Christianity was proclaimed as the state religion of Armenia in 301.
A trip to the Holy centre of Armenia to the town of Echmiadzin, until 1946 known as Vagharshapat - one of the ancient capitals of historical Armenia. Visiting the First Cathedral of Saint Echmiadzin founded in 303, the churches of St. Hripsime (607), St. Gayane (630), St. Shoghakat (XVI c.) – martyrs to the Christian faith and the temple of Zvartnots ( temple of “Vigil forces”, “Celestial Angels”) VII century.

Visiting Museums and Treasury of St. Echmiadzin, where the guests will see a piece of Noah’s Ark, the lance by which a roman warrior pierced the body of the crucified Christ, relics of Apostles and Saints, a relic from the cross of the Lord and many others.

Participation in the daily or solemn divine services in accordance with the church calendar.

Back to Yerevan. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Note: (The first day and the last day of the tour program will be adjusted based on your actual arrival and departure time).

Excursion in Matenadaran - the depositary of numerous ancient manuscripts.

From the pilgrim’s perspective Matenadaran may be an important destination since the Christian manuscripts (gospels, homilies, etc.) housed here are fruits of years of hard work and prayers of the monks who scribed them.

A trip to Kotayk Province with a visit to Garni castle (III c. BC- XIII c.AD) – the summer residence of Armenian kings and the pagan temple of Sun built by Armenian king Trdat Arshakuni (Arshakid) in 77 as well as other architectural monuments.

The history of religion.

Visiting the Monastery of Geghard (Monastery of the Lance, XII – XIII cc.). The name of Geghard is connected with the biblical lance which was preserved here. As it is mentioned in the Bible, by this lance a roman warrior pierced the body of the crucified Christ. Later the lance was brought to Armenia by St. Thaddeus and Bartholomew. (What is believed to be a remnant of the lance is preserved in the museum at Holy Echmiadzin).

Armenian Sharakans (sacred songs) will be performed in Geghard, some halls of which possess exceptional acoustics.

Back to Yerevan. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

A trip to the southern slope of Mount Aragats in Aragatsotn province. From the road leading to Ashtarak there is a wonderful panorama of the extinct volcanoes Aragats and Arai Ler. Near the town of Ashtarak there opens a beautiful view over the gorge of the Kasakh river.

Proceeding to the Monastery of Saghmosavank (XII-XIII cc.). A wonderful view over the gorge of the river Kasakh. On the highway, where the road turns to the mountains there will be a stopover to see the Monuments of Armenian alphabet (Aibbenaran).

Visiting Amberd fortress, which means «a fortress in the clouds»; a fitting name given its elevation (2300 m.).

Lunch.

Transfer to Shirak province. A visit to Catholic church in the village Arevik. Meeting the representatives of the local Catholic community.

Proceeding to Gyumri. Visiting a local artist’s studio. Booked dinner in a restaurant, accompanied with an outdoor live concert performed by a folk ensemble.

Overnight in the hotel in Gyumri.

Transfer to Lori province. Visiting Haghpat Monastery (X-XIV cc.) a medieval Armenian monastery complex in Lori province. Haghpat monastery was called the Holy Cross church. Holy water fills the small pool in the church. Believers say this water has curative qualities for people with heart conditions.

Visiting the monastery of Akhtala, a monument of the tenth century. The monastery was in the territory of one of the most powerful fortresses of the rulers of Tashir-Dzoraget kingdom – Kyurikids (Kyurikian). The monastery complex includes the main temple, a small basilica of St. Basil the Great and the residence of the abbot (now in ruins). Viewing of the preserved frescos. The monument is decorated with magnificent stone carving.

Transfer to Noyemberian.

Dinner and overnight in the city or in tents in the picturesque canyon (upon request).

A trip along the picturesque canyon. Visit to Ethnographic museum. On the way to Kirants Monastery a visit to the church of St. Apostles (Surb Arakelots) and a fortress. Picnic in the canyon.

Proceeding to Kirants Monastery (XII –XIII cc.) which consists of three churches, two tunnel-vestibules, a refectory and remainders of dwelling and auxiliary constructions, encircled in fortified walls with wide vaulted gates.

A trip to the city of Ijevan. The history of Avarayr battle (the first war for the Christian faith). Halt at the oak tree (a holy tree), legendarily planted by sparapet Vardan Mamikonian (Commander-in-Chief of the Armenian troops).

A walk around the city.

Dinner and overnight in a guest-house/ hotel in Ijevan.

Visiting the Monastery of Haghartsin which is nestled in thick, lush foliated woods of the Tavoush region. It is a live example of harmony between nature and architecture. Religious and secular edifices, the royal graveyard, inscriptions on the walls, and stone crosses made in VII-XIII centuries reflect the history, religious life, architecture, and culture of Medieval Armenia.

The next route will lead to Goshavank Monastery, which was founded by famous Armenian cleric and law codifier Mkhitar Gosh in XII-XIII centuries. The monastery played a prominent role in Armenia’s religious, cultural and educational life through the Middle Ages. Here stands the famous work of sculpture of Varpet (Master) Poghos, a masterpiece of the Armenian craft of carving stone crosses called «khachkars».
Proceeding to the «blue pearl of Armenia» – Lake Sevan which is situated at an altitude of about 1900 meters above sea level.

Visiting the IX c. monasteries Sevanavank, Hayravank. The trip is carried out either by a boat, or along the coastal paths.

Dinner and overnight in hotel near the lake.

Visiting the medieval cemetery of Noratus with a spectacular heritage of early “khachkars” (cross-stones). The cross stones of Noratus make an incredible impression. Each stone “speaks”, each one has its own history- the history of human life and death, life and death of entire families.

A trip through Selim caravanserai (a resting stop for caravans) to Vayots Dzor Province. A part of the Silk Road from China to Europe passed through medieval Armenia. The best preserved caravanserai in Armenia was built in this location by Prince Chesar Orbelian in 1331.

Visiting the monastery of Noravank. One of the masterpieces of medieval Armenian architecture – Noravank, the religious centre of Syunik province, was built in 13-14cc. by architects Siranes and Momik and is known for its laced stone ornaments.
Meeting with a local priest.

Visiting Ararat valley. A visit to Khor Virap Monastery “deep pit”. According to the Armenian historian Agatangeghos (5th c.) the future first patriarch of Armenian Apostolic Church, Grigor Lusavorich was imprisoned in this dungeon for 13 years. The monastery is several hundred meters away from the border between Armenia and Turkey, on the higher, left bank of Arax river. The location offers a panoramic view of Mount Ararat.
Back to Yerevan. Overnight in hotel in Yerevan.

Vernissage thrives during the weekends when all kinds of national crafts, including jewelry, carpets, woodworks, ceramics, canvases, paintings, and many other works of art can be found here.

Visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art of Gerard Gafesjian. Lunch.

Leisure time in the city.

Transfer to International Airport Zvartnots. Departure.