One of the most influential travel guide publishers Lonely Planet has released a list of the best places to visit when traveling to Armenia in 2025. It’s one of the newly released guides on what to do and where to go. But if you want even more details, you’re in the right place!
Levon Travel offers guaranteed tours in May and September, the best months to visit Armenia. The weather is just perfect as there is no need to bear cold or excessive heat making it ideal for exploring. Our tour covers nearly all the places mentioned in Lonely Planet’s guide, plus a few hidden gems. Besides, the itinerary ensures you don’t just pass by the sites—you actually stop, explore, and experience them.
Let’s uncover some of the spots mentioned by Lonely Planet that are included in our itinerary.
Yerevan Is in the Spotlight
The capital city is always in the spotlight when traveling to Armenia and for a good reason. There’s so much to see and do, from historical museums to popular wine bars. Guides and travel agencies capture the city’s essence with different flavors.
Lonely Planet paints Yerevan as a city of contrasts—where old meets new, from vintage Ladas to flashy Mercedes, and traditional taverns stand alongside stylish cocktail bars. Their guide leans into Yerevan’s vibrant cultural and social scene, highlighting Republic Square, the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, and the Mother Armenia Monument as must-visit spots.
The itinerary of our traditional tours includes driving deep into Yerevan’s ancient roots. One of the spots, for example, is the Matenadaran Manuscript Museum and Armenian Genocide Museum. Of course, we do not forget about the Cascade, Republic Square and the panoramic view that the area next to the Mother Armenia monument can offer.
Gyumri – Armenia’s Cultural Heartbeat
This city stands thanks to its unique vibe and cultural experiences. Gyumri has preserved its stunning 19th-century architecture and deep-rooted traditions.
Stroll through the city’s historic streets, where every corner tells a story. The tourist journey usually starts from the central square. The beautifully restored Holy Saviour’s Church on Vardanants Square showcases Armenia’s signature black and apricot-colored tuff stone. The Urban Life Museum is a must-see as there is hardly any museum in Armenia that can show urban life as it was with its unique blend of tradition and craftsmanship. Charming local cafes and cuisine that also differs from other Armenian cities are worth trying.
One can feel this vibrant spirit of the city seeing the wall of names. It’s a unique mosaic made of tiles. The visitors can “write” their names with tiles to memorize their trip to Armenia.
Dilijan is Always a Good Idea
If you’re traveling to Armenia in 2025, Dilijan is a destination you would not like to miss. Gyumri is often called a cultural capital. Dilijan can be named the hub of eco-tourism: a charming resort town known for its crystal-clear air and breathtaking landscapes.
For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking here is top-notch. The Transcaucasian Trail winds through Dilijan National Park, offering stunning views and peaceful forest paths. Even in summer, the weather stays mild, making it ideal for trekking. Horseback riding, visiting Red Deer Center, admiring nature in Lake Parz – all this about Dilijan.
Besides natural beauty and medieval monasteries near the city, it is also popular for numerous restaurants with exceptional cuisine.
The journey from Yerevan to Dilijan and back takes you past Lake Sevan, where you’ll see turquoise waters and the breathtaking Sevanavank Monastery located on the peninsula. It offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Medieval Monasteries
Armenian monasteries are not just religious sites, they will for sure attract attention as unique architectural pieces. They are usually located somewhere in the mountains with jaw-dropping scenery in the background.
One of them is Geghard Monastery, carved into cliffs, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Named after the biblical lance that pierced Christ, it was once home to monks who lived in nearby caves. Inside, a holy spring flows from the rock, adding to the mystical atmosphere.
Noravank, surrounded by red-hued cliffs, is a picture-perfect gem. Its stone carvings, steep staircases and the surrounding countryside are a fascinating stop. Khor Virap offers the most iconic view of Mount Ararat. It’s where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years, making it one of Armenia’s most sacred pilgrimage sites. Goshavank and Haghartsin, surrounded by lush forests in Tavush province, are serene and peaceful, perfect for those seeking a quiet spiritual escape.
Wine Tasting and Local Cuisine
No matter when you are traveling to Armenia, wine and food will be an unforgettable part of your journey. Armenia’s wine culture dates back over 6,000 years, with the world’s oldest known winery discovered in a cave near Areni. Today, Vayots Dzor is the heart of Armenian winemaking, home to over 200 wineries producing rich, flavorful wines.
A tour through Areni’s wineries means wine tastings with stunning mountain views. The same is about Aragatsotn province with picturesque wineries and adjacent restaurants. Each tasting regardless of location is paired with juicy Armenian fruits, meat snacks, salty cheeses, and fresh-baked lavash.
And Armenian cuisine? It’s a feast at every stop from Armenian barbecue – khorovats to tolma (stuffed grape leaves) and ghapama, every meal tells a story.
One-of-a-kind adventure should be planned in advance. Get ready for stunning landscapes, ancient sites and rich traditions as every corner of Armenia has something unique to offer.
With Levon Travel’s guaranteed tours in May and September, you won’t just visit Dilijan or Lake Sevan, you’ll truly experience them. Book your 2025 trip with Levon Travel today, and let’s explore Armenia like never before!