Poetry Prompts Preservation
- Learn hands-on skills to help restore the Isahakyan house museum
- Discover the varied tastes of Gyumri's excellent restaurants
- Explore ancient sites in the Shirak region of Armenia
- Experience the cuisine of a rural village and learn about their cooperative that allows women to design, produce and package locally produced items for sale to tourists
Adventures in Preservation has had jammers in Gyumri since 2016. We continue to expand our ambitions, and in 2025 begin a new venture at the house museum of eminent poet, Avetiq Isahakyan. Conservators from Gyumri will teach hands-on skills needed to repair and restore the museum's wood window frames and doors.
On days set aside for touring, we'll visit a variety of remarkable historic sites from the remains of a 3rd century BC citadel to a 10th century caravanserai to several beautifully designed monasteries. We will also try our hand at traditional stone carving led by the first woman to become a master carver in Armenia.
Come and meet the friendly, resilient people of Armenia, and experience Gyumri's striking historic architecture, excellent restaurants and colorful outdoor market.
Friday, May 16 – Arrive in Yerevan and check into hotel
Sat, May 17 – Van pickup at 10am for drive to Gyumri; tour sites in central Gyumri
Sun, May 18 - Tour historic sites
Mon-Tues, May 19-20 – Skills training & work at museum
Wed, May 21 - Tour historic sites
Thurs-Fri, May 22-23 – Complete work at museum
Sat, May 24 – Tour historic sites
Sun, May 25 – Leave Gyumri for Yerevan; visit Echmiadzin Cathedral
Monday, May 26 – Depart Yerevan
Pick up is provided at Yerevan's Zvartnots International Airport.
Drop off is provided 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 May range from average highs of 68F to average lows of 44F. Rain gear is recommended.
- All ground transportation, including airport pick-up and drop-off
- Lodging
- All meals
- Translator
- Instruction
- Excursions
Participants are responsible for:
- Airfare to Yerevan, Armenia
- 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.