Monasteries & Ancient Wonders — 5 Days

Armenia was the first nation on earth to adopt Christianity as its state religion, in 301 AD, and seventeen centuries of unbroken faith are written across its landscape — in cliff-side monasteries, cave churches and the thousands of intricately carved khachkars (cross-stones) that give the country its soul. This five-day journey is devoted to the very greatest of them.

From the mother cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin to the cave monastery of Geghard and the eagle’s-nest fortress of Tatev, each site is more atmospheric than the last, and each is set in scenery — red canyons, river gorges, the blue expanse of Lake Sevan — that is a destination in its own right. It is an unhurried, deeply moving and endlessly photogenic route.

Throughout, you travel with a licensed Armenian guide who can read the medieval inscriptions and bring the history vividly alive, by private vehicle and at a relaxed pace. Comfortable hand-picked hotels, all entrance fees, the Wings of Tatev cable car and a lavash-baking afternoon with a local family are all included — and the whole itinerary can be run privately or tailored to your interests.