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Vardavar is the biggest summer holiday in the Armenian holiday calendar. It dates back to ancient times and is a festival of worship of Nature. In pagan Armenia this holiday was dedicated to Astghik, the goddess of love and beauty. She poured rosewater on everyone and thus bestowed love on everyone. After the adoption of Christianity, the church gave the holiday a religious meaning. On this day the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord is celebrated. During the celebration, everyone pours water on each other.
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Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVAL. YEREVAN
Arrival. Meeting at the international airport ‘Zvartnots’. Transfer and accommodation at the hotel. Free time.
Day 2
EREVAN - ECHMIADZIN - ZVARTNOTS - ARARAT BRANDY FACTORY - EREVAN
Breakfast at the hotel. Excursion to Echmiadzin. Echmiadzin Cathedral is considered one of the oldest monuments of Christianity (UNESCO heritage). Echmiadzin Cathedral is the spiritual centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church, as well as the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians.
Visit to Zvartnots Temple (UNESCO heritage). This marvellous temple is the result of the vast experience and creativity of Armenian architects of the 7th century.
City tour of Yerevan, which includes the city centre, Republic Square, Cascade, Opera House, Sports and Concert Complex.
Then visit to the legendary ‘Ararat’ cognac factory. Excursion and tasting of cognac.
Walk along the Cascade. Cascade is an open-air park-museum, where really impressive samples of modern sculptural art are presented. By the way, it is the only park in the world where two works of the famous sculptor Fernando Botero are presented at once. Free time.
Day 3
EREVAN - GEGHARD - GARNI (PARTICIPATION IN VARDAVAR CELEBRATION) - EREVAN
Breakfast at the hotel. Excursion to Geghard (UNESCO heritage). The famous Geghard Monastery is located in Kotayk district. The monastery complex was built in the 12th-13th centuries. At first it was called Ayrivank (Cave Monastery), but later it was renamed Geghard (Spear), with which, according to legend, a Roman legionary pierced Christ.
Visit to the pagan temple of Garni (1st century BC). This temple is the only monument of its kind from the Hellenistic era preserved on the territory of Armenia. The temple of Garni was dedicated to the ancient Armenian god of the Sun.
Participation in the celebration of Vardavar. The name of the holiday ‘Vardavar’ (or ‘Vardaman’) comes from the word ‘vard’ (rose) and means ‘to shower with roses’. The holiday starts from the very early morning, everyone sprinkles water on each other, regardless of age, gender and social status.
It is not allowed to be offended or displeased, because it is believed that water has healing powers on this day. The holiday is accompanied by traditional songs, dances and games. Lunch and participation in Armenian Lavash master-class.
Return to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4
EREVAN - LAKE SEVAN - DILIJAN - EREVAN
Breakfast at the hotel. Excursion to Lake Sevan. Lake Sevan, the ‘Blue Pearl’ of Armenia, is the largest lake in the Caucasus and one of the largest mountain freshwater lakes in the world. Beautiful nature and crystal clear water create perfect conditions for your holiday. We will visit Sevan peninsula, from where you can enjoy the beauty of the lake. One of the oldest churches in Armenia - Sevanavank Monastery (IV century) is located on the peninsula.
Transfer to Dilijan, one of the most popular resorts in Armenia. Dilijan is famous for its marvelous nature. Thanks to the dense mountain forests surrounding the city, the air of Dilijan is characterized by crystal purity. It is no coincidence that Dilijan is sometimes called ‘Armenian Switzerland’.
Return to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5
DAY OF DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the international airport. Departure.
- All transfers specified in the program
- Accommodation 4 nights in a hotel in Yerevan
- Breakfasts
- 3 lunches (during excursions)
- All entrance tickets specified in the program
- Brandy tasting in ArArAt Brandy Factory (standard package)
- Services of a professional English speaking guide on the specified days (for groups of 2-6 people guide/driver services)
- 1 bottle of water for each person every day
- Dinners
- Air tickets
- Travel insurance
Vardavar is Armenia’s ancient pagan festival turned Christian holiday where everyone drenches each other with water. On the main festival day, the entire country turns into a massive, high-energy water battle. Whether you are in downtown Yerevan (especially around Republic Square and the Swan Lake area) or near rural temples, people of all ages will pour buckets of water on you from balconies, street corners, and fire trucks. Participation is not optional if you are outside—if you step onto the street, you will get completely soaked!
Yes, Vardavar is incredibly joyful, safe, and friendly, but you must protect your gear. Assume anything on your person will be ruined if it isn't waterproof.
Electronics: You must buy high-quality waterproof pouches for your phone, cash, and passports before heading out. Leave heavy DSLR cameras or non-waterproof bags at the hotel.
Consent: While the atmosphere is lighthearted, locals generally respect travelers who clearly signal they cannot participate due to carrying delicate items, but it is much safer to simply lean into the fun and dress to get wet.
Wear lightweight, quick-drying athletic clothes (like polyester t-shirts and shorts) and sturdy water shoes or sandals with good grip, as the cobblestones and marble stairs in central Yerevan become incredibly slippery.
Pro-Tip: Avoid wearing white or thin fabrics that become completely see-through when wet. It is also wise to pack a dry change of clothes in a heavy-duty waterproof dry bag if your tour itinerary involves stepping into a restaurant or a vehicle later in the afternoon.
Because Vardavar takes place in mid-summer (usually July), this specific AMTravel package pairs the festival with Armenia’s best aquatic and mountain highlights. The itinerary takes you out of the hot city to the high-altitude Lake Sevan (the "Blue Pearl of Armenia") for swimming and boat excursions. It also features trips to dramatic river canyons, natural mineral springs in Jermuk, and iconic cultural sites like Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery, where ancient water rituals originally began.
Vardavar is a mobile holiday celebrated 14 weeks (98 days) after Easter, meaning it always falls on a Sunday in July. Because this is the absolute peak of the Armenian summer tourism season, hotels in central Yerevan fill up months in advance. You should ideally book this seasonal package 3 to 6 months ahead to guarantee your hotel accommodation close to the festival epicenters and secure private transport logistics.