Garni, Geghard, Echmiadzin & Zvartnots Day Tour

Today we will visit one of the most popular sites in Armenia – the Temple of Garni which is located in Garni village. Built in the 1st century AD, the Temple of Garni survived the destruction of pagan temples following Armenia’s conversion to Christianity. After the earthquake in 1679, the temple was reconstructed. Then, visit Geghard Monastery which is located on a cliff, from where you can get a beautiful panoramic view of Geghama mountains range as well as the Azat River near the Ararat Plain. This Medieval Monastery is located deep within Azat Valley, founded by Saint Gregory the Illuminator, as a small chapel. The complex has been considered as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2000. You can have lunch in Garni village where you can take part in the preparation of Armenian bread “Lavash”. After we continue our trip to the 4th largest city in Armenia, Etchmiadzin. Before 1945, it was officially admitted as Vagharshapat. Nowadays, the city is best known as the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church “Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin” and as the location of its Cathedral. The Cathedral of Etchmiadzin was built in Ancient Armenia, in the early 4th century, following the adoption of Christianity as a state religion by King Tiridates. In Etchmiadzin, visit also St. Gayane and St. Hripsime Churches dated from the 7th century. These two churches were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On the way back to Yerevan, you’ll stop by at Zvartnots Cathedral. The latter was built in the 7th century and is considered the oldest and largest aisled tetraconch church in ancient Armenia. The Cathedral was destroyed in an earthquake in the 10th century, but in spite of this, it was reconstructed in the 1940s. Owing to this restoration, Zvartnots’ ruins are considered a famous tourist attraction.