If you want to get acquainted with spiritual and historical Armenia without spending a whole day on the excursion, this route is an excellent choice.
In just 6–7 hours you will visit Etchmiadzin — the spiritual center of Armenia, see the ancient churches of St. Hripsime and St. Gayane, and the ruins of the majestic Zvartnots temple.
This journey is not only about religion. Here you will see architecture from different eras, hear stories connected with the adoption of Christianity in Armenia, and better understand why these places mean so much to the country.
And so that you can feel Armenia not only through its history but also through its traditions, the program includes a stop at a masterclass on making Armenian lavash. You will see how lavash is baked the traditional way in a tonir, and you'll be able to taste it fresh.
The route runs close to Yerevan, so there are no long drives or demanding physical exertion. The tour suits families with children, older travelers, and anyone who prefers a calm excursion filled with history, culture, and Armenian traditions.
Stops on the route: Etchmiadzin Cathedral — the main spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church and one of Armenia's most important historical sites. Church of St. Hripsime — one of the best-known monuments of 7th-century Armenian architecture. Church of St. Gayane — an ancient temple with a particularly calm atmosphere and centuries of history. Lavash masterclass — an introduction to one of the most famous Armenian traditions: baking real lavash in a tonir. Zvartnots Temple — the ruins of a grand 7th-century temple and one of Armenia's most unusual architectural sites.
This tour is worth choosing if you: — are visiting Armenia for the first time and want to get to know its history and culture; — are interested in ancient architecture and Christian heritage; — are traveling with children or parents; — don't want to spend 10–12 hours on the road; — are looking for a calm route close to Yerevan.
Short drives, ancient history, Armenian traditions, and several landmark sites in one day — a great 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: 09:50
- 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, adults — 1,500 AMD
- Zvartnots, children under 11 — free
- Zvartnots, seniors — 750 AMD (50% discount)
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
- 2Church of St. Hripsime
- 3Church of St. Gayane
- 4Lavash Masterclass
- 5Zvartnots Temple