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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
    Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 1 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 2 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 3 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 4 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 5 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 6 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 7 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 8 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 9 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 10 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 11 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 12 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 13 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 14 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 15 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 16 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 17 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 18 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 19 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 20 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 21 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 22 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 23 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 24 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 25
    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
    St. Hripsime Church – photo 1 St. Hripsime Church – photo 2 St. Hripsime Church – photo 3 St. Hripsime Church – photo 4 St. Hripsime Church – photo 5 St. Hripsime Church – photo 6 St. Hripsime Church – photo 7 St. Hripsime Church – photo 8 St. Hripsime Church – photo 9 St. Hripsime Church – photo 10 St. Hripsime Church – photo 11 St. Hripsime Church – photo 12 St. Hripsime Church – photo 13 St. Hripsime Church – photo 14 St. Hripsime Church – photo 15 St. Hripsime Church – photo 16 St. Hripsime Church – photo 17 St. Hripsime Church – photo 18 St. Hripsime Church – photo 19 St. Hripsime Church – photo 20 St. Hripsime Church – photo 21
    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
    St. Gayane Church – photo 1 St. Gayane Church – photo 2 St. Gayane Church – photo 3 St. Gayane Church – photo 4 St. Gayane Church – photo 5 St. Gayane Church – photo 6 St. Gayane Church – photo 7 St. Gayane Church – photo 8 St. Gayane Church – photo 9 St. Gayane Church – photo 10 St. Gayane Church – photo 11 St. Gayane Church – photo 12 St. Gayane Church – photo 13 St. Gayane Church – photo 14 St. Gayane Church – photo 15 St. Gayane Church – photo 16 St. Gayane Church – photo 17 St. Gayane Church – photo 18 St. Gayane Church – photo 19 St. Gayane Church – photo 20
    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
    Zvartnots Temple – photo 1 Zvartnots Temple – photo 2 Zvartnots Temple – photo 3 Zvartnots Temple – photo 4 Zvartnots Temple – photo 5 Zvartnots Temple – photo 6 Zvartnots Temple – photo 7 Zvartnots Temple – photo 8 Zvartnots Temple – photo 9 Zvartnots Temple – photo 10 Zvartnots Temple – photo 11 Zvartnots Temple – photo 12 Zvartnots Temple – photo 13 Zvartnots Temple – photo 14 Zvartnots Temple – photo 15 Zvartnots Temple – photo 16 Zvartnots Temple – photo 17 Zvartnots Temple – photo 18 Zvartnots Temple – photo 19 Zvartnots Temple – photo 20 Zvartnots Temple – photo 21 Zvartnots Temple – photo 22 Zvartnots Temple – photo 23 Zvartnots Temple – photo 24 Zvartnots Temple – photo 25 Zvartnots Temple – photo 26 Zvartnots Temple – photo 27 Zvartnots Temple – photo 28
    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

    • Discover the spiritual heart of Armenia in Etchmiadzin
    • Visit the Mother Cathedral, regarded as the world's first Christian cathedral
    • See St. Hripsime and St. Gayane, two graceful early Christian churches
    • Walk among the ruins of Zvartnots, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of 7th-century architecture
    • On Sunday departures, there may be a chance to witness the liturgy

    Video Gallery

    Practical Info

    Will I have the chance to attend the liturgy at Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral?

    On Sunday departures, you will have the opportunity to attend the Divine Liturgy at Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral.

    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 during the Divine Liturgy, when the museum is closed. 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 this tour usually has 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

    Khachatur Mirzoyan

    Khachatur Mirzoyan

    HY EN

    My name is Khachatur, which is the Armenian variation of Chris (Christopher), and I'm comfortable with that as well. I have been working as a tour guide since 2012. I'm a sociable person, love interacting with people, and always do my best to make sure the tour lives up to our guests' expectations.

    Marina Mirumyan

    Marina Mirumyan

    RU HY EN

    Hi, my name is Marina Mirumyan, and I am a tour guide at "Hyur Service" company. Haven't traveled to Armenia yet? Then plan a visit and be our guest! Join my tours with "Hyur Service" to discover the endless hospitality of our people, the breathtaking views of our mountainous country, the ancient culture, traditions, delicious cuisine, and much more! Travel with "Hyur Service" to create lasting memories!

    Tamara Arakelyan

    Tamara Arakelyan

    HY EN

    I am Tamara. I live in Armenia and through Armenia. If you want to feel the taste, scent, and colors of Armenia and fall in love with our country, then let's go on a tour together. Just like all my guests, I'm sure you too will want to come back again.

    Syuzanna Poghosyan

    Syuzanna Poghosyan

    RU HY

    My name is Syuzanna, and since 2016 I have been introducing guests to the wonderful Armenia with great love. For me, every tour is not just a story about the country but an opportunity to show its soul, to help you feel its history, culture, and hospitality. I am sincerely happy when I see how Armenia captures hearts, and I will do everything to make your journey warm, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

    Reviews

    Alexandra LaCombe

    United States of America

    06.09.2026

    The tour was fantastic! It was a privilege to see such incredible historic and spiritual sites. Armenia is truly a hidden gem. Our tour guide, Manya, was great, very knowledgeable, well organized, and engaging. Hyur provides an excellent service, and a great value. Thank you for a great time, and an opportunity to experience your amazing country!

    Milen Angelov

    Bulgaria

    05.09.2026

    We took 2 x half-day trips on 5th and 6th Sep 2026. The guides were Nina and Manya respectively. Both trips were in English and Russian. We know both well, so I can say that no effort or information was spared in either of these langiages. The organization was good, the time schedule was kept. What I really liked was that both ladies were capable to discuss into details diverse other topics, related to Armenia and the world, and were competent is suggesting ideas and solving problems. We do highly recommend the services of Hyur Agency.

    Stefano Minieri

    Italy

    22.07.2026

    tour:Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral, St. Hripsime & Gayane, Zvartnots Temple. Tutto come da programma. Puntuali e professionali. Rose, la guida, molto gentile e disponibile. Soddisfatto

    Андрей

    Moldova

    20.03.2026

    Тур произвел неизгладимое впечатление благодаря уникальным монастырям, невероятными по красоте природным достопримечательностям, а также отлично спланированной и великолепно проведенной экскурсии гидом Эдуардом и профессионалом в своей области водителем Аро. Спасибо вам за незабываемые впечатления о прекрасной Армении!

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