Armenian Monasteries Private Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Visit the Oshakan Monastery, the burial site of Saint Mesrop Mashtots
- Explore the unique Karmravor Church with its distinctive red brick architecture
- Discover the Hovhanavank Monastery, perched on a cliff overlooking the Kasagh River
- Experience the serene Saghmosavank Monastery, known for its stunning views of the gorge
- Enjoy a personalized tour with a knowledgeable guide
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Private transportation from Yerevan
- Guided tours of Oshakan, Karmravor, Hovhanavank, and Saghmosavank monasteries
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Oshakan village has been a holy place since the 5th century, when in 440 due to the duke Vahan Amatuni's efforts the creator of Armenian alphabet Mesrop Mashtots was buried there and a small church was built over his tomb. In the 19th century a bigger church bearing the name of St. Mesrop Mashtots was constructed in the place of the old one. Every year many first class schoolchildren learn the first letter of the alphabet in this church after an oath at the tomb of St. Mashtots.
This exquisite church is considered to be the jewel of Ashtarak. It resembles a monolith pillar due to its small sizes and architectural solutions. It was built in the 7th century and has come to our days almost intact. It has a cross-shaped ground plan from inside and outside.
5 km far from Hovhanavank monastery on the edge of Kasakh river canyon, in the 13th century Vachutian dukes built Saghmosavank monastery. The main church is adjacent to the scriptorium, where many manuscripts have been produced during centuries. Saghmosavank underwent the devastating influence of the earthquake in 1988. The reconstruction comleted in 2000 returned the church its beauty and glory.
Hovhannavank monastery bears the name of John the Baptist. The oldest church here is the one-naved basilica built in the 5th century. In the 13th century under the patronage of Vachutian dukes new buildings were added. The portal of the main church, which is embellished with evangelical motifs, is of great interest.
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain
- Bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infants Required On Laps
- Infant Seats Available
- Easy Public Transport
- Stroller Accessible
Traveler reviews
Going to see 4 different churches with Meline
Meline was super nice and gave us the best tour ever! Goqor was a super great driver. Thank you so much for showing us the different churches and teaching us Armenian history! I definitely want to come back and take another tour with Meline! շնորհակալություն Մելինե
An Interesting Tour of Historic Churches
Meline was a fantastic guide and Goqor was a great driver. The tour was interesting and fun. I would recommend this tour to anyone wanting to learn more about the history of Armenia.
HYUR THE BEST!!!
Hyur, a truly professional tour company and deserving of all the accolades from our recent trip to Armenia. The tour guides were exceptional with their knowledge and hospitality, the drivers were aware of our needs, the vehicles were clean and one felt that the trip home was a definite, no breaking down! Overall we took four tours and all of the tour guides and drivers names I cannot recall however Hamas, Karen, Rose and Cross and each of the other guides and drivers a huge thank you not forgetting the administration staff who always had a smile for us no matter what our request was. Hyur the BEST!
Great day
We are stuck here in Yerevan due to the pandemic and the only joy we could afford was going on tour through Hyur. Actually it was so nice there was an individual option cause we think it's not safe at all to travel with many other people. So we went to nice churches close to Yerevan with beautiful nature surrounded. Trip lasted like 5hours. Totally recommended for the professional driver and safe ride.