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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
    St. Hripsime Church – photo 1 St. Hripsime Church – photo 2 St. Hripsime Church – photo 3 St. Hripsime Church – photo 4 St. Hripsime Church – photo 5 St. Hripsime Church – photo 6 St. Hripsime Church – photo 7 St. Hripsime Church – photo 8 St. Hripsime Church – photo 9 St. Hripsime Church – photo 10 St. Hripsime Church – photo 11 St. Hripsime Church – photo 12 St. Hripsime Church – photo 13 St. Hripsime Church – photo 14 St. Hripsime Church – photo 15 St. Hripsime Church – photo 16 St. Hripsime Church – photo 17 St. Hripsime Church – photo 18 St. Hripsime Church – photo 19 St. Hripsime Church – photo 20 St. Hripsime Church – photo 21
    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
    St. Gayane Church – photo 1 St. Gayane Church – photo 2 St. Gayane Church – photo 3 St. Gayane Church – photo 4 St. Gayane Church – photo 5 St. Gayane Church – photo 6 St. Gayane Church – photo 7 St. Gayane Church – photo 8 St. Gayane Church – photo 9 St. Gayane Church – photo 10 St. Gayane Church – photo 11 St. Gayane Church – photo 12 St. Gayane Church – photo 13 St. Gayane Church – photo 14 St. Gayane Church – photo 15 St. Gayane Church – photo 16 St. Gayane Church – photo 17 St. Gayane Church – photo 18 St. Gayane Church – photo 19 St. Gayane Church – photo 20
    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
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    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

    Ani Mshecyan

    Ani Mshecyan

    RU

    Good afternoon, dear friends! I'm a Russian-speaking tour guide since 2023, offering tours around Armenia. My main priority is the interests and preferences of our guests. Each tour is customized individually and takes place in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. The excursions are as engaging, creative, and informative as possible. I'll be happy to meet you and share my knowledge about our beautiful country.

    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.

    Reviews

    Леонид Маргулис

    Russia

    09.05.2024

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    Many thanks to Lia and Artur for the private tour of Etchmiadzin and Zvartnots. It was very informative and comfortable. It was a pleasure to meet a true expert on the history of his people.

    Андрей Калныш

    Russia

    10.08.2022

    Auto-translated

    Thank you to our guide Mane for the excellent city tour and the trip to Etchmiadzin, and a huge special thank-you to our driver Armen!

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