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The Path of Christianity
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The Path of
Christianity
11 Days
Tour Program Day One Matenadaran – The Research Institute of Armenia which houses beautiful illuminated manuscripts created by scribes centuries ago Tsitsernagaberd Monument and Museum – Built in 1965, this monument commemorates the 1915 Genocide of Armenians. The Central Market or “Shuga” – Take a walk through the huge central market in Yerevan where you will find row upon row of fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruits together with the tastiest tonir-baked lavash bread and locally produced cheeses. Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator – This cathedral is being built in honor of 1700 years of Christianity in Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan
Day Two Drive through one of the most picturesque mountains of Armenia in the northern region of Lori and enjoy its rich forests and rivers. Then visit one of the largest medieval monasteries of Armenia, the Haghbad monastery complex, founded in 976. Next you will visit the monastery of Sanahin. This monastery was a major religious and cultural center in medieval times. The last stop on this trip is the picturesque setting of the monastery of Odzune. The specialists date it back to the 6th century. Overnight in Yerevan
Day Three Check out from your Hotel in Yerevan Khor Virab- Khor Virab is the site where St. Gregory , the Illuminator, was imprisoned by an Armenian king for preaching Christianity. You can climb down into the dark pit yourself and then treat yourself to the most spectacular view of the glorious Mt. Ararat Continue the tour to the Areni Winery and taste the bounty of Armenia’s sun kissed grapes Visit Trchunneri Cavern-it is one of the rarest and best- preserved late Copper Age Monuments in the South Caucasus. Visit the monastery of Noravank, a 13th century structure with beautiful stone crosses. The main church of St. Karapet was built in 1227. Two console stairs on both sides of the entrance take you inside the church. Zorats Church in Yeghegis-Bishop Stephen Orbelian built it in 13th century. The church of St. Stephen or Zorats is completely unique in Armenian churches. There are no surviving structures like this. The altar is raised more than usual, at about the height for someone to dismount from a horse, which is indeed why it was built in such a way. Jewish cemetery in Yeghegis –about 40tombstone survived in the cemetery and 30 were found nearby.10 tombstone bear inscriptions in Hebrew or Aramaic. The cemetery belonged to Jewish community which lived in Yeghegis in the 13-14cc. Check into hotel Mirhav in Goris Dinner at the hotel
Day Four Tatev- Visit this majestic monastery, a former center for the sciences and arts, where many famous Armenians lived and worked centuries ago. About 8 km. from Goris is the cave village of Khndzoresk, a picture-perfect valley with a stream running through it, where many caves and rock formations are waiting to be explored. Enter the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh a Christian enclave surrounded by non Christian countries. Visit monastery of Tsitsernavank (5th -6th cc) Dinner at the hotel Overnight in Karabagh
Day Five Take the Stepanakert city tour stopping by: The historical museum of Artsakh, take a tour of Askeran, and stop by the Tatik Papik statue, the symbol of Artsakh. Gandzasar monastery - is a 13th century Armenian monastery situated in the Mardakert region of Nagorno-Karabakh,near the village of Vank. "Gandzasar" means treasure mountain or hilltop treasure in Armenian. This monastery has been restored and is a fully functioning monastery. Lunch on the road. Dadivank monastery- According to the legend Dadivank has been constructed on the grave of St.Dad, martyred for preaching Christianity. It is also called Arakelots (Apostolic) or 'founded by the Apostle'. Dinner at the hotel Overnight in Karabagh
Day Six Take the Shoushi city tour stopping by: The Ghazanchetsots Church (19th century), the Muslim Mosque (19th century), the panoramic view of Karin tak village (under stone), and finally view panoramic sites of mountains and a spectacular gorge. Overnight in Yerevan
Day Seven Noraduz - Here you will examine the beautiful and intricate designs of stone crosses and a cyclopean fortress besides! St. Karapet and St. Arakelots monasteries - No trip to Armenia is ever complete without a visit to Lake Sevan, one of the largest of the highest lakes in Eurasia at about 1,900 meters above sea level. Dilijan - Located in the northern part of Armenia, this region is famous for its forests and health resorts, its spectacular scenery and cultural centers. You will drive through a plush forest to reach the Haghartsin Monastery, an 11th-13th century church situated deep in the woods. You will also visit the beautifully landscaped 12th century monastery of Goshavank. Overnight in Yerevan
Day Eight Five churches of the region of Ashtarak are all as different as they could be. You would visit the five churches during this tour built starting from 5th century to 13th century. Overnight in Yerevan
Day Nine Edjmiatsin Monastery - Visit the Edjmiatsin Cathedral, the most ancient Christian temple in Armenia and the Holy See of the Armenian Apostolic Church The Cathedral is surrounded by beautiful gardens bejeweled by stone crosses, better known as khachkars. You will visit the underground site of the pagan temple upon which the present cathedral stands. The tour of the museum is available every day except Monday and Sunday. St.Gayane and St. Hripsime Churches - The St. Gayane church is built in the City of Edjmiatsin, a short walk from the Cathedral. Built in 630 (according to a chronicle), they are the two oldest churches in Armenia. St. Hripsime is a beautiful relic of Armenian architecture of the classical period. Zvartnots - Visit the magnificent ruins of the Cathedral of Zvartnots, built in the 7th century. Zvartnots is considered to be the masterpiece of Armenian Church architecture. Overnight in Yerevan
Day Ten Four churches of the region of Shirak would be the focus of today’s tour, Talin Katoghikeh Church, Mastara, Haridj and Marmashen. Overnight in Yerevan
Day Eleven Garni is the only pagan temple currently standing in Armenia. This 1st century pre-Christian structure, with its classical Hellenistic lines, is situated in a picturesque mountain locale offering a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding valley. Geghart -This ancient monastery was carved out of solid rock. Geghartavank is the monastery of the spear that was said to have wounded the chest of Christ on the cross. The latter designation is derived from the relics, which were conserved for many years in the monastery and are currently found in the Edjmiatsin museum. Overnight in Yerevan
Last Day Transfer to Airport Departure Bon Voyage
The quoted price includes: Hotel accommodations based on double occupancy 9 nights (early check in) in Yerevan, 1 night in Goris, 2 nights in Karabagh All breakfasts at the hotel 1 lunch and 3 dinners Full transportation on all excursions as specified in the itinerary Local English speaking tour guides All admission fees Services of a tour manager |
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