Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin worth booking?
Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin is a 5-hour experience in Yerevan, Armenia, from $120 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $120 per person
Within this private tour you will have an opportunity to visit the spiritual center of Armenia – Echmiadzin, the sites of which are included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. The first stops will be at the churches of St. Hripsime and St. Gayane, built in honor of the Christian martyrs who escaped from Rome led by their abbess Gayane. Afterwards there comes the key stop at the Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral – the main cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the very first Christian cathedral in the World. At the moment the cathedral is under reconstruction and, unfortunately, it can only be viewed from the outside. Not far from the Cathedral, the amazing "Treasures of Echmiadzin" museum is there to welcome you. The last stop of the tour is Zvartnots temple of 7th century, one of the tallest buildings of the time.
What you get
About this experience
Within this private tour you will have an opportunity to visit the spiritual center of Armenia – Echmiadzin, the sites of which are included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. The first stops will be at the churches of St. Hripsime and St. Gayane, built in honor of the Christian martyrs who escaped from Rome led by their abbess Gayane. Afterwards there comes the key stop at the Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral – the main cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the very first Christian cathedral in the World. At the moment the cathedral is under reconstruction and, unfortunately, it can only be viewed from the outside. Not far from the Cathedral, the amazing "Treasures of Echmiadzin" museum is there to welcome you. The last stop of the tour is Zvartnots temple of 7th century, one of the tallest buildings of the time.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- On-board WiFi
- Bottled water
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- On-board restrooms
What you'll see and do
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.
45 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.
45 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. Starting from the end of 2018 year till the present day reconstruction works are being carried out, thus the visit of Mother Cathedral currently is foreseen only from outside. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
50 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 not included
Khor Virap
Nestled at the foothills of the majestic Mount Ararat, Khor Virap Monastery stands as a timeless testament to Armenia's rich spiritual heritage and historical significance. Its name, translating to "deep pit", alludes to the remarkable tale of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who was imprisoned in a dark pit here for 13 years before miraculously curing King Tiridates III of a grave illness. Today, visitors are drawn not only to its religious importance but also to the breathtaking beauty of its location. Surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, with the snow-capped peak of Mount Ararat looming majestically in the distance, Khor Virap offers an unparalleled setting for reflection and contemplation.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Yerevan
If you want to change this point,please contact with us.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
If you want to change this point,please contact with us.
Options you can book
Tour for small group with guid
Personal guide: You will travel with your personal guide, who will help you to know the most interesting stories of Armenian history. Pickup included
Trip for small group
Pickup included
Trip for big group
Minivan Pickup included
Tour for big group with guide
Minivan Personal guide: You will travel with your personal guide, who will help you to know the most interesting stories of Armenian history. Pickup included
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Artyom Mkrtchyan
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Traveler reviews
1 verified traveler reviews for Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great itinerary!
Friendly, experienced, helpful driver. Very comfortable vehicle. Fascinating sites on itinerary, with adequate time for each. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator: We were glad to serve you! We hope that you enjoyed Armenia and your beautiful trip!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $120 to $205
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Yerevan.
How much does Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin cost?
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Prices start at $120 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 Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin take?
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Plan for about 5 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 Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 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 Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin?
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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 Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin?
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Around 0 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin 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 Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin?
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Included: Private transportation; On-board WiFi; Bottled water; All Fees and Taxes; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: On-board restrooms. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 412 listed pickup locations in and around Yerevan. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin 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 Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin?
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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 Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What booking options are available for Mother Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Tour for small group with guid, Trip for small group, Trip for big group, Tour for big group with guide. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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