Pilgrimage Tour in Armenia

On this day, we head just outside of Yerevan to explore key sites of Armenia’s Christian history. Our first stop is St. Hripsime Church, a 7th-century UNESCO-listed site known for its historical importance.
Next, we visit Holy Echmiadzin Cathedral, the first Christian church in the world and the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. You’ll learn about its role in Armenian history and faith, and also visit the Echmiadzin Museum, which holds relics such as the Holy Spear and a piece of Noah’s Ark. 
The Armenian Apostolic Church is different from both Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. It is part of the Oriental Orthodox tradition and separated after the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD. It follows different theological interpretations, such as Miaphysitism, and keeps its own rituals, music, and liturgical language (Classical Armenian). Knowing these differences can help you feel more connected during a visit to Etchmiadzin. 
Lunch will be served at an ethnographic center where you can enjoy authentic Armenian food and hospitality.
On the way back to Yerevan, we stop at the ruins of Zvartnots Temple. It was a grand circular cathedral built by Catholicos Nerses III, and it was one of the most impressive architectural achievements of early medieval Armenia, known for its unique design and size. The cathedral collapsed in the 10th century, likely due to an earthquake, but its ruins remain a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 In the evening, you’ll have free time to relax or explore Yerevan’s cultural scene on your own.

 Hotel in Yerevan
 Breakfast, lunch

  5-6 hours 

We continue exploring Armenia’s spiritual and cultural landmarks. We’ll start with a visit to Garni Temple, the only surviving pagan temple in Armenia. After that, we head to the Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is partly carved into the rock. It’s named after the legendary spear (“Geghard”) that pierced Christ’s side, which was once kept there.  Inside, you’ll hear a live performance by the Geghardavank Choir, singing traditional Armenian sharakans, spiritual songs that add something truly special to the atmosphere. 
Most visitors don’t realize that Armenian monasteries such as Geghard and Haghpat were built with intentional acoustic design. The stone chambers were built to amplify sacred chants and strengthen their sound during services. At Geghard, choir performances inside the rock-hewn chapel create long echoes that last several seconds. Scholars believe this effect was meant to evoke a sense of divine presence.
Afterward, we’ll stop for lunch and enjoy a classic Armenian meal. Our day concludes in the town of Yeghvard with a visit to St. Astvatsatsin Church, built in 1301, a beautifully preserved medieval Armenian church renowned for its unique two-storey cruciform design and richly detailed stone carvings. It was constructed to mark the 1,000th anniversary of Armenia’s adoption of Christianity.

 Hotel in Yerevan
  Breakfast, Lunch
  6-7 hours

Today, we head south through Armenia to visit some of its most meaningful and historic sites. Our first stop is the Khor Virap Monastery, situated with Mount Ararat in the background; it’s one of the country’s most renowned pilgrimage sites. It is famous for the underground chamber where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before converting King Trdat III, leading to Armenia becoming the first Christian nation in 301 AD. The current church dates back to the 17th century. 
Next, we visit  Areni-1 Cave, an important archaeological site where the world’s oldest winery and leather shoes were found. From there, we drove through a scenic canyon to reach the Noravank Monastery, surrounded by cliffs. It was founded in the 12th century under the patronage of the Orbelian dynasty. The complex comprises several churches and chapels, the most notable being Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, constructed by the renowned architect and sculptor Momik in 1339. This church is notable for its unique two-story structure.

 Hotel in Goris
  Breakfast
7-8 hours

On this day, we travel to the Syunik region in southern Armenia. We begin with a ride on the Tatev Ropeway, the world’s longest reversible cable car, offering sweeping views over the Vorotan Gorge. At the end of the ride stands Tatev Monastery, a 9th-century complex that served not only as a religious center but also as the seat of the Tatev University in the 14th and 15th centuries, a major center of science, philosophy, and manuscript writing in medieval Armenia. Tatev Monastery is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage, recognized for its cultural and historical significance.
After exploring the monastery, we enjoy a traditional lunch in a nearby village. In the afternoon, we visit Old Khndzoresk, a historic cave village built into the cliffs. A hanging bridge leads us to abandoned cave homes and chapels that reflect centuries of rural life. In the evening, we return to Yerevan.
Hotel in Yerevan
Breakfast, lunch
8-9 Hours

Today we travel northwest of Yerevan to explore key spiritual sites and end the day in Gyumri, Armenia’s cultural center. Our first stop is Saghmosavank Monastery, situated on the edge of the Kasagh Gorge, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.  Known as the “Monastery of Psalms,” it was a medieval center for the production of manuscripts and the study of religion.  Then we visit Surb Khach (Holy Cross) Church in Aparan, dating back to the 4th–5th centuries, which is a single-nave basilica. The church gained its name from a sacred relic, a piece of the True Cross, once kept here. This made it a major pilgrimage site in early Christian Armenia. 
The next stop is Harichavank Monastery, a 7th-century site on the slopes of Mount Aragats. The complex includes beautiful churches, chapels, and a royal palace. Known for its detailed stone carvings and peaceful setting. In the afternoon, we arrive in Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city. On our city tour, we’ll walk through the old town with its unique buildings, balconies, and cobbled streets. You’ll get a feel for Gyumri’s spirit through its churches, streets, and welcoming people.

 Hotel in Gyumri
  Breakfast
7-8 Hours

On this day, we travel to the Lori region in northern Armenia. We begin with Kobayr Monastery, a 12th-century site tucked into the hillside and partly hidden by forest. Its old stone walls and faded frescoes tell stories of the past. Next, we visit Odzun Monastery, which is a 5th–6th century Armenian basilica, set on a plateau with wide views over the Debed River Gorge. It’s a good example of early Armenian church design. Our last stop is Haghpat Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 10th century. Monastery served not only as a religious center but also as a cultural and educational hub in medieval times; many famous scholars, including Sayat-Nova, are associated with this site.

 Hotel in Dilijan 
  Breakfast
7-8 hours

We explore the spiritual and culinary traditions of the Tavush and Gegharkunik regions. We start with a visit to Goshavank Monastery, a 12th-century site that once served as a center of learning.  It was founded by the scholar and lawmaker Mkhitar Gosh, after whom it is named. Then we head to Makaravank Monastery, a quiet spot in the forest built between the 10th and 13th centuries. The complex includes several buildings, the most notable being the main church of Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), a gavit (narthex), and smaller chapels.  
The stone carvings at Makaravank include solar rosettes, tree-of-life motifs, and geometric suns. These carvings have a deeper meaning than decoration. They demonstrate how Armenia’s spiritual symbols, which originated from its pre-Christian roots in Zoroastrianism and sun worship, were carried over into Christianity. The designs were reused rather than erased. 
Makaravank is especially admired for its intricate stone carvings, including floral patterns, animals, birds, and religious motifs that reflect both Christian themes and ancient Armenian symbolism.  After our monastery visits, we switch from history to food. You’ll enjoy a traditional Armenian lunch and take part in a cooking master class, where friendly local hosts will guide you in making a local dish. In the afternoon, we visited Hayravank Monastery, located above Lake Sevan. It consists of a domed church and a gavit (entrance hall), built from local gray stone. The site offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Hayravank is also known for its nearby khachkars. As the day comes to an end, we return to Yerevan.

 Hotel in Yerevan 
  Breakfast, lunch
8 hours

As your journey through the sacred landscapes and rich heritage of Armenia comes to a close, it is time to say goodbye for now, the spirit of Armenia, its faith, resilience, and heartfelt hospitality will surely travel with you. We hope this pilgrimage has not only deepened your understanding of this land but also left a lasting impression on your heart.Wishing you a safe journey home, and until we meet again.

  Breakfast