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Group Tour: Khor Virap, Garni, Geghard, Lavash

5.0

238 Ratings

Yerevan

Explore Armenia's top attractions: Khor Virap, Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, and Lavash baking. Capture stunning views and immerse in rich traditions.

Duration: 9 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Hyur Service - starting and ending point
Khor Virap - hor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. As a state religion, Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavors of Saint Gregory The Illuminator, who, before converting King Trdat The 3rd to Christianity, was imprisoned in the dungeon, over which a church of Khor Virap monastery was built in the 17th century. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat.
Azat Reservoir - short stop for admiring view and photos
Abelyan’s House - Lavash is one of the most popular gastronomic icons of Armenia, serving as an integral part of the Armenian cuisine. It is a traditional soft, thin flatbread, made in tonir (special ground oven). Although the baking process of lavash requires much of special skills, it is undertaken by women.
In 2014 “The preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread lavash as an expression of Armenian culture” was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
During this master class you will observe and learn the millennia-old techniques of making lavash, and, of course, taste self-baked lavash together with some fresh greens and yummy local cheese. Feeling the smell of lavash once, you will save this impression for the whole life:)
The Monastery of Geghard - Geghard monastery is the unsurpassable masterpiece of the 13th century Armenian architecture. Some of the churches of the complex are masterfully hewn in a huge rock. From the outset the complex was called Ayrivank (cave monastery), later it was renamed Geghard (lance) as the lance, used by the roman soldier to sting Jesus Christ’s side, had been kept in this monastery for many centuries. Due to its construction, Geghardavank serves the best place for singing spiritual songs. The complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars (cross-stones). The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
Garni Temple - Garni temple, which towers over a triangular cape, is the unique survived example of heathen culture in Armenia. It is a blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles. King Trdat The First ordered building the temple in the first century AD and dedicated it to the God of Sun. After adopting Christianity in 301, the pagan temple lost its significance and the fortress of Garni became the summer residence of the kings. Nowadays the ruins of the royal palace and the bathroom with a stunning mosaic work can be found near the temple.

What's Included

Air-conditioned vehicles
Vehicle & passengers insurance
Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively
WiFi in the vehicles
Bottled water & pastries
Admission tickets

What's Not Included

Lunch price (3500 - 4500AMD = 9-11 USD)
Hotel pick-up & drop-off

Additional Information

This combined tour includes visits of some of the most popular attractions of Armenia. During morning time Biblical Mount Ararat is especially beautiful, so the first stop is foreseen at the closest point to the mountain from Armenia – Khor Virap monastery, from where Christianity in Armenia originates. Afterwards you will have a stop at a special view point and there will be a chance to take nice photos of Azat Reservoir, surrounded with nature. Next on the route is the only pagan temple in Armenia – Garni. See lavash (Armenian thin bread) baking process, which is one of the most beautiful and common Armenian national traditions and participate in an engaging and joyful Holiday sweet master class. And, finally, you will be amazed by the magnificence of the 13th century Geghard monastic complex, partially carved in the rock and included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
The duration is approximate
Seats will not be known in advance

Location

Hyur Service (Head Office)

Nalbandyan poxoc

on the left hand, little bit down from Nalbandyan and Tumanyan corner

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

5.0

(238 Ratings)

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Kadri_s

Aug 9, 2024

Great experience - As and introvert I was afraid at first how do I survive a tour with a group of 50, but it was very nicely organized. The group divided into smaller groups by language and on every sight we had some time with the guide and some time to wander around on our own. Our guide Marina communicated very well and gave us clear instructions, in order to have this big group to be on the schedule and getting the best of this trip. The sights were amazing and I got to know Armenia a lot better thanks to our guide.

Review provided by Viator

_f3801lj

Jul 26, 2024

Great tour. - This tour, although one day, is very varied, interesting, filled with a wonderful atmosphere. We were very pleased. Thank you for the professionalism and wonderful impressions of guide Arpi and driver Spartacus.