Private Tour: Garni - Geghard - Azat Canyon - Khor Virap in Armenia, Yerevan

4.5(4)

Duration

10 hours

Languages

English, Russian

Guests

2-2

This is my unique author's excursion through the history and culture of my ancient country. It includes ancient sites, traditional food elements and well-known viewpoints connected with the regions heritage.

Route and Key Stops

The trip begins by heading northeast with a stop at the Arch of Charents for a panoramic view of Mount Ararat and the valley. The next stop is Garni pagan Temple, the only surviving pre-Christian structure of its kind in the region. The village around the site is considered one of the oldest inhabited settlements.

The experience continues with a lavash baking master class and lunch. Geghard monastery is included in the route and is associated with the Holy Lance. After entering the gorge, the tour includes the Stone Symphony a natural formation of basalt columns near the Azat river. The final part of the experience is a visit to Khor Virap monastery and the deep dungeon connected to Gregory the Illuminator.

Highlights:

See Ararat from Charents Arch
Enjoy ancient Garni Pagan Temple
Discover Stone Symphony
Visit Geghard Spear monastery and Khor Virap
Lavash baking master class

Includes:

Pick-up and drop off from Yerevan hotels
Driver(guide)
Private a/c vehicle
Entrance fee
Lunch

We will head to North-east and stop at the Arch of Charents, dedicated to a famous Armenian writer and to admire unforgettable view of Ararat mountain and valley. Next destination point is Garni pagan Temple, the only heathen time Temple in Lesser Caucasus. The village is the oldest inhabited settlement in the region. We will enjoy an Armenian flat bread Lavash baking master class and lunch. Geghard can be pronounced as a monastery of Holy Lance devoted to a Spear which had wounded Jesus Christ at the Crucifixion. Driving a little bit into the gorge we will stop at so called "Stone Symphony", a natural monument of hexagon basalt cliffs. Azat water reservoir is the next while driving to Khor Virap monastery and dungeon where Gregory the illuminator was imprisoned for 14 years forced to be the Patriarch of the first Christian country in the world.