Adventure Details
Schedule
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 & work at museum; artisan classes & evening events
Mon, May 25 – Tour historic sites
Tues-Thurs, May 26-28 – Skills training & work at archaeology dig; artisan classes & evening events
Fri, May 29 – Leave Gyumri for Yerevan; visit Echmiadzin Cathedral
Sat, May 30 – 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:
Ground transportation, including airport pick-up
Lodging
All meals
Translator
Instruction
Excursions
All 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.
KUMAYRI CULTURAL MUSEUM-PRESERVE
HISTORIC CITY CENTER, GYUMRI, ARMENIA
Archaeology Dig, Shirak Region, Armenia
Hands-On in Armenia
Dates: May 19-30, 2026
Explore Armenia’s history while learning architectural preservation skills and archaeology excavation skills which support sustainability and economic growth in Gyumri.
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 and learn excavating skills at an archaeology dig. Enjoy the intriguing variety of historic architecture, excellent restaurants and museums in and around Gyumri.
Travel Highlights
Carefully selected hotels & restaurants, all costs and tips included in fee
Tours of UNESCO-listed sites
Classes with master artisans
Instruction in archaeological excavation
Cooking class & dinner with a village family
Small group with maximum of 10
Expert Travel Guide
Project and Need
Museum of National Architecture and Urban Planning
This museum is one of Gyumri’s leading attractions and is suffering from deferred maintenance and shortage of space. You’ll help initiate work on the first floor, which is currently not in use. Repair and preservation work wil include conservation of interior wood window sills, repair of wooden floor, along with preservation of exterior wood windows and doors.
Archaeology Museum of Shirak region
You will also work alongside archaeologists, contributing to ongoing excavation work. Your involvement will help drawing attention to the need for space to exhibit rare archaeological finds. Currently, 15,000 artifacts from Gyumri and the surrounding Shirak region are stored in a house in Gyumri with no room for exhibits. The museum is hoping to raise funds to purchase and preserve a historic building or build a new exhibit space.
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
• Harich monastery
• 4th century Yereruyk basilica & honey tasting
• 10th century caravanserai
• St. Gregory the Illuminator hermitage
• 3rd millennium BC citadel remains
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.
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 Tuesday night, May 19 through Friday night, May 29. 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 our hotel in Yerevan at 10am Wednesday morning, May 20.
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.
A detailed Itinerary and Packing List will be sent after you register.
Conditions
Armenia is one of the safest countries for travelers
Gyumri’s 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.
