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Group tour: Khor Virap, Azat Reservoir, Lavash Baking, Garni, Geghard

Itinerary

Khor Virap Monastery, Azat Reservoir, Lunch stop, Lavash Baking Masterclass, Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery

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

Departure time: 10:00
If hotel pick-up is not required, please let us know and be at the meeting point at least 30 min before departure.

2. Khor Virap Monastery

50-60 min Details: Khor Virap Monastery
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In the wide embrace of the Ararat Valley, where the air shimmers beneath the watchful gaze of a snow-crowned giant, stands Khor Virap – a shrine where legend, faith and the heartbeat of Armenia merge into one. Here, so the story goes, a deep and silent pit held Gregory the Illuminator, condemned by King Tiridates III for daring to preach a new light to his people. Years slipped by in darkness, yet within those stone walls a miracle unfolded: Gregory's hands healed the very king who had ordered his chains. Struck by grace, Tiridates raised the banner of Christianity, making Armenia the first nation to embrace it as a state faith.

3. Azat Reservoir

10-20 min Details: Azat Reservoir
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The Azat Reservoir, spreading out at 1050 meters above sea level, is like a mirror of nature where mountains, clouds and celestial lights are reflected. Built in 1976 to irrigate the fertile Ararat Valley, it has long surpassed its practical purpose and turned into a place of silence and inspiration. Here time seems to slow down: by day the water's surface shimmers with golden sparks of sunlight, while at night silver paths of the moon are born across it.

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) – 10.82 USD per person
Option 2 – 12.49 USD per person
Option 3 – 13.60 USD per person

Lavash Baking Masterclass

15-20 min Details: Lavash Baking Masterclass
Lavash Baking Masterclass Lavash Baking Masterclass Lavash Baking Masterclass Lavash Baking Masterclass Lavash Baking Masterclass Lavash Baking Masterclass Lavash Baking Masterclass Lavash Baking Masterclass Lavash Baking Masterclass Lavash Baking Masterclass Lavash Baking Masterclass Lavash Baking Masterclass Lavash Baking Masterclass Lavash Baking Masterclass Lavash Baking Masterclass Lavash Baking Masterclass Lavash Baking Masterclass 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.

4. Garni Temple

60-70 min Details: Garni Temple
Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple Garni Temple 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.

5. Geghard Monastery

60-70 min Details: Geghard Monastery
Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery Geghard Monastery 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: 18:00 – 19:00

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 cost (10.82 USD – 13.60 USD)

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

Highlights

  • Combine Mount Ararat views, ancient Garni and rock-cut Geghard in one full day
  • Pause above the Azat Reservoir for one of the route's most striking landscapes
  • Take part in a lavash baking masterclass and taste it fresh from the tonir
  • Visit Garni Temple, Armenia's only standing pagan temple
  • Discover Geghard, a UNESCO-listed monastery surrounded by cliffs

Video Gallery

Practical Info

Is any walking required?

Yes, ~180 m walking (including climbing stairs) is required to reach Khor Virap Monastery, and also ~160 m to go up to Geghard Monastery.

Does Azat Reservoir look the same way as it is in photos?

The Azat Reservoir mainly looks the same as shown on the photos of our website, however, please, be informed, that it decreases in size during wintertime due to lower water levels.

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

As part of the experience, the lavash baking master class mainly demonstrates the traditional process of making Armenian bread, after which you'll get to enjoy it served with cheese and fresh herbs. If you have much initiative and are particularly eager to take part in the baking yourself, it's best to check with the tour guide in advance.

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

Not all restaurants accept cards, so it's best to have cash AMD on hand for lunch.

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?

We advise wearing comfortable footwear suitable for walking and dressing in layers, including a jacket or coat, as weather in the regions is typically cooler than in Yerevan. When entering churches or monasteries, women are requested to wear modest clothing and avoid anything too revealing as a mark of cultural respect.

Booking conditions

Cancellation & modification

Meet our Guides

Arpine Khalatyan

Arpine Khalatyan

RU HY EN

My name is Arpi. With experience in guiding since 2015, fluency in English and Russian, and a wealth of knowledge in history and culture, I offer engaging and informative tours during which you'll explore Armenia and feel the greatest vibes ever.

Davit Hasratyan

Davit Hasratyan

RU HY

I'm Davit, a history teacher, amateur actor, and since 2010, a guide at "Hyur Service"! I love my country and strive to make every tour I conduct leave an unforgettable impression on our guests, making them want to come back again and again!

Karen Khachatryan

Karen Khachatryan

RU HY EN

Dear friends, my name is Karen, and I am your guide through the amazing Armenia. My many years of experience allow me to conduct fascinating tours to the most popular and interesting places in the country. I bring history to life, sing psalms in ancient churches, and tell captivating legends, making your journey unforgettable. With me, you can expect a safe, informative, and vibrant trip!

Khachatur Mirzoyan

Khachatur Mirzoyan

HY EN

My name is Khachatur, which is the Armenian variation of Chris (Christopher), and I'm comfortable with that as well. I have been working as a tour guide since 2012. I'm a sociable person, love interacting with people, and always do my best to make sure the tour lives up to our guests' expectations.

Reviews

Семен Кольцов

Russia Russia

12.07.2026

Благодарю нашего гида Марину и водителя Карена за незабываемое путешествие в Хор Вирап, Азатское водохранилище, Гарни и Гегард. Абсолютно потрясающие и живописные пейзажи под интереснейший рассказ Марины сделали поездку плодотворной — узнали очень много из истории Армении, об обычаях армянского народа. Наш тур совпал с праздником Вардавар — я ещё до автобуса успел немного намокнуть около Площади Республики :) В Гарни этот праздник отмечали с особым размахом! Это очень весело, заряжает позитивными эмоциями и помогает приблизиться к истории Армении. Спасибо за опыт, директ, впечатления и знания! Ждём новых встреч!

Егорова Екатерина

Russia Russia

25.03.2026

Я извиняюсь, конечно, а можно я ещё выражу благодарность и признательность за сегодняшнюю экскурсию хор вирап, Гарни, Гегард
Отдельно водителю Хачатуру, мы с ним дважды за неделю ездили, вам его на руках надо носить, такой он профессионал! И отдельное спасибо конечно же экскурсоводу Давиду
За его знания и как он их умеет преподносить,
За его харизму,
и за вокальные данные
И за теплоту!
Вот с ним бы я своих гостей отправила на экскурсии не задумываясь!
Спасибо большое за то, что у вас работают такие профессионалы!
Всё, обещаю больше не писать сегодня, не отвлекать вас от работы)))

Ирина Устинова

Russia Russia

22.10.2025

Добрый день! Очень довольны экскурсией в Хор Вирап, Азиатское водохранилище, храм Арни, монастырь Гегард. Экскурсовод очень интересно рассказывает, внимателен ко всем гостям. Виды потрясающие и с погодой повезло-увидели Арарат в дымке. Вкусный обед включал национальные блюда. Рекомендую!!!

Ляшенко Марина

Armenia Armenia

28.10.2024

Замечательная поездка в Гегард и Гарни.Экскурсовд Маня , просто , великолепно .А когда она запела в монастыре…..Это непередаваемо.Огромное спасибо.

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