Hands-On in Armenia
- Learn hands-on skills to take on both historic preservation and an archaeology dig
- Discover the varied tastes of Gyumri's excellent restaurants
- Explore ancient sites in the Shirak region, from monasteries to basilica and caravanserai
- Experience dinner with a family in a rural village and learn about their cooperative that allows women to design, produce and package locally produced items for sale to tourists
Journey through centuries of Armenia’s remarkable past. Visit sites and hear stories that take you from the 3rd century BC through the 20th century saga of Gyumri. Meet the friendly, resilient people of Armenia and work with artisans carrying on long traditions in stone carving, iron work and more.
This unique experience immerses you in all that is Armenian. You’ll take on conservation work at one of Gyumri’s leading museums, the Museum of National Architecture and Urban Planning. You'll also learn excavating skills as we join the Archaeology Museum of Shirak at one of their excavations.
Tuesday, May 19 – Arrive in Yerevan and check into hotel
Wed, May 20 – Van pickup at 10am for drive to Gyumri; tour sites in central Gyumri
Thurs-Sun, May 21-24 - Skills training & preservation work at the museum
Mon, May 25 - Tour historic sites
Tues-Thurs, May 26-28 – Skills training & work at archaeological dig
Fri, May 29 – Leave Gyumri for Yerevan; visit Echmiadzin Cathedral
Sat, May 30 – Depart Yerevan
Pick up is provided at Yerevan's Zvartnots International Airport.
Taxi will drop you at Yerevan's Zvartnots International Airport.
Bring clothing that is comfortable as well as protective while working. Sturdy walking shoes are helpful for exploring historic sites. Close-toed shoes are required for working. Temperatures in late May range from average highs of 69F to average lows of 45F. Rain gear is recommended.
- Ground transportation, including airport pick-up
- Lodging
- All meals
- Translator
- Instruction
- Excursions
Participants are responsible for:
- Airfare to Yerevan, Armenia
- Airport drop off
- Visa if required
- Travel insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage. Send AiP proof of purchase.
- If your choice of session is not available, you will be notified immediately, and you may choose between enrolling in another session with places available or receiving a full refund.
- A 50% deposit is required at the time of registration and is not refundable upon cancellation, but may be applied toward attending another project.
- If you cancel more than 45 days before the start of the project and have paid the fee in full, you will receive a refund of 50% of the fee. The remaining 50% may be applied toward attending another project.
- No refund is possible within 45 days of project start or during the project.
- All payments made to Adventures in Preservation by the participant to attend a project will be refunded if Adventures in Preservation cancels the project.
- Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended.