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Private tour: Saghmosavank, Hovhannavank, Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral, Museum, Zvartnots

Itinerary

Saghmosavank Monastery, Hovhannavank Monastery, Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral, Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum, Zvartnots Temple

1. Saghmosavank Monastery

30-40 min Read more: Saghmosavank Monastery
Saghmosavank Monastery Saghmosavank Monastery Saghmosavank Monastery Saghmosavank Monastery Saghmosavank Monastery Saghmosavank Monastery Saghmosavank Monastery Saghmosavank Monastery Saghmosavank Monastery Saghmosavank Monastery Saghmosavank Monastery Saghmosavank Monastery Saghmosavank Monastery Saghmosavank Monastery Saghmosavank Monastery Saghmosavank Monastery Saghmosavank Monastery Saghmosavank Monastery
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.

2. Hovhannavank Monastery

30-40 min Read more: Hovhannavank Monastery
Hovhannavank Monastery Hovhannavank Monastery Hovhannavank Monastery Hovhannavank Monastery Hovhannavank Monastery Hovhannavank Monastery Hovhannavank Monastery Hovhannavank Monastery Hovhannavank Monastery Hovhannavank Monastery Hovhannavank Monastery Hovhannavank Monastery Hovhannavank Monastery Hovhannavank Monastery Hovhannavank Monastery Hovhannavank Monastery Hovhannavank Monastery Hovhannavank Monastery
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.

3. Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral

50-60 min Read more: Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral
Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral
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.

4. Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum

20-30 min Read more: Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum
Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum
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.

5. Zvartnots Temple

30-40 min Read more: Zvartnots Temple
Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple Zvartnots Temple
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.

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

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

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

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.

Tigran Balyan

Tigran Balyan

RU HY EN

Hello, I am Tigran a guide in my wonderful and lovely Armenia ❤️ I am guiding in my country and with this passion I can share kindness, joy and smiles to my tourists. My experience is already 7 plus years and I enjoy architecture, wine and mountains in amazing Armenia.

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