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

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

Christmas Special

Half-day

Duration: 6-7 hours

Start time: 10:30

Tour language: English, Russian

Start & end point: 96, Nalbandyan str.

1171 reviews

99% recommended

Designed for the festive season, this Christmas group tour from Yerevan follows the Garni-Geghard route through poetry, classical architecture, volcanic geology and Armenian food culture. It moves from a panoramic monument above the Ararat plain to the depths of Garni Canyon and a medieval monastery at the entrance to the Azat Valley.

The first stop is the Arch of Charents, a monument to Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents that frames a celebrated view of Mount Ararat. At the first-century Garni Temple, discover Armenia's only standing Greco-Roman colonnaded building, then enter Garni Canyon to see the Symphony of Stones, formed by towering hexagonal basalt columns. If winter conditions make the canyon road impassable, this stop will be skipped. After lunch, make the festive walnut-and-grape confection during an Armenian sweet sujukh masterclass, then learn to bake traditional flatbread in a tonir during a lavash baking masterclass. The final visit is Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose medieval churches and tombs are carved into living rock.

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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Date

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Number of people

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

Preferred language:

Price per person

0 USD

33.25 USD

Total price

33.25 USD

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Same tour privately

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

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

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)

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

Optional lunch in the local traditional restaurant on own expense. One may choose between 3 different options:
Option 1 (vegeterian) – 10.90 USD per person
Option 2 – 12.57 USD per person
Option 3 – 13.69 USD per person

Lavash Baking Masterclass

15-20 min Details: 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.

5. Geghard Monastery

60-70 min Details: 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.

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 (10.90 USD – 13.69 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

Practical Info

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

These two hands-on culinary experiences introduce guests to two much-loved Armenian traditions. During the lunch stop, they'll make sweet sujukh by threading walnuts onto a string and coating them in a thick grape mixture. Later, they'll learn how to prepare lavash and bake it in a traditional tonir.

Is any walking required?

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

What is the group size for this tour?

Group sizes for this tour typically range up to 48 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

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!".

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.

Tigran Balyan

RU HY EN

Hello, I am Tigran a guide in my wonderful and lovely Armenia ❤️ I am guiding in my country and with this passion I can share kindness, joy and smiles to my tourists. My experience is already 7 plus years and I enjoy architecture, wine and mountains in amazing Armenia.

Samvel Mkrtumyan

RU HY EN

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!

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