0
    1. Home
    2. Tours
    3. Group Tours
    4. Gyumri Walking Tour, Black Fortress, Museum, Harichavank

    Group tour: Gyumri Walking Tour, Black Fortress, Museum, Harichavank

    Itinerary

    Gyumri, Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan), Black Fortress, Lunch stop, Harichavank Monastery

    1. Meeting point: Hyur Service (Head Office) – 96, Nalbandyan str., Yerevan

    Departure time: 09:00
    If hotel pick-up is not required, please let us know and be at the meeting point at least 30 min before departure.

    2. Gyumri

    90-110 min Details: Gyumri
    Gyumri – photo 1 Gyumri – photo 2 Gyumri – photo 3 Gyumri – photo 4 Gyumri – photo 5 Gyumri – photo 6 Gyumri – photo 7 Gyumri – photo 8 Gyumri – photo 9 Gyumri – photo 10 Gyumri – photo 11 Gyumri – photo 12 Gyumri – photo 13 Gyumri – photo 14 Gyumri – photo 15 Gyumri – photo 16 Gyumri – photo 17 Gyumri – photo 18 Gyumri – photo 19 Gyumri – photo 20 Gyumri – photo 21 Gyumri – photo 22 Gyumri – photo 23 Gyumri – photo 24 Gyumri – photo 25 Gyumri – photo 26 Gyumri – photo 27 Gyumri – photo 28 Gyumri – photo 29 Gyumri – photo 30 Gyumri – photo 31 Gyumri – photo 32 Gyumri – photo 33 Gyumri – photo 34 Gyumri – photo 35 Gyumri – photo 36 Gyumri – photo 37 Gyumri – photo 38 Gyumri – photo 39
    In the heart of the Shirak Valley, where cold winds carry the fragrance of the steppe, lies Gyumri – a city where the past and present breathe in unison. Its old streets are like the pages of an ancient book, each door, stone and balcony preserving stories passed down through generations.

    3. Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan)

    50-60 min Details: Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan)
    Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 1 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 2 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 3 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 4 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 5 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 6 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 7 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 8 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 9 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 10 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 11 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 12 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 13 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 14 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 15 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 16 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 17 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 18 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 19 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 20 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 21 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 22 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 23 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 24 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 25 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 26 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 27
    In the old quarters of Gyumri, among narrow streets and stone houses, stands a mansion of fiery red tuff – like a sunset frozen in stone. Built in 1872 by wealthy merchant Petros Dzitoghtsyan, it once embodied the city's pride, hosting lively receptions, family celebrations and quiet evenings in the glow of oil lamps. Its walls have witnessed the passing of eras, yet still hold the warmth and brilliance of the time when Gyumri thrived as a hub of merchant wealth and cultural splendor.

    4. Black Fortress

    20-30 min Details: Black Fortress
    Black Fortress – photo 1 Black Fortress – photo 2 Black Fortress – photo 3 Black Fortress – photo 4 Black Fortress – photo 5 Black Fortress – photo 6 Black Fortress – photo 7 Black Fortress – photo 8 Black Fortress – photo 9 Black Fortress – photo 10
    Rising above the city of Gyumri like a silent stone sentinel, the Black Fortress stands as a solemn and powerful reminder of the 19th century's military might. Built in 1834, it became an essential part of the city's defensive network when Gyumri was known as Alexandropol. The complex consists of the central Alexandropol Fortress with its three massive gates, a model of the Church of Saint Alexandra at its heart and the northern and southern fortresses, all united as a single shield of protection.

    Lunch stop

    50-60 min
    Lunch stop
    Optional lunch in the local traditional restaurant on own expense. One may choose between 3 different options:
    Option 1 (vegeterian) – 11 USD per person
    Option 2 – 13 USD per person
    Option 3 – 14 USD per person

    5. Harichavank Monastery

    20-30 min Details: Harichavank Monastery
    Harichavank Monastery – photo 1 Harichavank Monastery – photo 2 Harichavank Monastery – photo 3 Harichavank Monastery – photo 4 Harichavank Monastery – photo 5 Harichavank Monastery – photo 6 Harichavank Monastery – photo 7 Harichavank Monastery – photo 8 Harichavank Monastery – photo 9 Harichavank Monastery – photo 10 Harichavank Monastery – photo 11 Harichavank Monastery – photo 12 Harichavank Monastery – photo 13 Harichavank Monastery – photo 14 Harichavank Monastery – photo 15
    On the western slope of the mighty Mount Aragats, hidden among rugged cliffs and windswept ridges, lies Harichavank – an ancient monastery that still breathes the spirit of centuries. Experts trace its origins back to the 7th century, when the first walls of the complex rose skyward as a testament to faith and spiritual strength. In the 13th century, the monastery gained a church and a narthex, becoming an important religious center, while in the 19th century it served as the summer residence of the Armenian Catholicoi, further enhancing its significance.

    6. Arrival point: Hyur Service (Head Office)

    Expected return: 19:00 – 20:00

    Inclusions

    • Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively

    • Air-conditioned vehicles

    • Bottled water & pastries

    • Admission tickets

    • Wi-Fi in the vehicles

    • Vehicle & passengers insurance

    Exclusions

    • Lunch cost (11 USD – 14 USD)

    • Hotel drop-off (final stop: our office)

    Highlights

    • Discover Gyumri's old streets, black tuff architecture and warm local character
    • Step inside the Urban Life Museum and feel the spirit of historic Alexandropol
    • See the Black Fortress, one of the city's most striking 19th-century landmarks
    • Look out for film locations, crafts and local stories that give Gyumri its special charm
    • Visit Harichavank, a medieval monastery set against the slopes of Mount Aragats

    Video Gallery

    Practical Info

    Is there a walking distance on this tour?

    Yes, prepare for a walk of 1-2 hours to fully experience the beauty and history of the city.

    Can I pay for the lunch in the restaurant by card?

    It's advisable to bring cash in Armenian Drams, since paying for lunch with a card is not always possible.

    What is the group size for this tour?

    The group size varies, but typically ranges up to 48 participants.

    Are there any clothing requirements or recommendations for this tour?

    Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather of the tour date conditions: bringing a coat or jacket is always a good idea, as regional temperatures tend to be lower than in Yerevan. Women should dress modestly when visiting churches or monasteries, avoiding revealing clothing as a sign of respect.

    Booking conditions

    Cancellation & modification

    Meet our Guides

    Mariam Margaryan

    Mariam Margaryan

    HY EN

    With over 13 years of professional experience leading diverse international groups, I don’t just show travelers a destination – I help them live it. My tours bridge cultural history, authentic food and wine traditions and the active adventure of scenic hiking.

    Anahit Iskoyan

    Anahit Iskoyan

    RU HY EN

    Hello, I'm Anahit. My job is not just to accompany you, but to tell the story of Armenia so that even the oldest stones begin to speak. I believe that every journey can become a memory when it passes through the heart. And with that very heart, I want to show you Armenia – its history, legends, and human warmth. If you want your tour to be more than just a list of facts but a true encounter with the country, I'll be happy to be your guide.

    Manya Gevorgyan

    Manya Gevorgyan

    RU HY EN

    I have been a tour guide since 2015. To this day, every excursion is a great source of positive energy for me. During the tours, you will not only get acquainted with the sights, the country's history, and its architectural features, but also feel the full charm of the Armenian emotional mindset and lifestyle.

    Anahit Aslanyan

    Anahit Aslanyan

    RU

    Education – musical-pedagogical and cultural studies. I have worked in the fields of tourism, education, and culture in Russia and Armenia. Currently, I work as a guide at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and in the company "Hyur Service". As a person with a humanities education and a cultural studies mindset, I strive to present my homeland as comprehensively as possible so that visitors gain a general impression of the history and art of the Armenian people. I pay special attention to mental and cultural characteristics to make every visitor's stay in Armenia comfortable and positive. I continue to study and share new knowledge.

    Reviews

    Дарья Бережная

    Russia

    17.07.2026

    Очень понравилось на экскурсии в Гюмри с гидом Арпи. Она очень живая, делится интересным с энергией) Все прошло замечательно! И спасибо Карену за вождение)

    Михаил Раскин

    Canada

    17.07.2026

    Поездка в Гюмри оставила самые приятные впечатления. Наш гид Арпи была очень дружелюбной, внимательной и прекрасно знала историю. Благодаря её интересным рассказам экскурсия получилась не только познавательной, но и по-настоящему увлекательной.

    Огромное спасибо Арпи и нашему водителю Карену за профессионализм, доброжелательность и отличный сервис. Экскурсия была прекрасно организована, автобус был комфортным, и вся поездка оставила самые тёплые воспоминания. Искренне рекомендую!

    Ирина Борисова

    Russia

    09.04.2024

    09.04.2024 г. в составе интернациональной группы туристов совершили тур по маршруту Гюмри-Черная крепость-Харичаванк. Маршрут и увиденные достопримечательности достаточно интересны. Очень понравился Музей городской быта, где экскурсовод подробно и интересно рассказал об образе жизни местного народа, народных промыслах и мастерах прошлых веков. В музее представлено большое количество экспонатов - предметов быта, одежды и пр., что не может не вызвать живого интереса у слушателя. Посещение музея оставили самые добрые впечатления!
    Экскурсия по Гюмри.... Старый город, его исторический центр, оставил самые добрые впечатления. Побывали в той самой, сохранившейся ещё с советских времён парикмахерской (посетили в свободное время), где пообщались с её работниками, так бережно сохранившими всю обстановку того периода времени, вплоть до вымпелов и грамот. И конечно, часть истории Гюмри связана с любимцем всего советского кинозрителя - доброго Фрунзика Мкртчяна.
    Очень познавательная экскурсия по всему маршруту, проведённая гидом Татев. Умница! Такой массив исторических фактов, да и просто интересной информации! Просто хотелось слушать и слушать.
    Спасибо Татев! Отдельное спасибо добродушному водителю Левону, так плавно и нежно возившему нас по не всегда ровным горным дорогам! Впечатления от вашей работы самые добрые. Ещё раз, спасибо!
    Да, кстати, нам слегка за 50, но мы совсем не устали, что нас самих, в общем - то, удивило!
    Ирина, Юрий. Москва. 12.04.2024 г.

    Лилиана

    Russia

    17.10.2023

    Вчера 17.10.2023 г . мы ездили на экскурсию в город Гюмри . Хотим поблагодарить гида Марину , за ее высокие профессиональные качества и душевное отношение к гостям города. Хотим отметить работу водителя Ашота и всего коллектива Hyur service. Будим рекомендовать Вашу компанию нашим друзьям.

    • 1
    • 2

    You might also like...

    Contact us

    We use "Cookies" to enhance your browsing experience and improve website performance. Find out more about "Cookies" in "Privacy Policy" section. By using this website, you accept our use of "Cookies".