Garni temple, Geghard Monastery, Azat gorge, Lavash baking
Private 5–6-hour tour from Yerevan: Charents Arch, Garni Temple, the Symphony of Stones in Azat Gorge, Geghard Monastery and lavash baking.
About this tour
Duration 5-6 hours.
We invite our tourists to this tour to see temples of two different periods and religions, a natural basalt organ and one of the best views of Mount Ararat. Two of the places included in the excursion program of this tour are part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Itinerary
1 Stop 1 Arch of Charents
While passing through the village of Voghjaberd, the architect Rafael Israelyan often noticed that a wonderful view of Mount Ararat opens from the nearby hill. And here, in 1957, Israelyan completed the structure he designed, which is called the Mount Ararat Temple. The last line of Yeghishe Charents's poem is engraved in visible large letters on the front entrance. "Go to the world; there is no white peak like Ararat, like the path of unripe glory; I love my Masis mountain." Very soon the place got its new, popular and more widespread name - The Arch of Charents. We start the tour with the viewpoint of Mount Ararat, the symbol of Armenia.
2 Stop 2 Pagan temple Garni
The temple, built in the first century and had been around for centuries, was destroyed and stood up again. It tells about pre-Christian Armenia and the Armenian people. The temple dedicated to Mithra, the God of the Sun, is the only preserved pagan temple both in Armenia and in the territory of the former USSR. The temple was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1679 and was restored for about 8 years, 1968-75.
3 Stop 3 Symphony of the Stones
The next stop is the basalt organ, the Symphony of Stones. The accumulation of naturally cut stones with wonderful symmetry is a true natural wonder and also part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The hexagonal stones, stretched one after the other across the canyon, look like an organ, hence the name.
4 Stop 4 Geghard Monastery
The ancient name of this rock-hewn monastery was Ayrivank due to the 140 caves in the surrounding mountains, which were inhabited by monks. Later, the holy relic Geghard brought here gave the monastery its current name, Geghardavank. The weapon of the Roman centurion Longianos, the holy relic Geghard, with which Christ was wounded, is now kept in the Holy Mother See of Etchmiatsin.
5 Stop 5 Lavash Baking Master Class
The familiarization tour ends with a lavash master class, where you will see how the famous Armenian bread, lavash, is baked.
What’s included
Included
- Transport
Not included
- Lavash baking master class
Pickup & Important information
FAQ
What does this tour include and what are the main stops?
This is a private tour from Yerevan visiting the Arch of Charents, the pagan temple of Garni, Symphony of the Stones, Geghard Monastery, and a lavash baking master class. During the tour, you can see monuments from different periods and religions, a natural basalt organ, and one of the best views of Mount Ararat.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 5-6 hours. It is a half-day tour.
How much is this tour for one adult?
The price starts from 22,325 AMD per person; the final price depends on the group size, the car and the guide's language.
When does this tour run?
The tour runs on request, on the date chosen by the traveller.
Where does the tour start and end?
Pickup from your hotel or any address in Yerevan. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start.
In what languages is the tour conducted?
The tour is conducted in Armenian, English, and Russian.
What is included in the price and what is not included?
Transport is included in the price. The lavash baking master class, meals, and entrance fees are not included.
Can I skip any site with a paid entrance?
Yes, you may skip a paid entrance and wait for the group outside. Entrance fees are usually paid in cash on site.
Are there any age restrictions or child conditions?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children aged 0-3 join free, children aged 3-6 get a 50% discount, and ages 7+ pay the full price.
What happens in bad weather?
In case of severe weather, the tour may be postponed or refunded.
How does cancellation work?
Free cancellation no later than 24 hours before departure. If you cancel later, the money is not refunded.
How can I book and pay for the tour?
To book, you need your phone number and the full names of all participants. Payment is made in advance to confirm the booking and can be made by card at the office, by bank transfer, or in cash at the office.
Have questions?