Garni, Geghard and Wine: The Spiritual Way of the Armenian People, Geghard Monastery

Garni and Geghard are two of the most important landmarks near Yerevan that every Armenian and guest of the country should visit. However, we will present you a reworked itinerary. For you and me, it will be not just a tourist trip, but a philosophical reflection.

Highlights:

• "Symphony of Stones", a unique natural monument, frozen lava that forms the likeness of a huge organ 100 meters high

• The Temple of the Sun in Garni, the only Hellenistic monument in the former Soviet Union

• The Geghard Monastery with churches and a tomb carved in the rock in the 13th century

• The Charents Arch with a breathtaking view of Ararat

• Norqi Marani Winery in Yerevan

• Stages of religious development in Armenia for 5000 years: animism, paganism, the appearance and development of Christianity

• You will learn why wine is a sacred beverage and an essential part of the spiritual life of the Armenian people

• What is the symbolism of grapevine in the Armenian art

• What is a khachkar and how to "read" it: understand the images and meanings that are encoded in it

Included:

• Guide

• Transportation

• Wine Tasting

• Lunch

In one day you will learn about the whole spiritual journey of the Armenian people, learn how to "read" the main religious symbols in architecture and art. You will be surrounded by such beautiful nature that you will understand how it is what inspired the Armenian people to build khachkars, temples and monasteries. Finally, we will end our immersion in Armenian spirituality with a visit to an old winery and wine tasting.