Private Tour: Exploring Armenia's Ancient Sites and Monasteries

10 Ratings

Yerevan

Save

View All (16)

Embark on a private tour of Armenia’s ancient sites and monasteries with our cheerful and friendly staff. Experience the expertise of multilingual guides, experienced non-smoking drivers, and clean cars.

Duration: 8 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Charent’s Arch - Charents Arch is located near Yerevan, between the pagan temple of Garni and Geghard Christian monastery complex in the village of Vokhchaberd. At first glance, the Arch seems to be the most ordinary and unremarkable, but coming closer, passing to the platform inside the arch and looking at the panorama, everything becomes clear – this is the best place to admire the great and sacred mountain of Ararat, to be in unity with it and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Garni Temple - The pagan temple of Garni was built in the second half of the 1st century by King Trdat III. This is the only pagan temple, which has been preserved on the territory of Armenia. After the adoption of Christianity it became the summer residence of Khosrovadukht, sister of King Trdat III. It was destroyed in 1679 by an earthquake. Parts, fragments of graceful columns and wall stones were spread around the temple. It is supposed that the temple was dedicated to Mithra, the God of the Sun.
The Monastery of Geghard - Geghard Monastery is one of the greatest medieval architectural structures in Armenia. Geghard is completely hollowed out in a cave, it is also called a “cave monastery”. This monastery was founded in the 4th century AD. in place of the sacred spring, originating in the cave. The name of the monastery complex Geghard (spear) comes from the Langin’n spear, which pierced the body of Jesus Christ on the cross. At the moment this spear is kept in the museum of Etchmiadzin. The monastery complex Geghard is included in UNESCO World Heritage List.
Tsakhkadzor - Tsaghkadzor is cozy city in Kotayk province of Armenia, a popular ski and climatic resort, which translated from Armenian means “Gorge of Flowers”. Already in the V century BC became aware of the curative properties of the local climate.
Stop 6: Kecharis Мonastery
The monastery complex Kecharis was erected in the XI century in Tsakhkadzor. In the 12th-13th centuries, Kecharis was considered a major cult center of Armenia, which had a higher school. The complex consists of three churches, two chapels and a porch, to the west of which, another church with its porch. The main temple is the church of St. Gregory, the first building of the monastery erected by Grigor Magistros Pahlavuni in 1003.
Kecharis Monastery - Kecharis monastery medieval monastery complex is located in the northwestern part of city Tsaghkadzor. It is noteworthy not only with architectural originality, but also with its interesting story. His formation lasted 220 years, with over 150 years of interruption. Such fate was due to the peculiarities of the historical period. The construction of the monastery began during the reign of the Bagratuni dynasty, and continued by the Pahlavuni dynasty.

What's Included

Private transportation
Bottled water
On-board WiFi
All taxes, fees and handling charges
English or Russian speaking Guide service (optional)
In-vehicle air conditioning
Professional driver
Hotel pick-up and drop-off

What's Not Included

Lunch
The entrance fee of Garni temple, Symphony of stones and Tsaghkadzor ropeway

Additional Information

On this exclusive one-day tour, you’ll explore the distinctive pagan temple in Armenia – Garni, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geghard Monastery, and the city of Tsaghkadzor!

The Garni Temple, constructed in the latter half of the 1st century by King Trdat III, stands as the sole preserved pagan temple in Armenia. It is believed to have been dedicated to Mithra, the Sun God.

Geghard Monastery is a remarkable example of medieval Armenian architecture. Entirely carved out of a cave, it is often referred to as the “cave monastery.” Established in the 4th century AD, it was built around a sacred spring originating from the cave.

Tsaghkadzor, a spa town in Armenia’s Kotayk province, is a favored destination for skiing and its pleasant climate. The name Tsaghkadzor translates to “valley of flowers,” reflecting its vibrant and colorful landscape. During your visit, you’ll also see the stunning medieval Kecharis Monastery, which dates back to the early Middle Ages.

Location

Yerevan

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

5.0

(10 Ratings)

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

V1588zhdonnab

Apr 11, 2024

Excellent - Nice experience, the trip is excellent, highly recommended, very organised and punctual, must try this travel agency