11-Day Easter Tour of Armenia: A Unique Cultural Experience in 2025

17:20 – 23:50 – Direct flight with Brussels Airlines (4h 30m). There will be a transfer from the airport (Zvartnots) to the hotel. The driver will assist with luggage and check-in.

• Transfer: Airport to Hotel
• Meal: It will be too late for dinner.
• Overnight in Yerevan

Perhaps you remember the celebration of Palm Sunday. Palm branches that were blessed and kept at home for a year behind the crucifix? In Armenia, this tradition is still very much alive. We begin the Holy Week in Echmiadzin, the spiritual center of the Orthodox Church. Here lies the ruin of a 7th-century cathedral, the Zvartnots Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The guide will take us through the ruins and the museum, giving us a clear picture of the early Christianization and Christian architecture.

In a recent church, we can step inside for an introduction to the Orthodox Easter ritual. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. He rode into the city on a donkey amidst the cheers of people waving palm branches.

We will experience how vulnerable young people celebrate Easter at the unique Machanents Art Center. You will be struck by the emotion captured in the artworks and the impact on the local community. And they also cook there, which will introduce us to Armenian cuisine.

The rest of the day, we can explore how Yerevan prepares for Easter. There is a particularly rich museum that is definitely worth a visit: The National Historical Museum houses around 400,000 pieces, including the oldest leather shoe in the world (5,500 years old), cuneiform tablets from the Urartian period, and a rich heritage of Armenian Christianity, which are just a few of the many highlights.

• Meals: (B – L) (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
• Overnight: 4-star hotel in Yerevan

Yerevan, “the pink city,” “the amphitheater,” “one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world”—these are the key phrases that describe this charming capital, which is over 2,800 years old. Our English-speaking guide will help us discover the many facets of this modern and attractive city, taking us through its highlights.

First, we will visit the local covered fruit market. Enjoy the artfully and colorfully displayed fresh and dried fruits, and taste the pure natural goodness. The vendors will be more than happy to offer you a piece of fruit.

Next, we’ll drive to Mother Armenia. Here, you will see why the city has earned its nickname “the amphitheater.” The higher edge of Yerevan forms a circle around the city, and the statue stands tall above, overlooking Mount Ararat. Things get even more interesting as we visit the Cascade Complex. There are 572 steps, but don’t worry, there is also an escalator. Additionally, there is a beautiful museum in the middle, and at the at the square below modern art, including sculptures by Botero, donated by the diaspora. From the Cascade, we will walk across the square surrounding the imposing Opera House to the narrow streets leading to the grand Republic Square, which is the heart of Yerevan. Try to stroll around in the evening, basking in the lights of the fountains and the light show. Who knows, you might even find yourself dancing to the music of Aznavour!

• Meals: (B – L)
• Overnight: 4-star hotel in Yerevan

First, we need to check out. Then, the minibus will take us north to Gyumri, the second largest city in Armenia. On the way, we will stop at the Wine Museum, where artifacts over 6,000 years old testify to a rich wine culture. In the archaeological caves of Areni-1, the oldest complete winery in the world has even been found. Nearby lies the village of Ashnak, where we will stir in the pots of a renowned chef, as we prepare and enjoy an Armenian specialty in a cozy restaurant. After this lunch, we will continue our journey to Gyumri, where we will first check in, or depending on the time, we may visit the 10th-century Marmarashen Monastery. Unlike other monasteries in Armenia, which are mostly hidden in the mountains, this monastery can be seen from afar in the open, expansive steppe landscape, harmoniously blending with the surrounding nature. We will spend the night in Gyumri.

• Travel distance: 120 km
• Meals: (B – L – D)
• Overnight: 3-star hotel in Gyumri

Gyumri is a city rich in arts, crafts, local traditions, but it is also a showcase of contrasts. Let’s first take a walk through the historic center, where we can admire 19th-century architecture alongside later Soviet buildings and the remnants of the 1988 earthquake. Next, we will delve into the Dzitoghtsyan Museum of National Culture and Architecture in Gyumri. This remarkable house was built in 1872 by the wealthy merchant Petros Dzitoghtsyan from the famous red tuff stone of Shirak. The museum was established here in 1984. At the museum, we will certainly learn about the khachkars, which are typical for Armenia. There are still over 25,000 of them scattered throughout the country. In the city of Vanadzor, we can see how this ancient tradition and expression of faith are still honored today. A master of khachkars will show us how and for what purpose these stones are made. Our final stop will be in Dilijan, where we will spend the next two nights.

• Travel distance: 100 km
• Meals: (B – L – D)
• Overnight: Boutique hotel in Dilijan

Traveling to Dilijan means visiting the national park, with a stop at the Haghartsin Monastery, which dates back to the 10th to 13th centuries. This site offers insight into early medieval monastic life and how harmony with nature was achieved. Be sure to take a walk to “the hidden waterfall” in the park’s forests. The waterfall may not be very high, but it reflects that natural harmony. Enjoy the soft sounds, the refreshing water, and the tranquility. And what is the place of modern humans in all of this? Conscious nature conservation. At Parz Lake, there is a deer breeding facility intended to eventually release the animals into the wild. We can admire them up close and even feed them. Would you prefer to try the zip line or go climbing instead? Those who don’t take risks won’t reap rewards. A reward awaits us at Hovaz Wine Rooms, where we can taste Armenian sparkling wine or other Armenian wines. For those who haven’t had too much to drink, there’s even a chance to shape their own bottle. How? We’ll find out on-site. In the evening, we will safely return to our accommodation for the night. Since in Armenian churches, believers can come and go during services, those who wish can easily experience part of the Holy Week liturgy.

• Meals: (B – L – D)
• Overnight: Boutique hotel in Dilijan

Liturgical Explanation

During Holy Week, as it is referred to in Armenia, believers commemorate Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, known in Armenian as Great Thursday, Great Friday, and Great Saturday. On Maundy Thursday, Jesus shared the Last Supper with His apostles, blessing the bread and wine and thereby confirming the sacrament of the Eucharist. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples as a sign of love and humility, and since He asked them to do the same for one another, this act remains a lasting part of the liturgy.

In the Orthodox Church, a “darkness ceremony” is held on Maundy Thursday evening. Through seven passages from the Gospels, the life of Christ is narrated. After each reading, two of the twelve burning candles are extinguished, and at the end, only the large candle in the center remains lit. The twelve candles symbolize the disciples of Christ, each of whom left Him one by one. The large candle symbolizes Jesus, who was left alone. Then, all the lights in the church are extinguished, and the hymn “Gloria in Excelsis” is sung. This hymn was first sung by the shepherds after they heard the news of Christ’s birth: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14). At the end of the hymn, the words “…Arise” are heard, and then the lights are turned back on.

Today, it feels like we are following in the footsteps of a caravan on the Silk Road, traveling along the shores of Lake Sevan to what was once a true island and is now a peninsula. At the top, at an elevation of 1,900 meters, with two mystical churches from the 9th century in the background, we gaze out over one of the highest and largest freshwater lakes in the world.

We continue on to the village of Noratus, where travelers found their final resting place: the medieval field of khachkars (cross-stones). Khachkars, along with manuscripts and carpets, are the three most important art forms in the country. The caravan continues over the pass to the peak at the Selim caravanserai from the 14th century, which is still well preserved. Here, merchants would rest at the end of the day after a long journey during the Middle Ages. Perhaps, just like us, they paused at the small Zorats Church to etch that vast view into their memories or to follow part of the Good Friday celebration.

On the morning of Good Friday, believers commemorate the command of the crucifixion. In the afternoon, they listen to the Passion narrative. In the evening, they participate in the ceremonial burial, reflecting on how Christ destroyed hell and opened heaven as a resting place for the souls of humankind. A symbolic tomb made of flowers is carried around in the churches.

• Travel time: 170 km
• Meals: (B– L– D)
• Overnight in a hotel in Hermon

As we journey through the beautiful, mountainous landscape today, we will discover highlights from pre-Christian times and Orthodox devotion. Our first stop is the Noravank Monastery, dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, uniquely nestled high in a volcanic region. On one of the stone carvings, you can spot God the Father, which is quite rare.

In the Areni-1 archaeological cave complex, the oldest leather shoe (5,500 years old, now displayed at the Historical Museum in Yerevan) was found. We can now see the remains of one of the oldest wineries in the world (6,000 years old). Close to this cave complex lies the village of Areni, named after the ancient blue grape variety ‘Areni.’ Almost everyone in the village grows grapes and presses their own wine from their vineyards. Of course, we must taste this during the excellent lunch at a local, hospitable winemaker’s.

While the Noravank Monastery is a quiet relic, the Khor Virap Monastery is not, especially not on Holy Saturday. For Armenians, it is the birthplace of Armenian Christianity. It was here that Gregory the Illuminator was held captive for 13 years in the 3rd century, bringing Christianity to Armenia. It is a very special place, now in the border area, but previously part of a fortified royal castle. You can climb the hill and see the spectacular, holy mountain, Ararat, sometimes hidden, sometimes basking in the light, in the distance. Although it now lies on Turkish territory, according to the Bible, Ararat is the mountain where Noah’s Ark came to rest. Just before the entrance, there is a cemetery. A brief visit is enough to get an idea of the pain families have endured in recent history, losing loved ones in border disputes. Very likely, those who wish can also participate in part of the Easter rite here before heading to the hotel in Yerevan.

Holy Saturday symbolizes the seventh day of creation. On this day, God rested after creating the world in six days and saw that it was good. During this Holy Week, God has been honored for creation; today, it is for His blessing and holiness. The burial of Christ and the sealing of the tomb are also commemorated. Therefore, in the evening, there is a candlelight ceremony. This light also symbolizes the good news of His miraculous resurrection. The Suffering and Great Lent have come to an end. Now is the Annunciation of Easter.

• Travel time: 170 km
• Meals: (B– L)
• Overnight in a 4* hotel in Yerevan

Easter, a festive day in the capital, Yerevan, filled with numerous interesting places and activities! As we stroll through the zigzagging streets of Yerevan’s oldest district, Kond, we soak in the atmosphere under the guidance of our guide. The name comes from its elevated location, as “kond” in Armenian means a long or steep hill. The Mamik Guesthouse welcomes us in traditional Armenian Easter style with a typical Armenian Easter lunch.

On Easter Sunday, believers enter and exit the church. The curtain in front of the altar finally opens, having been closed during the 40 days of Lent. And it’s a celebration! Easter is a deeply spiritual holiday. The bells ring out joyfully because Jesus has risen from the dead! No, there are no Easter bunnies, and no chocolate eggs fall from the bells. However, an egg battle takes place. Each person holds an egg and taps it against another egg. Whoever’s egg breaks is the loser and must give their egg to the winner. According to Armenian tradition, the eggs are dyed red to symbolize the blood of Christ. Onion skins are used to color the water red, and the eggs are boiled in this mixture, giving them a red hue. The Easter menu includes red eggs, rice with raisins or dried fruit, fish, and red wine. The rice symbolizes humanity, the raisins represent Christians, and the fish and wine symbolize the body and blood of Christ.

• Meals: (B– L)
• Overnight in a 4* hotel in Yerevan

Since Armenia is situated at the crossroads of East and West, the country has also been influenced by its neighboring nations. Once, the Persians and Greeks were in Armenia. The Garni Temple, the only remaining pagan temple from the 1st century dedicated to Helios (Greek) and Mithra (Persian), is proof of this. It beautifully overlooks the valley, not far from Yerevan.

Nearby, you’ll find the Garni Canyon with its unique basalt rock formations, also known as the “Symphony of Stones.” You can easily walk there. In the village of Garni itself, you’ll be amazed by the skilled women baking lavash (flatbread) in underground ovens called tonirs. You can taste it warm from the oven and enjoy a delightful local lunch.

And although it may be a cliché, the final highlight is the Geghard Monastery. This monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s truly impressive how the monks carved a church and monastery out of the rocks in the mountains in the 13th century. It is still inhabited, and Mass is still celebrated there. The acoustics are most remarkable, which you can try out singing your song.

Afterward, we return to the hotel in Yerevan, giving us plenty of time to pack our bags (check-out at 18:00) and do some last-minute shopping in the city or relax at a café before we gather for the farewell dinner.

Time is on our side for the return flight. No stress, just beautiful memories, new insights, and connections, with a world that feels a little closer. Perhaps until we meet again!

• Travel time: 100 km (round trip)
• Meals: (B, L, Farewell dinner)
• Overnight in a 4* hotel in Yerevan (Late check-out at 18:00)

00:50 – 03:45 Direct flight with Brussels Airlines (4h 55m)