• Saint Hripsime Church - Explore the St. Hripsime Church, constructed on the burial site of the Christian nun Hripsime, who escaped the Roman Empire and was martyred in Armenia. This remarkable structure has remained intact since its construction in 618 A.D., making it one of the world’s oldest surviving churches.
• Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin - Armenian Apostolic Church (Armenian Orthodox Church) - The Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin is the spiritual heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It stands as a symbol of Armenian national identity and heritage, showcasing the nation’s profound Christian traditions.
• Saint Gayane Church - Just a 5-minute drive away is the next destination: the 7th-century St. Gayane Church. Gayane was Hripsime’s caretaker and shared in her tragic destiny.
• Zvartnots Temple - Another stop is the stunning 7th-century temple of Zvartnots, also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Legend has it that “Zvartnots” means “celestial angels,” inspired by the belief that angels once watched over the temple.

• The Monastery of Geghard - The Geghard Monastic Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is another historical highlight of this private tour.

The name “Geghard” is derived from the spear (geghard) believed to have pierced Jesus Christ’s side, which was kept in the monastery for many years. Geghard Monastery is regarded as one of Armenia’s most important religious sites.

The most remarkable feature is that this church is carved directly into solid rock.

• Symphony of Stones - Garni Gorge is a breathtaking natural wonder in Armenia, near the village of Garni. It is also known as the “Symphony of Stones” due to its distinctive rock formations that create a stunning symphony of colors and shapes.

• Visiting the Symphony of Stones is dependent on weather conditions.

• Garni Temple - This tour will introduce you to Armenia’s exotic Pagan history and illustrate the subsequent development and spread of Christianity in the region. Garni Temple (77 A.D.) is the only remaining pagan temple in the entire post-Soviet area. The temple is perched on a high plateau overlooking the Azat River Gorge. It also features a Roman bathhouse with a mysterious mosaic made from 30,000 pieces of natural stones, as well as the ruins of a royal palace dating back to the 3rd century A.D.
• Charent’s Arch - Charents Arch offers visitors stunning views of Mount Ararat and the surrounding landscape, providing a perfect setting for unforgettable photographs.

• Hotel pick up and drop off
• On-board WiFi
• Bottled water
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Lunch (upon request)
• Professional guide (upon request)
• Entrance tickets

Echmiadzin Cathedral, meaning “The Descent of the Only Begotten,” serves as the heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Originally constructed in the early 3rd century BC, many sources claim that Etchmiadzin is the oldest official Christian church worldwide. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit and explore such a unique and unparalleled site! The Church of St. Hripsime is dedicated to one of the 40 virgins who fled the Roman Empire. Saint Gayane Church, a three-nave domed basilica, is named after another of these virgins who later became a saint in the Armenian Apostolic Church. The ruins of Zvartnots Temple showcase a remarkable three-story circular domed architectural masterpiece. Geghard Monastery, also known as Ayrivank, is a significant architectural, historical, and religious landmark in Armenia.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.