Private tour: Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral, Treasures Museum, Zvartnots, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank
Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral, Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum, Zvartnots Temple, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Lake Sevan
High in the embrace of Armenia's mountains lies Lake Sevan – the blue heart of the land, beating in harmony with the winds and the sun. Legend tells that once a green valley stretched here, until the heavens shed their tears, filling it with shimmering water as a priceless gift to humankind.
Today, this vast expanse, covering 1400 square kilometers, keeps the silence of centuries in its depths. Twenty-eight rivers bring their waters to Sevan, yet only one – the Hrazdan – carries them away, as if guarding the lake's precious wealth. Mountains rising to three thousand meters form its silent frame, while the crystal-clear water shifts from sky-blue to deep sapphire, mirroring the moods of the heavens. At dawn, the lake is brushed with gold; at sunset, it wears shades of crimson and violet, becoming a living mirror of the sky.
Since ancient times, Sevan has been revered as sacred – prayers were lifted on its shores, rituals were performed and blessings sought from its spirit. In its clear depths seems to dwell the very soul of Armenia – proud, pure and eternal. And if one listens closely to the gentle lapping of the waves, they may hear an ancient voice telling stories of a land where water and sky are bound forever by love.
Today, this vast expanse, covering 1400 square kilometers, keeps the silence of centuries in its depths. Twenty-eight rivers bring their waters to Sevan, yet only one – the Hrazdan – carries them away, as if guarding the lake's precious wealth. Mountains rising to three thousand meters form its silent frame, while the crystal-clear water shifts from sky-blue to deep sapphire, mirroring the moods of the heavens. At dawn, the lake is brushed with gold; at sunset, it wears shades of crimson and violet, becoming a living mirror of the sky.
Since ancient times, Sevan has been revered as sacred – prayers were lifted on its shores, rituals were performed and blessings sought from its spirit. In its clear depths seems to dwell the very soul of Armenia – proud, pure and eternal. And if one listens closely to the gentle lapping of the waves, they may hear an ancient voice telling stories of a land where water and sky are bound forever by love.
5. Sevanavank Monastery
50-60 min
From the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan, a breathtaking panorama unfolds: a peninsula rises from the shimmering surface, crowned with ancient temples. Here, in 874, at the command of Queen Mariam, daughter of King Ashot Bagratuni, the Sevanavank Monastery was built – the spiritual guardian of Armenia's blue jewel.
Against the boundless blue of the sky and the turquoise waters of Sevan, the churches of the Holy Apostles and the Holy Mother of God seem to float between earth and heaven. The stones of their walls have absorbed the whispers of monastic prayers, the murmur of winds and the chime of bells drifting over the water. For centuries, the monastery was not only a place of devotion but also a fortress shielding the peninsula from enemy raids. Legends tell of precious manuscripts and relics hidden within its walls, saved from times of peril.
Today, standing atop the peninsula, one can watch the light dance upon the waves while distant mountains embrace the majestic landscape. Sevanavank remains one of Armenia's most iconic symbols – a place where the beauty of nature and the grandeur of spiritual heritage merge into one.
Against the boundless blue of the sky and the turquoise waters of Sevan, the churches of the Holy Apostles and the Holy Mother of God seem to float between earth and heaven. The stones of their walls have absorbed the whispers of monastic prayers, the murmur of winds and the chime of bells drifting over the water. For centuries, the monastery was not only a place of devotion but also a fortress shielding the peninsula from enemy raids. Legends tell of precious manuscripts and relics hidden within its walls, saved from times of peril.
Today, standing atop the peninsula, one can watch the light dance upon the waves while distant mountains embrace the majestic landscape. Sevanavank remains one of Armenia's most iconic symbols – a place where the beauty of nature and the grandeur of spiritual heritage merge into one.
Inclusions
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Professional drivers
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Air-conditioned vehicles
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Bottled water
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Free pick-up & drop-off within Yerevan
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Vehicle & passengers insurance
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Extra stops on the route upon request
Exclusions
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Significant deviations from the route
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Alcoholic beverages if lunch option selected
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Audio guides
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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
- Visit one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia
*200 steps to climb to Sevanavank
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
Meet our Guides
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.
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.
Samvel Mkrtumyan
RU
HY
EN
Hi, I'm Samvel. With degrees in international relations and history, and years of connecting people from all walks of life, I've turned my passion for stories into guiding. I love revealing Armenia's hidden gems, sharing its quirky legends, and showcasing its breathtaking sights. It's fun, pal. Let's enjoy it together!
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