Private tour: St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Sardarapat Museum, Zvartnots

Itinerary

St. Hripsime Church, St. Gayane Church, Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral, Sardarapat Memorial & Museum, Zvartnots Temple

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Sardarapat Memorial & Museum

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In May 1918, on the plains of Sardarapat, a battle took place that determined the fate of the Armenian nation. Here, Armenian soldiers and volunteers, gathering their last strength, won a brilliant victory over the Ottoman army, preventing Armenia from disappearing from the map of the world. Half a century later, in 1968, the grand Sardarapat Memorial was erected near the city of Armavir to honor the heroes of that struggle.

5. 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

Booking conditions

Cancellation & modification

Meet our Guides

Gayane Movsisyan

Gayane Movsisyan

HY EN

Hi! I am Gayane Movsisyan, a tour guide since 2017. I work with great enthusiasm, eager to present my country in the best possible way and to create unforgettable moments for our guests.

Inna Hovhannisyan

Inna Hovhannisyan

RU

My name is Inna – and yours? Let's get to know each other! Come to Armenia, and believe me, you'll get to know not only me but also my Armenia together with me! :)

Ruzanna Hovhannisyan

Ruzanna Hovhannisyan

RU HY

While in Armenia, all your senses will be awakened: the wild nature and man-made masterpieces, the unique scent of mountain air, the unforgettable taste of Armenian cuisine, and the soothing sound of the duduk. And to experience all this, you simply need to come to Armenia! Welcome!

Narine Vardanyan

Narine Vardanyan

HY EN

Hi or Barev. My name's Narine and I've been working as a tourist guide in Armenia since 2017. My greatest love and passion is my homeland – Hayastan! And I am here to create amazing experiences for everyone. I think my job is the best in the world. It offers the opportunity to meet new people, make them fall in love with new places, and create lasting memories. That's what I enjoy!)) Looking forward to showing you around beautiful Armenia.

Reviews

Patricia KARAGOZYAN - MANDIGHIAN

France

30.04.2025

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Hello Armine,

I wanted to thank you for everything, for our wonderful organized tour, our driver Arayik Grigoryan, and our guides Nvard and Mariam. We came back delighted and thrilled with our stay in Armenia, thanks in part to you, Armine!

Despite a few minor issues at some of the restaurants booked in your name, everything was perfect!

Thank you very much, and I hope to see you again soon!

Бойцова Мария

Russia

02.05.2022

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We really enjoyed the tour with Rosa and driver Levon! Very interesting, lots of information! Thank you so much!