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Group tour: Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral, St. Hripsime & Gayane, Zvartnots Temple

Itinerary

Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral, St. Hripsime Church, St. Gayane Church, Zvartnots Temple

1. Meeting point: Hyur Service (Head Office) – 96, Nalbandyan str., Yerevan

Departure time: 10:00
If hotel pick-up is not required, please let us know and be at the meeting point at least 30 min before departure.

2. Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral

50-60 min Details: Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral
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On the silent expanse of an ancient plain, beneath the watchful gaze of the mountains, rises the Mother See of Etchmiadzin a sanctuary where, legend says, heaven once touched the earth. According to tradition, Saint Gregory the Illuminator saw Christ in a vision, holding a golden hammer, striking the ground to reveal the place where a cathedral must be built. Thus was born Etchmiadzin "The Only Begotten Descended" destined to become the spiritual heart of Armenia.

3. St. Hripsime Church

20-30 min Details: St. Hripsime Church
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Before the gates of ancient Etchmiadzin, on a sunlit hill, rises the Church of Saint Hripsime – a stone testament to a love for God stronger than fear or death. Legend speaks of the beautiful Hripsime, whose heart belonged not to earthly passions but to her faith. King Tiridates III, captivated by her beauty, offered her his hand and throne. Hripsime refused, choosing instead the path of devotion to Christ. Enraged, the king ordered her to be tortured and executed and the ground that drank her blood became sacred.

4. St. Gayane Church

20-30 min Details: St. Gayane Church
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Among the sacred landmarks of Etchmiadzin, the Church of Saint Gayane stands out as a quiet guardian of the memory of the first Christian martyrs. Rising just south of the Mother Cathedral, it marks the place where, according to tradition, the blood of Gayane, the mentor of Saint Hripsime, was shed in her ultimate testimony of faith.

5. Zvartnots Temple

30-40 min Details: Zvartnots Temple
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Amid the plains of Armavir, with the majestic Mount Ararat rising in the distance, once stood Zvartnots – a 7th-century masterpiece that embodied the bold vision and brilliance of Armenian architects. Built upon towering columns, it astonished the world with its intricate design and grandeur that seemed centuries ahead of its time. For more than three hundred years, Zvartnots stood as a marvel, until an earthquake in the 10th century reduced it to silent ruins, leaving behind the enigma of a vanished wonder.

6. Arrival point: Hyur Service (Head Office)

Expected return: 14:00 – 15:00

Inclusions

  • Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively

  • Air-conditioned vehicles

  • Bottled water & pastries

  • Admission tickets

  • Wi-Fi in the vehicles

  • Vehicle & passengers insurance

Exclusions

  • Lunch stop

  • Hotel drop-off (final stop: our office)

Highlights

  • Explore incredible UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites
  • See the very first Christian cathedral in the World
  • On Sundays there is a chance to participate in liturgy

Video Gallery

Practical Info

Will I have the chance to attend liturgy in the church of Etchmiadzin?

Please, note that the liturgy is held only on Sundays. Therefore, if you book this tour for that day, you will have the opportunity to attend the service.

Can I visit "Treasures of Etchmiadzin" museum during this tour?

Yes, you can usually visit the "Treasures of Etchmiadzin" museum during your time at the Mother Cathedral, except on Sundays, when the museum is closed during the Divine Liturgy. Please note that the entrance ticket is not included in the tour price and should be purchased on the spot.

What is the group size for this tour?

The group size varies, but typically ranges up to 48 participants.

Are there any clothing requirements or recommendations for this tour?

We recommend wearing comfortable sports shoes and dressing in weather-appropriate clothing for the tour; taking a jacket or coat is always a wise choice. Weather conditions in the regions can be significantly cooler than in Yerevan. Modest clothing is requested of women during visits to churches and monasteries.

Booking conditions

Cancellation & modification

Meet our Guides

Tigran Balyan

Tigran Balyan

RU HY EN

Hello, I am Tigran a guide in my wonderful and lovely Armenia ❤️ I am guiding in my country and with this passion I can share kindness, joy and smiles to my tourists. My experience is already 7 plus years and I enjoy architecture, wine and mountains in amazing Armenia.

Samvel Mkrtumyan

Samvel Mkrtumyan

RU HY EN

Hi, I'm Samvel. With degrees in international relations and history, and years of connecting people from all walks of life, I've turned my passion for stories into guiding. I love revealing Armenia's hidden gems, sharing its quirky legends, and showcasing its breathtaking sights. It's fun, pal. Let's enjoy it together!

Nina Manukyan

Nina Manukyan

RU HY EN

Hello! My name is Nina, I am a guide at "Hyur Service" company. I am happy to introduce guests to Armenia – its history, culture and ancient traditions. For me as a guide, it is very important that every tour is clear, engaging and comfortable. Together we will explore famous landmarks, create beautiful memories and of course, take lively photos :) I will be happy to become your guide in Armenia. Travel with "Hyur Service" and discover Armenia not only with your eyes, but also with your heart.

Manya Gevorgyan

Manya Gevorgyan

RU HY EN

I have been a tour guide since 2015. To this day, every excursion is a great source of positive energy for me. During the tours, you will not only get acquainted with the sights, the country's history, and its architectural features, but also feel the full charm of the Armenian emotional mindset and lifestyle.

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