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    4. St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Yazidi Temple in Aknalich, Zvartnots

    Private tour: St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Yazidi Temple in Aknalich, Zvartnots

    Itinerary

    St. Hripsime Church, St. Gayane Church, Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral, Yazidi Temple in Aknalich, Zvartnots Temple

    1. 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.

    2. 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.

    3. Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral

    50-60 min Details: Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral
    Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 1 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 2 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 3 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 4 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 5 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 6 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 7 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 8 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 9 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 10 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 11 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 12 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 13 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 14 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 15 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 16 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 17 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 18 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 19 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 20 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 21 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 22 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 23 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 24 Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – photo 25
    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. Yazidi Temple in Aknalich

    20-30 min Details: Yazidi Temple in Aknalich
    Yazidi Temple in Aknalich – photo 1 Yazidi Temple in Aknalich – photo 2 Yazidi Temple in Aknalich – photo 3 Yazidi Temple in Aknalich – photo 4 Yazidi Temple in Aknalich – photo 5 Yazidi Temple in Aknalich – photo 6 Yazidi Temple in Aknalich – photo 7 Yazidi Temple in Aknalich – photo 8
    The Yazidi Temple in Aknalich, known as Quba Mêrê Dîwanê, is regarded as the largest Yazidi sanctuary in the world and holds a central role in the spiritual life of this ancient community. Built in the early 21st century, it rose as a symbol of faith, unity and cultural identity. Its architecture masterfully blends traditional elements – a majestic central altar, refined carved ornaments and distinctive domed silhouettes.

    5. Zvartnots Temple

    30-40 min Details: Zvartnots Temple
    Zvartnots Temple – photo 1 Zvartnots Temple – photo 2 Zvartnots Temple – photo 3 Zvartnots Temple – photo 4 Zvartnots Temple – photo 5 Zvartnots Temple – photo 6 Zvartnots Temple – photo 7 Zvartnots Temple – photo 8 Zvartnots Temple – photo 9 Zvartnots Temple – photo 10 Zvartnots Temple – photo 11 Zvartnots Temple – photo 12 Zvartnots Temple – photo 13 Zvartnots Temple – photo 14 Zvartnots Temple – photo 15 Zvartnots Temple – photo 16 Zvartnots Temple – photo 17 Zvartnots Temple – photo 18 Zvartnots Temple – photo 19 Zvartnots Temple – photo 20 Zvartnots Temple – photo 21 Zvartnots Temple – photo 22 Zvartnots Temple – photo 23 Zvartnots Temple – photo 24 Zvartnots Temple – photo 25 Zvartnots Temple – photo 26 Zvartnots Temple – photo 27 Zvartnots Temple – photo 28
    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

    What to expect

    • Explore Etchmiadzin's sacred churches and the early story of Christianity in Armenia
    • Visit the Mother Cathedral, one of the world's earliest Christian cathedrals
    • Discover Quba Mêrê Dîwanê, the remarkable Yazidi Temple in Aknalich
    • Admire Zvartnots, a 7th-century monument with an unforgettable architectural silhouette

    Booking conditions

    Cancellation & modification

    Meet our Guides

    Armine Julhakyan

    Armine Julhakyan

    RU HY

    Hello! I'm Armine, your guide in Armenia. With me, you'll discover not only the famous landmarks but also the hidden gems of my country.

    Arpine Khalatyan

    Arpine Khalatyan

    RU HY EN

    My name is Arpi. With experience in guiding since 2015, fluency in English and Russian, and a wealth of knowledge in history and culture, I offer engaging and informative tours during which you'll explore Armenia and feel the greatest vibes ever.

    Davit Hasratyan

    Davit Hasratyan

    RU HY

    I'm Davit, a history teacher, amateur actor, and since 2010, a guide at "Hyur Service"! I love my country and strive to make every tour I conduct leave an unforgettable impression on our guests, making them want to come back again and again!

    Karen Khachatryan

    Karen Khachatryan

    RU HY EN

    Dear friends, my name is Karen, and I am your guide through the amazing Armenia. My many years of experience allow me to conduct fascinating tours to the most popular and interesting places in the country. I bring history to life, sing psalms in ancient churches, and tell captivating legends, making your journey unforgettable. With me, you can expect a safe, informative, and vibrant trip!

    Reviews

    Евгений Гл

    Belarus

    02.10.2025

    Auto-translated

    A wonderful tour to Echmiadzin and the Zvartnots Temple with an excellent guide, David. He told us everything so engagingly and with such passion! I’d also like to mention how comfortable the ride was, and give special thanks to the driver.

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