This is a four day (five nights) tour of Armenian churches and monasteries south and east of Lake Van. From Varakavank (The Seven Churches) to St. John’s church on Gduts (Carpanak) island and taking in Garmir Vank and, St. Thomas’ church near the village of Kanzak (Altinsac), before finishing with Arter (Kusadisi) and, of course, the beautiful Sourp Khach (Church of the Holy Cross) on Aghtamar Island built by King Gagik in the 10th Century. As a Catholicosate until 1916, Sourp Khach embodies a central place in Armenian religious history. One of only a few Catholicosates, the Brotherhood at Aghtamar and Sourp Khach had the authority to create new bishops and bless the chrism essential to important rites and sacraments such as marriage, baptism, funerals and the consecration of bishops.

Even today Aghtamar island is celebrated within Armenian and local folk culture, with many songs and legends associated with it. It is a place of celebration, as well as worship. The backdrop for this unique tour is the incomparable Lake itself.

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