Armenia Hidden Gems of Christianity | Sept 12, 2023
Join us on an 11-day Armenia Hidden Gems of Christianity, starting at $3,898* from New York, NY, departing on September 12, 2023. Journey to Yerevan, Zvarnots, Northern Armenia, Lake Sevan, Tatev, and much more!
What’s Included
- All Inclusive Pricing
- Breakfast and Dinner Daily
- Deluxe A/C Motor Coaches
- Entrance and Program Fees
- First Class Hotels
- Fuel Surcharges and Gov't Taxes
- Gratuities
- Guided Tours
- International Airfare from NY
- Overseas Airport Transfers
^ Additional Baggage & Optional fees may apply.
† If air purchased through EO.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 Tues., Sept 12 | Departure
Depart the USA on your international flight to Armenia.
Day 2 DAY 2, Wed., Sept 13 | Arrive in Yerevan
Arrive in Yerevan, where you will be greeted at the airport, assisted with your luggage, and transferred to your overnight hotel. (D)
Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.
Day 3 DAY 3, Thurs., Sept 14 | Yerevan City Tour
Enjoy a panoramic Yerevan city tour! Behold the Mother of Armenia Statue, an impressive sculpture personifying the nation’s fierce maternal guardian. Just through Victory Park stretches Yerevan’s Cascade, a dynamic infusion of architecture and art. Then enjoy some time in Armenia’s History Museum, which also acts as a research center, caring for unique archaeological specimens. The city’s food market is a perfect way to end the day! (B, D)
Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.
Day 4 DAY 4, Fri., Sept 15 | Gehard Monastery & Garni Temple
Legend says Armenia’s intriguing Gehard Monastery was established at the beginning of the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator after the country officially adopted Christianity. Explore its mysterious cave passages and domed chapels. Then view Garni Temple, the only Greco-Roman structure in Armenia and recipient of UNESCO designation. End the day with sobering history displayed at Armenia’s Genocide Museum. (B, L, D)
Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.
Day 5 DAY 5, Sat., Sept 16 | Mt. Ararat, Khor Virap, Echmiadzin, Zvarnots
Discover the Mt. Ararat region, one of the first settled areas in Armenia. Beyond its antiquity, it also stands as the national symbol of Armenia and the strong link to its Biblical roots. Visit Armenia’s “deep dungeon” - Khor Virap. With its history going back to just 600 years after Christ, the depths hold tales of immense importance. Echmiadzin Monastery is among an honorable few. It is one of the oldest cathedrals in the world, built less than 300 years after the resurrection of Christ. But perhaps most notably, it is the Holy See of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Look out over the valley and up to the mountain. It’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into one of David’s Psalms. Close by, discover Zvartnots Temple, a champion of Christian truth and peace amid civil chaos and unrest in its day. (B, L, D)
Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.
Day 6 DAY 6, Sun., Sept 17 | Mission Day in Yerevan
Come alongside Project AGAPE missionaries in Armenia, who help deliver humanitarian aid – education resources, medical clinics, access to clean water, housing, and farm cooperatives. Embody the hands and feet of Christ in a meaningful way during this service day, benefiting some of Armenia’s most vulnerable and needy. (B, D)
Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.
Day 7 DAY 7, Mon., Sept 18 | Northern Armenia
Depart for Northern Armenia, a diametrical region with lush, green forests contrasting dry patches. On the way, visit Haghartsin Monastery, built by brother princes to honor three saints – Gregory the Illuminator, Mary the mother of Jesus, and St. Stephen. Keep an eye for exquisitely carved stone crosses and monuments! Enjoy a hike to the village’s nearby waterfall, which slides more than plummets, towards the river. (B, L, D)
Dinner and overnight in Dilijan.
Day 8 DAY 8, Tues., Sept 19 | Lake Sevan, Hayravank, Noratus
Set off for the beautiful blue Lake Sevan, surrounded by mountains and monasteries. During the drive, visit several sites, including Hayravank Monastery, Noratus Cemetery, and Selim Caravanserai. Each holds a unique peek into thousands of years of Armenian faith and history. The monastery and cemetery guard keys to the nation’s faith background, while the caravanserai sheds light on Armenia’s position along the Silk Road. (B, L, D)
Dinner and overnight in Goris.
Day 9 DAY 9, Wed., Sept 20 | Tatev, Karahunj
Visit the Kndzoresk Cave Village, a stunning tapestry of hillside caves weaving their way heavenward. Take the Wings of Tatev (the world’s longest nonstop reversible cable car) up to gorgeous heights, where the Tatev Monastery lies. This fortress of faith has been around since the 10th century, serving monks and students throughout the years. Continue to Karahunj Observatory and its nearby village. This observatory has been aptly nicknamed “Armenia’s Stonehenge” due to the arrangement of 40 stones forming two circles and believed to be approximately 3500 years old. (B, L, D)
Dinner and overnight in Goris.
Day 10 DAY 10, Thurs., Sept 21 | Southern Armenia
Start your journey back to Armenia’s capital, enjoying fascinating stops along the way! Visit Noravank Monastery, the church miraculously spared from Mongol attack during the Middle Ages. Legend says the face of God, depicted in relief, resonated with the Mongols’ own ancestral attributes, and they left the structure intact. Armenia claims many age-related recognitions, including in the category of wine. In 2007, the Areni Winery was discovered, which experts believe has existed for 6100 years! Enjoy lunch plus a sample of their legendary wine. (B, L, D)
Dinner and overnight in Yerevan.
Day 11 DAY 11, Fri., Sept 22 | Return
Return home with exceptional memories of the world’s oldest Christian country! (B)
Enhance Your Journey
GEORGIA POST-TOUR Starting from $1348
September 22-27, 2023
DAY 11, Fri., Sept. 22 | Ninotsminda Border Crossing, Vardzia
Instead of heading home, continue the faith-filled adventure in Georgia! Visit Gorelovka Village, home of some of the few remaining people holding to the Doukhobor faith. Enjoy meeting some of these villagers and learning about their faith, history, traditions, and modern life. Take in the Ananuri Fortress Complex, a prime example of feudal Georgian architecture. This monastery has been inhabited since ancient times. (B, L, D)
Dinner and overnight in Vardzia.
DAY 12, Sat., Sept. 23 | Vardzia, Rabti Castle, Borjomi
Start the day by visiting the Vardzia Cave Town, where monks still live today. Upon first sight, movie-lovers may immediately think of Helm’s Deep, the legendary fortress from The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. In fact, the caves’ original purpose was much the same. Continue to Rabati Castle, which spans disparate cultures and faiths. Time permitting, scale its crenelated walls for spectacular views! Then, it’s on to Borjomi Park, one of the largest national parks in Georgia and brimming with fairy-tale vibes. (B, D)
Dinner and overnight in Borjomi.
DAY 13, Sun., Sept. 24 | Gori, Uplistsikhe, Mtskheta, Tbilisi
Visit the Uplistsikhe Cave Town and marvel at the sheer magnitude of its ingenuity. This cave-fortress is mentioned in some of history’s earliest manuscripts, some dating back to two thousand years before Christ! With its plentiful treasures (both physical and religious), it’s no wonder it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Mtskheta, step into the origins of Georgia’s Christian heritage. This town, which boasts excellent views of Georgian countryside, holds vital links to the past, not just for this country but for the Persian and Roman empires of yore. Continue to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, a monumental specimen of architecture and faith with a story directly linked to the death and resurrection of Christ. Then, finish the day’s adventures at Javari Monastery, a house of worship that demarcates the change in tide from paganism to Christianity! (B, L, D)
Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi.
DAY 14, Mon., Sept. 25 | Tbilisi
Past meets present in Tbilisi, so it’s only fitting to spend a whole day exploring! Her picturesque Old Town, dynamic architecture, and cool valley vibe will show-off during a Tbilisi City tour, stopping at Metheki Church, Sioni Cathedral, Peace Bridge, Anchiskhati Basilica (the oldest surviving church in the city), the Clock Tower, the National History Museum, Narikala Fortress, Sameba Cathedral, and more! (B, D)
Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi.
DAY 15, Tues., Sept. 26 | Alaverdi & Kisiskhevi
With the Caucasus Mountains behind, Alaverdi Cathedral is a sight to behold. With the country’s highest cathedral for a millennium, it imposes a feeling of strength and stature on visitors and parishioners. Though not typically open to visitors, you’ll visit its age-old winery as well. On the way to Sighnaghi, stop at Bodbe Nunnery, which holds St. Nino’s tomb. God used this humble woman to work strange and wonderful things in Georgia! (B, L, D)
Dinner and overnight in Tbilisi.
DAY 16, Wed., Sept. 27 | Return
Return home with exceptional memories of the world’s second oldest Christian country!
*A 3.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card transactions. Taxes, tips & fees for extensions are charged separately.
Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion.
Departure Dates
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Tuesday, September 12, 2023From $3898* Register Now!