Khor Virap, Echmiadzin, Zvartnots (UNESCO Sites) Group Tour

Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion, in the early 4th century — and this full-day Khor Virap and Echmiadzin tour from Yerevan traces that history through four of the sites where it actually happened. From the monastery where Christianity’s first champion was imprisoned to the ruins of a cathedral once called the “Temple of Angels,” this group tour covers the religious heart of the country in a single day, with every stop on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Tour Overview

This is a group tour running 7 hours, departing from and returning to Yerevan the same day, with a guide and transport included throughout. Guides are available in English and Russian, and the tour comes with free cancellation. Rather than booking a private vehicle, you join other travelers, which keeps the price lower while still covering all four UNESCO sites.

Khor Virap Monastery: Where Armenian Christianity Began

The tour begins at Khor Virap, one of the most iconic sites in Armenia, offering sweeping views of Mount Ararat rising just across the border. Khor Virap’s historical weight goes beyond the view: it’s built on the site where Gregory the Illuminator — the man credited with converting Armenia to Christianity — was imprisoned for over a decade before going on to baptize the Armenian king. It’s the reason Armenia’s Christian history starts here.

Echmiadzin Cathedral & St. Hripsime Church: Armenia’s Spiritual Heart

From Khor Virap, the tour continues to Echmiadzin Cathedral, considered the spiritual center of Armenia and one of the oldest cathedrals in the world, still serving as the seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church today. Nearby, St. Hripsime Church stands as a masterpiece of early Armenian architecture, remarkably preserved since the 7th century — a rare chance to see Armenian church-building at its earliest and most intact.

Zvartnots Cathedral: The Ruins of the “Temple of Angels”

The final stop is Zvartnots Cathedral, a unique circular structure from the 7th century that was once known as the “Temple of Angels.” Though now in ruins, its unusual circular design (unlike any other Armenian church) makes it one of the country’s most architecturally significant sites, and it closes out the tour’s journey through the earliest chapters of Armenian Christianity.

Full Itinerary

Pickup: Alexander Tamanyan Statue, Cascade Complex, Yerevan

Khor Virap Monastery — 50 min

St. Hripsime Church — 30 min

Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin — 1 hour

Lunch — 1 hour

Zvartnots Temple — 50 min

Drop-off: Alexander Tamanyan Statue, Cascade Complex, Yerevan

How much does this tour cost?

The tour starts from AMD 12,900 per person for the group tour option.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Khor Virap and Echmiadzin tour?

The tour takes approximately 7 hours, including pickup and drop-off in Yerevan.

What languages are the guides available in?

Guides for this tour are available in English and Russian.

Can you see Mount Ararat from Khor Virap?

Yes, Khor Virap Monastery offers some of the most iconic views of Mount Ararat in Armenia.

Are all the sites on this tour UNESCO World Heritage sites?

Yes, Khor Virap, Echmiadzin Cathedral, St. Hripsime Church, and Zvartnots Cathedral are all part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Is this a private or group tour?

This is a Group Tour, joined by other travelers, with free cancellation available.

Where does the tour depart from?

Pickup is at the Alexander Tamanyan Statue, near the Cascade Complex in Yerevan.