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Garni Temple, Symphony of stones, Geghard Monastery, Lavash baking master class

Group tour: Garni Temple, Symphony of stones, Geghard Monastery, Lavash baking master class

Half-day

Duration: 5-6 hours

Start time: 10:00

Tour language: English, Russian

Start & end point: 96, Nalbandyan str.

1007 reviews

99% recommended

This half-day tour from Yerevan brings together panoramic mountain views, pagan history, dramatic natural formations and medieval monastic heritage within a single 5-6 hour journey. With a traditional lavash baking experience included, the route offers a rich and varied introduction to Armenia's landscape and everyday culture.

The journey begins at the Arch of Charents, known for its sweeping views of Mount Ararat, and continues to Garni, home to the only standing pagan temple in Armenia. From there, the route leads into Garni Gorge to see the basalt columns of the Symphony of Stones, before continuing to Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site partly carved into the rock. The experience concludes with a hands-on masterclass, where you can bake and taste fresh traditional lavash.

In winter, if the road to the gorge is closed, the Symphony of Stones stop is replaced with a masterclass in making traditional sweet sujukh.

Deposit

To secure the booking, full payment is required.

Cancellation

In case of cancellation at least 24 hours before the start time, the paid amount is refunded. In case of later cancellation or no-show, no amount is refunded.

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Number of people

Adult (age 8+)
Child (age 3-8) 50% discount
Infant (age 0-3) free of charge

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Price per person

0 USD

29.44 USD

Total price

29.44 USD

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Itinerary

Arch of Charents, Garni Temple, Symphony of stones, Geghard Monastery, Lavash baking master class

1. Arch of Charents

15-20 min Read more: Arch of Charents

The Arch of Charents is not just an architectural monument but a poetic tribute to Armenia and its sacred symbol – Mount Ararat. It was designed by architect Rafael Israelyan, who, while on his way to Garni, stopped at this very spot and was struck by the breathtaking view of the snow-capped Masis. That moment inspired him to create a kind of "temple" dedicated to Ararat – an arch framing the majestic mountain as if in a painting. It is said that the poet himself loved visiting these places, making this monument a living reminder of his legacy.

2. Garni Temple

60-70 min Read more: Garni Temple

On the edge of a triangular cliff, high above the roaring waters of the Azat River, rises the pagan temple of Garni the sole guardian of Armenia's classical heritage that has survived the centuries. Its elegant columns, turned toward the sun, seem to continue their silent homage to Mihr, the solar god to whom the temple was dedicated.

3. Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon)

30-35 min Read more: Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon)

Deep within the Garni Canyon, nature has sculpted one of Armenia's most unusual wonders the majestic polygonal basalt columns that seem to have stepped out of an ancient legend. Formed thousands of years ago from solidified volcanic lava, these towering blocks astonish with their precision and harmony. Rising skyward in strict vertical lines, they resemble the pipes of a colossal organ, which gave them the name "Basalt Organ" or "Symphony of Stones".

4. Geghard Monastery

60-70 min Read more: Geghard Monastery

Amid the wild cliffs of Kotayk Gorge, where the wind carries the scent of stone and pine, the Monastery of Geghard appears as if the mountain itself had carved a sanctuary for eternity. Its walls, half fortress and half cave, rise from the rock like a prayer solidified in stone. Here, silence is alive filled with the soft echo of centuries‑old hymns.

Lavash Baking Masterclass

15-20 min Read more: Lavash Baking Masterclass

As an old proverb says, "bread is the staff of life" and in Armenia this bread is undoubtedly lavash. Thin and soft, baked in the blazing heat of a tonir, lavash has long held a special place in Armenian culture and daily life. It is more than food – it is a symbol of hospitality, family warmth and traditions carefully passed down through generations.

Inclusions

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

Exclusions

Lunch stop
Hotel drop-off (final stop: our office)

Highlights

Admire the views of Biblical Mount Ararat from Charents arch and get fantastic photos
Explore the 1st century pagan temple
Explore stunning geological monuments, named "Basaltic Organ" or sujukh-making master class when road to canyon is impassable
Discover the legends of St. Lance, used by the Roman soldier to pierce Jesus Christ's side
Taste the most delicious Armenian traditional bread

Practical Info

Is there any distance to be covered on foot?

Yes, so as to reach Geghard Monastery, one should cross ~160 m on foot.

How will you describe lavash baking master class? Can I take part in the lavash baking procedure?

The lavash baking experience mainly involves a demonstration of how this traditional bread is prepared, and you'll be able to enjoy a sample served with cheese and herbs. If you'd like to join in on the process, please let the tour guide know early on.

Can I pay for the lunch in the restaurant by card?

Some restaurants might not have card payment facilities, so it's safer to have AMD cash with you for lunch.

What is the group size for this tour?

Group sizes for this tour typically range up to 18 participants each.

Are there any clothing requirements or recommendations for this tour?

For the best experience on the tour, please, wear comfortable sports shoes and bring clothing suitable for various weather conditions: a jacket or coat is recommended. Weather in the regions is generally cooler than in Yerevan. Women are asked to avoid revealing clothing when visiting churches and monasteries.

Meet our Guides

Meline Sahakyan

HY EN ZH

Hi everyone! I'm Meline, and I'm a certified tour guide. If you want to visit and explore our beautiful country, Armenia, with a knowledgeable and sociable guide, it would be an honor for me to be your guide. Welcome to Armenia – Հայաստան.

Anna Harutyunyan

RU HY EN

I'm Anna. Since 2010, I have been helping tourists not only discover Armenia's amazing uniqueness, the depth of its history, and the phenomenon of its existence, but also enjoy inner peace and harmony together with them.

Gayane Mkrtchyan

RU HY EN

I'm Gayane – a small part of Armenia. Do you want to breathe in the scent of this land, feel the taste of our dishes passed down through centuries, hear the roar of endless rivers and the whisper of towering mountains, and why not, listen to the stories of our stone-carved monuments? Let's discover this ancient land together.

Arev Makhsudyan

HY EN

My name is Arev (which means "Sun"). I am an English-speaking tour guide in Armenia, working since 2018. If you choose me as your guide, you will learn a lot about Armenian history, nature, culture, and traditions – and as a bonus, I'll perform Armenian traditional folk songs for you.

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Group tour: Garni Temple, Symphony of stones, Geghard Monastery, Lavash baking master class

Itinerary