On which day of the week does this tour run?

This group tour runs on Sundays. We recommend booking as early as possible.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at 09:00 and ends at 15:00. It is a half-day tour without an overnight stay.

How early should I arrive before departure?

Please arrive 15 minutes before the start. Since seats are not pre-assigned, arriving a bit early is a good idea.

How long is this tour?

The tour lasts half a day. It starts at 09:00 and finishes at 15:00.

Which places will we visit on this tour?

The itinerary includes Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Saint Gayane Church, Saint Hripsime Church, and the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral. All these sites are protected as UNESCO World Heritage.

Does this tour include Zvartnots?

Yes, Zvartnots is included as the final stop of the tour. It is part of the itinerary.

Are Saint Gayane and Saint Hripsime churches included too?

Yes, both churches are included in this tour. They are important spiritual and historical monuments of the Etchmiadzin area.

What kind of transport is used for the tour?

Tours run on a comfortable minivan or bus depending on group size. The vehicle is chosen based on the number of participants.

Are seats in the vehicle assigned in advance?

No, seats are not pre-assigned. We recommend arriving a little early to choose a comfortable spot.

Is there Wi-Fi in the vehicle?

There is usually no Wi-Fi in the transport, but mobile internet works on most of the route. If you need connectivity, it is better to rely on your mobile data.

What languages does the guide speak?

Tours are conducted in Armenian, Russian and English. If there are non-local guests in the group, the guide can speak two languages.

Is the guide local and knowledgeable about the sites?

Our guides are local experts familiar with the history, culture and the sites being visited. This tour is especially interesting for guests who enjoy medieval architecture, art, religion and history.

How much does this tour cost for an adult?

The price is 4000 AMD for one local/Armenian adult and 8000 AMD for one foreign adult. The currency is AMD (Armenian dram).

In what currency are the prices listed?

Prices are listed in AMD, which is Armenian dram. Payments are also made in AMD.

Can I join with a child, and are there child discounts?

Since this is a day tour, the policy is: 0-3 years free, 3-6 years 50% discount, 7+ full price. If you want the exact total, send us the child’s age.

If we are 5 people, do we get a group discount?

Yes, groups of 5+ get 500 AMD off per person on day tours. Since this is a day tour, that discount applies.

How can I pay for this tour?

You can pay by card in the office, by bank transfer, or in cash at the office. Payment is made in advance to confirm the booking.

What information is needed for booking?

Booking requires your phone number and full names of all participants. Bookings are accepted until the day before the tour.

If I decide last minute, how late can I book?

Bookings are accepted until the day before, but we recommend booking as early as possible. For last-minute availability, please check with the operator.

If I can’t come, can I cancel the booking?

A day tour can be cancelled 1 day before the start. However, after mutual confirmation no refund is issued and the date cannot be changed.

Will the tour run if the weather is bad?

In case of severe weather or road closures the tour may be cancelled or rescheduled. In that case, please check the details with the operator.

Are meals included in the tour price?

No, meals are not included in the tour price. You may bring your own food or pay on site.

Are entrance fees included, or are they paid separately?

Entrance fees are not included in the tour price and are usually paid in cash on site. If you do not want to pay for a specific entrance, you may skip it and wait for the group outside.

Is this route safe for tourists, and do I need insurance?

Armenia is a safe country for tourists, especially along tourist routes. Insurance is not mandatory, but you may purchase it optionally.

Etchmiatsin and Zvartnots

★ 4.8 95% recommended (75 Reviews) Echmiadzin & Zvartnots

09:00 – 15:00 · half day Armenian, English, Russian Pickup Free cancellation up to 24h before. 50% refund within 24h. No refund after tour starts.

About this tour

Within the framework of this cultural tour, we will visit the spiritual center of Armenians and the main church, the Holy Mother See of Etchmiadzin, St. Hripsime and St. Gayane churches and the 7th-century temple Zvartnots. This tour will interest the most curious tourists interested in medieval architecture, art, religion and history. All the places included in the tour program are under the protection of UNESCO World Heritage.

Itinerary

1 Stop 1 Etchmiadzin Cathedral

According to tradition, the main church was built in the place where Miadzin descended, Etchmiadzin. In Gregory's vision, Christ shows the place of the main temple with a golden hammer.
Founded in 303, this church is destined to become an important witness and participant in the history of the Armenian people. Being the most important center of the world network of the Armenian Church, the Etchmiadzin Cathedral is now represented with a large area, including many old and new churches, secular structures, libraries, a seminary, etc.

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2 Stop 2 Saint Gayane Church

The series of glorious churches of the seventh century continues with St. Gayane, which was founded only 12 years later than St. Hripsime. This church, built in 630, was built on the grave of a Christian virgin who died in Armenia at the end of the 3rd and the beginning of the 4th century, about 3 centuries after her death. The church was restored in 1652. There are many coffins in the yard, among them famous military and cultural figures of the Armenian people.

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3 Stop 3 Saint Hripsime Church

According to experts, Saint Hripsime's architecture is considered one of the best Armenian examples. Here, for the first time, Armenian niches providing seismic resistance were used. The construction of the huge church was completed in 618, leaving behind a great architectural legacy, the details of which are still used today.

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4 Stop 4 Zvartnots Cathedral

Despite being destroyed, Zvartnots continues to be unique in terms of its spiritual, cultural and architectural significance. This huge church named after the angels had been built for 9 years and consecrated in 652. The wonderful temple with a height of 46-49 meters was destroyed, probably as a result of an earthquake, after which such churches were no longer built in Armenia. The real appearance of Zvartnots was unknown for a long time until architect T. Toramanian proposed the real initial form of the church, which was later proven by other historical facts.