Khor Virap Monastery, view of the Azat Reservoir, Garni Temple, Lavash baking master class, Geghard Monastery

Duration 8-9 hours

Movement Automobile-Pedestrian

Type Group

Guide Live Guide

Entry tickets Payment on the spot

This combined tour includes some of the most popular attractions in Armenia. In the morning, the biblical Mount Ararat is especially beautiful, so the first stop is at the closest point to the mountain on the territory of Armenia, at the Khor Virap monastery, where Christianity in Armenia originates. After this, you will have a stop near a special observation deck, from where you can capture beautiful photographs of the Azat reservoir surrounded by nature. Next on the route – the only pagan temple in Armenia – Garni. 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. Finally, you will be surprised with its magnificence by the 13th century Geghard monastery complex, partially carved into the rock, included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

Khor Virap Monastery

Khor Virap is located in the Ararat region, on the hill of the nearby village of Small Vedi. It is considered one of the holy places of the Armenian Apostolic Church. According to legend, this is where the deep pit is located, into which, at the behest of Trdat III, Gregory the Illuminator was thrown for preaching Christianity. Only after many years of imprisonment, when Gregory the Illuminator miraculously healed Trdat III from a serious illness, the king proclaimed Christianity as the state religion. According to its geographical location, Khor Virap – the closest place to Mount Ararat, from where you can see the legendary mountain.

Azat Reservoir

Azat reservoir (1050 m above sea level) is located in the Ararat region. It was put into operation in 1976 with the purpose of being used for irrigation of the Ararat Valley. The area is 2.85 sq. m, and the total volume – 70 million cubic meters m. The reservoir is surrounded by mountains and has delighted visitors for many years. The reflection of the sun/moon in the water in combination with clouds produces a simply unique impression.

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.”

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:)

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 legionnaire 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.

Languages of the tour

Russian
English

Route

Khor Virap Monastery
Azat Reservoir
Garni Temple
Geghard Monastery

Information

The cost of the excursion includes:
- Professional guide: ENG + RUS sequentially;
- Bottled water and buns;
- WiFi in transport;
- Air-conditioned cars;
- Vehicle and passenger insurance;
- Entrance fees
- Wine tasting

The cost of the tour does not include:
- Cost of lunch (3 500 AMD – 4 500 AMD);
- 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.

Features:
*Take AMD cash with you: it is not always possible to pay for lunch in a restaurant with a credit card

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.

Khor Virap Monastery

Khor Virap is an ancient Armenian monastery located near the state border of Armenia, near the city of Artashat. The monastery is known for its location at the foot of the biblical Mount Ararat, where, according to legend, Noah ended up on the ark after the Flood.