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
Chaz A.
“Wonderful visit!”
Chris organized my trip to the Orgov telescope and his associate Kevork drove my friend and I. Sadly I was never able to meet Chris in person. It’s a shame because he was great to communicate with online. Very helpful and funny at that! Kevork was a fantastic guide and also very funny. I enjoyed the trip thoroughly. I would highly recommended this experience. I don’t think I’ve seen anything quite like it. Thank you Chris and Kevork!!
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Chris K.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! I am absolutely thrilled to hear that you and your friend had such a great time exploring the Orgov telescope. I was really looking forward to meeting you both in person as well, but I’m so glad we got to connect online and that I could help get everything set up for you. I will definitely pass your incredibly kind words along to Kevork—he’s a fantastic guide and a huge asset to the team, and I know he’ll be smiling from ear to ear when he hears how much you enjoyed his humor and company! The Orgov telescope is truly a unique, one-of-a-kind place, and I'm so happy we could show it to you. If your travels ever bring you or your friends back this way, please don't hesitate to reach out. We'd love to host you for another adventure! Safe travels, and thank you again from both Kevork and me! Best regards, Chris
Anton K.
“Amazing tour!”
Had a tour not with Chris, but his friend Kevo. No rushing, this guy is genuinely interested in making it enjoyable for you. He joined us for a tour for observatory as well. Absolutely amazing tour, we are so happy!
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Chris K.
Thanks for your kind review ANTON.
Nathanael C.
“Highlight of my Armenia trip!”
I had the best experience taking this tour provided by Chris. Unfortunately Chris was unable to be physically present for the tour, so my driver / guide for the day was Gevorg. Gevorg was an amazing tour guide - he gave detailed explanations of every part of the site, accompanied me to explore the area, and gave me great insights into life in Armenia. Chris took the effort to virtually be with me throughout the tour - sending photos and text explanations, as well as providing video and audio calls to explain in detail. Chris and Gevorg went above and beyond to provide me a great experience even though I was solo on this tour, and I am eternally grateful for their effort that made this day extremely memorable. I would highly recommend anybody to book this tour and even engage Chris / Gevorg's services for separate tours in Armenia!
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Chris K.
Thank you so much for this incredible review! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that you had such a memorable day exploring with us. As a team, our goal is always to provide a seamless, deeply informative, and unforgettable experience—even when plans have to shift. I am so glad that Gevorg was able to guide you on the ground with the detailed insights and care that we pride ourselves on, and that our virtual connection kept us completely in sync throughout the day. Navigating a tour solo can sometimes feel daunting, but ensuring you felt fully supported and looked after every step of the way was our absolute priority. Your high recommendation and kind words mean the world to us. It was a true pleasure hosting you, and we would love nothing more than to welcome you back for another journey across Armenia whenever you return! Safe travels, and thank you again for choosing us!
$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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Nature’s Trio: Exploring Tsaghkadzor, Lake Sevan, and Dilijan.
Exploring the "Nature's Trio"—Tsaghkadzor, Lake Sevan, and Dilijan—is essentially the ultimate Armenian "Greatest Hits" tour for nature and history lovers. In a single day, you transition from alpine ski slopes to a high-altitude "sea," ending in a lush, misty forest.
Nature’s Trio: Exploring Tsaghkadzor, Lake Sevan, and Dilijan.
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