• Khor Virap - Khor Virap, an Armenian monastery established in 642, translates to “deep hole” in Armenian. It is a significant pilgrimage site for the Armenian Apostolic Church. Notably, it was constructed on the site of a former royal prison where Gregory the Illuminator, the patron saint and first official head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, was imprisoned for 13 years by the Armenian king. The monastery offers a unique view of the biblical Mount Ararat.
• Saint Hripsime Church - Founded in the 7th century by Catholicos Komitas I Aghtsetsi, the Temple of Saint Hripsime stands on the site of Saint Hripsime’s sepulcher. Since 2000, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The courtyard of Saint Hripsime Temple is the final resting place of two notable Armenian Catholicoses: Catholicos Astvatsatur (1715-1725) and Catholicos Garaped II Oolnetzi (1725-1729).
• Alex and Marie Manoogian Treasury House Museum - The Treasury House Museum is a prime example of modern Armenian architecture, incorporating unique elements of classical Armenian design.
• Saint Gayane Church - Built in the 7th century in honor of St. Gayane on the site of a 4th-century chapel, St. Gayane Temple is a remarkable example of Armenian architecture. The relics of Saint Gayane are housed in the southern wall near the altar niche. Above the western entrance, 17th-century murals depicting the birth of Christ have been preserved. Adjacent to the temple is a room used for the traditional animal sacrifice ritual called “matah,” performed for various occasions such as weddings and childbirth.
• Echmiadzin Monastery - The first Christian cathedral of Echmiadzin, founded in the 4th century BC, is named “place of the descent of the Only Begotten.” Unique to this cathedral is a secondary altar located in the middle, marking the site of Christ’s descent. The Treasury Museum within the cathedral houses relics, gold and pearl-embroidered church garments, catholicos’ staffs and crosses, and various ritual objects made of gold, silver, and ivory. The monastery complex also includes the residence of the Armenian patriarch, the Catholicos of all Armenians, and features numerous cross-stones, including “Amenaprakich” (1279) and a cross-stone dedicated to the victims of the 1915 genocide.
• Zvartnots Temple - The magnificent Zvartnots Temple, meaning “Temple of Vigil Forces,” was constructed over 20 years in the 7th century. Although a powerful earthquake in the 20th century left it in ruins, the remnants still convey its majestic beauty. Established as an archaeological reserve and museum in 1937, the site includes model reconstructions and numerous large sculptural fragments. The ruins of Zvartnots Temple are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Private transportation
• Bottled water
• On-board WiFi
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Professional Driver
• Professional guide service (optional)
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

• Lunch
• Alcoholic beverages
• The entrance fee of Echmiadzin Treasury museum and Zvartnots Temple

This journey will guide you to incredible historic and religious landmarks, where you’ll be engrossed by captivating tales and legends, and exposed to Armenian architectural wonders across various eras. The Khor Virap Monastery, a thousand-year-old monument saturated in biblical occurrences and mystical phenomena, is one of Armenia’s most well-known tourist spots. Tradition states that St. Gregory the Illustrator was jailed here by King Tridates III for a duration of fourteen years. This ancient Armenian monastery, erected in the 5th century, lies in close proximity to Mount Ararat. We then proceed to the sacred city of Echmiadzin, to explore the Great Holy See of Echmiadzin, along with the churches of St. Hripsime and St. Gayane. Our ensuing stop is the Zvartnots Temple – situated a mere 5 km from Echmiadzin. Considered one of the notable milestones of medieval Armenian construction, it unfortunately only stands in desolate ruins now. However, these remnants still possess the grand energy of regal beauty.

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