Armenia The Hidden Land

25 April 2022

Step off Asia’s beaten track and discover the ancient and captivating country of Armenia. Boasting spectacular scenery, world class art and remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Zvartnots Temple, you’ll explore the very best of it with Dr William Taylor.

Discover Armenia, the world's oldest Christian nation, and immerse yourself in the fascinating history, dramatic landscapes, and world class art
Artistic highlights include the vast collection of illuminated manuscripts of the Matenadara and the lace-like delicacy of the medieval standing stone khakhars
See UNESCO world heritage sites including the eleventh century monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, in their dramatic mountain settings
Discover the preserved and unspoilt traditions of Armenian hospitality and cuisine

The sheer span of Armenian history is difficult to comprehend. The land called Armenia appears next to Colchis and Parthia in ancient maps, was a Hellenistic vassal state, and later a province of Rome. It was fought over by Byzantines, Arabs, Mamelukes, and the Mongol Golden Horde. It suffered conquest and periodic slaughter by the empires of Persians, Russians, and, most notoriously, Ottomans. Yet, despite its precarious position surrounded by powerful and hostile neighbours, or perhaps because of it, Armenian culture has been uniquely independent: the Armenian language has its own script and their national religion for over 1700 years, The Armenian Apostolic Church. This Art Pursuits Abroad study tour will explore this land’s distinctiveness, as expressed in its extraordinary monastic architecture, which both complements and competes with the stony beauty of the natural landscape. Apart from Yerevan, the thirteenth Armenian capital and a city founded before Rome, we will also visit the turquoise Lake Sevan in the east and the foothills of Turkish occupied Ararat in the west.

Day 1:
Morning flight from London via Paris to Yerevan. Transfer by private coach to your four star hotel in Yerevan.
Day 2:
Start a coach tour of Armenia’s capital Yerevan with a panoramic view from the monument to Mother Armenia. Continue to the huge Cathedral of St Gregory the Illuminator (d.331), a fascinating complex consecrated in 2001 and dedicated to the first official head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. At the giant stairway of the Cascade, begun under Soviet rule in the 1970s and still under construction, visit the Cafesjian Centre for the Arts with stunning modern glass and sculpture. In the afternoon, visit the Manuscript Museum, one of the world’s biggest depositories of ancient writings. Overnight in Yerevan
Day 3:
Coach excursion south of Yerevan through fertile fields to the plains at the foot of biblical Mount Ararat. According to tradition, it was here that Noah planted a vine after leaving the Ark. The monastery of Khor Virap is a major pilgrimage site, as St Gregory the Illuminator was held captive here for thirteen years before miraculously converting and baptising his tormentor, King Tiridates III. Continue to the remote monastery at Noravank, set in a narrow gorge of breathtaking natural beauty. The complex comprises two churches characterised by fine 14th century carvings. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 4:
Drive to Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world. Sevanavank Monastery, originally situated on an island – turned into a peninsula following the partial draining of the lake in the Stalin era—is a royal foundation of 9th century origins. After lunch, through the forests of Dilijan National Park framed by the Lesser Caucasus mountains, continue to Goshavank Monastery with some of the most intricate, lacy ‘khachkars’ — Armenian cross-stones — in the country. First of two nights in Dzogaret.
Day 5:
From Dzogaret explore Armenia’s north. The monastery at Haghpat in Debed canyon — a UNESCO World Heritage site – represents the highest flowering of Armenian religious architecture. Rare mediaeval frescoes can be found here as well as in the nearby Sanahin Monastery. Continue to Odzun whose umbrella-domed church dates from the fifth to seventh centuries. Overnight in Dzogaret.
Day 6:
In the morning, visit Amberd fortress, a rare instance of Armenian mediaeval defence architecture, perched on a cliff surrounded by deep river gorges 2,300 metres above sea level. From there, return to Yerevan for some free time and independent visits. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 7:
A short distance from Yerevan lies Echmiadzin, Armenia’s religious heart. Visit the ruins of Zvartnots Temple, a masterpiece of Armenian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main cathedral of Echmiadzin was the first official church built in Armenia in 303. Today it is the Holy See of Echmiadzin where the Catholicos of Armenia resides. The local museum exhibits the Holy Lance and a fragment of Noah’s Ark. Overnight in Yerevan.
Day 8:

In the morning, drive east of Yerevan to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geghard, a mediaeval monastery partially carved out of the rocks. Experience the exceptional acoustics of this intensely spiritual site in a specially arranged choir recital of sacred music. Continue to Garni village for lunch, followed by a visit of a pagan temple dating back to the first century AD — the only remaining monument of pre-Christian times in Armenia. Final night in Yerevan.
Day 9:
Morning flight from Yerevan to London Heathrow via Paris.

Return flights with Air France from London, via Paris, to Yerevan
Private coach transfers and excursions
Six nights’ bed and breakfast in the four star Marriott Hotel Yerevan and two nights’ bed and breakfast in the 4* Avan Dzoraget Hotel
Six dinners and five lunches
Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
Services of the Lecturer and Tour Manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes and gratuities for coach drivers and waiters

Dr William Taylor

Dr William Taylor has travelled and lectured across the Middle East and Central Asia and has published books about these regions. As Chairman of the Anglican and Eastern Churches and vicar of St John’s church in Notting Hill, London, William has personal contacts in many monasteries and churches. He is a linguist and has worked in Jordan, Cairo and Turkey; his PhD focused on Orthodox Churches of the Ottoman Empire.

Fly from London

Return flights from London are included in our package on our specific arrival and departure dates plus one item of checked in luggage, per person.

Transfers will also be included on our specific arrival and departure dates to take you to your holiday destination. If you choose to arrive or depart on a different day, there may be an additional supplement charged to cover your transfer costs.

Your Accommodation

Avan Dzoraget Hotel, Dzoraget

★★★★

The four-star Avan Dzoraget Hotel is a modern building designed in local style and constructed from basalt stone, typical of the area. Beautifully located beside the Debed River and near the Caucasus mountains, the hotel has scenic views. Armenian and Georgian specialities are served from the restaurant, which has a terrace and a lounge bar. The fitness centre has a swimming pool and sauna.

Room Facilities & Amenities

En suite bathroom
Tea and coffee making facilities
TV
Hairdryer
Air conditioning

Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan

★★★★

Surround yourself with style at Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan, perfectly placed within steps from Republic Square in the city centre. Relax and recharge in beautifully appointed rooms and suites, featuring deluxe bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi, marble bathrooms, soundproof windows and 24-hour room service. Explore celebrated attractions, including the History Museum of Armenia, the US Embassy and the famous Ararat Brandy factory. Host flawless meetings and social engagements in sophisticated event spaces, enhanced by expert planners and custom catering. Savor distinctive Italian cuisine and innovative cocktails at our inviting restaurants and bar. After a full day of business or sightseeing, exhilarate your body in our fitness center or refresh in the sparkling waters of our outdoor pool.