Discover Garni, Geghard, Symphony of Stones and Khor Virap

Visit some of Armenia's most famous attractions and learn about the country's fascinating past! Witness the beauty of Khor Virap, discover the "Symphony of Stones," the pagan temple of Garni, and the Geghard Monastery Complex.

Highlights:

• Learn about Armenian legends
• Visit Garni temple and Roman bath
• Discover Geghard monastery
• Explore Symphony of Stones
• Visit Khor Virap
• Enjoy Ararat views

Includes:

• Driver-guide
• Private vehicle
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Not included:

• Lunch
• Entrance fees

Please note: the departures are daily.

You'll be picked up from Yerevan by your driver-guide and taken to Garni, the only pagan temple in Armenia, built in 77 AD. In Armenia's Kotayk province, in the small town of Garni, you'll find the site in question. There's a Greek inscription on the mosaic floor of a Roman bathhouse and a temple. The surrounding mountains are breathtaking, so prepare to take some stunning photos for your Instagram!

After leaving Garni, you'll travel roughly 30 minutes to the Geghard Monastery. In the fourth century, St. Gregory the Illuminator built the Geghard Monastery in a cave. It was one of the secret churches in early Armenian history, but Arabs burned it down and destroyed it in the ninth century. After its original church burned down in 1215, the Geghard Monastery reconstructed its main church. Thaddeus was a Roman soldier who was in charge of nailing Jesus Christ to the cross. He brought a spear (called the "Holy Spear") to the site. Geghard means "spear," so the monastery is also known as the "monastery of the spear."

The next stop will be the Symphony of Stones, also known as the "Basalt Organ," a natural monument in the Azat River valley, not far from the town of Garni. Massive (nearly 50-meter-high) basalt columns of hexahedral and pentahedral symmetry make up the monument and resemble a musical instrument, giving the impression that they were artificially constructed.

At the end of your journey, you'll visit Khor Virap Monastery, the location nearest Mount Ararat, where, according to myth, Noah landed the ark after the Great Flood. For those who follow the Armenian Apostolic Church, a visit to Khor Virap is a must because of the importance of this holy site. The monastery rests atop the underground prison where King Trdat III of Armenia incarcerated Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Your driver-guide will drop you off at your hotel after the tour concludes in Yerevan. The tour will end in Yerevan, where your driver-guide will take you to your hotel.