0
  1. Home
  2. Tours
  3. Private Tours
  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 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 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 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 Details: 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 Details: 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 "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
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

  • 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

Raffi Halajian

Raffi Halajian

HY EN AR

I'm Raffi, and I'm happy to meet you and be your friend during your tour in Armenia. Being born Armenian and having lived in Syria, my work as a tour guide holds special meaning for my guests. I share the experiences of Armenians living abroad and how they have managed to preserve their heritage there.

Anush Gevorgyan

Anush Gevorgyan

HY EN ES

With a deep love for my country and a true passion for storytelling, I bring every tour to life through enthusiasm and local insights. Whether it's uncovering hidden gems or sharing fascinating history, I make every experience unforgettable. Join me on a journey filled with culture, adventure, and authentic moments – you'll leave with amazing memories and a new appreciation for this beautiful destination!

Liana Karapetyan

Liana Karapetyan

HY IT

I am Liana Karapetyan – for Italians, Liliana. I have many years of experience as a tour guide and even longer experience as an Italian language translator. Why choose me? If you want to create unforgettable memories from your trip to Armenia, I am ready to help you do so.

Anna Martirosyan

Anna Martirosyan

HY EN

Hi everyone! I'm Anna, and I've been working as a tour guide since 2013. If you're ready to discover Armenia, I'll turn it into an exciting and unforgettable journey. My tours offer a full immersion into the culture, history, religion, and traditions of the Armenian people. My goal is that by the end of your trip, you'll fall in love with Armenia and want to come back again!

Reviews

Василий

Russia Russia

23.10.2024

Ездили на экскурсию в Эчмиадзинский собор в сопровождении экскурсовода Ани и водителя Карена. Ани очень интересно рассказывает и потрясающе много знает, информации дает много, подробно отвечает на вопросы. Но при этом эксурсия получилась легкой и не было ощущения усталости. Ну и просто Ани очень приятный в общении человек. Также хочу отметить водителя Карена - вождение аккуратное, машина чистая, есть вода. Нам очень понравилось, обязательно еще воспользуемся услугами Йур сервис, и замечательных Ани и Карена

You might also like...

Contact us

We use "Cookies" to enhance your browsing experience and improve website performance. Find out more about "Cookies" in "Privacy Policy" section. By using this website, you accept our use of "Cookies".