Group tour:Saghmosavank, Hovhannavank, Wine & Gastro Yard, Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral, Zvartnots Temple
Signature Tour
Saghmosavank Monastery, Hovhannavank Monastery, Wine & Gastro Yard (Lunch stop), Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin, Zvartnots Temple
1. Saghmosavank Monastery
Attraction page
5 km far from Hovhanavank monastery, on the edge of Kasakh river canyon, in the 13th century Vachutian dukes built Saghmosavank monastery. The main church is adjacent to the scriptorium, where many manuscripts have been produced during centuries. Saghmosavank underwent the devastating influence of the earthquake in 1988. The reconstruction, completed in 2000, returned the church its beauty and glory.
2. Hovhannavank Monastery
Attraction page
Hovhannavank monastery bears the name of John the Baptist. The oldest church here is the one-naved basilica, built in the 5th century. In the 13th century, under the patronage of Vachutian dukes, new buildings were added. The portal of the main church, which is embellished with evangelical motifs, is of great interest.
Lunch stop
Optional lunch in the local traditional restaurant on own expense. One may choose between 3 different options:
Option 1 (vegeterian) – 3500 AMD per person
Option 2 – 3900 AMD per person
Option 3 – 4500 AMD per person
Option 1 (vegeterian) – 3500 AMD per person
Option 2 – 3900 AMD per person
Option 3 – 4500 AMD per person
3. Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin
Attraction page
The center of Armenian Apostolic church – St. Echmiadzin is located 20 km far from Yerevan. The Cathedral of Echmiadzin was founded at the beginning of the fourth century and is one of the oldest churches in the world. According to the legend, the church was built in the place where apparition of Jesus Christ was seen to Gregory The Illuminator in the dream. The interior of the church is covered with frescoes, created by Hovnatanyan family. The residence of the Catholicos and the Theological Academy are situated near the Cathedral. Starting from the end of 2018 year till the present day reconstruction works are being carried out, thus the visit of Mother Cathedral currently is foreseen only from outside. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
4. Zvartnots Temple
Attraction page
This marvelous temple is a result of skillfulness and brave creativity of Armenian architects of the 7th century. Having been built on several columns, it was able to survive only till the 10th century. When in the beginning of the 20th century this site was being excavated, many specialists could hardly accept its reconstruction model, designed by famous Armenian architect Toros Toramanyan, as it was difficult to believe, that such a huge and complicated construction could have been built those days, and amazingly at that time one of the bas-relieves of St. Chapelle church in Paris came to prove Toramanyan's version; the bas-relief depicts Zvartnots temple with Noah's Ark and it looks like the model, represented by the architect. The site is included in UNESCO Cultural World Heritage List.
Inclusions
- Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively
- Air-conditioned vehicles
- Bottled water & pastries
- Admission tickets
- WiFi in the vehicles
- Vehicle & passengers insurance
- Wine tasting
Exclusions
- Lunch cost (3 500 AMD – 4 500 AMD)
- Hotel drop-off after return to Yerevan
What to expect
- Discover ancient monasteries set high above the scenic Kasakh Gorge, offering stunning views
- Enjoy the authentic flavors of Armenian wines and traditional cuisine in a warm atmosphere
- Explore the spiritual center of Armenia and one of the world's oldest Christian cathedrals
- Visit the historic remains of this 7th-century UNESCO World Heritage site
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
