Christian Pilgrimage Tour in Armenia

3 Reviews

8 days/7 nights

Small Group (2-13)

Any Date

Half Board

Age: 0+

Price:

1,485AUD

1,944AUD

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The Highlights of the Tour

Echmiadzin Cathedral - Yerevan - Khachkar

Explore Echmiadzin Cathedral - the mother church of Armenian Apostolic Church and one of the oldest cathedrals in the world Be the eyewitness of the Holy Spear, one of the relics of Christianity Take pleasure in the view of Biblical Mount Ararat Enjoy amazing landscapes of lash forests and rocky mountains where Christianity has a footprint in every corner Admire the exquisite works of Armenian masters - khachkars cross stones

Itinerary What's included Reviews Accommodation Trip maps Packing checklist Essential information Why book Availability

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ITINERARY

Introduction

˝The Cradle of Christianity˝, this is how Armenia can also be known for among foreign countries. And not just by accident: Armenian people were the first to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301. That was the start of the development of traditions, culture and education based on Christian morality. After a millenium you can still find well-preserved religious monuments and relics in Armenia. By booking our Pilgirmage Tour to Armenia we will make sure that you see all the holy places and sites associated with Christianity in Armenia. With the Pilgrimage tour to Armenia you will learn many things about the history of Armenian Church, visit the first Christian Church in the World, see one of the holy relics of Christianity – The Holy Spear to name a few. It is obvious that the number of Christians traveling to Armenia increases every year. So be the next one, visit our religious country and get acquainted with our ancient history.

Day 1 - Arrival - Echmiadzin - Yerevan

Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral - Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin - Saint Hripsime Church

The first-day trip will begin with a visit to Saint Sargis Church. The church is nicely located on the left bank of Hrazdan River Canyon facing the 16th century Yerevan fortress. The trip will continue to Matenadaran – the repository of manuscripts which holds one of the three largest collections in the world. Not to be missed a visit to Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, which is the symbol of the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as a state religion in Armenia. The huge Cathedral is a complex, consisting of three churches with the total area of 3,822 square meters. After lunch, the tour will continue to the Holy See of Echmiadzin, the religious center of all Armenians around the world. The residence of Catholicos Supreme Patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church is located in the main Cathedral of Echmiadzin – one of the first official Christian cathedrals in the world. Our next stop is Saint Hripsime Church founded in 618. In the evening you will be back in Yerevan to experience the calm evening of this bustling city.

Overnight: hotel in Yerevan

Duration: 7 hours (70 km)

Meals: Lunch

Day 2 - Geghard - Garni - Genocide Museum

Geghard - Garni - Genocide Museum

After a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, the second day’s tour involves a drive to the scenic canyon of the Azat River. The 7th-century Geghard Cave Monastery is located deep at the bottom of the canyon and is listed by UNESCO as a World Heirate Site. Following on from the tour of the monastery, the tour is continued by bus to Garni village, where is located the Hellenistic Garni temple. Garni’s complex also consists of a royal bath which exhibits a fascinating hypocaust along with a well-preserved original mosaic tiling. A visit to the Armenian Genocide Museum – Institute is the next stopping point. The museum was founded to commemorate the innocent victims of the biggest crime against humanity of the 20th century and to raise international awareness among the international community. In the evening you will have a walk in the city center.

Overnight: hotel in Yerevan

Duration: 7 hours (90 km)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 - Khor Virap - Noravank - Areni - Karahunj - Goris

Karahunj - Khor Virap - Noravank

After breakfast, the tour will begin with a journey to the south of Armenia. At about 40 km south from Yerevan we will visit Khor Virap – a historic site located amidst the Ararat Valley. Here at the place of the monastery once was a prison where Gregory the Illuminator suffered for 13 years for preaching Christianity in Armenia during. Nowhere else in Armenia does the biblical mountain of Ararat seem within arm’ reach than at the site of Khor Virap on a clear day. Noravank Monastery will be your next stop. A drive through a narrow canyon is in order to reach the valley of red rocks. This region of Armenia has been made famous for its unique grape sort “Areni” hence where “Areni” wines are derived from. One cannot pass through without a stop at a local winery for a tasting of some locally produced, exquisite wines. The tour will continue to the southeast, where you will visit to Karahunj – a 6,000-year-old observatory also known as the “Armenian Stonehenge”. In conclusion to the day’s tour, a visit is made to the town of Goris, encompassed by rocky caves and mountains.

Overnight: hotel in Goris

Duration: 9 hours (270 km)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 - Tatev - Selim Caravansary - Sevan

Selim Caravansary - Sevan - Tatev

This day is dedicated to the pearl of Armenian Medieval Architecture – the monastery of Tatev. Thanks to its strategic location, Tatev was unreachable for centuries by enemies of the Armenian Kingdomand, so it is well preserved. Here, one has a chance to ride on the longest cable car in the world which flies over the 320 meter-deep Vorotan River Canyon (optional). On the way back a drive down to the bottom of Vorotan Canyon awaits and a passing over the “Devil’s Bridge”. The next stop is 14th century Selim Caravanserai, which is one of the best-preserved hostels along the ancient Great Silk Road. From here, one can enjoy the magnificent view over the wide valley and the surrounding mountains. Only after a few kilometers the landscape changes dramatically and one can immerse themselves in the surrounds of Lake Sevan, the blue pearl of Armenia, sitting at 1,900 meters above sea level.

Overnight: hotel at Lake Sevan

Duration: 9 hours (290 km)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 - Sevanavank - Dilijan - Haghartsin - Haghpat

Haghpat - Dilijan - Haghartsin

After morning fresh coffee we head to Sevan Peninsula, the stunning hilltop view of the azure lake framed by the surrounding mountains makes you feel inspired yet powerless by the same token. Sevanavank Monastery located on the hilltop was founded in 874 by Armenian Princess. You will continue your trip to Dilijan, a lush town known as a spa resort. A stroll in the historical district lets you experience the atmosphere of the old town as it was in the 19th century. The imaginatively carved balconies so typical of 19th century Dilijan display the region’s historical love for fine woodwork. You will continue to Hagartsin Monastery dramatically located among picturesque mountains covered with dense forest. You will continue your trip to Haghpat village where Haghpat Monastery – UNESCO World Heritage Site is located.

Overnight: hotel in Haghpat village

Duration: 7 hours (160 km)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 - Sanahin - Aparan - Saghmosavank - Mughni

Mughni - Saghmosavank - Aparan

After fresh coffee and a scrumptious breakfast, the day starts with a journey in Lori region of Armenia. The tour consists of a visit to the Sanahin Medieval University, which is listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. Marvel at the intricate reliefs showing biblical scenes and characters whilst relishing the captivating old auditorium of Sanahin University. In addition to the many architectural attractions, the Lori region delivers beautiful landscapes of lush forests, the rocky deep canyon of Debed river and quaint little villages scattered along the canyon. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant where Armenian traditional dishes are introduced to the palate. Upon the journey returning to Yerevan, allow yourself to appreciate the view from the Lori highlands, where the nearby Pambak pass brings astounding views over the quadruple-peaked Mount Aragats. You will visit a well preserved, triple-nave basilica-type church of 4th century in the town of Aparan, the tour progresses on to stop at the Saghmosavank Monastery, located atop the yawning gorge carved by the Kasakh River. Not to be missed a visit to Saint Gevorg Church in the Village of Mughni. With nightfall nearing, we approach your hotel in Yerevan for rest, dinner and the evening at your leisure.

Overnight: hotel in Yerevan

Duration: 9 hours (190 km)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 - Free day

Sightseeing of Yerevan

You will have a free day in Yerevan to explore the city.

Overnight: hotel in Yerevan

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Departure

Transfer to airport, departure

Meals: Breakfast

INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS

The tour price includes

Airport transfers
Accommodation in hotels 7 nights (3* / double rooms with free WiFi)
Half board (breakfast + lunch)
All transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
English speaking guide service for all days
All admission fees
1 bottle (0,5 litre) of water per day per person
Wine tasting in Areni

The tour price doesn't include

Flights
Medical insurance
Visa fee

TRIP REVIEWS

Reginald Tuck 30.08.2018

Guide: Our guide was excellent. Good communication and language skills. Had a real passion and love for Armenia. She represented Armenia in a wonderful way and we felt grateful to have her as our guide. We were most satisfied.

Driver: Excellent driver. Wonderful person. Can’t say enough good things about him.

Car: Excellent.

Hotels: Excellent.

What did you like best in your trip? The privilege of visiting the churches and monasteries of Armenia. The privilege of learning more about the Armenia genocide. The privilege of visiting a great people and great nation.

What didn’t you like in the trip?

What would you add to your trip? More time and more historical sites.

Would you recommend our company to your friends? By all means. Your company was GREAT and I am so thankful for all the ways you helped us. Please use me as a reference.

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Russell and Vreni Hilliard 03.06.2017

What did you like best about your trip? We got an excellent introduction to historical Armenia! Also, we feel we have a much better understanding of modern Armenia and appreciated meeting local people and tasting the wonderful food.

What didn't you like about trip? We could have done without the wine tasting in Areni.

What would you add to your trip? It was great as it was.

Guide: Roza was a very knowledgeable and well prepared guide! She never tired of our questions, was warm, patient and flexible.

Driver: very good

Car: very good

Hotels: The Radisson Blu was wonderful!

Would you recommend our company to your friends? Definitely!

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Verna Valdez 20.08.2016

What did you like best in your trip? The places we've been, they were extra ordinary. The food as well are very good plus the wines.

What didn't you like in trip? The tour guide.

What would you add to your trip? We would have love to see wine making.

Guide: She should be more informative, she seems to be not used to be in her work, she doesn't give us more time to see each places it was like she was rushing all the time. We are tourists so she should allow us to take more photos. We wish we could have other tour guide that time.

Driver: The driver was helpful though at times he drives so fast.

Car: The car was excellent!

Hotels: Our hotel though was not book at arara tours was very good. It was a small but clean hotel.

Would you recommend our company to your friends? Yes definitely.

"Arara" Company's response: Dear Verna, thank you for your feedback. We appreciate your opinion and won't work with this guide anymore.

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TRIP ACCOMMODATION

Cascade

LucyTour

Lavash

Qefilyan

Silachi

Goris

TRIP MAP

PACKING CHECKLIST

Documents :

Passport, flight ticket (printed or electronic), insurance, visa (if required)

First aid kit:

bandaids / plasters, special medicine or drugs in permanent use, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, lip balm

Essentials:

Credit/debit cards, cash (cards can be used in city, cash in regions), moneybelt, laptop/tablet/phone, chargers, camera with extra memory cards and batteries, outlet adapter

Dressing:

There are no restrictions regarding clothes; scarf or shawl is advisable for churches (obligatory in Georgia for women)

Spring / Autumn:

long pants/jeans, long sleeve blouses, light raincoat, jacket, comfortable waterproof shoes, umbrella

Summer:

T-shirts, shorts, long sleeve blouses for evening, sandals, umbrella, sun protection, sun glasses, sunhat

Winter:

Warm coat, warm wool sweater, long warm trousers, long boots (waterproof), scarf, gloves

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

WHY BOOK WITH ARARA

CENTRAL LOCATED HOTELS

We choose only the best hotels located in the city center close to the main sights

GUIDES WITH 5+ YEAR EXPERIENCE

We work only with professional guides and guides who have experience in tourism for more than 5 years

THE BEST PRICE IN THE MARKET FOR HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE

With Arara you book at first hand from a qualified local Armenian agency. Avoid surcharges applied by intermediaries and save money!

LICENSED AIR CONDITIONED TRANSPORT

We provide our tourists with comfortable air-conditioned transport

3000+ SATISFIED CLIENTS PER YEAR

Every year we get a great number of positive feedback from our clients

Overnight in regions

We provide accommodation in the regions which allows our tourists not to get tired of a long journey, experience the full color of Armenia and minimize driving distance.

Reviews More about Arara

GUARANTEED TOUR DATES

Start		End	Price	Space left
Any Day Any date from Yerevan	8 days	Individual Oct 17, 2019 to Yerevan	1,633 AUD	2+ Spaces left	Book now
Saturday Apr 20, 2019 from Yerevan	8 days	Saturday Apr 27, 2019 to Yerevan	1,485 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Thursday May 2, 2019 from Yerevan	8 days	Thursday May 9, 2019 to Yerevan	1,485 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Wednesday May 15, 2019 from Yerevan	8 days	Wednesday May 22, 2019 to Yerevan	1,485 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Tuesday Jun 11, 2019 from Yerevan	8 days	Tuesday Jun 18, 2019 to Yerevan	1,485 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Wednesday Jul 10, 2019 from Yerevan	8 days	Wednesday Jul 17, 2019 to Yerevan	1,485 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Thursday Aug 8, 2019 from Yerevan	8 days	Thursday Aug 15, 2019 to Yerevan	1,485 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Tuesday Aug 20, 2019 from Yerevan	8 days	Tuesday Aug 27, 2019 to Yerevan	1,485 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Thursday Sep 5, 2019 from Yerevan	8 days	Thursday Sep 12, 2019 to Yerevan	1,485 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Tuesday Sep 17, 2019 from Yerevan	8 days	Tuesday Sep 24, 2019 to Yerevan	1,485 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Tuesday Oct 1, 2019 from Yerevan	8 days	Tuesday Oct 8, 2019 to Yerevan	1,485 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now
Thursday Oct 10, 2019 from Yerevan	8 days	Thursday Oct 17, 2019 to Yerevan	1,485 AUD	13 Spaces left	Book now