Armenia: The Hidden Land
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 has been 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.
Your Tour Includes
- Return economy flights from London to Yerevan via Paris with Air France
- 6 nights’ bed and breakfast in the 4-star Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan
- 2 nights in the 4-star Avan Dzoraget Hotel
- 6 dinners and 5 lunches
- Services of your Tour Lecturer and Tour Manager
- Detailed programme and study notes
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.
Itinerary
To use our NEW itinerary, simply click a day below and a detailed overview will appear.
Overview
Morning flight with Air France from London via Paris to Yerevan. Transfer by private coach to your 4-star hotel in Yerevan.
Overview
We start a coach tour of Armenia’s capital Yerevan with a panoramic view from the monument to Mother Armenia. Then visit the Manuscript Museum, the Matendaran, one of the world’s biggest depositories of ancient writings. Nearby is the giant stairway of the Cascade, begun under Soviet rule in the 1970s and still under construction, with its stunning sculptures. After lunch, visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial complex, built in 1967 on the hill of Tsitsernakaberd. Every year on 24 April, thousands of Armenians gather at the memorial to commemorate the victims of the genocide. The Armenian genocide of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries is central to Armenian identity today. Overnight in Yerevan
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Overview
Coach transfer from the hotel to the airport for a morning flight via Paris to London Heathrow, scheduled to arrive in the afternoon.
Accommodation
You will be staying at the 4-star Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan for 6 nights and the 4-star Avan Dzoraget Hotel for 2 nights.
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.
Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
General
- 4 Star
- Bar
- Restaurant
Service
- Room Service Available
Room
- Free Wifi
Hotel
- Bar
- Restaurant
- WiFi Available
Avan Dzoraget
The 4-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.
Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
General
- 4 Star
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Indoor Swimming Pool
Hotel
- Swimming Pool
- Bar
- Restaurant
