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  4. Garni Temple, Symphony of stones, Geghard Monastery, Lavash & Holiday sweet master class

Group tour: Garni Temple, Symphony of stones, Geghard Monastery, Lavash & Holiday sweet master class

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

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. Garni Canyon Symphony of stones

30-35 min
Attraction page
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In Garni canyon one can explore stunning geological monuments, represented by columnar basalts, which are the result of lava flows. Basalt masses are broken into polyhedral columns, which, due to their regularity of form, have gained the name "Basaltic Organ".

4. 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:)

Holiday sweet master class & lunch

80-90 min
Holiday sweet master class & lunch
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

Inclusions

  • Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively

  • Bottled water & pastries

  • Admission tickets

  • Wi-Fi in the vehicles

  • Vehicle & passengers insurance

  • Master classes & tastings

Exclusions

  • Lunch cost (10.37 USD – 13.02 USD)

  • 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
  • Discover the legends of St. Lance used by the roman soldier to sting Jesus Christ's side
  • Taste most delicious Armenian traditional bread
  • Reveal the culinary secrets of Armenian cuisine

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly do lavash & Holiday sweet master classes include?

Guests will join an authentic lavash baking workshop, mastering the traditional technique of preparing Armenia's legendary flatbread in a clay tonir oven. The experience continues with the making of sweet sujukh – a cherished Armenian delicacy crafted from walnuts dipped in rich grape juice and infused with fragrant spices.

Is there any distance to be carried on foot?

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.

Booking conditions

Cancellation & modification

Meet our Guides

Gayane Mkrtchyan

Gayane Mkrtchyan

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.

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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