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

Arevik Avetisyan

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.

Tigran Balyan

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

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!

Hasmik Manukyan

Hasmik Manukyan

RU DE

My name is Hasmik Manukyan. I have extensive experience and hold a tour guide license. I conduct excursions in two languages – Russian and German. I completed guide-interpreter courses in Yerevan, advanced training courses at the Institute for Continuing Education in Moscow and participated in an international training program, for which I hold certificates. I love my job and meeting new people. Every time, I’m delighted to introduce guests to the beauty and landmarks of my country, striving to ensure they leave satisfied, in love with Armenia and eager to return again.

Reviews

Patricia KARAGOZYAN - MANDIGHIAN

France France

30.04.2025

Bonjour Arminé,

Je tenais à vous remercier pour tout, au sujet de notre beau circuit organisé, de Notre chauffeur Arayik Grigoryan et de nos guides Nvard et Mariam, nous sommes revenus ravis et réjouis de notre séjour en Arménie, Grâce, en partie à Vous Arminé !

Malgré quelques petits soucis dans certains restaurants réservés à votre nom, tout a été parfait !

Merci beaucoup et à bientôt, j'espère !

Бойцова Мария

Russia Russia

02.05.2022

Нам очень понравилась экскурсия с Розой и водителем Левоном! Очень интересно, много информации! Большое спасибо!