Religious Discoveries
Discover the counrty, which was the first to adopt Christianity as its state religion.
DAY BY DAY
Departure from homeland. Arrival to Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Yerevan.
The proper launch of your stay in Yerevan will be a comprehensive tour of the capital, with explorations of the most prominent architectural sites and monuments. We will start from the Republic Square - the heart of the city. Then the route will lead us to the National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet of Armenia, towards which you will go through Northern Avenue, which is the relatively new part of the city. Also, you will be impressed by Cascade complex, which hosts a modern museum now and is beautifully occupying the northern slope of the city.
Our next destination will be the spiritual and religious capital Ejmiadzin. You will be introduced to the first Christian Church in the world and the mother of Armenian Apostolic Church. Besides the cathedral, there are several other outstanding monasteries built in the 4th to 10th centuries and we plan to visit one of them - Gayane church, located in a beautiful garden with mystical atmosphere.
On our way back from Ejmiadzin, another medieval Cathedral is waiting for us. Despite being mainly ruins now, Zvartnots Cathedral is still a finding for curious mind who enjoys historical monuments.
Overnight in Yerevan. (B/-/-)
Right after breakfast we will go to see the famous Khor Virap monastery, located East from capital, in Ararat region, the importance of which relies on the fact that this is the place, where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before miraculously healing the king and thus making him accept Christianity as the main religion of Armenia, back in the 4th century.
Then the road will lead us to the monastery of Noravank, major religious and, later, cultural center of Armenia. The architecture of this complex is outstanding, particularly well merging with the surrounding splendid nature.
Afterwards we will drive to Goris, to spend overnight there. (B/-/-)
After breakfast we will visit Tatev monastery and the Tatever cableway, which was included in the World Guinness Records book as the longest double track cable car in the world. During medieval times Tatev Monastery was a vital scholastic and spiritual center. The monastery served as the repository for thousands of valuable manuscripts, monastic and official documents and contracts.
Then we will drive northwest and stop at Spitakavor – 14th century Armenian monastery, built by 2 princes Proshyan.
Finally, we will return Yerevan by the evening. (B/-/-)
After breakfast we will drive to see the blue eyed beauty of Armenia – Sevan lake. Reaching the peninsula of Sevan, you may climb the stairs to Sevanavank Monastery (4-9th century). Being situated in a breathtaking location, this monastic complex is one of the few in Armenia that work for religious purposes. There are benches in front of the two churches of the complex (dating back to 9th century), where you can enjoy a stunning scenery of the lake.
Afterwards, we will drive north, towards town Dilijan and visit Goshavank Monastery, situated in Gosh village on a green hill, which was founded in the 12th century and used to be an educational center.
Then we will visit Haghartsin, which is a 13th century complex. It has very picturesque surroundings nested cozily in the forest.
Overnight in Dilijan. (B/-/-)
By the morning after breakfast we will drive to the northern region of Armenia –Lori and visit Haghpat monastery, which along with Sanahin monastery is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Both complexes have exceptional architectural beauty and have a splendid location.
Then we will drive east to visit Odzun, an Armenian basilica constructed around the 5th-7th century in the Odzun village. There are numerous gravestones around the church and a funerary monument. The east and west sides of the monument are carved with scenes from the Bible and the introduction of Christianity in Armenia. Its north and south sides are carved with geometrical motifs and floral shapes.
*Depending on the weekday, you will have an opportunity to participate in a religious mass.
Then we will drive towards capital Yerevan. (B/-/-)
After breakfast you will visit the treasury of the Armenian manuscripts -Matenadaran. The ancient writings, books and documents have been collected here since the 5th century, when the Armenian alphabet was created in 405.
Then we will drive northwest and visit Garni – the only standing Hellenistic temple (1st century AD) in Caucasus region. Geghard will be our next destination. Geghard (meaning "spear") is a medieval monastery, being partially carved out of a mountain. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage. The main chamber has an exceptional acoustics.
On our way back to Yerevan we will stop near the famous Charents Arch. The arch itself is just an arch, you may even wonder, why this place is a “must-see”. But from the Charents Arch opens a breathtaking view to Ararat, probably the most stunning view of the Biblical mountain. From this place, it seems that Ararat is not connected with the ground, but is “hanging down” from the sky.
Free time on your own. Evening and overnight in Yerevan. (B/-/-)
Check-out and transfer to the airport. Departure home!
- 5 X overnights at the hotel in Yerevan
- 1 X overnight at the hotel in Goris
- 1 X overnight at the hotel in Dilijan
- Transportation according to the itinerary
- Transfers (airport-hotel-airport)
- All breakfasts
- Entrance tickets
- Ropeway in Tatev
- Professional English speaking guide throughout the program
- Geghard Monastery Chorus
- One bottle of water per person per day
- Flight tickets
- Insurance and visa fee
- Lunches and dinners
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and portage
- 21 days or more prior to arrival date – Free of charge
- 20-7 days – 40% of the package price will be charged
- 6-1 days – 70% of the package price will be charged
- On departure date 90% of the package price will be charged
- Silachi 3*, Yerevan, or similar
- Diamond House 4*, Yerevan, or similar
- Grand Hotel Yerevan 5*, Yerevan, or similar
- Mina 3*, Goris, or similar
- Diana 4*, Goris, or similar
- Diligence 3*, Dilijan, or similar
- BW Paradise 4*, Dilijan, or similar
FAQ
In order to check the visa regulations for your country of origin, we recommend you to follow the below given link to get more information on visa requirements before your trip:
The national currency of Armenia is ‘dram,’ which is a word from the 12 century with Greek origin meaning ‘money’. Dram was actually first issued in 1993. There are both coin denominations and banknotes. The coin denominations come in 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 coins. The banknotes exist in the following denominations: 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 50,000 and 100,000.
The current exchange rate for dollar and dram is approximately the following: 1 USD = 483 AMD (Armenian Dram), 1 EUR = 553 EUR.
1000 AMD = 2.08 USD; 5,000 AMD = 10.41 USD; 10,000 AMD = 20.81 USD; 20,000 AMD = 41.62 USD; 50,000 AMD = 104.06 USD; 100,000 AMD = 208.12 USD
1000 AMD = 1.8 EUR; 5,000 AMD = 9.04 EUR; 10,000 AMD = 18.08 EUR; 20,000 AMD = 36.16 EUR; 50,000 AMD = 90.41 EUR; 100,000 AMD = 180.83 EUR
You can easily bring cash in Rubles, euros or dollars. The money exchange stops are very easy to find. It is also important to have some small denominations on you, such as 1,000 drams and/or some coins, they come in handy when using transport buying water or something else especially in the regions and small towns.
Armenia’s climate is very unique and distinct due to many factors. The summers in Armenia can be very hot with a temperature ranging from 28-35° C (83-95° F) and the winters are moderately cold, with a temperature ranging from 5-7° C (23 to 19° F). Rains are not very common in Armenia and as a result the humidity in the air is quite low. All of this is due to the fact that the country is located in the mountains and has a very small portion that is located below 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) above sea level. The temperature in regions is usually slightly lower than in Yerevan, so while traveling to areas in the regions it is better to pack a few warmer clothes than what you are already wearing.
The best season for visiting Armenia and getting the chance to experience its full beauty is from April to October. What concerns the weather, it is quite hot in Armenia during summer with a temperature ranging from 28 – 35 °C and above.
Religious Discoveries
Discover the counrty, which was the first to adopt Christianity as its state religion.