Garni & Geghard: History, Nature & Lavash Baking
The Garni-Geghard tour is the most popular day trip from Yerevan, typically taking 4 to 6 hours. It covers the highlights of the Kotayk region, transitioning from pagan antiquity to medieval Christian architecture and unique geological formations.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel in Yerevan
- Your location address
Voghjaberd ( Charents Arch )
Built in 1957 by architect Rafael Israelyan, it is dedicated to the poet Yeghishe Charents.
The arch perfectly frames Mount Ararat. It features an inscription from Charents’ famous poem: "In all the world, there's no white peak like that of Ararat."
Garni Temple
A Greco-Roman colonnaded temple perched on a triangular cliff overlooking the Azat River gorge.
Built in the 1st century AD (approx. 77 AD) by King Tiridates I, likely dedicated to Mihr, the god of the sun. It is the only surviving pagan temple in Armenia and the entire former Soviet Union. It features 24 Ionic columns and was reconstructed in the 1970s after a 1679 earthquake.
Symphony of Stones
A massive cliff face composed of hexagonal and pentagonal basalt columns that look like a giant pipe organ (often called the "Basalt Organ").
These were created by the slow cooling of volcanic lava over 127,000 years ago.
Geghard Monastery
Set at the end of a winding road in the Upper Azat Valley.
A UNESCO World Heritage site where many of the churches and tombs are cut directly into the mountain rock.
The Spear: Originally named Ayrivank ("Monastery in the Cave"), its name was changed to Geghardavank ("Monastery of the Spear") because it once housed the Holy Spear that pierced Jesus at the Crucifixion (now kept in the Etchmiadzin treasury).
The main cathedral dates to 1215, but the complex contains rock-cut chapels with incredible acoustics, often used for choir performances.
Lavash baking masterclass.
in Goght village, where you can watch the traditional bread being baked in a tonir (underground clay oven).
Ending Point
Yerevan Republich square or Your accommodation.
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee
Hotel pick up
Private transportation (TOYOTA CAMRY V70 2018)
Professional Driver
Gasoline,Toll and parking Fees.
Garni Temple entrance fee 1500 AMD.
Symphony OF stones entrance fee 300 AMD.
Personal expenses.
Tour Important Information
This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Chris K.
Hello, I am Chris, a professional Driver. If You Plan to Visit Armenia. Touring with me it will be interesting, funny and exciting.
To me, visiting a place isn't just about seeing a destination, it's about feeling the pulse of the place and leaving with a story to tell.
I assure you that together we will have Happy times ,beautiful photos and lasting memories.
Armenia indeed is a must see country and i Would enjoy if you would choose me as your Driver to explore it.
I am native Armenian speaker, fluent in English, Arabic, Turkish and conversational in French.
SEE YOU IN ARMENIA
Wish you Happy, SAFE, and exciting times ahead.
Reviews
Federica S.
“Da fare assolutamente ”
Bellissimo e interessantissimo tour con Kevork, amico di Chris. Consiglio di affidarvi a loro per il tour del Rot54. La barriera linguistica non sarà un problema. Anche se parlate poco inglese come me tutto sarà molto comprensibile.
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Chris K.
Grazie mille per la splendida recensione! Siamo davvero felici che il tour al ROT-54 con Kevork vi sia piaciuto così tanto. Ci fa immensamente piacere sapere che vi siete trovati a vostro agio e che la lingua non sia stata un ostacolo. Speriamo di rivedervi presto per nuove avventure insieme!
Elliot B.
“Cool visit!”
The ROT54 visit was an awesome memorable tour. Organising with Chris was easy, although his friend Kevork was our driver and guide (as Chris was injured at the time). However, Kevork was a fantastic and knowledge guide to this very interesting site.
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Chris K.
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! I’m thrilled to hear that your visit to ROT54 was such a memorable experience. While I was bummed to miss out on guiding you myself due to my injury, I'm glad Kevork took great care of you. He is a wealth of knowledge, and I'll be sure to pass along your kind words to him—he’ll be delighted to hear them! It was a pleasure helping you organize the trip, and I hope we can welcome you back for another adventure in the future. Safe travels!
Paul G.
“A great tour with a great guide”
I had an amazing tour to some of the most interesting places I have ever visited. I enjoyed the (quite scary) climb up the broken telescope. Another unscheduled hilight was the unscheduled stop on the way back to the city when I had the opportunity to (very badly) make lavash. The guys was very flexible so can tailor the trip to your preference, his communications prior to the trip were also very good and I was kept up to date with the arrangements.
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Chris K.
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! It was a total pleasure showing you around. That climb up the Orgov Radio-Optical Telescope is definitely not for the faint of heart, but the views and history at the top are completely worth the adrenaline rush. Flexibility and clear communication are top priorities for me, so I’m thrilled to hear you felt well taken care of from start to finish. You were a wonderful guest, and I’d love to host you again whenever you're back for another adventure! Safe travels!
$100/ per group
More tours by Chris K.
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Trip To ROT54 MIRROR RADIO TELESCOPE ORGOV BYURAKAN
THE Forgotten giant,Come and Explore the abandoned Herouni Radio Optical Telescope ,Located in the town of Orgov,you will travel through Space and Time.
Trip To ROT54 MIRROR RADIO TELESCOPE ORGOV BYURAKAN
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A Scenic tour of lake Sevan's shores. Noratus, Hayravank, Mikayelyan family farm, Sevanavank.
A tour of Lake Sevan’s shores highlights the "Blue Pearl" of Armenia, offering a blend of ancient Christian heritage, unique medieval artistry, and serene volcanic landscapes. As one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, the tour typically follows the western and southern shores, providing a comprehensive look at the region’s cultural and natural landmarks.
A Scenic tour of lake Sevan's shores. Noratus, Hayravank, Mikayelyan family farm, Sevanavank.
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The Heart of Ancient Armenia This journey takes you through the Ararat Plain and deep into the dramatic landscapes of Vayots Dzor. It is a perfect blend of biblical history, world-renowned archaeology, and the centuries-old traditions of Armenian viticulture.
Sacred Monasteries & Ancient Wines: Khor Virap to Areni ,Noravank
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