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  4. Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Lavash baking master class, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery

Group tour: Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Lavash baking master class, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery

Arch of Charents, Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Lavash baking master class, Lunch stop, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery

1. Arch of Charents

15-20 min
Attraction page
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The monument "Arch of Charents" was created by architect Raphael Israelyan. One day on his way to Garni he stopped at this place and, noticing that a picturesque view opens from there to the Mount Ararat, he decided to build an arch as a "temple" to Ararat. The Arch was constructed in 1957, on occasion of the 60th anniversary of the great Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents. It is said, that the poet was also fond of walking around this place. It is like a picture frame, from where a mesmerizing view opens to the Ararat valley with Masis floating in distance. The following words completing Charents' famous poem are carved on the front aperture along the arch:
"There is no summit as snow-white as that of lofty Ararat;
Like an inaccessible path to glory, I love my Mount Masis!"

You can make here stunning pictures against the backdrop of the Arch and Mountain Ararat, only the weather should be clear.

2. Garni Temple

60-70 min
Attraction page
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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.

3. Geghard Monastery

60-70 min
Attraction page
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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.

Lavash baking master class

15-20 min
Attraction page
Lavash baking master class Lavash baking master class Lavash baking master class Lavash baking master class Lavash baking master class Lavash baking master class Lavash baking master class Lavash baking master class Lavash baking master class Lavash baking master class Lavash baking master class Lavash baking master class Lavash baking master class Lavash baking master class Lavash baking master class Lavash baking master class Lavash baking master class Lavash baking master class
As the saying goes: "Bread is the staff of life".

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. For centuries lavash has been consumed by all classes of Armenian society, it is valued for the unique taste and the ability to be stored for quite a long period of time without losing its positive qualities.

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:)

Lunch stop

50-60 min
Lunch stop
Optional lunch in the local traditional restaurant on own expense. One may choose between 3 different options:
Option 1 (vegeterian) – 3900 AMD per person
Option 2 – 4500 AMD per person
Option 3 – 4900 AMD per person

4. Lake Sevan

Attraction page
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The fascination and the "pearl" of mountainous Armenia is Lake Sevan, which is one of the world's greatest high altitude fresh-water lakes. It is about 1900 m above sea level. The lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded with mountains of 3000 m and higher. The beautiful landscape and the crystal water serve nice preconditions for excellent rest.The lake is also famous for its peninsula and medieval church complex, built in 874.

5. Sevanavank Monastery

50-60 min
Attraction page
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A marvelous scene opens in the north-western part of Lake Sevan, where the peninsula towers over the transparent surface of the lake. Sevanavank monastery was built on the peninsula in 874 by the order of king Ashot Bagratuni's daughter – princess Mariam. The silhouette of the churches against the background of the turquoise lake and blue sky casts unexplainable impression on the visitors.

Inclusions

  • Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively

  • Air-conditioned vehicles

  • Bottled water & pastries

  • Admission tickets

  • Wi-Fi in the vehicles

  • Vehicle & passengers insurance

  • Master class & tasting

Exclusions

  • Lunch cost (10.42 USD – 13.09 USD)

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

Highlights

  • Visit popular religious complexes in Armenia on a full-day tour
  • Admire the views of Biblical Mount Ararat from Charents arch and get fantastic photos
  • Marvel at the unsurpassable masterpiece of the 13th century Armenian architecture
  • Get the taste of traditional Armenian bread
  • Observe the spectacular landscapes of one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any distance to be carried on foot?

It is needed to go up ~160 m to get to Geghard monastery, besides, there are 200 steps to climb so as to reach Sevanavank monastery.

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

The lavash master class offers insight into Armenia's bread-making tradition, and afterwards, you'll be treated to a sample along with herbs and cheese. If you're keen to try baking it yourself, please, coordinate with the tour guide in advance.

How much free time will I have near the lake itself?

This tour includes only a visit to Sevanavank Monastery, and no free time by the lake is scheduled. If you'd prefer to enjoy more leisure time at Lake Sevan, please, consider one of the following group tours:

Tsaghkadzor (Kecharis, Ropeway – one station), Lake Sevan (Sevanavank), Sevan trout barbecue treat;

Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery, Boat Trip across Lake Sevan, leisure time.

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

We suggest having some Armenian Dram in cash for lunch, as card options may be unavailable.

What is the group size for this tour?

The group size varies, but typically ranges up to 48 participants.

Are there any clothing requirements or recommendations for this tour?

Comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for the tour: taking a jacket or coat is advised, as regional temperatures are often lower than in Yerevan. Women are asked to wear modest attire when visiting churches or monasteries, as a sign of cultural respect.

Booking conditions

Cancellation & modification

Meet our Guides

Samvel Mkrtumyan

Samvel Mkrtumyan

Hi, I'm Samvel. With degrees in international relations and history, and years of connecting people from all walks of life, I've turned my passion for stories into guiding. I love revealing Armenia's hidden gems, sharing its quirky legends, and showcasing its breathtaking sights. It's fun, pal. Let's enjoy it together!

Manya Gevorgyan

Manya Gevorgyan

I have been a tour guide since 2015. To this day, every excursion is a great source of positive energy for me. During the tours, you will not only get acquainted with the sights, the country's history, and its architectural features, but also feel the full charm of the Armenian emotional mindset and lifestyle.

Anahit Aslanyan

Anahit Aslanyan

Education – musical-pedagogical and cultural studies. I have worked in the fields of tourism, education, and culture in Russia and Armenia. Currently, I work as a guide at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and in the company "Hyur Service". As a person with a humanities education and a cultural studies mindset, I strive to present my homeland as comprehensively as possible so that visitors gain a general impression of the history and art of the Armenian people. I pay special attention to mental and cultural characteristics to make every visitor's stay in Armenia comfortable and positive. I continue to study and share new knowledge.

Anahit Ghazaryan

Anahit Ghazaryan

My name is Anahit Ghazaryan, and since 2015 I have been in a state of love! I am in love with Armenia, and I always want to talk about it! Come visit! I guarantee it will be beautiful, easy, delicious, and fun! Let's discover Armenia together, enjoy it, and fall in love! I don't like legends and tell them only when absolutely necessary, and only those that feature real historical figures! Since I was born in the middle of the last century, I talk about some events not as a historian, but as a witness!

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