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    4. Garni, Symphony of Stones, Lavash & Sujukh Masterclasses, Geghard

    Group tour: Garni, Symphony of Stones, Lavash & Sujukh Masterclasses, Geghard

    Christmas Special

    Itinerary

    Arch of Charents, Garni Temple, Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon), Lunch stop & Armenian Sweet Sujukh Masterclass, Lavash Baking Masterclass, Geghard Monastery

    1. Meeting point: Hyur Service (Head Office) – 96, Nalbandyan str., Yerevan

    Departure time: 10:30
    If hotel pick-up is not required, please let us know and be at the meeting point at least 30 min before departure.

    2. Arch of Charents

    15-20 min Details: Arch of Charents
    Arch of Charents – photo 1 Arch of Charents – photo 2 Arch of Charents – photo 3 Arch of Charents – photo 4 Arch of Charents – photo 5 Arch of Charents – photo 6
    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.

    3. Garni Temple

    60-70 min Details: Garni Temple
    Garni Temple – photo 1 Garni Temple – photo 2 Garni Temple – photo 3 Garni Temple – photo 4 Garni Temple – photo 5 Garni Temple – photo 6 Garni Temple – photo 7 Garni Temple – photo 8 Garni Temple – photo 9 Garni Temple – photo 10 Garni Temple – photo 11 Garni Temple – photo 12 Garni Temple – photo 13 Garni Temple – photo 14 Garni Temple – photo 15 Garni Temple – photo 16 Garni Temple – photo 17 Garni Temple – photo 18 Garni Temple – photo 19 Garni Temple – photo 20 Garni Temple – photo 21 Garni Temple – photo 22 Garni Temple – photo 23 Garni Temple – photo 24 Garni Temple – photo 25 Garni Temple – photo 26
    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.

    4. Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon)

    30-35 min Details: Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon)
    Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 1 Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 2 Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 3 Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 4 Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 5 Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 6 Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 7 Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 8 Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 9 Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 10 Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 11 Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 12 Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 13 Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 14 Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 15 Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 16 Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 17 Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 18 Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 19 Symphony of Stones (Garni Canyon) – photo 20
    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".

    Lunch stop & Armenian Sweet Sujukh Masterclass

    80-90 min
    Lunch stop & Armenian Sweet Sujukh Masterclass
    Optional lunch in the local traditional restaurant on own expense. One may choose between 3 different options:
    Option 1 (vegeterian) – 11 USD per person
    Option 2 – 13 USD per person
    Option 3 – 14 USD per person

    Lavash Baking Masterclass

    15-20 min Details: Lavash Baking Masterclass
    Lavash Baking Masterclass – photo 1 Lavash Baking Masterclass – photo 2 Lavash Baking Masterclass – photo 3 Lavash Baking Masterclass – photo 4 Lavash Baking Masterclass – photo 5 Lavash Baking Masterclass – photo 6 Lavash Baking Masterclass – photo 7 Lavash Baking Masterclass – photo 8 Lavash Baking Masterclass – photo 9 Lavash Baking Masterclass – photo 10 Lavash Baking Masterclass – photo 11 Lavash Baking Masterclass – photo 12 Lavash Baking Masterclass – photo 13 Lavash Baking Masterclass – photo 14 Lavash Baking Masterclass – photo 15 Lavash Baking Masterclass – photo 16 Lavash Baking Masterclass – photo 17 Lavash Baking Masterclass – photo 18
    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.

    5. Geghard Monastery

    60-70 min Details: Geghard Monastery
    Geghard Monastery – photo 1 Geghard Monastery – photo 2 Geghard Monastery – photo 3 Geghard Monastery – photo 4 Geghard Monastery – photo 5 Geghard Monastery – photo 6 Geghard Monastery – photo 7 Geghard Monastery – photo 8 Geghard Monastery – photo 9 Geghard Monastery – photo 10 Geghard Monastery – photo 11 Geghard Monastery – photo 12 Geghard Monastery – photo 13 Geghard Monastery – photo 14 Geghard Monastery – photo 15 Geghard Monastery – photo 16 Geghard Monastery – photo 17 Geghard Monastery – photo 18 Geghard Monastery – photo 19 Geghard Monastery – photo 20 Geghard Monastery – photo 21 Geghard Monastery – photo 22 Geghard Monastery – photo 23 Geghard Monastery – photo 24 Geghard Monastery – photo 25 Geghard Monastery – photo 26 Geghard Monastery – photo 27 Geghard Monastery – photo 28 Geghard Monastery – photo 29 Geghard Monastery – photo 30 Geghard Monastery – photo 31 Geghard Monastery – photo 32 Geghard Monastery – photo 33
    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.

    6. Arrival point: Hyur Service (Head Office)

    Expected return: 16:30 – 17:30

    Inclusions

    • Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively

    • Bottled water & pastries

    • Admission tickets

    • Wi-Fi in the vehicles

    • Vehicle & passengers insurance

    • Masterclasses & tastings

    Exclusions

    • Lunch cost (11 USD – 14 USD)

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

    Highlights

    • Photograph Mount Ararat framed by the Arch of Charents
    • Step into Armenia's pre-Christian past at first-century Garni Temple
    • Marvel at the organ-like basalt columns of the Symphony of Stones in Garni Canyon
    • Join two hands-on masterclasses to make Armenian sweet sujukh and bake lavash, and pause for lunch along the way
    • Discover UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery with its rock-cut churches and princely tombs

    Video Gallery

    Practical Info

    What happens during the Armenian sweet sujukh and lavash baking masterclasses?

    These culinary experiences introduce guests to two much-loved Armenian traditions. During the lunch stop, you'll make sweet sujukh by threading walnuts onto a string and coating them in a thick grape mixture.

    Later, the lavash baking experience mainly involves a demonstration of how this traditional bread is prepared in a tonir, 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.

    How much walking is involved in this tour?

    Reaching Geghard Monastery involves a walk of approximately 160 m.

    What is the group size for this tour?

    The group size varies, but this tour usually has up to 48 participants.

    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.

    Booking conditions

    Cancellation & modification

    Meet our Guides

    Gayane Mkrtchyan

    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.

    Garnik Mirzoyan

    Garnik Mirzoyan

    RU

    I'm Garnik, and I've been working as a tour guide in Armenia since 2016. If you're tired of far-fetched stories and have a good sense of humor, we'll get along perfectly. Discover Armenia from the inside – in very hospitable hands.

    Gayane Movsisyan

    Gayane Movsisyan

    HY EN

    Hi! I am Gayane Movsisyan, a tour guide since 2017. I work with great enthusiasm, eager to present my country in the best possible way and to create unforgettable moments for our guests.

    Poghos Varzhapetyan

    Poghos Varzhapetyan

    RU HY

    My name is Poghos Varzhapetyan. I've been working in tourism since 2016. I love traveling. As a tour guide, my goal is always to make guests fall in love with Armenia so much that at the end of the tour they don't say goodbye, but instead say, "See you again, Armenia!".

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