We think everyone should travel to Armenia; it is an amazing experience for those of Armenian heritage, but also for adventurers and difference makers of all backgrounds! Where twenty years ago Armenia’s visitor infrastructure was very primitive, today it is much more accessible. We have outlined three ways below to facilitate your trip to Armenia: 1) Self Guided Travel 2) Travel Agency Tours 3) Volunteer Service Trips.
Fr. Hovnan, Yn. Anna and many of our Armenian born parishioners would be happy to act as a concierge for your trip to Armenia, answering any further questions and offering direction beyond the information written below. Baree Janaparh!
1) Self Guided Travel
Flying to Armenia
There are no flights directly to Yerevan from the US. One stop flights are typically from Florida to the major airport servicing Yerevan-currently: Paris, Vienna, Qatar, Warsaw & Dubai. Recently, discount airlines are connecting Europe to Yerevan directly with more routes (wizz air & flyone). These can be good options if you would like to visit for a few days in the connecting European city before traveling directly to Yerevan, this entails buying separate tickets for each leg, collecting and rechecking luggage, leaving the airport, etc.
| From Tampa | 1 stop connection to Yerevan via Frankfurt with Discover Airlines/Lufthansa. 2 stop connections via many airlines, 1st stop typically (NYC, Boston, Atlanta) 2nd stop (Qatar, Vienna, Paris). |
| From Orlando | 1 stop connections to Yerevan via Frankfurt, Dubai & Paris. |
| From Miami | 1 stop connections to Yerevan via Frankfurt, Paris, Istanbul, Qatar, Poland. |
Accommodation in Armenia
AirBnB has many options in the center of Yerevan for your desired length of stay. If you are going in the hottest months of June-August you may want air conditioing, though there is always a cooler breeze at night. If you want to walk/cab everywhere, staying in the “small center” of the city is the best idea.
Tufenkian Heritage Hotels is the first Armenian boutique hotel chain. A higher end hotel that focuses on Armenian heritage in its four stunning locations and dediciation to Armenian rugs, decor & furniture. They serve Western-Armenian cuisine and local specialties at their restaurants, fostering a high culture of good dining and wine appreciation.
There are many other Western hotel chains (Hilton, Marriott, Best Western, etc.) as well as local ones to accommodate you. Again If you want to walk/cab everywhere, staying in the “small center” of the city is the best idea.
Tours in Armenia
Hyur Service is a well-known tour company that offers daily group excursions. You just have to book your spot online a few days before the offered tour on any given day and show up at their office at the appointed time (their office is also located in the small center of Yerevan). They also offer airport pick up and private, pre-arranged group experiences at affordable prices if you’d like to get in touch with them in advance.
2492 Travel is the first and currently only sustainable travel brand in Armenia. They help people connect with Armenia through extraordinary travel experiences that create positive local change. They are featured in Forbes and Food&Wine.
2) Travel Agency Tours
If you feel overwhelmed by planning a trip to Armenia yourself, below are two full service travel agencies who can help plan you plan your trip.
SIMA Tours
SIMA Tours has offices in Yerevan, Armenia and Philadelphia, USA and been in business for over 20 years. They provide full service and a flexible approach for small and large interest groups, individuals and missions. Personalized service, comfortable accommodations and logistics at attractive prices, and informed guidance are the company’s forte. All groups are escorted by qualified language speaking guides who ensure the highest quality of delivery at each stage of the journey.
Feel Armenia
Feel Armenia has specialized in premium travel services across Armenia since 2008. They partnering with tour operators, travel agencies, and corporate clients to deliver curated travel experiences, cultural immersions, and seamless logistics. Visit there website below for more information.
Volunteer Service Trips
The Armenian Volunteer Corps
The Armenian Volunteer Corps (AVC) was founded by Fr. Hovnan in 2000 and continues to place volunteers in Armenia for short & long term service experiences. AVC accepts volunteers of all ages (21+) for stays of several weeks to one year. In addition to volunteer placements in a variety of fields, AVC provides all logistical support-from airport pick-up, to host-family living arrangements, Armenian language classes, and much more-helping volunteers seamlessly integrate into life in Armenia. Find all you need to know at www.armenianvolunteer.org. Feel free to contact Fr. Hovnan with any questions.
AVC’s wonderful director Arina Zohrabian spoke with St. Hagop parishioners via zoom on the service experiences AVC provides, that introductory video is included below.
Fuller Center Armenia
Many groups and individuals from the US have participated in Fuller Center’s Global Builders’ program-7 to 14-day trips designed to promote teamwork and offer a spiritual experience in a cross-cultural setting. By working within the local host community, participants have the unique opportunity to contribute to the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia’s goal to eliminate substandard housing in Armenia. There are many ‘open groups’ that individuals may join each year from summer though fall. Visit www.fullercenterarmenia.org/global-builders/ for more information.