Private tour: Gyumri, Black Fortress, Urban Life (Dzitoghtsyan) Museum
Gyumri, Black Fortress, Gyumri Urban Life (Dzitoghtsyan) Museum
1. Gyumri
90-110 min
Wander here, and you might almost hear the ring of a blacksmith's hammer or catch sight of a horse-drawn carriage turning a corner, the driver playfully inviting you to ride through this city of craftsmen and poets.
Gyumri's houses, built from colorful tuff and adorned with carved balconies, have endured earthquakes and storms yet retain their proud appearance and the warmth of the hands that shaped them. Among the scent of freshly baked bread and the melodies of street violins, there lingers a special spirit – a blend of traditional crafts, heartfelt hospitality, and the gentle humor that defines its people.
Long a cultural heartbeat of Armenia, Gyumri is where Armen Tigranyan's opera "Anoush" first graced the stage, forever engraving the city's name in the annals of art. Visitors often leave with the feeling they've found a second home here. Perhaps the secret lies in this: Gyumri is not just a place on the map, but a living storyteller, whispering its legends to all willing to listen.
2. Black Fortress
20-30 min
Local legends whisper of underground tunnels stretching from the Black Fortress to the Red Fortress and the "Mother Armenia" monument – a hidden network of stone arteries beneath the city. Its dark volcanic tuff gives the fortress a grim, impenetrable presence, especially striking when silhouetted against the crimson hues of sunset.
Within its heavy arches and sturdy bastions, the echoes of history linger – the clang of weapons, the steady steps of sentries. Today, the Black Fortress is recognized as an intangible monument of Gyumri's history and culture, remaining a proud emblem of resilience and military honor. Those who climb its walls can almost feel time itself weaving past and present into a single, unbroken story.
3. Gyumri Urban Life (Dzitoghtsyan) Museum
50-60 min
In 1984, the house opened its doors in a new role – as the Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life – where every room became a living page in the city's chronicle. Here, old photographs awaken the past, the imagined footsteps of former owners echo in the halls, and the scent of wood and aged fabrics carries visitors back to the 19th century. On the shelves stand dishes that once adorned festive tables, in the display cases – garments once worn by ladies strolling the main streets in lace-trimmed hats. Close your eyes, and you can almost hear a violin playing in the parlor and smell fresh pastries from the garden.
Today, recognized as an intangible monument of Gyumri's history and culture, the museum preserves far more than objects – it keeps the city's very soul alive in every stone, every artifact, and every story whispered within its walls.
Inclusions
-
Professional drivers
-
Air-conditioned vehicles
-
Bottled water
-
Free pick-up & drop-off within Yerevan
-
Vehicle & passengers insurance
-
Extra stops on the route upon request
Exclusions
-
Significant deviations from the route
-
Alcoholic beverages if lunch option selected
-
Audio guides
-
Wi-Fi in the vehicles
What to expect
- Explore "the city of crafts and arts"
- Immerse yourself in the depths of local traditions
- Take a walk in the old streets of Gyumri, where the famous Armenian films were shot
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
Meet our Guides
Manya Gevorgyan
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
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.
Anahit Ghazaryan
My name is Anahit Ghazaryan, and since 2015 I have been in a state of love! I am in love with Armenia, and I always want to talk about it! Come visit! I guarantee it will be beautiful, easy, delicious, and fun! Let's discover Armenia together, enjoy it, and fall in love! I don't like legends and tell them only when absolutely necessary, and only those that feature real historical figures! Since I was born in the middle of the last century, I talk about some events not as a historian, but as a witness!
Armine Julhakyan
Hello! I'm Armine, your guide in Armenia. With me, you'll discover not only the famous landmarks but also the hidden gems of my country.
You might also like...
