Armenia: A Pilgrimage Through Time – 14-Day Christian& Cultural Tour

Explore Yerevan’s landmarks, including the Matenadaran Manuscript Museum, Cascade Complex, Mother Armenia, and St. Grigor Illuminator Cathedral. Visit Megerian Carpet Factory. After breakfast we offer you to start your journey across Armenia with a fascinating sightseeing tour of Yerevan, the heart of Armenia. You are going to enjoy interesting stories of the thousand-year history of the capital along with visits of architectural monuments (such as the Opera House, Cascade Complex, National Assembly Building, Republic Square, Erebuni Museum and Fortress), as well as vintage central streets of the city (such as Abovyan str., Mashtots ave., Baghramyan ave., Northern ave.). And from the height of the special viewpoint the whole city will open up towards you. We will visit ancient manuscripts museums "Matenadaran" - Megerian Carpet-Factory. Enjoy your free time and spend it exploring narrow streets and wide boulevards, local cafes and restaurants. Overnight in Yerevan.

On the way to Garni, you’ll come across a seemingly simple yet significant monument—an arch dedicated to the renowned Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents. Designed by architect Rafael Israelyan, the monument stands at a carefully chosen spot, offering one of the most breathtaking views of Mount Ararat, a sight that deeply inspired the poet. Perched on a dramatic triangular cape, the Garni Temple is the only surviving pagan structure in Armenia. Built in the 1st century AD by King Trdat I, this remarkable fusion of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles was dedicated to Mihr, the God of the Sun. Following Armenia’s adoption of Christianity in 301 AD, the temple lost its religious significance, and the Garni fortress became the summer residence of Armenian royalty. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the royal palace and an ancient bathhouse, featuring a stunning mosaic floor with intricate designs. Next, you will take part in an engaging lavash-making masterclass, where you’ll witness the centuries-old tradition of baking this iconic Armenian flatbread. Enjoy your freshly baked lavash with local greens and delicious cheese, experiencing the flavors of Armenian hospitality firsthand. The journey continues to the Geghard Monastery, a 13th-century architectural masterpiece partially carved into the surrounding cliffs. This extraordinary monastic complex is adorned with intricate stone carvings and features numerous khachkars (cross-stones), showcasing the rich artistic heritage of medieval Armenia. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Geghard remains a deeply spiritual and awe-inspiring place. After a day filled with history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, return to Yerevan for a free evening and an overnight stay.

Travel to Karmravor Church, Saghmosavank Monastery, and the Armenian Alphabet Monument before reaching Harichavank Monastery. We are going to some of the most marvelous monasteries of Aragatsotn province. Stunning architecture and exciting stories set against the background of picturesque nature will definitely win your curiosity. The first stop is at the church named after the creator of the Armenian alphabet – St. Mesrop Mashtots in the village of Oshakan, where his remains are buried. Further, the road leads to Karmravor church, which supposedly served as a chapel for one of the princely families of the time. Karmravor Church is considered to be the jewel of Ashtarak, resembling a monolith pillar due to its small sizes and architectural solutions. It was built in the 7th century and has come to our days almost intact. On the edge of Kasakh river canyon, in the 13th century Vachutian dukes built Saghmosavank monastery. The main church is adjacent to the scriptorium, where many manuscripts have been produced during centuries. Armenian Alphabet Monument erected in 2005 to the 1600th anniversary of creation of the Armenian alphabet. The monument is an interesting demonstration of the stone carvings of 39 Armenian letters. Then we will go to Harichavank Monastery. At the end of the day, enjoy some free time in Gyumri. Overnight in Gyumri.

On this tour you will visit Gyumri, the second largest city in Armenia, one of the main cultural centers of the republic. The only Catholic church in Armenia has recently been built in Gyumri. Visiting the Urban Life museum you will discover everyday life, culture and history of Gyumri. There will be a stop at Black Fortress, which is one of the famous monuments of Gyumri. Built in 1834, it is included in the list of intangible monuments of history and culture of the city. Walking through the streets of the town you will see lots of old buildings and feel the spirit of 19th century architecture. Then we will visit Marmashen Monastery, a 10th-century Armenian monastic complex. The complex comprises five churches located close to each other with the main church rising in the middle of the compound. At the end of the day, enjoy some free time in Gyumri.

Breakfast and Check-out. Starting from Gyumri to Odzun Church, stunning basilica constructed around the 5th–7th century. Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries - These two Byzantine monasteries in the Tumanian region from the period of prosperity during the Kiurikian dynasty (10th to 13th century) were important centres of learning. Sanahin was renown for its school of illuminators and calligraphers. The two monastic complexes represent the highest flowering of Armenian religious architecture, whose unique style developed from a blending of elements of Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture and the traditional vernacular architecture of the Caucasian region. Akhtala Monastery & Fortress, known for their medieval frescoes. Situated on a high cliff overlooking the town of Akhtala, surrounded by deep canyons on its three sides, the monastic complex and fortress of Akhtala was founded in the 10th century, when these areas of the Debed canyon were ruled by the Kiurikian dynasty. Free evening and overnight in Haghpat

Visit Makaravank Monastery, Goshavank, and Haghartsin Monastery, with a short stop in Ijevan. Breakfast and Check-out. Starting from Alaverdi to Makaravank Monastery (X-XIII centuries), located high in the mountains. It is a complex with 3 churches, a vestibule, a chapel and other buildings, built of dark pink andesite and red tuff, and the annexes are made of greenish stones. The buildings are unusually picturesque; the rich carved decor deserves special attention. Near the road, at the gate, you can drink the cold spring water that has flowed through old clay pipes for centuries. Ijevan (short stop) Goshavank Monastery does not have outer walls, and is surrounded by village homes. All of the buildings are attached to each other except for S. Hripsime Chapel. Numerous religious and monumental civil buildings show that in the twelfth to thirteenth centuries the monastery was full of life. Haghartsin Monastery was built between the 10th and 13th centuries. It is composed of three churches: St. Gregory's (the oldest one), St. Stephen's, and St. Astvatsatsin (St. Mary's, the largest one) Free evening and overnight in Dilijan.

Enjoy the serenity of Parz Lake, explore Old Dilijan, and experience a tea ceremony. After breakfast you will get acquainted with Dilijan, also called "Armenian Switzerland" for its fantastic natural forests. The city is part of the Dilijan National Park. You will see Lake Parz (Crystal), formed due to natural climatic changes, standing for quite a popular destination among tourists, visiting Armenia. Then enjoy the tea ceremony with Molokan locals in Fioletovo Village. Free evening and overnight in Dilijan.

Visit Sevanavank Monastery, Hayravank Monastery, Orbelian Caravanserai. In the northwest part of Sevan Lake, on a narrow rocky peninsula, there stands one of the most prominent examples of medieval Armenian architecture – Sevanavank Monastery. The remnants of the monastery that was constructed in the 9th century include only two temples – Surb Arakelots and Surb Astvatsatsin, standing among numerous khachkars. The church buildings were constructed from black tuff, which probably gave the monastery its name Sevanavank - “the Black Monastery”. The church at Hayravank was built during the late 9th century. A small chapel was added in the 10th century, accessed from the southeastern corner of the church. According to the legend, Hayravank was once connected to the castle with underground way, and that is why it was called Ayrivank. Then we will go to the Noratus Cemetery before traveling through the Selim Pass to Orbelian Caravanserai. Overnight in Jermuk.

Ride the Wings of Tatev cable car to Tatev Monastery, visit Karahunj (Armenian Stonehenge), and admire the Shaki Waterfall. We will travel to the magnificent Tatev Monastery, a medieval spiritual center perched on the edge of a dramatic canyon. To reach the monastery, enjoy a thrilling one-way flight on the "Wings of Tatev" ropeway, the world's longest reversible aerial tramway, offering stunning panoramic views over the Vorotan Gorge. Next, you visit Karahunj, often referred to as the "Armenian Stonehenge." This ancient observatory, dating back over 7,500 years, consists of massive standing stones with circular holes, believed to have been used for astronomical studies. Continuing the adventure, you head to Shaki Waterfall, one of Armenia’s most picturesque natural wonders. Cascading from a height of 18 meters, this waterfall is nestled in a serene setting, perfect for relaxation and photography. After a day filled with history, nature, and cultural discovery, you journey to Jermuk.

Explore Noravank Monastery and Birds Cave in Areni, home to the world’s oldest winery, before visiting Khor Virap Monastery, where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned. The most fascinating attractions of Armenia are here to amaze you! Visit Khor Virap monastery, a great place for embracing picturesque views of the Holy Mount Ararat. Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. As a state religion, Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavors of Saint Gregory The Illuminator, who, before converting King Trdat The 3rd to Christianity, was imprisoned in the dungeon, over which a church of Khor Virap monastery was built in the 17th century. Next, see the monastery complex Noravank, that is unique in its construction as the church of Holy Mother of God is 2-storied monastery. Finally, visit an ancient cave called "Birds-Cave" or Areni-1. Return to Yerevan.

Free day and overnight in Yerevan. Enjoy leisure time to explore or reflect on your journey.

This trip takes you to churches, that are listed among the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. The first stops are the churches of St. Hripsime and St. Gayane, that are two of three churches in Echmiadzin, dedicated to the Christian women-martyrs who escaped from Rome with their abbess Gayane. Next up is Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral, the main cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the very first Christian cathedral in the World. The final stop is near Zvartnots, the medieval temple of St. Gregory, built in the 7th century. It was one of the tallest buildings of the time. Enjoy farewell dinner with folklore show in local Armenian restaurant. Overnight in Yerevan

Free time for last-minute exploration and shopping. Check out and transfer to the airport.