TO MAKE A DEPOSIT, Go to https://bit.ly/Armenia2025.  To pay with Paypal only, you can pay through the shopify link.

We're making an epic exploration of this hidden gem of Asia in the shadow of Mount Ararat!  Armenia is the cultural and historical masterpiece that Europe used to be, a safe, beautiful, untrammeled country of 2.5 million people between Turkey and Azerbaijan.  It became the world's first country to embrace Christianity as a nation in 301 AD and is full of ancient sites that are fascinating and relevant to Christians and History buffs.  Armenians are warm and welcoming people who have a long history of standing in the face of adversity. 

Warning: Armenia will get into your heart and you'll want to return!

This trip will be great for couples, Christians who want to make a difference, photographers, and drone enthusiasts.  The trip will be full of fun but also have some purpose, too.  After the devastating 2020 war in the area, Armenians call Artsakh, in which the country lost almost 5,000 young men in only 44 days of fighting, there are still more than 100,000 displaced, and many still mourning their lost husbands, sons, and brothers.  We plan to meet with some affected by this during our stay, to listen to their stories, pray with them and if possible, show the love of God in a tangible, life-changing way.  On previous trips, we've paid off mortgages, paid for medical procedures, and made some lifelong friends.  

Our eleven days together will be life-changing, and not just for those we help!  Please be aware that you will need moderate physical ability for this trip.  Meaning you are able to walk 1/4 mile at least over uneven, inclined ground and can carry your luggage up a flight or two of stairs.  We don't want to discourage you from joining our tour, but want you to know in advance what it entails.

Costs: 

Trip: $2700 per person (double occupancy) in hotels.  Also includes ground transportation, lodging, a translator/guide, entry fees, and meals.  If you'd prefer to have your own room (single occupancy) it's only $500 more for the trip. The balance is due by March 16th and is non-refundable after that date.

Deposit $500 to hold your space, this deposit is non-refundable due to the fact that we must make your hotel reservations right away.  Make your deposit by following this link: https://bit.ly/Armenia2025

GET TRAVEL INSURANCE to cover airfare and trip costs if you have to cancel closer to D-day.  It doesn't cost much but can save you a bundle if you have an emergency.

Airfare: Get yourself to Armenia however you can - costs run about $800-$1100 from Washington DC, $900 from JFK. If you need help with routing and getting your tickets, contact Chuck and he can help you get the best routing.  Flights out of Washington DC are about $1100 on Austrian/United, with a 14-hour layover in Vienna (arrive 8 am depart 10 pm) so you can see the sights in Austria for a day.  Shorter flights are available on Qatar Airways through Doha, but the price is about the same. There is a good routing direct from DC to Athens, but you'll have to stay the night there, and you'll have enough time to see the sights and enjoy the beach for an hour or two before hopping the 3-hour flight from Athens to Yerevan.  The absolute cheapest flights sometimes go through Istanbul.  

The 6th and 17th are considered travel days.  Plan to arrive in Yerevan in the early morning hours on the 7th and fly out again on the 17th.

Baggage: Try to be reasonable with what you pack, but definitely bring enough cargo space to take home some souvenirs!  Armenia has some of the best handicrafts you'll find anywhere in the world, and its wines and apricot brandy are world-famous.

Clothing: wear comfortable, casual clothing.  Armenian culture is modest. No head coverings are required for women except in a select few monasteries.  They will provide coverings.  Plan to dress in layers.  Lori Province can be chilly and we often encounter rain and hail on our trips, even in summer.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT by paying your $500 deposit now.

Armenia: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure - Proposed Itinerary (subject to change)

Embark on an extraordinary journey through Armenia from June 6 to 17, 2025, exclusively designed for The Hot Zone podcast listeners. This extended itinerary combines ancient history, awe-inspiring landscapes, and immersive cultural experiences, promising an unforgettable adventure.

Day 1: June 6 Departure

• Begin your adventure with an international flight to Yerevan, Armenia. Due to a 9-hour time difference, you’ll arrive early on June 7.  Depending on your itinerary, you might need to leave the US on the 5th to arrive in Yerevan the morning of the 7th.
  
  

Day 2: June 7 Arrival in Yerevan

• Upon arrival, check-in and rest at your hotel. In the afternoon, explore Yerevan, a charming, walkable city of one million people.
  
  

• Highlights include the Vernissage outdoor craft market, the Cascades—a giant limestone stairway adorned with sculptures and art—and the iconic Republic Square.
  
  

• Optional: Take a nap to recover from jet lag.
  
  

Day 3: June 8 Amberd Fortress

• Depart early to visit Amberd Fortress, a 7th-century stronghold on Mount Aragats. This historical site includes remnants of a palace, church, and bathhouse.
  
  

• Enjoy lunch at Amberd Tavern and, weather permitting, marvel at the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
  
  

Day 4: June 9 Geghard Monastery, Garni Temple, and Lake Sevan

• Visit Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site carved partly into the mountain, known for its acoustics and spiritual ambiance.
  
  

• Explore Garni Temple, a 1st-century pagan temple offering dramatic views of the Azat River Gorge.
  
  

• Travel to Lake Sevan, one of the world’s largest high-altitude freshwater lakes, and visit Sevanavank Monastery. End the day at a hotel with stunning views of Lori Province.
  
  

Day 5: June 10 Lori Province Exploration

• Discover Lori’s treasures, including the Soviet MiG Fighter Museum, Haghpat Monastery, and the Zarni-Parni cave complex.
  
  

• Stay overnight in the scenic village of Dilijan, often called “Armenia’s Switzerland” for its lush forests and tranquil vibe.
  
  

Day 6: June 11 Jermuk Spa Retreat

• Journey to Jermuk, a spa town famed for mineral-rich healing waters and stunning landscapes.
  
  

• Relax at the all-inclusive Jermuk Hotel and Spa, where you can enjoy spa treatments, explore the town, or hike to Jermuk Waterfall, one of Armenia’s highest.
  
  

• This is the perfect midpoint retreat to rejuvenate for the adventures ahead.
  
  

Day 7: June 12 Jermuk Continued

• Spend a second day enjoying the tranquility of Jermuk. Take additional spa treatments, hike more of the scenic trails, or simply relax and soak in the serene environment.
  
  

• Overnight again at the Jermuk Hotel and Spa, ensuring a fully revitalized experience before continuing the journey.
  
  

Day 8: June 13 Tatev Monastery and Village Experience

• In the morning, depart for Tatev via the Wings of Tatev, the world’s longest reversible cable car, offering jaw-dropping views of the Vorotan Gorge.
  
  

• Visit the Tatev Monastery, a 9th-century architectural masterpiece perched dramatically on a cliff.
  
  

• Experience an overnight farm stay in the quaint village of Tatev, where you’ll enjoy authentic Armenian hospitality in cozy accommodations.
  
  

Day 9: June 14 Khor Virap Monastery and Areni Wine Region

• Visit Khor Virap Monastery, where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years. Adventurous guests can descend into the pit where he was held.
  
  

• Continue to Areni, Armenia’s premier wine region, and explore local wineries that produce wine from indigenous grape varieties.
  
  

• Savor tastings of wines crafted with centuries-old traditions.
  
  

Day 10: June 15 Genocide Museum and Cultural Evening

• Reflect on Armenia’s history with a visit to the Armenian Genocide Museum.
  
  

• In the evening, celebrate Armenian resilience with a dinner theater experience. Enjoy live music, traditional dances, and an open-air performance. Dress elegantly and bring your dancing shoes!
  
  

Day 11: June 16 Yerevan Exploration and Shopping

• Attend a service at the International Bible Church of Armenia (optional).
  
  

• Spend the day at the Vernissage, Yerevan’s expansive open-air market, where you can find handcrafted souvenirs and unique artworks. It’s the perfect place for last-minute shopping.
  
  

Day 12: June 17 Departure

• Most flights leave Yerevan early in the morning. Depart for the U.S., arriving the same day.
  
  

This journey through Armenia offers a unique blend of history, culture, and relaxation, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Join us for an unforgettable adventure!

Make your deposit here: https://bit.ly/Armenia2025