Half-day Spiritual Rest In Holy Echmiadzin Group Tour in Yerevan, Armenia

Visit the world's earliest Christian cathedral church, Echmiadzin — the spiritual hub for Armenians worldwide! The word refers to where "God's only begotten son descended." The church was built on the burial of Hripsime, a Christian nun who left the Roman Empire and was killed in Armenia. This beautiful building has stood tall since it was finished in 618 A.D., making it one of the world's oldest churches still in use. We will also admire the eternal beauty of St. Gayane's eponymous church, which was built on the burial site of another early Christian nun, Gayane.

After this stop, you'll participate in a master class on making local food (and, of course, eating it!). Dolma is the second main course served in Armenian meals. It is made from cabbage, grape leaves, rice, minced meat, and other ingredients. The Holy Echmiadzin, the first Christian cathedral, was built in 301-304. The myth says that Jesus Christ came down to earth at the Dissension Altar, where Gregory the Illuminator ordered the church to be built. Many Christian relics can be found throughout the cathedral, including parts of the Holy Cross, Noah's Ark, and the spear with which Jesus was pierced. Following our visit to this sacred site, we will go to the UNESCO-listed 7th-century Zvartnots Cathedral (like all other historical places on this tour).

Highlights: Spiritual Rest in Holy Echmiadzin, the church of St. Gayane, Zvartnots Temple.

Departure: Sunday.

Includes: a driver (guide), traditional local food tasting, transportation according to the program, and entrance fees.