Immerse with Easter in Armenia

The denomination of Holy Thursday in almost all Christian denominations indicates the Thursday preceding Easter Sunday.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church - Then visit Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church to attend the Holy Thursday liturgy and the impressive Foot Washing ceremony, which commemorates Jesus’ act during the Last Supper.

Yerevan City Tour, we will begin our tour with the capital of Armenia: Yerevan. For centuries, this city has been known as the “pink city” due to the color of the volcanic tuff stone used in its construction. Yerevan is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, founded in 782 BC, and its streets are filled with history, culture, and vibrant energy. During our tour, we will explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks:
Republic Square – The heart of Yerevan, surrounded by government buildings and the History Museum. At night, the square comes alive with its famous dancing fountains.
Mashtots Avenue – Named after Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet, this central avenue is lined with shops, cafes, and cultural institutions.
Aram Khachaturian Opera and Ballet Theatre – This grand structure, named after the famous Armenian composer, is a cultural hub for opera, ballet, and concerts in Yerevan.
Cascade Complex – A massive staircase that connects the downtown area with the Monument neighborhood, offering stunning views of the city and Mount Ararat. The Cascade is also home to the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, featuring modern sculptures and art exhibitions.
Mother Armenia – A towering statue that symbolizes peace and strength, offering a panoramic view of Yerevan. Located in Victory Park, the statue serves as a reminder of Armenia's resilience.
Throughout the tour, we will also have the chance to explore local markets, parks, and enjoy the city's lively cafe culture. Yerevan blends the old and the new, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Armenia’s rich past and vibrant present.
Matenadaran museum - Then we will visit the Manuscript Museum of Armenia, which is called Matenadaran; here all ancient Armenian and World  Manuscripts are kept.

Dinner at the local restaurant.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Good Friday

Good Friday is the Friday before Easter in the Christian calendar. On this day, Christians commemorate the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This anniversary is observed with special practices and rites by the faithful of many Christian denominations.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Khor Virap - Take trip to Khor Virap Monastery (4-18th cc.). This monastery is very prominent because of its history; Gregory the Illuminator, who introduced Christianity to Armenia, has been imprisoned there about 13 years as at that time there was a prison in the place of the monastery. Here we can enjoy the spectacular view of the sacred Ararat Mountain - an immortal symbol of Armenia.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Noravank - We will continue our tour to Noravank, a 13th-century monastery nestled among stunning red cliffs at the edge of a winding gorge in the Vayots Dzor Province. This remarkable site is not only known for its dramatic natural surroundings but also for its rich architectural and cultural significance. Noravank is the only monastery in Armenia where you can find a unique sculpture of God the Father, depicted above the entrance of the Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church—an extraordinary and rare representation in Armenian religious art.

Return to Yerevan.

Saint Zoravor Church - Visit Saint Zoravor Church, where you can attend the full Good Friday liturgy.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday is the liturgical day in which the Christian worship celebrates the Lord Jesus Christ in the mystery of his descent into Hell. On Holy Saturday, Armenian churches fill with faithful for Vespers and participation in the annual Vigil. During the vigil, fire is blessed and the Paschal candle, symbolizing the light of Christ, is lit. The Paschal vigil lasts throughout the night. Fire, as a fundamental symbol in Christian liturgy, is the supreme expression of the triumph of light over darkness, warmth over cold, and life over death.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Sevan - We will drive to Lake Sevan, one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world, often referred to as the "Pearl of Armenia." The lake stands out with its sweet and astonishingly blue water, reflecting the surrounding mountain landscapes. Situated at an altitude of about 1,900 meters (6,200 feet) above sea level, it is a vital ecological and cultural landmark for Armenia. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and serene ambiance, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and photography. Next, we will visit Sevanavank Monastery, a historic complex located on the Sevan Peninsula. Originally, the peninsula was an island, but due to a decrease in the water level of the lake, it has transformed into a peninsula. 
Garni Temple - Take a trip to Garni, home to the only standing Pagan temple in Armenia, built in the 1st century AD. This unique structure was dedicated to Mihr, the god of light and purity, showcasing Armenia’s ancient pre-Christian beliefs. While the temple was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1679, it was meticulously restored in 1975, bringing back its classical Greco-Roman architectural style. Set atop a rocky hill with stunning views of the Azat River gorge, the Temple of Garni provides a fascinating insight into Armenia's pagan history and its preservation efforts.
Symphony of Stones - Drive to the Symphony of Stones,  located near the village of Garni, not far from the ancient Garni Temple. It is a stunning basalt rock formation that has been shaped by nature over centuries. The rocks in the gorge have taken on various columnar shapes, resembling a natural orchestra of standing stones, which has led to the name "Symphony of Stones".
Geghard Monastery - We’ll continue to the Monastery of Geghard, named after the legendary lance that pierced Christ’s body and was kept here for centuries. Although the exact founding date of the monastery remains unknown, the current complex dates back to the mid-13th century. Built partially into the cliffs of a spectacular gorge, Geghard Monastery is a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site, symbolizing both faith and artistry.
Master class of Lavash Baking and dinner - Afterwards we will a local house where you will have the chance to see and participate in the preparation of Armenian national bread: lavash. It is a very thin, usually sold in very large forms. It is usually cooked in a ground oven: “tonir''. In 2015 it has been inscribed in UNESCO intangible heritage list. Here we will enjoy the “Armenian fast food” with lavash and cheese.

Return to Yerevan.

Overnight in Yerevan

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Resurrection Sunday

Easter is the main celebration of Christianity. It recalls the resurrection of Jesus, which took place on the third day after his death on the cross, as stated in the Gospels.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Ejmiatsin Cathedral - Zvartnots Cathedral
We will start our excursion to the centuries-old monuments of Ejmiatsin and Zvartnots, both of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Cathedral of Ejmiatsin: Founded in 303 AD, the Cathedral of Ejmiatsin is the official residence of the Catholicos of Armenia and holds great significance as the spiritual heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church. This ancient cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Armenian identity and faith. Its rich history and architectural beauty attract pilgrims and visitors from around the world.
Zvartnots Temple: After our visit to Ejmiatsin, we will continue our trip to Zvartnots Temple, constructed in the 7th century by Nerses the Builder. Although only ruins remain today, the site is steeped in history and still holds an air of mystery and grandeur. Once a magnificent architectural marvel, Zvartnots was known for its unique design, featuring a circular structure with an impressive dome. As we explore the ruins, we will delve into the temple's historical significance and the reasons for its eventual abandonment.
Both sites provide a deep insight into the rich religious heritage of Armenia and reflect the architectural brilliance of their time. As we visit these sacred places, we will appreciate their lasting impact on Armenian culture and spirituality.
Easter - You will spend Easter in the most important cathedral of the Armenian Church, where, at the end of the liturgy, the liturgical bread will be offered—a symbol of communion and blessing for all the faithful. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the ancient Armenian Easter traditions, including age-old prayers and chants, and experience a unique spiritual atmosphere in a place regarded as the heart of Armenian faith. During the celebration, you will also gain insight into the profound meanings of Easter in Armenian tradition and share this festive moment with the local community.

Lunch at the local restaurant.

Return to Yerevan.

Visit fruit market "Gum" - One of the most vivid places in Yerevan is Gum Market near the Tashir trading center, which opened during former the Soviet Union years. It operates every day from morning until late evening. Here you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, spices, many types of dried fruits, cheeses, traditional Armenian bread (lavash), pickles, and more.

Overnight in Yerevan.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Departure from Zvartnots International Airport. Say goodbye to Armenia!

Meal Plan: Breakfast