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Private tour: Etchmiadzin, St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, Gata Making Masterclass, Voskeni Wine Factory

Itinerary

Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral, St. Hripsime Church, St. Gayane Church, Gata Making Masterclass, Voskeni Wine Factory

1. Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral

50-60 min Details: Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral
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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.

2. St. Hripsime Church

20-30 min Details: St. Hripsime Church
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Before the gates of ancient Etchmiadzin, on a sunlit hill, rises the Church of Saint Hripsime – a stone testament to a love for God stronger than fear or death. Legend speaks of the beautiful Hripsime, whose heart belonged not to earthly passions but to her faith. King Tiridates III, captivated by her beauty, offered her his hand and throne. Hripsime refused, choosing instead the path of devotion to Christ. Enraged, the king ordered her to be tortured and executed and the ground that drank her blood became sacred.

3. St. Gayane Church

20-30 min Details: St. Gayane Church
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Among the sacred landmarks of Etchmiadzin, the Church of Saint Gayane stands out as a quiet guardian of the memory of the first Christian martyrs. Rising just south of the Mother Cathedral, it marks the place where, according to tradition, the blood of Gayane, the mentor of Saint Hripsime, was shed in her ultimate testimony of faith.

Gata Making Masterclass

20-30 min Details: Gata Making Masterclass
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Gata is one of the most beloved and recognizable sweets of Armenian cuisine, holding a special place on festive tables for centuries. It can be baked in a traditional tonir or in an oven and its unique aroma and taste have made this dessert a true symbol of home comfort. Shaped like a pie, gata stands out for its filling known as "khoris": a delicate mixture of flour, butter, sugar and vanilla that gives it a crumbly, tender texture. Some recipes also include nuts, enriching the flavor and adding more depth.

4. Voskeni Wine Factory

100-120 min Details: Voskeni Wine Factory
Voskeni Wine Factory Voskeni Wine Factory Voskeni Wine Factory Voskeni Wine Factory Voskeni Wine Factory Voskeni Wine Factory Voskeni Wine Factory Voskeni Wine Factory Voskeni Wine Factory Voskeni Wine Factory Voskeni Wine Factory Voskeni Wine Factory Voskeni Wine Factory Voskeni Wine Factory Voskeni Wine Factory Voskeni Wine Factory Voskeni Wine Factory Voskeni Wine Factory
The history of this winery dates back to the early 1920s, when businessman Smbat Matevossian returned from Boston to his ancestral homeland and established a vineyard in the fertile Ararat Valley. However, turbulent political events soon led to its confiscation by the Bolsheviks and the dream was interrupted for decades. Only in 2008 did the descendants of Matevossian manage to reclaim the family vineyard and breathe new life into it, creating a modern winery where the traditions of the past are united with the innovations of the present.

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

  • Masterclass & tasting

Exclusions

  • Significant deviations from the route

  • Audio guides

  • Wi-Fi in the vehicles

What to expect

  • Admission price is calculated for the "Option 1" wine tasting package
  • Explore Etchmiadzin's sacred UNESCO-listed churches
  • Visit the Mother Cathedral, one of the earliest Christian cathedrals in the world
  • Learn the sweet secrets of Armenian gata during a hands-on masterclass
  • Finish with Armenian wine flavors at Voskeni wine factory

Booking conditions

Cancellation & modification

Meet our Guides

Alisa Grigoryan

Alisa Grigoryan

HY EN

Welcome! I'm Alisa, an experienced guide with a deep passion for the cultures of Armenia and Georgia. I look forward to sharing the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality of our region with you.

Mariam Dabaghyan

Mariam Dabaghyan

RU FR HY

Hello! I'm Mariam, and I've been working as a tour guide since 2019. If you enjoy tours that are rich in content yet easy-going and never boring, then we're on the same path!

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.

Reviews

Леонид Маргулис

Russia Russia

09.05.2024

Большое спасибо Лие и Артуру за индивидуальный тур в Эчмиэдзин и Зварнотц. Было очень познавательно и комфортно. Приятно было встретить настоящего знатока истории своего народа.

Андрей Калныш

Russia Russia

10.08.2022

Спасибо за отличную экскурсию по городу и в Эчмиадзин экскурсоводу Мане и отдельное огромное спасибо водителю Армену!

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