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Aruch Cathedral, Marmashen, Gyumri, Dzitoghtsyan Museum, Harichavank

Private tour: Aruch Cathedral, Marmashen, Gyumri, Dzitoghtsyan Museum, Harichavank

Full-day

Historical & Heritage

Full-day

Duration: 11-12 hours

Mileage: 310 km

This private tour offers a rich program built around the stories of centuries-old Armenia, combining early medieval churches, graceful monastic architecture and the cultural atmosphere of Gyumri. The first stop is Aruch Cathedral, one of the largest churches of the 7th century: its dome has not survived, so the open sky now crowns the church, while the surrounding ruins recall the once active life of this historic site. The next stop is Marmashen Monastery, remarkable for its elegant proportions, harmonious stonework and quiet majesty.

A sightseeing tour of Gyumri, one of Armenia's main cultural centers, includes a walk through the city's old streets, where many historic buildings still preserve the spirit of 19th-century architecture. You will also visit the Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan), which introduces the everyday life, culture and traditions of old Gyumri. The final stop is Harichavank Monastery, located on a rocky promontory on the western slope of Mount Aragats and known as an important medieval spiritual center.

Deposit

To secure the booking, you can pay just 15% of the tour price.

Cancellation

In case of cancellation or no-show, 15% of the tour price is not refunded.

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Number of people

Please, include also children and infants

This tour can be realized for maximum 20 people in one group, if guide service is required.

Guide

Vehicle – Photos

Start date & time

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Admissions to attractions:

(Total: 11.08 USD)

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Pay myself on spot

(18.01 USD per person)

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Total price

pers.
Start date:
Admissions included
Lunch included

0 USD

153 USD

(until 12th July)

pers.

To secure the booking you can pay just 15% deposit:

22.90 USD

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Itinerary

Aruch Cathedral, Marmashen Monastery, Gyumri, Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan), Harichavank Monastery

1. Aruch Cathedral

20-30 min Details: Aruch Cathedral

Fifty kilometers from Yerevan, in the quiet village of Aruch, rises one of the largest churches of medieval Armenia – the majestic Cathedral of St. Gregory. Built in the 7th century, it still preserves the grandeur of its era, when Armenian architecture was reaching new heights. Once crowned with a massive dome, the church now stands beneath the open sky, which has become its new canopy, as if continuing the frescoes that still gleam on its ancient walls.

2. Marmashen Monastery

30-40 min Details: Marmashen Monastery

On the high bank of the Akhuryan River, where the plain stretches wide and silent, rises Marmashen – one of Armenia's most impressive monastic complexes. It was founded by Prince Vahram Pahlavuni, who envisioned a sanctuary that would unite the grandeur of faith with the elegance of stone art. Construction began in 986 and lasted more than four decades, until in 1029 the monastery appeared in its completed harmony.

3. Gyumri

90-110 min Details: Gyumri

In the heart of the Shirak Valley, where cold winds carry the fragrance of the steppe, lies Gyumri – a city where the past and present breathe in unison. Its old streets are like the pages of an ancient book, each door, stone and balcony preserving stories passed down through generations.

4. Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan)

50-60 min Details: Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan)

In the old quarters of Gyumri, among narrow streets and stone houses, stands a mansion of fiery red tuff – like a sunset frozen in stone. Built in 1872 by wealthy merchant Petros Dzitoghtsyan, it once embodied the city's pride, hosting lively receptions, family celebrations and quiet evenings in the glow of oil lamps. Its walls have witnessed the passing of eras, yet still hold the warmth and brilliance of the time when Gyumri thrived as a hub of merchant wealth and cultural splendor.

5. Harichavank Monastery

20-30 min Details: Harichavank Monastery

On the western slope of the mighty Mount Aragats, hidden among rugged cliffs and windswept ridges, lies Harichavank – an ancient monastery that still breathes the spirit of centuries. Experts trace its origins back to the 7th century, when the first walls of the complex rose skyward as a testament to faith and spiritual strength. In the 13th century, the monastery gained a church and a narthex, becoming an important religious center, while in the 19th century it served as the summer residence of the Armenian Catholicoi, further enhancing its significance.

Inclusions

Professional drivers
Air-conditioned vehicles
Bottled water
Free pick-up & drop-off within Yerevan
Vehicle & passengers insurance
Extra stops on the route upon request

Exclusions

Significant deviations from the route
Alcoholic beverages if lunch option selected
Audio guides
Wi-Fi in the vehicles

What to expect

Travel through the history and architecture of Shirak Province
Admire the grandeur of medieval churches from Aruch to Marmashen and Harichavank
Stroll through old Gyumri streets filled with art, character and film memories
Discover the city's traditions at the Dzitoghtsyan Museum

Meet our Guides

Mariam Margaryan

HY EN

With over 13 years of professional experience leading diverse international groups, I don’t just show travelers a destination – I help them live it. My tours bridge cultural history, authentic food and wine traditions and the active adventure of scenic hiking.

Anna Gabrielyan

Ready to discover the colors of Armenia? I will reveal them to you through its historic sites, remarkable monuments, as well as its traditional songs and dances. Let our adventure begin!

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.

Anahit Aslanyan

Education – musical-pedagogical and cultural studies. I have worked in the fields of tourism, education, and culture in Russia and Armenia. Currently, I work as a guide at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and in the company "Hyur Service". As a person with a humanities education and a cultural studies mindset, I strive to present my homeland as comprehensively as possible so that visitors gain a general impression of the history and art of the Armenian people. I pay special attention to mental and cultural characteristics to make every visitor's stay in Armenia comfortable and positive. I continue to study and share new knowledge.

Reviews

Шахназарян Рубен

Russia

22.07.2025

Добрый день! Отличные впечатления от экскурсии в Гюмри и Аричаванк 22 июля 2025 года. Великолепная программа, профессиональное сопровождение гида Давида Асратяна. Весь день провели с ним и водителем Кареном, которые настолько приукрасили тур, что не хотелось расставаться. Питание в ресторане "Фаэтон" также на высоком уровне. Вообщем все прекрасно. Огромное спасибо Давиду, Карену и компании Hyurservice. Всего вам хорошего, процветания и до новых встреч. До свидания.

Роберт Григорян

Armenia

05.05.2024

Армения очень древняя, очень красивая страна. Народ добрый, отзывчивый и очень продвинутый. Всё очень вкусно и круто.
Советую путешествовать по Армении через тур агенство Hyur.Хочу поблагодарить гиду умнице и красавице Марине и профи водителю Норика. Спасибо большое. Уже знаем, только будем путешествовать с Вами.

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Private tour: Aruch Cathedral, Marmashen, Gyumri, Dzitoghtsyan Museum, Harichavank

Itinerary