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Armenia

The First Christian Nation: Faith & Heritage in Armenia

Prices from £2,915 pp

Single Supplement £390

Next available tour:

Tour leader: The Revd Kevin Dunne

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Through cliff-carved monasteries and ancient cathedrals, to the roots of the world's first Christian nation.

Armenia was the first nation on earth to embrace Christianity, proclaiming it the state faith in 301 AD. This is a land where belief is carved into the mountains — monasteries set on cliff-edges and hewn from solid rock, ancient manuscripts kept safe through centuries of upheaval, and khachkars, the intricate stone crosses, standing quietly in the highlands.

From our base in Yerevan we journey to the great cathedral of Echmiadzin, seat of the Armenian Church, sharing in the Sunday Divine Liturgy; to Khor Virap beneath the snows of Mount Ararat; and to the cave monastery of Geghard, where sacred chant still rises from the rock. In the forests of Dilijan we visit Haghartsin and lunch with a local family.

Along the way we celebrate open-air Communion among the ruins, and keep daily prayer as we travel — worship shaped, gently, by the group and the places we pass through.

Come and walk in the footsteps of the world's oldest Christian nation, where faith and landscape are woven together.

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Itinerary

  1. Fly to Yerevan

    Fly from London (Luton) to Yerevan, arriving late in the evening in Armenia's capital. We transfer to our hotel and settle in, with a light supper for later arrivals, ready for the days of discovery to come.

  2. Yerevan City Tour

    A full city tour of the capital. The morning takes in Republic Square, the Opera House, Botero's 'Black Cat' sculpture, Parliament, the Presidential Palace and the National Academy of Sciences. In the afternoon we visit the Mother Armenia monument in Victory Park and the Matenadaran manuscript museum, pausing for reflection at the moving Genocide Memorial.

  3. The Brotherhood of Echmiadzin

    Drive to Echmiadzin, spiritual heart of the Armenian Church. At the ruined Zvartnots Cathedral we celebrate open-air Holy Communion, then visit St Hripsime Church and share in the Sunday Divine Liturgy, sung by the choir, at the Mother Cathedral.

  4. Christian Monuments of the South

    A spectacular day: Khor Virap Monastery beneath Mount Ararat, the cliffset Noravank, the Silk Road caravanserai at the Selim Pass, and Sevan Monastery above the blue expanse of Lake Sevan, before continuing to Dilijan.

  5. Haghartsin & Goshavank

    A walking tour of historic Dilijan — Armenia's wooded 'Little Switzerland' — and a warm lunch with a local family. In the afternoon we visit the forest monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank, with their finely carved khachkars and the chance to meet the local priest.

  6. Vanadzor & Northern Armenia

    A morning in the city of Vanadzor, then north through the dramatic Debed Canyon to the church of Odzun and the great UNESCO-listed monastery of Haghpat, with lunch in a village restaurant before the scenic drive back to Yerevan for the evening.

  7. Garni & Geghard

    Drive out to the pagan Temple of Garni, dramatically set above a gorge of basalt columns, then celebrate Holy Communion at nearby St Sion Church. At Geghard, a monastery partly hewn from the living rock, we hear sacred Armenian chant sung by a choir with special access. Dinner this evening is in a local restaurant.

  8. A Free Day in Yerevan

    A free day to explore Yerevan at your own pace or simply to rest, before a farewell dinner and a late-evening transfer to the airport for our flight home.

  9. Arrive Home

    Our flight lands back at Luton in the early hours, so an overnight stay at a hotel near the airport is included, along with transfers to reach it — time to rest before travelling on home later in the day.

    *Please note: the order of the itinerary may vary with local conditions and flight times. Worship and services are arranged by your chaplain as the pilgrimage unfolds.

Essential Information

This tour includes:

  • Return flights, London (Luton) to Yerevan
  • 5 nights in Yerevan — 4★ Ani Plaza Hotel
  • 2 nights in Dilijan — 4★ Dilijan Paradise Resort
  • Overnight hotel near London Luton on return, with transfers
  • All breakfasts, most lunches & dinners
  • Welcome and farewell drinks
  • Private air-conditioned coach & all transfers
  • Expert local guide throughout
  • Daily prayers
  • Entrance fees per the itinerary
  • Revd Kevin Dunne as your chaplain & leader
  • Gratuities included

Flights from regional airports can be arranged at a supplement subject to availability, you can also book this tour without flights. For more information please ask for details.

A £500 per person non-refundable deposit is payable on confirmation. After which, an instalment payment amounting to 50% of the total cost of your trip is due 26 weeks prior to departure with the final balance due twelve weeks prior to departure.

Special requests
Any special requirements, such as dietary needs, mobility requests, and any other requests should be noted at the time of booking.

Final travel documents
These will be emailed to you two weeks before departure.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We are partnered with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays.

Mobility
Many of our tours and excursions are designed for those who are able to travel independently, or with the support of a companion who can assist during the trip. We recommend that participants feel comfortable with physical activity and are able to manage longer travel days, which may include early starts and extended periods on the road. We encourage you to consider your personal health and comfort when planning your adventure, and we’re happy to help if you have any specific concerns or questions about the suitability of a tour for your needs.

Practical information

About McCabe Pilgrimages
McCabe has been arranging journeys of faith, culture and spirituality for over 40 years with an unwavering focus on attention to detail and service. With a deep understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of Christian travellers, McCabe strive to make every trip a memorable and meaningful experience.

McCabe Travel Ltd. trades as McCabe Pilgrimages. McCabe Travel Ltd. is registered in England and Wales. Registered No. 2125334. VAT No: 318527355. Registered office address: McCabe Travel, The Square, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4EB.

The McCabe Educational Trust
The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity which was set up in 1991 to support Christian communities. To date the Trust has distributed more than £4 million in grants. McCabe Pilgrimages supports the Trust directly by contributing to the administrative and running
costs, thus ensuring all pilgrim donations are able to go directly to the important projects supported by the MET. In 2026 McCabe Pilgrimages will
once again invite all pilgrims to make a voluntary donation of £20. In addition, McCabe will also donate £20 for every pilgrim who travels with us - regardless of whether they choose to donate - effectively doubling the impact when you do. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

Financial and quality assurances
All monies paid are fully protected through McCabe’s membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. In addition, McCabe are also members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and abide by the Association’s code of conduct.

Health advice
Please carry an adequate supply of essential medication in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage is lost.

Holiday insurance
Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That’s why we have partnered with Holiday Extras so you can get a travel insurance quote to protect you before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras Cover Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been independently rated 5-stars by Defaqto. For more information or to obtain a quote, please go to their website at www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor.

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Dates

Our Programme Tour Leader Tour Dates Availability
The First Christian Nation: Faith & Heritage in Armenia Faith and Heritage in Armenia Departing From London Luton Prices from £2915 pp The Revd Kevin Dunne 01/10/2027 for 9 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

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