Gyumri is the second largest city in Armenia, after the capital. There are various interesting sights in the city and its surroundings. Here you can visit the art gallery, local history museum or historical and cultural reserve. There are five different churches in Gyumri and in its surroundings, the ancient Marmarashen monastery and the Orthodox chapel. One of the symbolic and recognisable sights of the city is a monument to the legendary commander Vardan Mamikonyan, who was considered the defender of Armenia and the Christian faith and was ranked among the saints. Another iconic historical monument of Gyumri is the Alexandropol Fortress. The fortress was a military defensive object and played the role of protecting Russian territories from Persian or Turkish invasions. Gyumri is considered the “capital of art” in Armenia, as well as an important cultural centre. The city is also usually called the “capital of humour”, as many prominent Armenian artists and comedians come from here.

Sev Berd or Black Fortress (Armenian: Սև բերդ; Russian: Чёрная Кре́пость, Chornaya Krepost) is an abandoned Russian imperial fortress in Gyumri, Shirak Province, Armenia. The fortress, which lies 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from the Turkish border, was built in response to the Russo-Turkish War of 1828–1829. It is a national cultural heritage monument in Armenia.

Trip from Yerevan to the Points of Interest and back, and a stop for meal and free time will fill the rest of the time