Duration is approximate. The order and timing of stops may change according to traffic, weather and site opening arrangements.
Included
Transport along the selected route in an agreed vehicle
Drinking water in every vehicle
Organisation of the visits and stops listed in the programme
Not included
Admission to the Zvartnots archaeological site and museum
Etchmiadzin treasury and other museum tickets, if a separate visit is selected
Specialist church or museum guiding
Meals and other drinks along the route; drinking water in the vehicle is included
A separate guide or interpreter unless specifically confirmed in the package
Personal purchases and souvenirs
An additional service is included only when selected and confirmed in your final package. The vehicle, departure and return points, and access to sites are agreed before booking.
Tour itinerary
01
Echmiadzin
The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in Vagharshapat is the spiritual centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Look for the cathedral’s architecture, khachkars and surrounding ecclesiastical buildings. Treasury or museum visits are arranged separately from the grounds visit. Explore the grounds of Echmiadzin’s spiritual centre and the town’s church architecture. Interior visits depend on opening arrangements on the day.
The Mother See is both an architectural landmark and the centre of Armenian spiritual life. Walking through the grounds, entering the cathedral and visiting its museums are separate parts of a visit; interior access and museum arrangements are confirmed individually.
02
Saint Hripsime Church
Saint Hripsime Church is a notable example of early medieval Armenian domed architecture. It is associated with the Christian tradition of the Hripsimian virgins and Echmiadzin’s heritage. The visit explores its stone exterior and balanced interior where access permits. Visit Saint Hripsime Church and explore its stone architecture. Interior access follows the church’s arrangements on the day.
Saint Hripsime forms part of Echmiatsin’s UNESCO heritage. Its substantial exterior and domed interior offer contrasting impressions of the architecture. The tradition associated with the saint is presented as part of Christian religious history.
03
Saint Gayane Church
Saint Gayane Church is a historic shrine in Vagharshapat associated with the tradition of Gayane and her companions. The stone church and green courtyard offer a peaceful pilgrimage setting. Its visit complements Echmiadzin’s other monuments while respecting the active church. Visit Saint Gayane Church and its grounds. This stop completes the route through Echmiadzin’s church landmarks.
Saint Gayane is also part of Echmiatsin’s UNESCO group of monuments. The courtyard and exterior façades allow a separate appreciation of the stone building’s proportions. Respect the space of pilgrims and worshippers at this active religious site.
04
Zvartnots
Zvartnots is the archaeological site of an early medieval cathedral, preserving columns and architectural fragments. These help visitors imagine its exceptional circular design. Exploration is outdoors, with museum visits and admission arrangements agreed beforehand. Explore the ruins of Zvartnots, its surviving columns and architectural remains. Museum admission is additional unless stated in your package.
Zvartnots is included in the UNESCO property with the monuments of Echmiatsin. The arrangement of surviving columns helps visitors imagine the lost building’s plan. Compare individual carved fragments with the outline of the cathedral visible across the site.
