From Yerevan: Khor Virap, Etchmiadzin, and Zvartnots Tour

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
4.5 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
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Media collage
Media collage
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From Yerevan: Khor Virap, Etchmiadzin, and Zvartnots Tour
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
4.5 out of 5 stars
16 reviews

Take the chance to visit Khor Virap Monastery for a spectacular view of Mount Ararat. Visit Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the churches of St. Gayane and St.Hripsime, and see ruins of the 7th-century temple of Zvartnots on this private tour.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 7 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Skip the ticket line
Pickup included
Your hotel in Yerevan.
Private group

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

M
Mahmood – United Arab Emirates

This was a fantastic day tour with a fantastic guide. The historical sites are unique and interesting, rich with history. Our guide, Srbuhi / Srpouhi (sorry if I have misspelled it) deserves a shout out. She told us all the historical stories surrounding the sites, and a lot more, telling them beautifully with enthusiasm and answering our all questions like a scholar! We were lucky to have beautiful clear weather, so the views of Mt Ararat from Khor Virap were spectacular. Where certain areas were not accessible, like the Mother Church at Etchmiadzin (due to restoration works), Srbuhi gave us detailed narratives. Highly recommended, especially for people with very short stays, because it covers a lot without going too far from Yerevan.

I
Iveta – Slovakia

We were very satisfied with the trip. I highly recommend it!

Select participants and date

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Pickup location:

    Yerevan

  • Car

    (50 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Khor Virap

    Sightseeing (50 minutes)

  • Car

    (45 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Zvartnots Cathedral

    Sightseeing (45 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Saint Hripsime Church

    Sightseeing (30 minutes)

    Vagharshapat

    Lunch (1 hour)

    Optional

  • Timeline stop icon

    Etchmiadzin Cathedral

    Sightseeing (50 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Saint Gayane Church

    Sightseeing (30 minutes)

  • Car

    (40 minutes)

  • Arrive back at:

    Yerevan

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Be stunned with a view of Mount Ararat from the closest spot possible
  • Visit Khor Virap Monastery and Armenia's most sacred places
  • Explore the ruins of the 7th-century Zvartnots Cathedral

Full description

Visit Armenia’s oldest and most well-known historical landmark, Mount Ararat. This private half-day tour takes you to the closest spot possible at Khor Virap Monastery for spectacular views of the snow-capped volcano.

Located about an hour’s drive away from Yerevan, the monastery offers an amazing view of the majestic Mount Ararat. Explore Khor Virap and learn about the region’s history as a royal prison. This was the very prison where Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholic, was held for 13 years. It’s no surprise that the monastery serves as one of the most sacred spots in Armenia.  

Discover more of Armenia’s sacred spots with a stop at Saint Hripsime Church, built on the sepulcher of the nun Hripsime and one of the oldest churches in the world. A short 5 minute drive away is the 7th-century church of Saint Gayane. From here visit the world’s first Christian Cathedral, the Holy Etchmiadzin. Built in 301-304, legend says that Jesus Christ descended here, where Gregory the Illuminator ordered to build the church.

On the way back to Yerevan, the tour will conclude with a final stop at another beautiful 7th-century temple.

Includes

  • Pickup and drop-off at your hotel
  • Guide (if option selected)
  • WiFi on board
  • Bottled water
  • City map
  • Lunch
  • Entrance tickets

Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Oversize luggage

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 16 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4/5
  • Transportation
    4.3/5
  • Value for money
    3.8/5
Filter
By star rating
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M
Mahmood – United Arab EmiratesApril 5, 2023 – Verified booking
This was a fantastic day tour with a fantastic guide. The historical sites are unique and interesting, rich with history. Our guide, Srbuhi / Srpouhi (sorry if I have misspelled it) deserves a shout out. She told us all the historical stories surrounding the sites, and a lot more, telling them beautifully with enthusiasm and answering our all questions like a scholar! We were lucky to have beautiful clear weather, so the views of Mt Ararat from Khor Virap were spectacular. Where certain areas were not accessible, like the Mother Church at Etchmiadzin (due to restoration works), Srbuhi gave us detailed narratives. Highly recommended, especially for people with very short stays, because it covers a lot without going too far from Yerevan.
I
Iveta – SlovakiaJune 11, 2023 – Verified booking
We were very satisfied with the trip. I highly recommend it!
B
Barbara – NorwayJuly 1, 2023 – Verified booking
Our trip with Nare and Karen was excellent. Nare is a very friendly and knowledgeable guide, presenting the history about each place we stopped at. She answered our queries about food and culture with open hospitality. We had enough time at each stop. It was a well organized tour. And Karen was a very good driver. Thank you so much for offering this trip. It was perfect for my friend and me.

Product ID: 256687

Activity provider:Yerani Travel

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