Private Tour: Khor Virap Monastery, Holy Echmiadzin, Zvartnots Temple
Private Tour: Khor Virap Monastery, Holy Echmiadzin, Zvartnots Temple
Although there are various historical landmarks in Armenia, the oldest and most well-known is probably the Biblical Mount Ararat. This is why our tour promises a spectacular view from the closest spot possible.
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Khor Virap
The Khor Virap monastery is located about an hour’s drive away from the capital Yerevan, and offers an amazing view of Armenia’s defining symbol – the majestic Ararat. “Khor Virap” translates as “deep dungeon”, and was built of the place of the former royal prison, located on the historical site of Artashat. It was this very prison in which they kept Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholicos, for a whole 13 years.
45 minutesSaint Hripsime Church
You will visit the St. Hripsime church, which was built on the sepulcher of a Christian nun Hripsime who fled from the Roman Empire and was killed in Armenia. This amazing building has stood upright from the day of its construction since 618 A.D, making it one of the oldest standing churches in the world.
30 minutesSaint Gayane Church
Five minutes drive away will be our next spot: the 7th century church of St. Gayane. Gayane was the nanny of Hripsime, and shared Hripsime’s tragic fate.
30 minutesThe Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots
World’s first Christian Cathedral – the Holy Ejmiatsin, built in 301-304. According to the legend, Jesus Christ descended on the same spot where the Dissention Altar stands today, where Gregory the Illuminator ordered to build the church.
1 hour 20 minutesZvartnots Temple
A rather beautiful 7th century temple, included in the UNESCO heritage list. In fact, all of the churches included in the tour, as well as the city of Echmiadzin itself, are listed on the UNESCO World’s Cultural Heritage Sites.
45 minutesIncluded
- WiFi on board
- Zvartnots Temple ticket - 1300 AMD per person
- Bottle of water
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional driver
- Hotel Pick up and Drop off
- Entry/Admission - Zvartnots Temple
Not Included
- Food and drinks (upon request)
- Professional guide (upon request)
Good to Know
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Possible languages: English, Russian. In case the tour is organized in other language, changes of the prices are possible.
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Face masks provided for travelers
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.