Private tour: Saghmosavank, Hovhannavank, Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral, Museum, Zvartnots
Saghmosavank Monastery, Hovhannavank Monastery, Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral, Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum, Zvartnots Temple
1. Saghmosavank Monastery
30-40 min
On the edge of the scenic Kasagh Gorge, just north of Mugni, rises Saghmosavank the Monastery of Psalms, a name that itself sounds like a prayer. Founded in the 12th-13th centuries by the noble Vachutyan family, it became not only a spiritual haven but also a sanctuary where priceless manuscripts were copied and preserved. The complex is composed of four structures: the grand main Church of Saint Zion, a narthex, a spacious library and the modest Chapel of the Holy Mother of God. Perched above the abyss of the gorge, Saghmosavank's stone walls have witnessed the passage of centuries, holding within them the strength of countless prayers and the quiet rhythm of nature's voice.
In 1988, an earthquake struck, inflicting serious damage and it seemed the monastery would fall silent for years. Yet in 1998, a great restoration began and by December 2000, the monastery stood reborn in all its beauty.
Today, Saghmosavank greets travelers with sweeping views of mountains and canyon, while within its walls reigns a deep, resonant stillness, as if the land itself is singing an eternal psalm. Standing at the cliff's edge, overlooking the boundless valley, one feels this is a place made for prayer, reflection and profound inner peace.
In 1988, an earthquake struck, inflicting serious damage and it seemed the monastery would fall silent for years. Yet in 1998, a great restoration began and by December 2000, the monastery stood reborn in all its beauty.
Today, Saghmosavank greets travelers with sweeping views of mountains and canyon, while within its walls reigns a deep, resonant stillness, as if the land itself is singing an eternal psalm. Standing at the cliff's edge, overlooking the boundless valley, one feels this is a place made for prayer, reflection and profound inner peace.
2. Hovhannavank Monastery
30-40 min
On the slopes of the picturesque Aragatsotn region, in the village of Ohanavan, Hovhannavank monastery rises – an ancient sanctuary whose story reaches deep into the past. According to tradition, the first structures appeared here as early as the 5th century, when the Christian faith in Armenia was only beginning to take shape in stone. Through the centuries, the monastery was rebuilt many times, preserving within its walls the memory of different eras and patrons.
The main church was erected later, between 1212 and 1221, by the order of Prince Vache Vachutyan, one of the prominent figures of a powerful noble family. His son, Kurd Vachutyan, continued his father's work by adding a chapel to the complex, thus giving the monastery its completed form.
Particularly remarkable is the bas-relief above the entrance to the main church: scenes from the Gospel carved into stone, striking in both concept and craftsmanship. Each figure and contour seems to come alive in the glow of the setting sun, turning the monastery into a "stone book" that opens the pages of the Holy Scriptures.
Today, Hovhannavank not only preserves the grandeur of the past but also remains a place of spiritual inspiration. Its austere walls and exquisite carvings invite visitors to touch eternity, where stone and faith are bound as one.
The main church was erected later, between 1212 and 1221, by the order of Prince Vache Vachutyan, one of the prominent figures of a powerful noble family. His son, Kurd Vachutyan, continued his father's work by adding a chapel to the complex, thus giving the monastery its completed form.
Particularly remarkable is the bas-relief above the entrance to the main church: scenes from the Gospel carved into stone, striking in both concept and craftsmanship. Each figure and contour seems to come alive in the glow of the setting sun, turning the monastery into a "stone book" that opens the pages of the Holy Scriptures.
Today, Hovhannavank not only preserves the grandeur of the past but also remains a place of spiritual inspiration. Its austere walls and exquisite carvings invite visitors to touch eternity, where stone and faith are bound as one.
3. Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral
50-60 min
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.
Erected in the 4th century, soon after Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion, it has stood as a symbol of faith and everlasting hope. Its walls have witnessed coronations and mourning rites, heard the prayers of kings and humble pilgrims alike and each stone carries the breath of centuries.
Surrounding the cathedral stand three churches Saint Hripsime, Saint Gayane and Saint Shoghakat built in honor of martyred virgins whose sacrifice consecrated this land. Inside, the air is infused with the scent of incense, the gentle glow of oil lamps and the murmurs of age-old prayers. Here, time loses its grip and one feels part of a greater story, where faith, sacrifice and love are bound together.
Today, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, Etchmiadzin continues to shine as a spiritual beacon guiding countless hearts.
Erected in the 4th century, soon after Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion, it has stood as a symbol of faith and everlasting hope. Its walls have witnessed coronations and mourning rites, heard the prayers of kings and humble pilgrims alike and each stone carries the breath of centuries.
Surrounding the cathedral stand three churches Saint Hripsime, Saint Gayane and Saint Shoghakat built in honor of martyred virgins whose sacrifice consecrated this land. Inside, the air is infused with the scent of incense, the gentle glow of oil lamps and the murmurs of age-old prayers. Here, time loses its grip and one feels part of a greater story, where faith, sacrifice and love are bound together.
Today, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, Etchmiadzin continues to shine as a spiritual beacon guiding countless hearts.
4. Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum
20-30 min
In the southeastern wing of the ancient Etchmiadzin Cathedral lies one of the most sacred places of Armenian spirituality the Museum of the "Treasures of Etchmiadzin". It is more than a collection of relics; it is a sanctuary of memory where centuries-old faith and legend take on tangible form.
Here are preserved relics revered through generations. Among them is the Holy Geghard, the legendary spear that pierced Christ's side at Golgotha, encased in a refined silver reliquary. Nearby rests a fragment of Noah's Ark, enclosed in a reliquary crafted in 1698. These sacred objects symbolize not only faith but also the eternal quest for truth that has inspired the Armenian people for centuries.
According to tradition, the relic with the fragment of the Ark was entrusted to St. James of Nisibis as early as the 4th century. Desiring to climb Mount Ararat and find the Ark itself, he began his journey. But high on the slopes, he fell into a divine sleep and an angel of the Lord placed the reliquary by his head, commanding in a dream: "Awake, take this relic and descend for the Ark shall remain with you". Thus, the legend of Noah's Ark found a new home on Armenian soil.
The museum's richness does not end there. Excavations beneath the Holy Altar revealed remnants of the earliest altar, dating back to 301-303 AD the very time when St. Gregory the Illuminator laid the foundations of Armenia's first Christian church.
Today, the Museum of the "Treasures of Etchmiadzin" is more than an exhibition; it is a living chronicle of faith, where the past speaks to the present and every relic breathes eternity.
Here are preserved relics revered through generations. Among them is the Holy Geghard, the legendary spear that pierced Christ's side at Golgotha, encased in a refined silver reliquary. Nearby rests a fragment of Noah's Ark, enclosed in a reliquary crafted in 1698. These sacred objects symbolize not only faith but also the eternal quest for truth that has inspired the Armenian people for centuries.
According to tradition, the relic with the fragment of the Ark was entrusted to St. James of Nisibis as early as the 4th century. Desiring to climb Mount Ararat and find the Ark itself, he began his journey. But high on the slopes, he fell into a divine sleep and an angel of the Lord placed the reliquary by his head, commanding in a dream: "Awake, take this relic and descend for the Ark shall remain with you". Thus, the legend of Noah's Ark found a new home on Armenian soil.
The museum's richness does not end there. Excavations beneath the Holy Altar revealed remnants of the earliest altar, dating back to 301-303 AD the very time when St. Gregory the Illuminator laid the foundations of Armenia's first Christian church.
Today, the Museum of the "Treasures of Etchmiadzin" is more than an exhibition; it is a living chronicle of faith, where the past speaks to the present and every relic breathes eternity.
5. Zvartnots Temple
30-40 min
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.
It wasn't until the early 20th century that renowned architect Toros Toramanian, during archaeological excavations, pieced together its image from scattered fragments, offering a daring reconstruction. Many scholars of the era doubted such a monumental structure could have been built in the 7th century. The unexpected proof came from France: a relief in Paris's Sainte-Chapelle depicting Zvartnots with Noah's Ark in the background, perfectly matching Toramanian's vision.
Its name means "Temple of the Vigilant Angels" – and even now, in ruins, it preserves the majesty of its age. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Zvartnots remains a place where stones whisper stories and the imagination rebuilds a miracle lost to time.
It wasn't until the early 20th century that renowned architect Toros Toramanian, during archaeological excavations, pieced together its image from scattered fragments, offering a daring reconstruction. Many scholars of the era doubted such a monumental structure could have been built in the 7th century. The unexpected proof came from France: a relief in Paris's Sainte-Chapelle depicting Zvartnots with Noah's Ark in the background, perfectly matching Toramanian's vision.
Its name means "Temple of the Vigilant Angels" – and even now, in ruins, it preserves the majesty of its age. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Zvartnots remains a place where stones whisper stories and the imagination rebuilds a miracle lost to time.
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
- Explore incredible UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites
- See the very first Christian cathedral in the World
- Take a look at the Holy Lance and relics of Noah's Ark
- Discover ancient monasteries set high above the scenic Kasakh Gorge, offering stunning views
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
Meet our Guides
Arev Makhsudyan
HY
EN
My name is Arev (which means "Sun"). I am an English-speaking tour guide in Armenia, working since 2018. If you choose me as your guide, you will learn a lot about Armenian history, nature, culture, and traditions – and as a bonus, I'll perform Armenian traditional folk songs for you.
Melania Hakobyan
FR
HY
I am Melania Hakobyan, a member of the Armenian Association of Professional Guides and the Armenian Tourism Federation. Since 2017, I have had the honor of accompanying tourists and official delegations, presenting not only Armenia's ancient history but also the warmth and legendary hospitality of my people. Guiding is not just a profession for me; it is a mission to represent my homeland with pride and love. If you wish to discover Armenia not through the eyes of a tourist but through the soul of an Armenian, it would be a great honor for me to accompany you.
Arevik Avetisyan
HY
DE
I'm Arevik Avetisyan, German-speaking tour guide. Why choose me? My deep knowledge of Armenia’s heritage, combined with fluent German communication and sense of humour, ensures an engaging and fun experience for every guest. With me as your guide, the guests will discover Armenia not just through sights, but through authentic stories, local connections, and unforgettable moments.
Hayk Harutyunyan
RU
HY
EN
AR
Dear friends! We work for 11 months in order to have 22 days vacation, and you've decided to choose Armenia to turn your vacation into a holiday! Our team has prepared everything to provide the best service, and with me, you'll unzip Armenia's picturesque beauty, architectural and natural monuments, as well learn a lot about the history and geography, economics and social issues, culture, and nature of our Homeland.
You might also like...
