This day we will visit 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 to Sevan, 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.

Continue the visit to the blue Pearl of Armenia – Lake Sevan, recognized as a national treasure in the country. It is the largest lake of the Caucasus and Armenia, at an altitude of 1900 m above sea level. At the shore of a small island visit the Monastery complex of Sevanavank. After the water level fell about 20 m, the island transformed into a peninsula. Return to Yerevan at the end of the day tour.