Tour to Echmiadzin & Zvartnots Temple

On this excursion, you will visit churches listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The first stop is the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the main cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the very first Christian cathedral in the world. The final stop will be near Zvartnots, the medieval temple of St. Gregory built in the 7th century, one of the tallest structures of its time.

Travel Plan

Start Point: Yerevan

Echmiadzin

The city of Echmiadzin (Vagharshapat) is the spiritual capital of Armenia. It houses the spiritual and administrative center of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the seat of the Catholicos of All Armenians, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The jewel of the monastery is the magnificent Etchmiadzin Cathedral, which was re-consecrated and reopened in September 2024 after 6 years of restoration. The cathedral was built on the very spot indicated by Christ who appeared to Gregory the Illuminator in a dream, and it is from this that the name Echmiadzin ("The Descent of the Only Begotten") is derived. The site is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Zvartnots Temple

The tour to Zvartnots Temple is a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the brightest monument of medieval Armenian architecture. Built in the 7th century, it has unfortunately reached our days only in ruins, having been completely destroyed by a powerful earthquake in the 10th century. At that time, Armenians began to build more stable rectangular churches. It was the first circular 3-story church built in the 7th century. The "Temple of Ruins" is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

End Point: Yerevan

What's Included

• Professional guide
• Professional driver
• Transportation
• Bottled water

What's Not Included

• Lunch and dinner
• Personal expenses
• Entrance fees
• Masterclass/Degustation

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the tour and where does it start? It is a full-day private tour from Yerevan visiting two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Etchmiadzin Cathedral and the ruins of Zvartnots Temple.
• Why are these sites important? Etchmiadzin is the spiritual capital of Armenia and the seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church — the world's first Christian cathedral — while 7th-century Zvartnots was one of the first circular three-storey churches, now a striking "temple of ruins."
• Is the cathedral open to visit? Yes. Etchmiadzin Cathedral was re-consecrated and reopened in September 2024 after six years of restoration.
• What is included in the price? A professional guide, a professional driver, transportation, and bottled water. Lunch, dinner, entrance fees, and any masterclass/degustation are not included.
• Is it a private tour? Yes, run for your group with your own guide and driver.
• Is there a dress code for the churches? As active religious sites, modest dress is appreciated — covered shoulders and knees; scarves for women are customary inside.
• Is it suitable for all ages? Yes. It is a relaxed, mostly flat cultural tour suitable for families and older travellers.