Highlights
- Discover the ancient Garni Temple, the only preserved pagan temple in Armenia
- Visit the Geghard Monastery, a rock-hewn monastery surrounded by caves
- Learn about the holy relic Geghard, the weapon of the Roman centurion Longianos
- End your tour with a lavash masterclass and see how the famous bread is baked
Description
Begin your tour with a visit to the Arch of Charents, a viewpoint offering stunning views of Mount Ararat, the symbol of Armenia. Learn about the architect Rafael Israelyan, who designed the structure in 1957, and see the last line of Yeghishe Charents's poem engraved on the front entrance.
Next, head to the Garni Temple, the only preserved pagan temple in Armenia and the former USSR. Built in the first century and dedicated to Mithra, the God of the Sun, the temple tells the story of pre-Christian Armenia. Discover how it was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1679 and restored between 1968 and 1975.
Continue to the Garni Gorge to see the Symphony of Stones, a natural wonder and part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Admire the hexagonal basalt stones, which resemble a giant organ, stretching across the canyon.
Then, visit the Geghard Monastery, a rock-hewn monastery surrounded by 140 caves once inhabited by monks. Learn about the holy relic Geghard, the weapon of the Roman centurion Longianos, which is now kept in the Holy Mother See of Etchmiatsin.
End your tour with a lavash master class, where you’ll see how the famous Armenian bread is baked.
Includes
Visit to Charents Arch
Visit to Garni Temple
Visit to Garni Gorge, Symphony of the Stones
Visit to Geghard Monastery
Lavash baking master class
Transport
Guide service (if there are foreign participants, the tour may be conducted in two languages)
Bottled water
Excludes
Garni Temple Entrance Fee - 1500 AMD
The Symphony of Stones entrance fee - 300 AMD
Lunch (7-12$ per person)
Important Information
- The tour involves walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
The Garni Temple was restored between 1968 and 1975 after being destroyed by an earthquake in 1679.
The Geghard Monastery is surrounded by 140 caves once inhabited by monks.
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
