Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Lavash baking master class

Duration 5-6 hours

Movement Automobile-Pedestrian

Type Group

Guide Live Guide

Entry tickets Payment on the spot

Join this short group excursion to explore the most unique sights in Armenia! First visit Garni, the only pagan temple in Armenia, and the next stop – Geghard monastery complex, partially carved into the rock. At the end, you will have the opportunity to watch the process of baking lavash (Armenian thin bread), which is one of the most beautiful and widespread Armenian national traditions.

1. Arch of Charents

Charents Arch was created by architect Rafael Israelyan. One day, on the way to Garni, he stopped at this place and, noticing that it offered a beautiful view of Ararat, decided to build an arch as a “temple” Ararat. The arch was built in 1957 – in the year of the 60th anniversary of the birth of the great Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents. They say that the poet also loved to stroll through these places. The arch really stands in such a way that through it, like a picture in a frame, a picturesque view of the Ararat Valley opens up with Masis soaring in the distance. On the front doorway, along the arc of the arch, are carved the words that complete the famous poem by Charents:

«Mountains older than Ararat, there are no whiter peaks in the world;

Like glory, an inaccessible path, I love my harsh Masis!'

Go to Garni and not stay at this place – great temptation! After all, here you can take stunning photographs against the backdrop of the Arch and Ararat. If only the weather was clear.

2. Garni Temple

Garni pagan temple – the only monument of its kind from the Hellenistic era that has been preserved on the territory of Armenia. It is located 28 km from Yerevan, in the picturesque gorge of the Azat River. In the 1st century AD in the fortress located on a triangular hill, Trdat I ordered the construction of a delightful temple dedicated to the Sun God Mithras. After the adoption of Christianity, the temple was turned into the summer residence of the Armenian kings. As a result of a strong earthquake in 1679, the temple was almost completely destroyed. Restoration work began in 1966 and lasted almost 10 years. Today, around the temple you can see the remains of an ancient fortress, a royal palace and, of great interest, a royal bath with multi-colored mosaics and a mysterious inscription – “They worked without getting anything.”

3. Geghard Monastery

The famous Geghard monastery is located in the Kotayk region, 9 km from Garni. The monastery complex was built in the 12th-13th centuries. At first it was called Ayrivank ("cave monastery"), and then it was renamed Geghard ("spear"), with which, according to legend, a Roman legionary pierced Christ. The complex consists of the main church of the Catholic Church, a narthex, two churches carved into the rock, a chapel and the Church of the Holy Virgin, which is considered the most ancient monument of the complex. The object is included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

Master class on baking lavash.

As the saying goes: “bread – staff of life."

Lavash – one of the most popular culinary highlights of Armenia, which is an integral part of Armenian cuisine. This is a traditional, thin flatbread baked in a tondyr (a special earthen oven). Although the process of baking lavash requires many special skills, it is still the prerogative of women. For centuries, lavash has been consumed by all classes of Armenian society; it is valued for its unique taste and ability to be stored for a long time without losing its positive qualities.
In 2014, “Preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional Armenian lavash bread as an expression of Armenian culture” was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
During this master class you will learn the thousand-year-old technique of making pita bread and, of course, try it with fresh herbs and delicious local cheese. Once you smell freshly baked lavash, you will retain this impression for the rest of your life:)

Languages of the tour

Russian
English

Route

Arch of Charents
Garni Temple
Geghard Monastery
Master class on baking lavash.

Information

The cost of the excursion includes:
- Professional guide: ENG + RUS sequentially;
- Bottled water and buns;
- WiFi in transport;
- Cars with air conditioning;
- Insurance of vehicles and passengers;
- Entrance tickets;
- Master class and tasting

Tour price does not include:
- Stop for lunch;
- Return transfer to the hotel after returning to Yerevan;
- Personal expenses

Order cancellation conditions:
If a tourist cancels an excursion less than 3 days in advance – penalty 100%

In case of unfavorable weather conditions or force majeure, the Company reserves the right to change, shorten or cancel the Excursion for safety reasons. If, due to the above circumstances, the Company replaced the visited places or Services provided during the Excursion with similar places or Services, then it does not bear any obligation to the Customer and any amount is not refundable.

Important:
- Check-out: 10:00, For proper check-in and boarding, participants are required to arrive at st. Nalbandyan 96, Yerevan no later than 30 minutes before departure of the Excursion.
- During Group Excursions, the desired seats in the vehicle are not reserved in advance.
- Citizens of some countries must obtain a visa when participating in a Group Excursion to the Republic of Georgia Republic of Georgia, and in some cases, a visa from the Republic of Armenia for re-entry into the country. The company does not provide visa support. Visas are issued on the basis of valid international treaties between the Republic of Georgia and (or) the Republic of Armenia and the country of which you are a citizen.
- During Group Excursions, it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes, preferably closed ones.
- Regardless of the destination, it is advisable take warm clothes, as the climate where the attractions are located may differ from the climate in Yerevan.
- When visiting the temple, men and women are advised not to wear revealing clothing. It is advisable for women to keep their heads covered while in the temple.
- No pets are allowed on Group Tours.
- The Company is not responsible for your items left behind, lost, damaged or misplaced during Group Tours as in the vehicle and in visited places.

Attractions

Pagan temple of Garni

The most famous monument of the era of paganism and Hellenism.

Geghard Monastery

Geghard Monastery, listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site, is a unique complex where temples are carved into the rocks and structures are combined with a beautiful landscape. With its roots in the 4th century, Geghard reveals a wealth of legends and history, and the magnificent main church, erected in the 13th century, represents a magnificent architectural heritage.

Arch of Charents

This monument was erected in 1957 and attracts the attention of all those who travel to Garni. The location for the arch was not chosen by chance - from this point a breathtaking view of the biblical Mount Ararat opens up