one of the world's highest and most pristine mountain lakes. We will hike to the Sevanavank Monastery, perched on its windswept peninsula, drink in sweeping views where sky and turquoise water merge in luminous harmony.

Linger over a leisurely lakeside lunch, savoring fresh catches and mountain air, before your return to Yerevan. The afternoon is yours—to wander the city's galleries and boutiques, discover hidden cafés, or simply retreat to your hotel and absorb the day's extraordinary beauty.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Tufenkian Old Dilijan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at leisure

Day 7: Garni Temple & Geghard Monastery, Friday, October 10

Garni Temple & Geghard Monastery

Journey to the Temple of Garni, a remarkable anomaly in the Caucasus—the only surviving Greco-Roman colonnaded temple in the entire former Soviet sphere. Perched above a dramatic gorge, this first-century shrine to the sun god Mihr speaks to Armenia's deep pre-Christian past, when Hellenistic culture reached these remote highlands. Stand among its honey-colored columns and consider the civilizations that have passed through this crossroads between empires.

We will travel forward to medieval spirituality at Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site of extraordinary power. Partly carved directly into living rock, its chambers possess acoustics so pure that medieval monks sang here without accompaniment, their voices resonating through stone as though the mountain itself were an instrument.

Your day concludes not in a museum, but in the warm embrace of village life. Join Armenian grandmothers in their courtyard as they demonstrate lavash-making, an ancient bread-baking art inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Watch dough stretch paper-thin before slapping onto the walls of a traditional tonir oven. Then gather around a communal table for lunch—homemade cheeses, garden vegetables, fragrant herbs, and yes, that impossibly fresh lavash—sharing stories and laughter with people whose families have lived this way for generations.

Return to Yerevan in the late afternoon, carrying with you not just photographs, but genuine human connection and a deeper understanding of what makes Armenia timeless.

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Tufenkian Old Dilijan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8: Departure from Yerevan, Saturday, October 11

Departure from Yerevan

After a farewell breakfast, private transfers will take you from the hotel to the airport. 

Daily Summary:
Accommodation: N/A
Meals: Breakfast

• Price per person

• Double occupancy per person - USD $5579

• Single supplement - USD $1990

PRICE INCLUSIONS:

● All transportation according to the program (Mercedes Sprinter)
● Overnights as mentioned in the program
(The Alexander / deluxe double / 5 nights)
(Tufenkian Dilijan / 2 nights)

● Professional tour guide assistance
● Visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
● Meals as mentioned in the program
● All entrance fees according to the program
● Unlimited water in the car

PRICE EXCLUSIONS:

The price does not include:
● Alcoholic drinks
● Gratuities
● Flight
● Visa expenses (if required)

Accommodations

Why Travel with KIKINETWORK

Our Commitment

Planning a trip can be daunting. We want you to relax and know that we are committed to ensuring you're well prepared to enjoy your journey. We work hard to put together itineraries that match your interests and fit your budget. We aim to create trips that have the feel of casual travel with friends rather than formal tours.

Responsible Travel

Global travel can only succeed if communities benefit from tourism. We hire local operators who value sustainable travel and support their communities.

Inspiring Through Travel

We specialize in journeys of discovery and inspiration. Our adventures are all about local culture—the people, history, art, and food. Our trips showcase a rich source of inspirational people, landscapes, and cityscapes. Traveling is the time for discovery, exploration and adventure.

Trusted Support

In case of an emergency, all our guides are licensed and trained to handle situations that may arise. We are always with you to assist in any way we can to make your trip safe and memorable.

Disclaimer

Payments: As soon as we receive your down payment, we will confirm your reservations and at this point, all change and cancellation policies will be in effect. KikiNetwork Travel will send you a finalized itinerary which will contain all necessary information including confirmation numbers, addresses, and phone numbers. We must receive 40% of the trip cost prior to 60 days before the start of the trip. The full cost of the trip must be paid 90 days prior to the start date of the trip.

Forms of Payment: We accept checks and credit cards (American Express, Visa, and MasterCard). There is a 3.9 processing fee for credit cards.  If you pay by check there is no additional fee. You will need to mail the check to Kiki Keating, PO Box 223, Georges Mills, NH 03751.

Airfare/Visas/Special Permits: You are responsible for your own flight to the place of the trip departure. I am happy to advise and recommend certain flights and please email me at kiki@kikinetwork.com for more details. 

Food: All meals as listed. No alcohol is included unless stated in the itinerary.

You must obtain any necessary visas and travel permits for all countries that you will be traveling to or transiting through, and I will inform you of any visa needs. Visa and entry requirements may vary depending on your nationality, the length of your stay, and the purpose of your visit. Please make certain that your passport is valid for at least six months after the latest expected end date of your planned trip, as some countries will not allow entry if your passport will expire sooner. 

Health and Safety Matters: Please visit your local hospital Travel Clinic. Your doctor will let you know what, if any, vaccinations or other health or safety precautions are necessary or recommended for your destinations. We are not physicians, and nothing we say should be interpreted as professional medical advice. Government health advisories can be found on the internet at: http://www.cdc.gov and http://www.who.int

Cancellations: In addition to any cancellation penalties related to trip components we are not responsible for (e.g. permits, airfare, travel insurance, etc.), the following fees will apply: 20% of trip cost 45 days or more prior to travel date, 50% of trip cost 45 to 30 days prior to travel date, cancellations made within 30 days of travel date are non-refundable. Cancellation penalties apply as soon as we have received payment. Cancellations for any reason whatsoever, including medical reasons, death in the family, strikes, wars, weather, natural disasters, airline default, or government travel warnings will not entitle you to any refund in the case of nonrefundable reservations. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance is required.

Insurance: Insurance is required for any KikiNetwork travel trip. KikiNetwork Travel requires an insurance plan with 100% of trip cost insured, $150,000 of emergency assistance and transportation, and a minimum of $50,000 medical evacuation coverage. I have used and recommend the following insurance coverage companies. Please call me directly at 603-858-2733 to discuss and ask questions about travel insurance coverage.

Responsibility/Release and Assumption of Risk: By paying and signing up for a KikiNetwork Travel trip you are agreeing to the following statement; I understand and am aware that during the travel itinerary in which I will participate under the arrangements of KikiNetwork Travel and its agents or subcontractors, certain risks and dangers may arise, including but not limited to the hazards of traveling in unsafe areas or under unsafe conditions, the dangers of civil disturbance and war, the forces of nature, disease,  hotels, tour operators or subcontractors. In consideration of, and as part of the payment for, the right to participate in such travel itineraries, I have and do hereby expressly assume all of the above risks. The terms of this agreement shall serve as a release and express assumption of risk for myself, my heirs, assignees, administrators, executors, and all members of my family, including any minors accompanying me. I have read and fully understand the provisions and the legal consequences of this Release and Assumption of Risk and I hereby agree to all its conditions, especially noting and agreeing to the portion of this provision that releases the Company and its agents, employees, officers, associates, and subcontractors, to the extent permitted by law, from liability for the negligent or reckless acts or omissions of the Company’s affiliated companies or subcontractors.