Barefoot Luxury: Soul of the Highlands

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7 Days of Nature, Art & Renewal | Mountain Lakes, Forest Trails, Hot Springs & Starlit Skies

Some luxuries cannot be bought in a city: silence on a mountain plateau, a forest path with no one else on it, a hot spring under open sky, a night so dark you can see the Milky Way. Armenia’s highlands offer all of them — within a few hours of each other.

Barefoot Luxury is our most unhurried journey. Days begin late or with sunrise, by choice. You walk in Dilijan’s forests, swim or sail on Lake Sevan, soak in Jermuk’s mineral waters and spend an evening with an artist or astronomer. Comfortable boutique lodges replace grand hotels; time replaces itineraries. It is luxury measured not in marble, but in breath.

Activity level: gentle to moderate; every walk has a shorter option.

Duration

7 days

Group Size

Private or small group (max 20)

Languages

English, Russian, Armenian, and more on request

Highlights

  • Forest bathing and a lake walk in Dilijan National Park
  • Sunrise on Lake Sevan, with an optional sail or kayak
  • Stargazing near the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory on Mount Aragats
  • Mineral springs and waterfalls in the spa town of Jermuk
  • Art encounters in Yerevan and a private studio visit

Yerevan · Cascade · Artist Studio

  • Private transfer and time to rest.
  • Cascade & sculpture gardens at sunset, with Ararat on the horizon.
  • Private studio visit with a contemporary Armenian artist, followed by a relaxed dinner.
  • Overnight: Yerevan
Why Meaning Matters More Than Marble

Amberd · Lake Kari · Byurakan

  • Amberd Fortress: A medieval fortress on the slopes of Mount Aragats, 2,300 meters above sea level.
  • Lake Kari (seasonal): A high-altitude walk among alpine meadows.
  • Evening stargazing near Byurakan: Under some of the clearest skies in the region, with an astronomy guide.
  • Overnight: Aragatsotn lodge or Yerevan

Lake Sevan · Sevanavank · Sail or Kayak

  • Lake Sevan at first light, from a quiet shore.
  • Sevanavank: 9th-century monastery above the water.
  • Optional sail, paddle or swim (summer).
  • Overnight: Dilijan

Dilijan National Park · Parz Lake · Haghartsin

  • Forest bathing: A guided, slow walk to Parz Lake through oak and beech forest.
  • Haghartsin Monastery, hidden among the trees.
  • Wellness evening: Massage or sauna at your forest lodge (on request).
  • Overnight: Dilijan

Selim Pass · Jermuk Waterfall · Mineral Springs

  • Selim Caravanserai on the way south.
  • Jermuk: Armenia’s mountain spa town, known for its mineral waters, waterfall and pine forests.
  • Spa afternoon in a mineral-water pool.
  • Overnight: Jermuk

Tatev · Devil’s Bridge · Goris

  • Wings of Tatev to the cliff-top monastery.
  • Devil’s Bridge (Satani Kamurj): Warm natural mineral pools in the Vorotan Gorge below Tatev (seasonal).
  • Overnight: Goris or Tatev guesthouse

Noravank · Areni · Farewell Dinner

  • Noravank: The red-rock canyon monastery.
  • Boutique winery tasting in Areni.
  • Farewell dinner in Yerevan with live music.
  • Overnight: Yerevan

Include

Throughout the week, you will enjoy a collection of Adeona Signature Experiences, created exclusively for this journey:
  • The Journey Passport, stamped at every lake, forest and spring.
  • Private sound moments: duduk in a canyon or chapel.
  • Wellness touches: forest bathing, mineral springs, an optional massage.
  • Art & astronomy encounters with local artists and astronomers.
  • The Ark of Armenia Gift Box, with a polished volcanic stone keepsake.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Walks are gentle (1–3 hours) with shorter options; no technical hiking.

June to early October for lakes, meadows and stargazing. Some sites (Lake Kari, Devil’s Bridge) are seasonal.

Boutique hotels, forest lodges and characterful guesthouses chosen for setting and comfort rather than size.

Yes — this is our most requested journey for couples.

Armenian is the official language. Russian and English are widely spoken, especially in hospitality.
English is common among younger people, and regardless of the language barrier, locals will always help you find your way.

Armenia has four distinct seasons – warm summers, snowy winters, blooming springs, and colorful autumns.
There are meaningful, enjoyable experiences in every season, from hiking and wine routes to winter activities.

The Armenian Dram (AMD) is the national currency.
Card payments and ATMs are widely available in cities; rural areas may require cash.
Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted in many places.

Armenia uses Type C (European) plugs with 220 – 240V, 50 Hz.
If your device reads 100 – 240V, only an adapter is needed.
Most hotels can provide one upon request.

SIM cards are easy to purchase at the airport or in Yerevan.
Plans cost around $10 – $12, often with generous or unlimited data.
Coverage is strong nationwide, even in remote nature areas.

Yes. Armenia’s tap water is clean and fresh.
You will also find pulpulaks – traditional stone fountains – offering natural spring water throughout the country.

There is no formal dress code; Armenia is a modern, Westernized society. Modest clothing is appreciated when visiting churches and monasteries.
No vaccinations are required, and there are no significant health risks for travelers.

Visitors from Vienna Convention countries may use their national license.
Others will need an international driving permit.

Many nationalities can enter visa-free or obtain an e-visa easily.
We will advise you on requirements based on your passport.

A well-paced cultural journey typically takes 7–10 days. If combining Armenia with Georgia, plan for around 14 days.
Yes. Armenia is considered one of the safest countries in the region, with low violent crime and helpful locals.
Generally yes, except during religious services or in certain chapels. Your guide will advise where photography is restricted.
  • Greet people politely.
  • Keep voices low in sacred spaces.
  • Ask before photographing locals.

Armenians value respect, kindness, and hospitality.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Restaurants: ~10% if not already included. Guides and drivers: suggested ranges are provided in your welcome material.
Yes. Many traditional dishes are vegetarian. Halal, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive options can be arranged with advance notice.
Winter offers skiing, snowboarding, winter hiking, wine tastings, cultural tours, and monastery visits – without summer crowds.
Yes. We frequently design cross-border journeys. Armenia + Georgia is the most popular, requiring around two weeks for full immersion.
You’ll find boutique hotels, vineyard estates, mountain lodges, and international brands. We curate options based on your style and expectations.

Absolutely. Adeona specializes in expert-led travel.
You may request specialists in culture, archaeology, wine, or craftsmanship.

We work with local communities, support family-run businesses, ensure fair regional income distribution, promote authenticity, and minimize environmental impact in protected areas.

Fire: 101
Police: 102
Ambulance: 103
Gas Emergency: 104
Crisis Center: 911
City Hotline: 105
Human Rights: 116
Airport Hotline: 187

Yerevan: Republic Square · France Square · HIKEArmenia Regions: Debed Canyon · Dilijan · Sevan Peninsula · Garni · Arpa/Yeghegnadzor · Goris