Pilgrimage tour: Catholic heritage in Armenia

Meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Rest time.

Overnight in Yerevan. (-/-/-)

Holy mass at Catholic parish of Yerevan.

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover Yerevan with a guided city tour, including City center, Republic Square, Northern Avenue, the Mother Armenia Monument, Parliament, President’s Palace, Opera House, Swan Lake and Genocide Memorial, dedicated to the Victims of 1915 and the Genocide Museum.

Visit Matenadaran, home to one of the world’s largest collections of 17,000 ancient manuscripts.

Explore Cascade Complex, the hub of contemporary art in Yerevan with art pieces displayed throughout the whole area: the boulevard and up the stairs. From top of Cascade the marvelous panoramic view on the city and Mountain Ararat is open. Cascade is home to Cafesjian modern art museum. This place becomes even more charming in the evenings, when it is full of people, both locals and tourists from all over the world, enjoying the magic and the warmth of the capital. It is also a popular place for open air concerts at summer season.

Visit to the Cathedral of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, which is currently the largest cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Optional: Very interesting one hour tour around Armenian brandy factory offers tourists familiarization with the history of the plant, process of brandy preparation, showrooms and halls of storages. Visitors will also have degustation of 2 types of brandy in degustation hall. Brandy shop at the factory territory will be available for purchasing of these famous Armenian brandy directly from the factory.

 Overnight in Yerevan. (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Holy mass at Catholic chapel of Yerevan Mother Teresa Orphanage.

Drive to Etchmiadzin town, the ancient capital of Armenia and the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Visit the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, founded in 301 A.D by St. Gregory the Illuminator and thus being one of the ancient churches in the Christian world. Later it was rebuilt and currently it stands as a complex including the Cathedral, Spiritual Academy, residency of the Catholicos of all Armenians, Synod of Armenian Church and a library. The museum of the Cathedral has collection of religious artifacts about Holy Mass, subjects made of gold, silver, precious stones, decorations, colossal silver boiler for making the myrrh and legendary Holy spear.

Visits to churches St Hripsime and St Gayane, both included in UNESCO World Heritage List.

One of the most significant landmarks of the Armenian Apostolic Church, St. Hripsime Church was founded in 618 by Catholicos Komitas.  It is devoted to St Hripsime, who escape from persecution by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, and sought refuge in Armenia. Despite being a beautiful and devoted follower of Christ, she bravely refused to marry the pagan King Tirdat III when commanded. Choosing martyrdom over compromise, she was killed, and a small chapel was erected over the site of her death.

Built in 630 AD by Catholicos Ezra I, St Gayane church dedicated to Saint Gayane, a Christian martyr who played a crucial role in Armenia’s conversion to Christianity. Saint Gayane’s story of faith and sacrifice adds profound historical and spiritual value to the site. For centuries, it has been a place of pilgrimage for Armenians and Christian visitors from around the world.

Lunch in local restaurant.

Continue one of the architectural wonders of Armenia – Zvartnots Temple (641-661), that got its name from the word “Zwart”, meaning “joyful and beautiful”. The remaining ruins give an idea of the rare beauty of this temple. The temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2000). Drive back to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive towards Gyumri, the second largest city in Armenia, located 130 km from Yerevan in Shirak Marz and center of Armenian Catholics.

The first destination is the charming village of Aruch, one of Armenia’s oldest inhabited settlements, with roots tracing back to the 5th century. Once a winter residence for the Royal Army of Armenia, it later became the official seat of Duke Gregory Mamikonyan in the 7th century. Here, you’ll explore the Church of St. Gregory, a remarkably preserved structure adorned with remnants of its original frescoes.

Discover the medieval castle southeast of the village, dating back to the 3rd-5th centuries, and the nearby 13th-14th century caravanserai, which highlights Aruch’s role as a key stop for medieval traders.

Continue to Talin, home to the stunning Church of the Mother of God and the Talin Cathedral, both from the 7th century. These architectural masterpieces, surrounded by ancient steles, are a testament to Armenia’s deep-rooted Christian heritage.

Lunch in local restaurant.

Arriving in Gyumri, immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant history and culture. Explore the charming historical Kumayri district. Narrow old streets with many unique architectural style buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries create a cozy atmosphere of a typical Armenian city of those times. Built in black tuff stone, it features the “Belle Époque” style that symbolizes this city of artisans and merchants.

Gyumri is recognized as the center of Armenian Catholicism. It holds special significance as the city where Pope Francis celebrated a historic mass during his visit for the inhabitants of the city.

Experience the warmth of Gyumri through meaningful encounters. Visit the Notre Dame d’Arménie, a charity organization established in 2013 by Armenian sisters. Meet Sister Arousiag, who will share inspiring stories about their mission and efforts to support unprivileged children in the region.

Celebration of Mess in a small chapel of Our lady of Armenia charity organization.

Tour the artisan school, where disadvantaged children learn traditional crafts, and take the opportunity to purchase their handmade creations.

End the day with a CHARITY DINNER at the artisan school, featuring a selection of traditional Armenian dishes, prepared with love and served in a heartwarming setting.

Check -in hotel in Gyumri.

Overnight in Gyumri. (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Possibility to celebrate mass in the Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Martyrs.

Trip to the northern Armenia, the magical place of forested mountains and deep canyons. Visit the masterpieces of medieval Armenian architecture – Sanahin Monastery (centuries IX – XII) and Haghpat Monastery (centuries XI – XIII), which are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage (2000). They are located in the northern part of Armenia, in the region of Lori, near the town of Alaverdi. The monasteries were important religious centers as around 500 monks lived there. They were also schools and manuscript repositories. Sanahin Monastery is among the most famous monasteries of medieval Armenia. It is a complex of Churches included the Church of Holy Mother of God, the Church of San Amenaprkich, the Chapel of San Gregorio (X century), a building of the Academy (XI century), a depositary (XI century), a building of Gallery (X century), a hall (XII century) and bells (XIII century). All these buildings are around the ancient Church of Blessed Virgin old Church.  The academy was historically known as Grigor Pahlavuni Academy, where great attention to the arts and humanities was paid to the arts and humanities. Famous Armenian scientists taught at the academy. In the twelfth century, Sanahin had a medical school. There were many notable people who graduated from the school, one of them is the singer and musician national Sayat-Nova.

Visit to Haghpat Monastery, located in the north-eastern part of Sanahin, was built with its resemblance. The monastery’s bell tower, built in 1245, stands apart from the main ensemble of monuments, and is one of the most beautiful examples of its kind from the medieval period in Armenia. The complex was once home to libraries, scriptoriums, schools and refectories. Arts and humanities, theology, painting were taught here. The most interesting feature about Haghpat is the refectory (XIII c.).

Lunch in local restaurant.

Drive to mountainous resort Dilijan, or so called “Armenian Switzerland”, which is well-known for its forests as well as for its mysterious flora and fauna.

Small walking city tour in Dilijan: visit to handicrafts’ street, where one can watch the preparation of different national souvenirs from wood, stone and ceramics.

Check in hotel in Dilijan.

Overnight in Dilijan  (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Haghartsin Monastery complex (XI–XIII centuries), nestled in a secluded forest. Appearing unexpectedly, out of the dense forests, in front of the visitors, the Monastery creates a magical impression of a lost world. Haghartsin represents a magnificent piece of history, culture and architecture.

After exploring Haghartsin, visit Goshavank Monastery, a remarkable XII-XIII century complex nestled in the picturesque village of Gosh. Founded by the prominent scholar Mkhitar Gosh, this monastery was a significant cultural and educational center in medieval Armenia. Admire its intricate khachkars (cross-stones), unique architectural details, and serene atmosphere, which reflect the rich spiritual and artistic heritage of Armenia.

Lunch in local restaurant.

Continue to Lake Sevan,  one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes, where you’ll visit Sevanavank Monastery on the peninsula, offering sweeping views over the lake.

Drive to Yerevan. Check in hotel.

Overnight in Yerevan. (B/L/D)

Holy mass at Catholic parish of Yerevan.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Ararat valley, visit to Khor Virap Church – the place of imprisonment of St. Gregory the Illuminator, who stayed here in the small dungeon for 13 years without any food, accused by the Armenian King of preaching Christianity. Khor Virap Church was built on the dungeon and now people have a chance to go down into the dark pit themselves. It is one of the holy places for the Christian world. It is also the best point to enjoy the most spectacular view of the gorgeous biblical mountain Ararat shining with its two white peaks. The hills adjoining Khor Virap were the site of the early Armenian capital – ancient Artashat built by King Artashes I, founder of the Artashesid dynasty, around 180 B.C. It is one of the few ancient towns, built by the special design of the famous Carthaginian general Hannibal. After the defeat in a war against Rome, he found shelter in Armenia.

Khor Virap church was the last stop of Pope Francis during his pilgrimage in Armenia named ,, Visit the First Christian nation’’ in 2016. He released doves of love and peace towards Biblical Mount Ararat.

After Khor Virap, enjoy a scenic drive through stunning red rocks canyons to Noravank Monastery (XIII century), one of Armenia’s most treasured religious and cultural landmarks, known for its historical importance and architectural beauty. Noravank was also closely linked to the renowned medieval Gladzor University. Many visitors find the view so mesmerizing that they opt to walk the final stretch to the monastery, capturing the beauty of the canyon and its unique rock formations. Wander this historic monastery, surrounded by dramatic red rock cliffs. The interplay of sunlight on these rocks creates a vivid natural spectacle.

Lunch with a nice view on the red rocks.

Next, stop at the Areni Winery for a wine tasting experience in one of Armenia’s historic wine regions, known for the discovery of the world’s oldest winery. In September 2010, archaeologists discovered a 6,100-year-old 5 winery and wine cellar in Areni (Vayots Dzor province) in Armenia. Within the underground wine cellar, a wine press for stomping grapes, fermentation and storage containers, drinking cups, grape vines, skins, and seeds were found. This is the earliest winery and wine cellar found to date. The findings indicated large scale wine production, quite possibly the earliest retail winery.

Adding to its historical significance, in 2008, archaeologists discovered a 5,500-year-old leather shoe in Areni. Made from a single piece of leather, this extraordinary find is several centuries older than the shoe worn by Ötzi the Iceman, making it the oldest known leather footwear in the world.

Drive back to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan. (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the only remaining pagan temple in Armenia devoted to the God of Sun – Myrth, in Garni, built in 77AD by King Trdat (Arshakid Dynasty). The temple is Greco-Roman style with characteristic pillars. It stands proudly on a rocky ridge with a deep canyon presenting a beautiful view. The temple was a summer residence for Arshakid dynasty. Visit to the ruins of Royal Palace and Royal bath-house nearby.

Canyon of Garni – magnificent and outstanding scene which creates the image of falling crags. It obtained the name “Symphony of Stones” due to its view. The fantastic landscape of Garni canyon shakes the human imagination.

Optional: take 4×4 wheels tracks to visit the impressive Garni Canyon – magnificent and outstanding scene, which creates the image of falling crags. It obtained the name “Symphony of Stones” due to its view. The fantastic landscape of Garni canyon shakes the human imagination.

Optional: Enjoy a private performance of the Armenian national musical instrument, the duduk (known as Tsiranapogh, which means “apricot trumpet”) at the ancient Garni Temple. Following the performance, a local musician will share insights into the duduk’s origins, its cultural symbolism, and the unique qualities that give this instrument its rich, evocative sound. The duduk’s haunting melodies, famously featured in the movie Gladiator, will leave you with a deep appreciation for Armenia’s musical heritage.

Experience a traditional flat bread – lavash baking demonstration and enjoy a family-hosted lunch with authentic Armenian food. Lavash, the preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread as an expression of culture in Armenia was inscribed in 2014 on the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Drive to the unique caved temple St. Geghard (12th -13thcc.), the name of which means “holy spear” in the honor of the long-preserved spear, the same spear that pierced the body of crucified Christ. It is now exhibited in the museum of Etchmiadzin Cathedral. Geghard Monastery is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list (2000). The monastery is hidden in the majestic rocks and this scene creates an impression that the rocks have been protecting the ancient monastery for ages.

Optional: Concert of liturgical songs in the monastery Geghard where amazing acoustics allows everyone to enjoy crystal-clear sounds.

Experience a spiritually enriching Celebration of Mass at the Mekhitarist chapel, followed by a profound meeting with Father Yeguia, a representative of the Mekhitarist community. The Congregation of Mekhitarist Fathers, founded in 1717 by Mekhitar of Sebaste in Venice, is a monastic order devoted to Armenian Catholicism, renowned for their dedication to faith, education, and the preservation of Armenian culture. Their dedication to preserving Armenian heritage is exemplified through their meticulous publication of ancient Armenian Christian manuscripts, safeguarding the spiritual and intellectual treasures of the Armenian people.

Overnight in Yerevan. (B/L/D)