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?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/95285/e7b0267f-ae06-4db5-97b6-a182c49a17e6.png)
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
Celine A.
“Incredible experience”
I really enjoyed this excursion. It combined a great and rare mix of contemporary history, science and adventure with a little dosis of adrenaline! The guide was kind, really competent and patient, and proactive to propose different options to make the best out of the trip. I do highly recommend !!!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/95285/e7b0267f-ae06-4db5-97b6-a182c49a17e6.png)
Chris K.
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the unique mix of science, history, and a touch of adventure on our trip. It was a absolute pleasure guiding you, and I truly appreciate your kind words about the experience. Hope to welcome you back for another great excursion in Armenia whenever you're ready for the next adventure!
Daniel M.
“Nice Trip ”
The telescope trip was such a nice and interesting experience. Our guide Kevork explained a lot about this lost place from Soviet times until now. In addition, he was driving very safe and convenient. We enjoyed the trip with him a lot and can definitely recommend!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/95285/e7b0267f-ae06-4db5-97b6-a182c49a17e6.png)
Chris K.
Hi Daniel, Thank you so much for the kind review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the telescope tour and had a great experience learning about its unique Soviet-era history. Kevork is wonderful at bringing those hidden gems to life, and I'll be sure to pass along your compliments on his guiding and driving. Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back to Armenia again in the future!
Martha slot T.
“Fantastic tour ”
We had a fantastic tour with Kevork, a great and very knowledgeable guide who was very friendly and flexible. He gladly answered all our questions. We did a customized tour with both ROT54, Garni temple, Geghard monastery and other nice stops. Would definitely recommend going with Kevork/Chris!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/95285/e7b0267f-ae06-4db5-97b6-a182c49a17e6.png)
Chris K.
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! It was an absolute pleasure customizing the day for you. ROT-54, Garni, and Geghard make such a wonderful combination, and I'm so glad Kevork took such great care of you, kept things flexible, and shared so much along the way. Your recommendation means the world to us! Hope to welcome you back to Armenia for another adventure in the future!
$100/ per group
More tours by Chris K.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23365/efb9568e-ebfc-4c41-8f82-30f26cf5e26b.jpg)
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23367/83575872-cba9-47c9-abc6-b45b779ab794.jpg)
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.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23386/f2ff4007-2c71-436c-a5b6-70b3c293f5ef.jpg)
Sacred Monasteries & Ancient Wines: Khor Virap to Areni ,Noravank
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23372/db69b496-4818-4fd5-a9bb-9564cc79115b.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/2fd72173-0fb2-4226-b63e-79e8b655bf86.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/9c6a34a1-d3b3-48ba-a235-7033396c1c96.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/74a6b734-0c3b-4079-b626-991f2412dd72.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/eb1bcf56-ca9f-40a5-b202-6243afad06ca.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/1cd996c6-7d3b-4ef1-b75e-107e672aae51.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/a5a3d9b4-9d7d-4a62-8b56-a59769de5fcd.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/34f25f7d-b927-4818-a22b-a3b7e8d8e1b4.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/5c5cb08d-dddc-4bfa-9448-7b8c2a02b100.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/9801131a-b2e9-4418-9fd3-071d47b52e90.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/a11ab74d-91d5-4007-9199-42bcd50533f1.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/4241b1a4-fa93-4ad9-89dc-63814540feee.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/aaf56993-37f2-4d23-b32f-2478575107e1.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/0086d6cc-6dcf-4674-a659-dcdabd74721f.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/24494a4e-86f9-4c71-8e98-3e709abc2282.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/682fe9c0-d7a3-4264-91e3-871c6800ce0c.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/a7b8f60d-7a77-41db-8f26-5655d1e01b32.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/36b3e902-2362-401c-b83d-e1e40812a2de.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/5a745dee-a1d1-4541-adee-bcf77eeacd04.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/ee5b8d15-e979-40f5-a61b-ccd63a2364ee.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/25dbaccb-f3cf-4ad2-b624-71c936ebf1f4.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/10d399b9-789d-4f0e-adba-c27ab37a7877.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/13ae5eb1-6c51-4953-9745-1f96bded86e5.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/314d1c24-a41f-40a6-9e2f-5a83b66cd17a.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/0215175a-c4f5-4f52-9192-387a9fe9383d.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23368/92d40b3b-ad8d-46af-b72b-59ada701a95c.jpg)