
Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) and Zvartnots Temple
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) and Zvartnots Temple worth booking?
Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) and Zvartnots Temple is a 4-hour experience in Yerevan, Armenia, from $20 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (8)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $20 per person
Discover Armenia’s spiritual and architectural heritage on this enriching tour. Begin at Echmiadzin, the religious heart of Armenia and home to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, one of the world's oldest Christian cathedrals. Explore the stunning Saint Hripsime and Saint Gayane Churches, both UNESCO-listed sites known for their beautiful Armenian architecture and historical significance. Continue to the majestic Zvartnots Temple, an awe-inspiring 7th-century cathedral now in ruins, offering a glimpse into Armenia’s ancient past with its intricate stonework and panoramic views of Mount Ararat. This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and those seeking to explore Armenia’s deep Christian roots and architectural wonders.
What you get
About this experience
Discover Armenia’s spiritual and architectural heritage on this enriching tour. Begin at Echmiadzin, the religious heart of Armenia and home to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, one of the world's oldest Christian cathedrals. Explore the stunning Saint Hripsime and Saint Gayane Churches, both UNESCO-listed sites known for their beautiful Armenian architecture and historical significance. Continue to the majestic Zvartnots Temple, an awe-inspiring 7th-century cathedral now in ruins, offering a glimpse into Armenia’s ancient past with its intricate stonework and panoramic views of Mount Ararat. This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and those seeking to explore Armenia’s deep Christian roots and architectural wonders.
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Republic Square
Start and End point
15 minutes here
Saint Hripsime Church
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Features the classic Armenian cruciform (cross-shaped) design with a dome and massive stone walls.
30 minutes here
Saint Gayane Church
Features a rectangular basilica design with a dome, massive stone walls, and beautifully carved arches. Saint Gayane was one of the Christian virgins who fled the Roman Empire with Saint Hripsime
30 minutes here
Armenian Apostolic Holy Church Mother See Holy Etchmiadzin
Echmiadzin Cathedral is the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church and one of the oldest cathedrals in the world. Located in Vagharshapat, it is the religious center of Armenia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 301–303 AD by Saint Gregory the Illuminator, after Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion.
60 minutes here
Zvartnots Temple
UNESCO World Heritage Site, Recognized for its unique architecture and historical value, alongside Echmiadzin Cathedral, Saint Hripsime, and Saint Gayane Churches. Unlike traditional Armenian churches, Zvartnots had a circular, three-tiered structure, influenced by Byzantine and Armenian designs.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Yerevan
In front of Marriott Hotel
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
In front of Marriott Hotel
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Wed, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tatev Travel Agency
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) and Zvartnots Temple. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Pleasant Experience
Lilia was a friendly and helpful guide. She was knowledgeable and made the tour enjoyable, sharing interesting information about the places we visited. Overall, it was a pleasant experience.
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful
Wonderful guide Karen and driver Levon took us through a really interesting tour.
via Tripadvisor
Pitiful tour
1. The driver was late for 15 minutes and didn’t even bother to excuse. 2. While driving, the driver was talking over the phone non-stop holding phone in his right hand. 3. In opposite, the tour guide was absolutely silent and at the spots used minimum possible words to tell us about history and stories.
via Viator
Holy city of Armenia don’t miss it
Echmiadzin is the holy city of Armenia. And we found out that rhe cathedral had a renovation recently and inside was really beautiful. And the story, history is so interesting. The guide was very informative. Strongly recommend
via Tripadvisor
A Spiritual and Historical Treasure You Can't Miss!
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Echmiadzin, the spiritual heart of Armenia, and it was truly an unforgettable experience, Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable, We also visited Saint Hripsime and Saint Gayane churches, both UNESCO-listed and rich in Armenian Christian heritage.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Fri, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Tatev Travel Agency, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.0.
See everything Tatev Travel Agency runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) and Zvartnots Temple: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Yerevan.
How much does Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) and Zvartnots Temple cost?
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Prices start at $20 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Yerevan usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) and Zvartnots Temple take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Yerevan is not rushed.
Is Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) and Zvartnots Temple worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Yerevan, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) and Zvartnots Temple?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) and Zvartnots Temple suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) and Zvartnots Temple?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Yerevan can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Yerevan and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) and Zvartnots Temple start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Yerevan within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Yerevan?
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On Outty we rank every Yerevan experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Group Tour: Lake Sevan (Sevanavank), Dilijan (Goshavank, Haghartsin), Group Tour: Khor Virap, Garni temple, Geghard, Lavash baking, Group Tour: Garni pagan temple, Geghard monastery, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Yerevan?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Yerevan?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) and Zvartnots Temple?
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Included: Local guide; Professional guide; and Bottled water. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) and Zvartnots Temple?
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In front of Marriott Hotel Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) and Zvartnots Temple?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) and Zvartnots Temple wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) and Zvartnots Temple if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Yerevan. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Echmiadzin (Hripsime, Gayane, Mother Cathedral) and Zvartnots Temple?
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Across 8 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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