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
Amy D.
“Personalized tour of Etchmiadzin and Mother Armenia”
Book Chris when touring Etchmiadzin, St. Gayane, and St. Hripsime - his expertise and knowledge of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the history of the church, saints, and practices are invaluable and elevate your tour of these special religious sites. In addition to his warm demeanor, he was willing to accommodate my special requests and tailor my experience to fit my needs, which I greatly appreciated. In addition, he speaks numerous languages (his English is perfect), drives his own (very clean) car, and navigates the crazy traffic and roads in Yerevan well - I felt very safe and well taken care of during my tour. Thank you Chris for making my visit to Armenia unforgettable!
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Chris K.
Thank you AMY so much for those kind words! It was truly a pleasure to show you around Etchmiadzin and the beautiful churches of St. Gayane and St. Hripsime. Sharing the deep history and traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church is a passion of mine, so I’m thrilled to hear that the insights added a special layer to your visit. I always strive to make sure my guests feel comfortable, safe, and heard, so I'm glad I could accommodate your requests and navigate the Yerevan roads smoothly for you! Knowing that I helped make your time in Armenia unforgettable is the best reward I could ask for. You are welcome back anytime! Best regards, Chris ։)
Luke S.
“The. Best. ”
Such an amazing unique experience! One of my favorite things in Armenia! Chris is so amazing and super fun!
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Chris K.
Welcome to Armenia Luke. And thank u so much for your good review :)
Fabio S.
“Una splendida giornata ”
Affidarmi a Chris per un escursione a Yerevan è stata veramente una splendida idea. Chris è affidabile, simpatico e ci ha fatto sentire a nostro agio, come fossimo vecchi amici. Ottima guida e grandi doti comunicative ed umane. Tornando a Yerevan sicuramente lo ricontatteremo.
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Chris K.
Grazie mille Fabio per le tue bellissime parole! È stato un vero piacere accompagnarvi alla scoperta di Yerevan. Sapere che vi siete sentiti a vostro agio è la soddisfazione più grande per me. Vi aspetto con piacere per la vostra prossima visita!"
$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.
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Yerevan
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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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・Sagmosavank monastery from 13th century ・Armenian alphabets status and 1700years memorial cross ・Armenian dry fruit factory for testing and buying ・Voskevaz winery tour and testing
Sagmosavank Monastery, Armenian Alphabets Statue and Cross, Voskevaz Winery Tour and Tasting
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Day Tour, Yerevan-Garni Template, Stone Symphony, Geghard Monastery, Azat Reservoir, Yerevan.
We start from Yerevan and head to Garni Temple, a unique monument of ancient Greco-Roman architecture. Then we visit the Symphony of Stones, a natural basalt formation shaped by volcanic activity. Next is Geghard Monastery, partly carved into rock, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Optional lunch at a local restaurant with high-quality local meat, fish, and more. On return, we stop at Azat Reservoir for photos and views. Return to your pickup place. Duration 8–10 hours depending on activities.
Day Tour, Yerevan-Garni Template, Stone Symphony, Geghard Monastery, Azat Reservoir, Yerevan.
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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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