The Heart of Spiritual Armenia
If you want to get to know spiritual and historic Armenia without giving up a whole day to it, this route is an excellent choice.
In just 6 to 7 hours you visit Etchmiadzin, the spiritual centre of Armenia, see the ancient churches of Saint Hripsime and Saint Gayane, and walk among the ruins of the majestic temple of Zvartnots.
This journey is not only about religion. You see architecture from several eras, hear the stories tied to Armenia's adoption of Christianity, and come away understanding why these places matter so much to the country.
So that you feel Armenia through its traditions as well as its history, the programme includes a stop for an Armenian lavash baking masterclass. You watch the bread being baked the traditional way in a tonir and taste it fresh.
Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the main spiritual centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church and one of the most important historic sites in the country. Saint Hripsime Church is among the best-known monuments of 7th-century Armenian architecture. Saint Gayane Church is an ancient temple with a particularly calm atmosphere and centuries of history. Zvartnots is the ruin of a grand 7th-century temple and one of the most unusual architectural sites in Armenia.
The route stays close to Yerevan, so there are no long drives and no demanding walking. The tour suits families with children, older travellers and anyone who prefers an unhurried excursion built on history, culture and Armenian tradition.
Choose this tour if you are in Armenia for the first time and want to meet its history and culture, if you are drawn to ancient architecture and Christian heritage, if you are travelling with children or parents, if you would rather not spend 10 to 12 hours on the road, or if you are looking for a relaxed route near Yerevan.
Short drives, ancient history, living Armenian tradition and several landmark places in a single day make this a good route for getting to know Armenia more deeply.
Useful information
Booking is required
You can only join the excursion with a booking made in advance. Please do not come to the meeting point without a confirmed reservation, as seats cannot be guaranteed on the day.
To book, contact Amaras Tour ahead of time with the tour you have chosen, your travel date and the number of people. Once we confirm availability we will send you everything you need to complete the booking.
- WhatsApp / Telegram: +374 99 250 525
After your booking is confirmed your seat in the group is held for you.
Meeting point and time
Meeting point: 51 Mesrop Mashtots Avenue, Yerevan, at the lower side of the Matenadaran, next to the Bus Voyage stop, where Koryun Street meets Mashtots Avenue.
Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before departure so you have time to find the vehicle and take your seat. The excursion leaves on schedule.
- Meeting time: 09:45
- Departure: 10:00
Finding our vehicle
The Amaras Tour vehicle will be waiting at the meeting point. It carries an AMARAS TOUR sign in the windscreen, so it is easy to spot.
What the price includes
- Comfortable transport for the whole route
- A professional guide
- Commentary in Armenian, Russian or English
- Bottled water
- An Armenian treat from Amaras Tour
What the price does not include
- Entrance tickets
- Lunch and other meals
- Personal expenses
Entrance tickets
- Zvartnots archaeological site: adults 1,500 ֏, children under 11 free, pensioners 750 ֏ (50% off)
Entrance tickets are bought and paid for separately on site.
Meals
Lunch is not included in the price. Time is set aside for a meal during the tour, and your guide will suggest a suitable place to fit the programme and the timing.
You are welcome to bring a snack of your own.
Visiting churches and monasteries
The excursion visits working religious sites, so we ask you to dress respectfully and to follow the rules of conduct.
Clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended. Please keep quiet inside the churches and bear in mind that services, weddings and other ceremonies may be taking place during your visit.
What to bring
We recommend bringing:
- comfortable shoes
- a hat in hot weather
- a light jumper or windbreaker in cooler months
- a snack if you would like one
Bottled water is provided by the company during the excursion.
Duration and programme
The approximate duration of the excursion is given in the tour description. The actual time of return may shift slightly depending on traffic, the weather and how long the group spends at each site.
The order in which the sights are visited may change for practical reasons, but the main points of the published route are always kept.
Route
- 1Etchmiadzin Cathedral
- 2Saint Hripsime Church
- 3Saint Gayane Church
- 4Lavash baking masterclass
- 5Zvartnots Temple