Echmiadzin Cathedral & Zvartnots Temple Tour
FromAMD 25
4 hours – 5 hours
Yerevan, Armenia
About this activity
Discover Armenia's rich history on a guided tour of Echmiadzin Cathedral and Zvartnots Temple, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with panoramic views of Mount Ararat.
Highlights
- Explore the world's oldest cathedral
- Discover ancient Armenian architecture
- Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Ararat
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Learn about Armenia's rich history
Full description
Immerse yourself in Armenia's rich history with a guided tour of the Echmiadzin Cathedral and Zvartnots Temple. Echmiadzin Cathedral, the world's oldest cathedral, offers a glimpse into ancient Armenian architecture. Zvartnots Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases the grandeur of ancient Armenian architecture. Throughout the tour, enjoy panoramic views of Mount Ararat, adding a breathtaking backdrop to your historical exploration. This excursion provides a deep dive into Armenia's rich history and culture, making it a must-do for history enthusiasts.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Echmiadzin Cathedral
- Visit to Zvartnots Temple ruins
- Transportation to and from Yerevan
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
starting and ending point
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
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.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
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.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
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.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
This marvelous temple is a result of skillfulness and brave creativity of Armenian architects of the 7th century. Having been built on several columns, it was able to survive only till the 10th century. When in the beginning of the 20th century this site was being excavated, many specialists could hardly accept its reconstruction model, designed by famous Armenian architect Toros Toramanyan, as it was difficult to believe, that such a huge and complicated construction could have been built those days, and amazingly at that time one of the bas-relieves of St. Chapelle church in Paris came to prove Toramanyan's version; the bas-relief depicts Zvartnots temple with Noah's Ark and it looks like the model, represented by the architect. The site is included in UNESCO Cultural World Heritage List.
Duration: 45 minAdmission: YES
Meeting point
Start Location
Hyur Service, 96 Nalbandyan poxoc, Yerevan 0010, Armenia
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates in English; check availability for other languages.
- Children under 6 years old are free; contact for child pricing.
- Tour may be subject to change due to weather conditions.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection.
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infants Required On Laps
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- The duration is approximate
- Seats will not be known in advance
Traveler reviews
4.9385 reviews
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Yerevan
Karen-great driver, Samwell-super-guide!!!
I5872TJ_May 20, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Easy and educational
Nice easy tour, historical sites, mesmerizing views of Mount Ararat. Thank you very much to guide Samwell and driver Karen for having a wonderful time.
_L1422FHMay 20, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Marvellous
Excellent explanations, full of history. The guide and the driver were very kind.
gabjcostasMay 20, 2026TRIPADVISOR
A must do tour
Joseph (the guide) and eduardo (the driver) It was a wonderful experience, and the audio on the bus was very good (better tan the mini van)
E2667DRagusaMay 20, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Excellent tour
Very informative tour. Really enjoyed it. Edward, the guide, was excellent and the driver Joseph as well. Recommended tour.
N2005MDpancsaMay 20, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
The duration is approximate
Seats will not be known in advance