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    4. Saghmosavank, Hovhannavank, Etchmiadzin Cathedral and Museum, Zvartnots

    Private tour: Saghmosavank, Hovhannavank, Etchmiadzin Cathedral and Museum, Zvartnots

    Itinerary

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

    1. Saghmosavank Monastery

    30-40 min Details: Saghmosavank Monastery
    Saghmosavank Monastery – photo 1 Saghmosavank Monastery – photo 2 Saghmosavank Monastery – photo 3 Saghmosavank Monastery – photo 4 Saghmosavank Monastery – photo 5 Saghmosavank Monastery – photo 6 Saghmosavank Monastery – photo 7 Saghmosavank Monastery – photo 8 Saghmosavank Monastery – photo 9 Saghmosavank Monastery – photo 10 Saghmosavank Monastery – photo 11 Saghmosavank Monastery – photo 12 Saghmosavank Monastery – photo 13 Saghmosavank Monastery – photo 14 Saghmosavank Monastery – photo 15 Saghmosavank Monastery – photo 16 Saghmosavank Monastery – photo 17 Saghmosavank Monastery – photo 18
    On the edge of the scenic Kasakh Gorge, just north of Mughni, 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 Details: Hovhannavank Monastery
    Hovhannavank Monastery – photo 1 Hovhannavank Monastery – photo 2 Hovhannavank Monastery – photo 3 Hovhannavank Monastery – photo 4 Hovhannavank Monastery – photo 5 Hovhannavank Monastery – photo 6 Hovhannavank Monastery – photo 7 Hovhannavank Monastery – photo 8 Hovhannavank Monastery – photo 9 Hovhannavank Monastery – photo 10 Hovhannavank Monastery – photo 11 Hovhannavank Monastery – photo 12 Hovhannavank Monastery – photo 13 Hovhannavank Monastery – photo 14 Hovhannavank Monastery – photo 15 Hovhannavank Monastery – photo 16 Hovhannavank Monastery – photo 17 Hovhannavank Monastery – photo 18
    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 Details: Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral
    Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 1 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 2 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 3 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 4 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 5 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 6 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 7 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 8 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 9 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 10 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 11 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 12 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 13 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 14 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 15 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 16 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 17 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 18 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 19 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 20 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 21 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 22 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 23 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 24 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 25
    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 Details: Treasures of Etchmiadzin Museum
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    In the southeastern wing of the ancient Etchmiadzin Cathedral lies one of the most sacred places of Armenian spirituality – the "Treasures of Etchmiadzin" museum. 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 Details: Zvartnots Temple
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    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

    • Admire Saghmosavank and Hovhannavank above the impressive Kasakh Gorge
    • Continue to Etchmiadzin, the sacred center of Armenian Christianity
    • Visit the Mother Cathedral and see treasured relics connected with Armenian spiritual heritage
    • End at Zvartnots, where 7th-century architecture still feels majestic in ruins

    Booking conditions

    Cancellation & modification

    Meet our Guides

    Anahit Ghazaryan

    Anahit Ghazaryan

    RU

    My name is Anahit Ghazaryan, and since 2015 I have been in a state of love! I am in love with Armenia, and I always want to talk about it! Come visit! I guarantee it will be beautiful, easy, delicious, and fun! Let's discover Armenia together, enjoy it, and fall in love! I don't like legends and tell them only when absolutely necessary, and only those that feature real historical figures! Since I was born in the middle of the last century, I talk about some events not as a historian, but as a witness!

    Armine Julhakyan

    Armine Julhakyan

    RU HY

    Hello! I'm Armine, your guide in Armenia. With me, you'll discover not only the famous landmarks but also the hidden gems of my country.

    Arpine Khalatyan

    Arpine Khalatyan

    RU HY EN

    My name is Arpi. With experience in guiding since 2015, fluency in English and Russian, and a wealth of knowledge in history and culture, I offer engaging and informative tours during which you'll explore Armenia and feel the greatest vibes ever.

    Davit Hasratyan

    Davit Hasratyan

    RU HY

    I'm Davit, a history teacher, amateur actor, and since 2010, a guide at "Hyur Service"! I love my country and strive to make every tour I conduct leave an unforgettable impression on our guests, making them want to come back again and again!

    Reviews

    Василий

    Russia

    23.10.2024

    Auto-translated

    We went on an excursion to Echmiadzin Cathedral with our guide Ani and driver Karen. Ani is a very engaging storyteller and knows an incredible amount. She gives lots of information and answers questions in detail. But the tour was still easygoing, and we didn’t feel tired. And Ani is simply a very pleasant person to talk to. I’d also like to mention our driver Karen—he drives carefully, the car was clean, and there was water. We really enjoyed it and will definitely use the services of Yur Service again, and of the wonderful Ani and Karen.

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