
Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, Zvartnots Temple
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 491 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, Zvartnots Temple worth booking?
Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, Zvartnots Temple is a 4-hour experience in Yerevan, Armenia, from $24 per person. It scores 90 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 491 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 90 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (491)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $24 per person
Explore Armenia’s religious heritage in and around Yerevan during this 4-5-hour visit to the region’s historic churches. Discover houses of worship like the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral, the churches of St. Gayane and St. Hripsime. Next stop is Zvartnots, the medieval temple of St. Gregory built in the 7th century.
What you get
About this experience
Explore Armenia’s religious heritage in and around Yerevan during this 4-5-hour visit to the region’s historic churches. Discover houses of worship like the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral, the churches of St. Gayane and St. Hripsime. Next stop is Zvartnots, the medieval temple of St. Gregory built in the 7th century.
What's included
Included
- On Sundays there is a chance to participate in liturgy
- Air-conditioned vehicles
- Vehicle & passengers insurance
- Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively
- WiFi in the vehicles
- Bottled water & pastries
- Admission tickets
Not included
- Lunch stop (except for Holiday season Dec 25 - Jan 7, when lunch is paid on spot ~10-12 USD)
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off
What you'll see and do
Hyur Service
starting and ending point
15 minutes here
Saint Hripsime Church
St. Hripsime church is one of the famous ecclesiastical buildings in the city of Echmiadzin. This is the developed and perfect example of cross-cupola churches in Armenia. The church is notable with its architectural simplicity and loftiness. The tomb of the Christian martyr Virgin Hripsime is in the sacristy of the church. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
30 minutes here
Saint Gayane Church
Not far from the Echmiadzin Cathedral, against the background of white peaks of Ararat, one can see the silhouette of the cupola of St. Gayane church. It was built in the 7th century and belongs to the domed-basilica style. According to the legend, this church was constructed over the tomb of Virgin Gayane, who had been martyred for preaching Christianity. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
30 minutes here
Armenian Apostolic Holy Church Mother See Holy Etchmiadzin
The center of Armenian Apostolic church – St. Echmiadzin is located 20 km far from Yerevan. The Cathedral of Echmiadzin was founded at the beginning of the fourth century and is one of the oldest churches in the world. According to the legend, the church was built in the place where apparition of Jesus Christ was seen to Gregory The Illuminator in the dream. The interior of the church is covered with frescoes, created by Hovnatanyan family. The residence of the Catholicos and the Theological Academy are situated near the Cathedral. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
60 minutes here
Zvartnots Temple
This marvelous temple is a result of skillfulness and brave creativity of Armenian architects of the 7th century. Having been built on several columns, it was able to survive only till the 10th century. When in the beginning of the 20th century this site was being excavated, many specialists could hardly accept its reconstruction model, designed by famous Armenian architect Toros Toramanyan, as it was difficult to believe, that such a huge and complicated construction could have been built those days, and amazingly at that time one of the bas-relieves of St. Chapelle church in Paris came to prove Toramanyan's version; the bas-relief depicts Zvartnots temple with Noah's Ark and it looks like the model, represented by the architect. The site is included in UNESCO Cultural World Heritage List.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Yerevan
on the left hand, little bit down from Nalbandyan and Tumanyan corner
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
on the left hand, little bit down from Nalbandyan and Tumanyan corner
Options you can book
Group Tour: Echmiadzin (Mother Cathedral & churches), Zvartnots Temple
Holiday option
Monasteries and Master class: including Saghmosavank, Hovhannavank and Armenian Gata Masterclass
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ru, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hyur Service
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- The duration is approximate
- Seats will not be known in advance
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 491 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
491 verified traveler reviews for Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, Zvartnots Temple. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
It was not very exciting....
It was not very exciting. A large group on a large bus. We felt rushed at every stop and not enough explanations given
via Viator
Reliable company with excellent guides
I went on their half-day tour to Echmiadzin and Zvartnots with Arpi and Spartak. It was a lovely experience. Arpi is a very knowledgeable guide who seems genuinely interested in the subject of Armenian religious history, she explained the history of the churches we visited very clearly and in good detail. The timings of the stops were very good, we had enough time to see each place and walk around a bit and take photos, with the longest stop being the star attraction - Echmiadzin Cathedral. If you're interested in Armenian religion, I recommend doing this tour on a Sunday, as I did, because then you'll get to see services in the churches and hear the beautiful singing.
via Tripadvisor
Great experience
Very well organized. Excellent bus with wifi inside. The guide, Arpi, was really great, very knowledgeable and presented the places in an amazing style.
via Tripadvisor
The guide was really...
The guide was really knowledgeable and managed both English and Russian group really well . The guide had good information and shared with passionate
via Viator
Great half day tour
Great tour around Churches and Cathedrals which shaped Armenian History. Our guide Gayane was very knowledgeble and made sure that everybody got the information he needed.
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
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
- Price range
- $24 to $43
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 172
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by Hyur Service, who run 39 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 77.0 and 8 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Hyur Service runsWhy this scores 90
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, Zvartnots Temple: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Yerevan.
How much does Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, Zvartnots Temple cost?
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Prices start at $24 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 Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, 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 Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, Zvartnots Temple worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 90 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 491 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Yerevan, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, 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 Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, 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 Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, Zvartnots Temple?
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Around 172 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 Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, 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 Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, Zvartnots Temple?
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Included: On Sundays there is a chance to participate in liturgy; Air-conditioned vehicles; Vehicle & passengers insurance; Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively; and WiFi in the vehicles. Not included: Lunch stop (except for Holiday season Dec 25 - Jan 7, when lunch is paid on spot ~10-12 US; and Hotel pick-up & drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, Zvartnots Temple?
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on the left hand, little bit down from Nalbandyan and Tumanyan corner Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, Zvartnots Temple offered in?
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It is offered in Russian and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, 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 Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, Zvartnots Temple wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, 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 Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, Zvartnots Temple?
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Across 491 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Group Tour: Echmiadzin Cathedral & churches, Zvartnots Temple?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Group Tour: Echmiadzin (Mother Cathedral & churches), Zvartnots Temple, Holiday option. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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