Private tour:Mother Cathedral of Echmiadzin, St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, Gata making, Voskeni wine factory
Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin, St. Hripsime Church, St. Gayane Church, Gata making master class, Voskeni wine factory
1. Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin
50-60 min
The center of Armenian Apostolic church – St. Echmiadzin is located 20 km far from Yerevan. The Cathedral of Echmiadzin was founded at the beginning of the fourth century and is one of the oldest churches in the world. According to the legend, the church was built in the place where apparition of Jesus Christ was seen to Gregory The Illuminator in the dream. The interior of the church is covered with frescoes, created by Hovnatanyan family. The residence of the Catholicos and the Theological Academy are situated near the Cathedral. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
2. St. Hripsime Church
20-30 min
St. Hripsime church is one of the famous ecclesiastical buildings in the city of Echmiadzin. This is the developed and perfect example of cross-cupola churches in Armenia. The church is notable with its architectural simplicity and loftiness. The tomb of the Christian martyr Virgin Hripsime is in the sacristy of the church. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
3. St. Gayane Church
20-30 min
Not far from the Echmiadzin Cathedral, against the background of white peaks of Ararat, one can see the silhouette of the cupola of St. Gayane church. It was built in the 7th century and belongs to the domed-basilica style. According to the legend, this church was constructed over the tomb of Virgin Gayane, who had been martyred for preaching Christianity. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
Gata making master class
20-30 min
Gata is a very popular traditional Armenian pastry, baked in tonirs or else regular ovens. Having a pie shape, it differs from ordinary pies in its filling. The most common variety of filling is flour, butter, sugar and vanilla (all together those ingredients are called khoriz) and the ingredients of dough include flour, butter, soda and matzoon (Armenian yogurt). Other delectable version is gata with walnuts inside. In each region of Armenia gata is prepared in its own unique way, thus different in shape, taste, size and look.
During this "tasty" master class you will learn the hidden secrets of baking and decorating the pastry. Tasting is included in the price.
During this "tasty" master class you will learn the hidden secrets of baking and decorating the pastry. Tasting is included in the price.
4. Voskeni wine factory
100-120 min
In the early 1920s businessman Smbat Mateossian repatriated to Soviet Armenia from Boston, establishing a winery in Ararat valley, however, during that hard period Bolsheviks confiscated his vineyard. In 2008 Mateossian's heirs finally bought back the vineyard and founded a modern company, that produces high quality wines. Today you can visit this place to get enlightened to the family's story and also taste the sophisticated wines, made from autochtone varieties. The following degustation options are available:
Option 1 – tasting of 2-3 types of wine with snacks at 12 600 AMD p/p;
Option 2 – tasting of 2-3 types of wine with breakfast at 14 400 AMD p/p;
Option 3 – tasting of 3-4 types of wine with lunch at 20 400 AMD p/p.
The reservations should be made in advance.
The reservations should be made in advance.
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
- Master class & tasting
Exclusions
- Significant deviations from the route
- Audio guides
- Wi-Fi in the vehicles
What to expect
- Admission price is calculated for "Option 1" wine tasting package
- Explore incredible UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites
- See the very first Christian cathedral in the World
- Learn the "sweet" secrets of gata-making
- Get the taste of amazing Armenian wine
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification