Echmiadzin Cathedral & Zvartnots Temple tour from Yerevan

Zvartnots Temple stood tall in the 7th century: today you walk among its reconstructed ruins.

This half-day tour from Yerevan visits four UNESCO World Heritage sites in Echmiadzin: the Mother Cathedral of Armenia (the world's first Christian cathedral, currently viewable from outside due to reconstruction), the churches of St. Hripsime and St. Gayane built over the tombs of Christian women-martyrs, and Zvartnots Temple, a 7th-century structure so ambitious that specialists in the 20th century could barely believe it had been built. You choose between a guided tour in English or Russian, or self-guided exploration. Groups range from 1 to 7 travelers depending on the option selected. Pickup and drop-off within Yerevan are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Etchmiadzin Cathedral1h
2. Zvartnots Cathedral50m

Visit Echmiadzin and Zvartnots sites

• See Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral outside
• Visit St. Hripsime church
• Visit St. Gayane church
• Explore Zvartnots temple ruins

The experience

The tour runs 3 to 4 hours and departs from central Yerevan with hotel or meeting-point pickup. The first stop is Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral, the spiritual heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the oldest Christian cathedral on record. Reconstruction work means you view it from outside, but the setting (against the white peaks of Mount Ararat) frames the building's significance. From there the route moves to St. Hripsime church, a cross-cupola structure notable for its architectural simplicity and height, where the tomb of the Christian martyr Virgin Hripsime lies in the sacristy.

St. Gayane church stands nearby, built in the 7th century in the domed-basilica style over the tomb of Virgin Gayane, who was martyred for preaching Christianity. The legend and the architecture, the cupola silhouetted against Ararat, anchor the stop. Then comes Zvartnots Temple, the final and most visually striking site. Built on columns in the 7th century, it rose 45 to 49 meters, making it one of the tallest structures of its time. It collapsed by the 10th century, but when excavated in the early 20th century, architect Toros Toramanyan's reconstruction model was so precise that a bas-relief on the St. Chapelle church in Paris, depicting Zvartnots with Noah's Ark, confirmed his vision. You walk the ruins and the reconstructed layout.

An air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver is included, along with bottled water and insurance. If you book with a guide, you get live commentary in English or Russian. Without a guide, you explore at your own pace. The tour can include extra stops on request. Entrance fees to Zvartnots (around 3.50 USD per person) and lunch are separate. The Mother Cathedral is free to view from outside.

What’s included

• The tour includes pickup and drop-off within Yerevan, an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver, bottled water, and full vehicle and passenger insurance.
• a live guide in English or Russian is available with select options.
• extra stops on the route can be arranged upon request.

Options for this experience

4 options

For 1-3 travelers, without a guideUp to 3 per booking · Guide in English or Russian · 13 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00Includes bottled water and vehicle insurance; pickup is included

For 4-7 travelers, without a guideUp to 7 per booking · Guide in English or Russian · 13 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00Includes bottled water and vehicle insurance; pickup is included

For 1-2 travelers, with a guideUp to 2 per booking · Guide in English or Russian · 13 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00Includes bottled water and vehicle insurance; pickup is included

For 3-6 travelers, with a guideUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English or Russian · 13 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00Includes bottled water and vehicle insurance; pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to Sunday13 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 17

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hyur Service

Is this one for you?Book the guided option if you want context for the four sites and their place in Armenian Christian history. Choose the self-guided version if you prefer to move at your own pace and explore the ruins and churches without commentary. Either way, the driver and vehicle stay with you for the full 3 to 4 hours, so timing and transport are settled before you leave Yerevan.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I visit inside Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral?

Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral is currently visible from outside only due to ongoing reconstruction work. You will see the building and its setting against Mount Ararat, but interior access is not possible at this time.

What is Zvartnots Temple like today?

Zvartnots Temple survives as reconstructed ruins. The 7th-century structure originally stood 45 to 49 meters tall on columns. It collapsed by the 10th century. The archaeological site shows the layout and scale of what was once one of the most ambitious buildings of its era.

Do I need a guide, or can I explore on my own?

You can choose either option at checkout. Guided tours include live commentary in English or Russian. Self-guided options let you explore the sites at your own pace with the driver and vehicle included.

How long does the tour take?

The tour runs 3 to 4 hours from pickup in Yerevan to drop-off, including time at all four sites and travel between them.

What is included in the price?

Pickup and drop-off within Yerevan, an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver, bottled water, vehicle and passenger insurance, and a guide (if you select the guided option) are included. Entrance to Zvartnots Temple and lunch are separate.

How many people can join this tour?

Group size depends on the option you select: 1–2 travelers, 3–6 travelers, or 4–7 travelers. Each option is available with or without a guide.