UNESCO Heritage in Armenia

The full program of the tour:

Day 1, Friday

Arrival in Armenia, meeting at the airport, transfer to the city (in case of booking additional nights, a free transfer is provided for arrival / departure).

Free time in the city.

For an additional fee: Price - $35 per person.

10:00 Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni village, winery (9-10 hours)

Day 2, Saturday - 10:00 Garni, Geghard, bread baking (5-6 hours)

Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Armenia with our 5-6 hour tour to Garni and Geghard. Our first stop is the magnificent Geghard Monastery, a 4th century holy site founded near a sacred spring in a cave. Renamed as Geghard, which means "spear", the monastery holds the legend of the Roman legionary's spear that was used to pierce Christ. The complex consists of the main church, two rock-cut churches, a vestibule, a chapel and the Church of the Holy Virgin. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the second level of the monastery is renowned for its impressive acoustics.

Next, we visit the Temple of Garni, the only surviving pagan monument in the region, dating back to the 1st century AD. After the adoption of Christianity, the temple was converted into a summer residence for Armenian kings and today you can see the remains of an ancient fortress, the royal palace and the royal bath with its colorful mosaics and mysterious inscription.

Finally, we take part in a traditional Armenian bread baking ceremony, where we bake and taste lavash bread. This craft is included in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List.

Day 3, Sunday - 10:00 Etchmiadzin, Museum “Treasures of Etchmiadzin” Zvartnots (4-5 hours)

This journey will take you to the heart of Armenian spirituality, the Saint Ejmiatsin, where you will visit the Church of St. Hripsime, built on the site where St. Hripsime was martyred for spreading Christianity and refusing to marry King Trdat III. The church is a beautiful example of cruciform central-domed structures.

Next, we'll admire the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, one of the oldest Christian buildings in the world, founded in the 4th century after Christianity was adopted in Armenia. The cathedral serves as the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians. However, the cathedral is currently closed for restoration, so we'll take a look from the outside.

Our tour will also include a visit to the "Treasures of Etchmiadzin" museum, which showcases unique holy relics, including St. Geghard and the relics of Noah's Ark, both housed in intricate reliquaries.

Before returning, we'll stop at the Temple of Zvartnots, a 7th century temple that was once the largest temple of early medieval Armenian architecture. Although it collapsed in an earthquake in the 10th century, its ruins were discovered in the early 20th century and are now a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

Day 4, Monday - 09:00 Haghpat monastery, Zarni-Parni complex, Akhtala fortress, Sanahin monastery (13-14 hours)

Join us on a journey to northern Armenia, where we'll explore two stunning monasteries - Haghpat and Sanahin - both listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Our first stop is at Haghpat Monastery, a complex situated on a plateau surrounded by breathtaking gorges. It was once partially used as a residence for the Catholicos of Armenians and was home to the famous poet Sayat-Nova for a period. The highlight of the visit is the magnificent three-tiered bell tower, built in 1245, with a seven-sided belfry rotunda.

Next, we'll visit the medieval cave complex Zarni-Parni, where guests can immerse themselves in the local culture and history through a restored complex of buildings, a vineyard, and a museum displaying exhibits of the local lifestyle.

Our journey continues to the majestic Akhtala Fortress, located on a high mountain plateau surrounded by deep gorges on three sides.

Finally, we'll end the tour at the Sanahin Monastery, a church complex dating back to the 10th-13th centuries. It was also a major center for scientific study, including a scriptorium where ancient spiritual and scientific books were copied.

Day 5, Tuesday

Free time in the city. Transfer to the airport.

For an additional fee: Price - $35 per person.

09:00 Gyumri (Museum of Urban Life, Black Fortress, walk around the city), Harichavank Monastery (10-11 hours)