DAYS
9
TOUR CODE
ARME-27
COST
£3795
DAYS
9
TOUR CODE
ARME-27
COST
£3795
Our new tour explores the breathtaking culture and landscape of Armenia, weaving together the country’s history, art and architecture with its cultural and religious heritage, uncovering a wealth of treasures from medieval monasteries to vibrant cities.
Overview
ACE invites you to join our fascinating cultural adventure exploring the breathtaking country of Armenia, set within the mountainous Caucasus. With a rich heritage stretching back thousands of years, Armenia reached its zenith under Tigranes the Great in the 1st century BCE. Our journey will explore its vast timeline, from its ancient kingdom and foundational Christian sites through to the complexities of its modern social era.
Often called the ‘Pink City’ due to its unique rosy volcanic tuff architecture, Yerevan – Armenia’s vibrant capital – is steeped in antiquity. Founded in 782 near Erebuni Fortress, which is considered its architectural heart, here we will trace the country's past from the Stone Age to the present day. The History Museum of Yerevan showcases unique artefacts from around the country including the world’s oldest leather shoe dating from 3500 BCE. Considering Armenia’s more modern history, we also hope to visit the Genocide Museum, which stands as a poignant site dedicated to the 1915 Armenian Genocide – a key turning point in the countrys navigation towards independence and identity.
In the early 4th century, St Gregory the Illuminator founded the Armenian Apostolic Church, converting the country from Zoroastrianism to Christianity. Renowned for its profound spiritual heritage, having been the world’s first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion, Armenia’s devout legacy is revealed in the rich myriad of spiritual homes, from the awe-inspiring, ancient pagan temple of Garni to the numerous medieval monasteries and churches – many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites – scattered across the land. From the hauntingly beautiful cave chapels of Geghard, uniquely carved into the adjacent cliffside, to the iconic fortress-monastery Khor Virap, offering uninterrupted views of Mount Ararat, we will appreciate the intricate artistry and spiritual history amidst the stunning natural setting that defines Armenia’s unique Christian heritage.
Noravank, a 13th century monastic complex, is often regarded as one of the most beautiful in the country and further exemplifies this link between landscape, architecture and religion. Nestled in a narrow gorge carved by the Amaghu River, it is framed by towering brick-red limestone cliffs. This site, nicknamed the ‘Red Monastery’, seemingly rises directly out of the canyon walls, giving the illusion that it is suspended between the earth and sky.
At Zvartnots and Echmiadzin (Vagharshapat), we will encounter the heart of Armenian Christianity and discover the peak of early medieval Armenian architecture. Often called the ‘Vatican of Armenia’, the cathedral and churches of Echmiadzin serve as the spiritual centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians. Founded in the early 4th century by St Gregory the Illuminator, this site is celebrated as the world's oldest cathedral in continuous use and its incredible Treasury Museum safeguards many sacred relics, including the Holy Lance (Spear of Destiny), a fragment of Noah’s Ark and pieces of the True Cross.
Nearby, the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots preserves the 7th century ruins of the three-story circular ‘Cathedral of the Celestial Angels’, once hailed as the tallest and most innovative church in Armenia. The site is famous for this unique circular design and also houses a medieval winery and a Roman bathhouse. Additionally, the complex contains the remains of the Catholicos Palace, which served as the residential and administrative wing of the Armenian church leader.
Representing the pinnacle of Armenian religious architecture between the 10th and 13th centuries, Haghpat and Sanahin are renowned for the stunning blend of Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture with the traditional building techniques of the Caucasus. Haghpat Monastery holds rare surviving frescoes of Jesus enthroned, and its belfry and library were a world-famous centre for manuscript production during the Middle Ages. Meanwhile, Sanahin is home to an academy and is noted for its fascinating Khachkars – Armenian cross-stones – including the famous Amenaprkich Khachkar.
Complementing the tour’s historical and natural elements, we will connect with local crafts and culture on a more intimate level. On a visit to Vanadzor, we will meet Armenia’s most respected modern master of Khachkar carving, giving us the opportunity to witness cross-stone carving firsthand.
Tour Director
Ian Colvin
Ian Colvin is an expert in the late Roman and Byzantine history of the Caucasus regions and has extensive experience leading tours to Armenia, Georgia, Turkey and the southern Balkans.
Ian Colvin is an expert in the late Roman and Byzantine history of the Caucasus regions. He trained as a historian and Byzantinist at Oxford in the 1990s, specialising in late antiquity and the Roman Eastern Frontier. He moved to the University of Cambridge in the 2000s to become a researcher with the Cambridge School Classics Project. In 2001 Ian established an archaeological excavation at Nokalakevi in Georgia in collaboration with the Georgian National Museum, which continues training students and investigating sites in Western Georgia to this day. Among his current scholarly projects is the Rustaveli Foundation-funded History of Egrisi.
- ACE customer on a 2026 tour led by Ian Colvin
Our Accommodation
We begin and end our tour at the four-star Tufenkian Heritage Hotel in Yerevan – also known as the Tufenkian Historic Hotel. Located in Armenia’s capital, just a short walk from Republic Square, this boutique hotel beautifully blends 19th century Armenian architecture with modern luxury. Featuring traditional stone façades, handmade carpets and interiors designed by local craftsmen, it will provide a comfortable base for exploring the region.
During the tour, we will also stay at its sister property – the four-star Tufenkian Avan Dzoraget. Perched on the banks of the Debed River within the scenic Dzoraget Canyon, this hotel exudes medieval charm. Its exterior, lined with traditionally crafted basalt stone, evokes a fortress-like style reminiscent of ancient Armenia, while offering guests sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and river.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart London Heathrow 1500 on AirFrance via Paris Charles de Gaulle.
Day 2
Arrive Yeveren Airport 0120. Transfer by coach to Tufenkian Heritage, Yerevan for overnight. Free morning. Welcome and introduction followed by an orientation walking tour of Yeveran including a visit to the History Museum of Armenia.
Day 3
Transfer to Vanadzor via Amberd Fortress (10th century military stronghold) and Rya Taza Church. Afternoon visits in Vanadzor including a studio session with a renowned Khachkar carving master to view the sculpting process for the medieval Christian art form. Transfer to Tufenkian Avan Dzoraget for two nights.
Day 4
Sanahin Monastery Complex (Byzantine architecture and fascinating collections of khachkars including the Amenaprkich Khachkar) and Haghpat Monastery (Byzantine architecture and surviving frescoes of Jesus enthroned). Evening lecture.
Day 5
Depart for morning visit to Sevanavak (9th century monastic complex located on the shore of Lake Sevan) followed by visits in Noratus (medieval graveyard, selection of churches and largest surviving collection of khachkars). Transfer to Tufenkian Heritage, Yerevan for four nights. Free evening.
Day 6
Khor Virap Monastery (fortress-monastery) followed by Noravank Monastery (13th century monastic complex nicknamed the 'Red Monastery'). Evening lecture.
Day 7
Morning: Garni (ancient pagan temple) and Geghard Monastery (cliffside cave chapels). Afternoon: Erebuni archaeological site. Independent dinner. Evening performance at the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre (subject to final confirmation).
Day 8
Morning: Echmiadzin Cathedral (world's oldest cathedral in continuous use, Treasury Museum – home to sacred relics including Holy Lance, a fragment of Noah's Ark and pieces of the True Cross), St Hripsime Church and Zvartnots Museum-Reservation (7th century ruins of 'Cathedral of the Celestial Angels'). Afternoon: Visits in Yeveran including Genocide Museum.
Day 9
Depart Yerevan 0840 via Paris Charles de Gaulle, arriving Heathrow 1345.
Please note that the itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer. Sites can experience last minute closures owing to staffing or local events. Sometimes temporary exhibitions or restoration works will take place at shorter notice, and this may affect which parts are accessible. It may, therefore, be necessary to confirm certain visits closer to departure, adjust arrangements on the ground, or change certain visits to exterior-only.
Frequently Asked Questions
To read our full list of frequently asked questions please visit our general FAQs here.
What is the maximum group size of this tour?
What is the deposit cost for this tour?
What tour staff will be on this tour?
Am I fit enough to travel on this tour?
Fitness Requirements
The majority of ACE Cultural Tours are active in nature. To make the most of our time in a destination and provide excellent value for money, they are busy – there are often several visits included each day. As such, our tours require a certain minimum level of physical and mental fitness, mobility and stamina.
Many visits will involve navigating several steps, uneven ground, steep ascents and descents, and could involve embarking and disembarking aircraft, coaches, trains and cruise vessels. Plenty of walking, punctuated by lengthy periods of standing, is the norm. Some tours may involve long coach journeys.
It is essential that all customers are sufficiently fit and able enough to fully participate. Furthermore, every tour comprises a group of guests. We cannot allow the entire group to be negatively impacted by one participant, either holding up the pace we reasonably need to maintain or disproportionately requiring the attention and support of the tour staff.
We carefully consider the intensity, fitness and other requirements of each itinerary and describe them on the tour pages of our brochures and website. Please study these descriptions closely. When you call to book, we will reiterate those requirements and ask you to confirm that all group members are indeed fit enough and otherwise able to meet the criteria. It is your responsibility to answer fully and honestly. If it transpires that you are not able to keep pace with the tour and/or it reasonably appears you are negatively impacting (or are reasonably likely to negatively impact) the enjoyment of the rest of the group (including their ability to complete all scheduled visits), we may ask you to sit out certain days/visits, take a taxi at your own expense (if available in the location), or even, if we consider there is no other reasonable alternative, ask you to leave the tour and make your own way home.
A good level of fitness is required for this tour, as a number of visits will be made on foot, and participants should be aware that walking around the historical cities and sites involves traversing uneven ground, cobbled streets and some uphill sections with at times demanding gradients. Please be aware that some locations are situated at altitude and accessed via roads that may be uneven or challenging for larger vehicles. Additionally, the optional ascent to Sevanavank involves climbing 220 steps and those who prefer not to take part are welcome to relax at the base. For more details on ACE’s minimum fitness requirements, please see our Booking Terms & Conditions.
As a minimum, participants should be able to successfully complete the following self- assessment tests:
- Walk for one hour at a reasonable pace and without needing to take a break to rest
- Climb at least two flights of stairs at a reasonable pace
- Stand unaided for at least 30 minutes
- Stand up and sit down ten times in one minute
- Carry or otherwise move your own luggage
Please ensure you have read and understand our full fitness requirements as described in our terms and conditions.
Practicalities
It is not usually possible to get direct flights to Armenia, and most options require transfers and operate at inconvenient hours – often in the late evening or early morning. We are pleased to be able to include group flights for those who wish to take them, at the best possible times, wherein travellers will be supported by a Tour Manager, who will accompany the group to ensure ease of travel on both the outbound and return journeys.
UK Government Travel Advice
For additional travel information from the UK government please consult the following pages.
Flight Information
For customers who wish to make their own travel arrangements, ACE is pleased to be able to offer a flight reduction of £530.
Cost Details
Armenia: Monasteries & Medieval Architecture
May 20 - 28, 2027
Included: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, eight breakfasts, two lunches, five dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities & all taxes.
Not Included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £375.
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