From Paganism to Christianity

The journey begins at Khor Virap, one of Armenia's best-known monasteries and a place tied to one of the most important pages in the country's history.

According to tradition, it was here that Gregory the Illuminator spent 13 years in a deep pit for his Christian faith. After his release he played a key role in the conversion of King Trdat III and in Armenia's adoption of Christianity at the beginning of the 4th century. Today you can see the historic pit and, if you wish, climb down inside.

Khor Virap is also famous for its setting: in clear weather it offers one of the most impressive views of Mount Ararat and the Ararat Valley.

Next we head to the Azat Reservoir. Among the mountains and open landscapes we stop for a walk, a rest and beautiful photographs.

The next point is the Garni Temple, where we seem to step back into another era of Armenia.

The temple dates to the 1st century AD and is traditionally associated with the Armenian king Trdat I. It is the only surviving colonnaded structure of the Greco-Roman type in Armenia and one of the country's principal monuments of the pre-Christian period.

After Garni we descend into the gorge of the Azat River to the Symphony of Stones. The enormous basalt columns, astonishingly regular in shape, were formed naturally. It is precisely the unusual geometry of the rocks that gave this place its musical name.

The next stop is Geghard Monastery, and here the story of the route brings us back to Christian Armenia.

According to tradition, the monastery was founded at the beginning of the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator. The main architectural ensemble we see today was formed mainly in the 13th century. What makes Geghard special are its churches, tombs and monastic chambers carved directly into the rock.

Geghard Monastery and the Upper Azat Valley are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

We finish the journey by getting to know one of Armenia's most famous traditions: the making of lavash. You will see how Armenian lavash is baked the traditional way in a tonir, and you will taste a fresh Armenian treat.

This route is especially interesting for those who want not only to see beautiful places, but to understand the history of Armenia across different eras.

In a single day you will see the country's pre-Christian heritage, learn the story of the adoption of Christianity, visit an ancient temple and a medieval rock-hewn monastery, see Ararat and the natural Symphony of Stones, and finally discover the tradition of making Armenian lavash.

The tour suits a first acquaintance with Armenia, lovers of history and architecture, family travel and anyone who wants a full programme without too long a trip.