Adventure Details
Schedule
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 the museum
Wed, May 21 – Tour historic sites
Thurs-Fri, May 22-23 – Complete work at the museum
Sat, May 24 – Tour historic sites
Sun, May 25 – Leave Gyumri for Yerevan; visit Echmiadzin Cathedral
Monday, May 26 – Depart Yerevan
Details of tours & evening activities will be listed in Itinerary
PROJECT ORGANIZER
Armen Hovsepyan
Founder, TravelGyumri
Armen was born in 1988, trapped in a collapsed building the night of the earthquake, and has spent much of his life working to improve conditions in his hometown of Gyumri. He studied in both Armenia and the US, receiving degrees as an interpreter, in journalism and in public relations. In 2015, he became administrative coordinator for Gyumri Project Hope. This nonprofit was founded to analyze existing challenges and opportunities for the city and find solutions that target development and economic growth through tourism, urban renewal, and cultural development.
Armen founded Travel Gyumri, which provides the latest information on Gyumri and the Shirak province. He is also an avid photographer and is working on a photo documentary about empowering young rural women who are bound by untouched traditions and strict rules. Armen works for the City of Gyumri, currently in the Mayor’s office. He is AiP's onsite project partner.
PROJECT INSTRUCTORS
Armen Hovsepyan
Interpreter, Guide & Project Coordinator
Building Conservator
To be announced.
Project Funders
Join the National Assoc. for Armenian Studies and Research and become a project sponsor to support historic preservation of Armenia’s cultural heritage.
Cost
DBL Rm: US$1990
SGL Rm: US$2390
Discounts!
Join us for one adventure in preservation, and you’ll receive a 10% discount on all subsequent adventures.
Additional Cost Information
Costs are per person.
Your fee includes:
All ground transportation, including airport pick-up and drop-off
Lodging
All meals
Translator
Instruction
Excursions
All participants are responsible for:
Airfare to Yerevan, Armenia
Visa if required
Travel insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage. Send AiP proof of purchase.
KUMAYRI CULTURAL MUSEUM-PRESERVE
HISTORIC CITY CENTER
GYUMRI, ARMENIA
Poetry Prompts Preservation
Dates: May 16-26, 2025
Explore Armenia’s history while learning hands-on preservation skills to save architectural heritage that holds the key to sustainability and economic growth.
Journey through centuries of Armenia’s remarkable past. Explore sites that take you from the 3rd century BC on to the 20th century saga of Gyumri. Meet the friendly, resilient people of Armenia and work with community leaders to save an important piece of Gyumri’s cultural history.
Come and experience the city’s intriguing variety of historic architecture, museums, excellent restaurants and colorful outdoor market. Disengage from your routine and let yourself dream and explore!
Project and Need
Join AiP as we begin a new venture at the house museum of eminent poet, Avetiq Isahakyan. Born in 1875 in Alexandropol (Gyumri), Isahakyan became a poet and activist and was twice imprisoned for his efforts to unify Armenia under an Armenian government. His work has been translated into many languages and his poems used as lyrics for popular songs.
Conservators from Gyumri will teach you skills needed to restore wooden windows and doors in the historic residence where Isahakyan spent the last 10 years of his life. Preservation is key to a sustainable economy in Gyumri supported by heritage tourism. You will carry on the tradition of AiP jammers, who have been actively involved since 2016!
We will continue to support the entrepreneurial efforts of the village women of Shirak. Evening events in the village of Tsoghamarg will showcase local cuisine and the cooperative that allows women to work together to design, produce and package locally produced items for sale to tourists.
I was able to learn so much more than I ever would in a classroom and I can’t wait to share what I learned.
— Jason Mulvey 2017
Tour Ancient Sites
Our Armenian partner, a native of Gyumri born three months before the 1988 earthquake, is your tour guide. His wealth of knowledge and invaluable insights provide you with an incomparable experience.
Tours include:
• Echmiadzin Cathedral
• Geghard monastery
• 4th century Yereruyk basilica & honey tasting
• 10th century caravanserai
• St. Gregory the Illuminator hermitage
• 3rd millennium BC citadel remains
And much more!
We will also try our hand at traditional stone carving led by the first woman to become a master carver in Armenia. She studied in Yerevan and will teach us the art of khach’k’ar, or cross stone, carving.
Travel Highlights
Carefully selected hotels & restaurants, all costs and tips included in fee
Tours of UNESCO-listed sites
Classes with master artisan
Cooking class & dinner with a village family
Small group with maximum of 10
Expert Travel Guide
My trip to Armenia was the most unique thing I’ve ever done. It gave me a new perspective on the world. While volunteering I got to meet many local families. They have suffered so much yet maintain their strength of spirit and generous attitude.
— Lisa Harper 2016
Lodging and Meals
In Gyumri, lodging is provided at one of the local hotels, conveniently located within walking distance of the Kumayri Historic District, the outdoor market, restaurants, museums, and historic churches. Rooms are modern with private baths.
Breakfast is provided at the hotel. Lunches are brought to the work site or eaten in restaurants near the museum. For dinners, we will enjoy the variety of great local restaurants that create delicious meals from fresh produce and meats. Vegetarians have ample tasty options.
Travel Details
Flights to Armenia arrive in Yerevan at Zvartnots International Airport. You will be met at the airport by the hotel shuttle. Your flight to Yerevan is not covered by your registration fee. Cost of hotel shuttle is included in your fee. Lodging is covered beginning Friday night, May 16 through Sunday night, May 25. A visa may be required depending on your country of origin. Travelers from the US generally do not need a visa.
The van to Gyumri will leave the hotel at 10am Sunday morning.
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.
A detailed Itinerary and Packing List will be sent after you register.
Conditions
Armenia is one of the safest countries for travelers
Gyumri elevation is 4952 feet.
Walking is on cobblestone and uneven pavement
If you have questions or would like to chat with an AiP staff member about joining this cultural heritage experience, contact us at trips@adventuresinpreservation.org or call us at +1 303-444-0128.
