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

    Itinerary

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

    1. Aruch Cathedral

    20-30 min Details: Aruch Cathedral
    Aruch Cathedral – photo 1 Aruch Cathedral – photo 2 Aruch Cathedral – photo 3 Aruch Cathedral – photo 4 Aruch Cathedral – photo 5 Aruch Cathedral – photo 6 Aruch Cathedral – photo 7 Aruch Cathedral – photo 8 Aruch Cathedral – photo 9 Aruch Cathedral – photo 10 Aruch Cathedral – photo 11 Aruch Cathedral – photo 12 Aruch Cathedral – photo 13 Aruch Cathedral – photo 14 Aruch Cathedral – photo 15 Aruch Cathedral – photo 16 Aruch Cathedral – photo 17 Aruch Cathedral – photo 18 Aruch Cathedral – photo 19 Aruch Cathedral – photo 20 Aruch Cathedral – photo 21 Aruch Cathedral – photo 22 Aruch Cathedral – photo 23
    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
    Marmashen Monastery – photo 1 Marmashen Monastery – photo 2 Marmashen Monastery – photo 3 Marmashen Monastery – photo 4 Marmashen Monastery – photo 5 Marmashen Monastery – photo 6 Marmashen Monastery – photo 7 Marmashen Monastery – photo 8 Marmashen Monastery – photo 9 Marmashen Monastery – photo 10 Marmashen Monastery – photo 11 Marmashen Monastery – photo 12 Marmashen Monastery – photo 13 Marmashen Monastery – photo 14 Marmashen Monastery – photo 15 Marmashen Monastery – photo 16 Marmashen Monastery – photo 17 Marmashen Monastery – photo 18 Marmashen Monastery – photo 19 Marmashen Monastery – photo 20 Marmashen Monastery – photo 21
    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
    Gyumri – photo 1 Gyumri – photo 2 Gyumri – photo 3 Gyumri – photo 4 Gyumri – photo 5 Gyumri – photo 6 Gyumri – photo 7 Gyumri – photo 8 Gyumri – photo 9 Gyumri – photo 10 Gyumri – photo 11 Gyumri – photo 12 Gyumri – photo 13 Gyumri – photo 14 Gyumri – photo 15 Gyumri – photo 16 Gyumri – photo 17 Gyumri – photo 18 Gyumri – photo 19 Gyumri – photo 20 Gyumri – photo 21 Gyumri – photo 22 Gyumri – photo 23 Gyumri – photo 24 Gyumri – photo 25 Gyumri – photo 26 Gyumri – photo 27 Gyumri – photo 28 Gyumri – photo 29 Gyumri – photo 30 Gyumri – photo 31 Gyumri – photo 32 Gyumri – photo 33 Gyumri – photo 34 Gyumri – photo 35 Gyumri – photo 36 Gyumri – photo 37 Gyumri – photo 38 Gyumri – photo 39
    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)
    Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 1 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 2 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 3 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 4 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 5 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 6 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 7 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 8 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 9 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 10 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 11 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 12 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 13 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 14 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 15 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 16 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 17 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 18 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 19 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 20 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 21 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 22 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 23 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 24 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 25 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 26 Gyumri Urban Life Museum (Dzitoghtsyan) – photo 27
    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
    Harichavank Monastery – photo 1 Harichavank Monastery – photo 2 Harichavank Monastery – photo 3 Harichavank Monastery – photo 4 Harichavank Monastery – photo 5 Harichavank Monastery – photo 6 Harichavank Monastery – photo 7 Harichavank Monastery – photo 8 Harichavank Monastery – photo 9 Harichavank Monastery – photo 10 Harichavank Monastery – photo 11 Harichavank Monastery – photo 12 Harichavank Monastery – photo 13 Harichavank Monastery – photo 14 Harichavank Monastery – photo 15
    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

    Booking conditions

    Cancellation & modification

    Meet our Guides

    Mariam Margaryan

    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

    Anna Gabrielyan

    FR

    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!

    Anahit Iskoyan

    Anahit Iskoyan

    RU HY EN

    Hello, I'm Anahit. My job is not just to accompany you, but to tell the story of Armenia so that even the oldest stones begin to speak. I believe that every journey can become a memory when it passes through the heart. And with that very heart, I want to show you Armenia – its history, legends, and human warmth. If you want your tour to be more than just a list of facts but a true encounter with the country, I'll be happy to be your guide.

    Arpine Avetisyan

    Arpine Avetisyan

    EN ES

    I am Arpine. With the greatest love I help my tourists to discover all the shades of the beauty of Armenia, to experience unique moments, to feel at home and to have the wish to come back again.

    Reviews

    Шахназарян Рубен

    Russia

    22.07.2025

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    Good afternoon! I have wonderful memories of the excursion to Gyumri and Harichavank on July 22, 2025. An excellent program and professional guidance from our guide, David Asratyan. We spent the whole day with him and driver Karen, who made the tour so wonderful that we didn’t want to say goodbye. The food at Faeton restaurant was also excellent. All in all, everything was wonderful. Huge thanks to David, Karen, and Hyurservice. Wishing you all the best and continued success, and until we meet again. Goodbye.

    Роберт Григорян

    Armenia

    05.05.2024

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    Armenia is a very ancient, very beautiful country. The people are kind, helpful, and very progressive. Everything is delicious and amazing.
    I recommend traveling around Armenia with the Hyur travel agency. I’d like to thank our brilliant and beautiful guide Marina and our professional driver Norik. Thank you so much. We already know—we’ll only travel with you from now on.

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