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

Itinerary

Khor Virap Monastery, Azat Reservoir view point, 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

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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

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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) – 10.76 USD per person
Option 2 – 12.42 USD per person
Option 3 – 13.52 USD per person

Lavash Baking Masterclass

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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

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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

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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 (10.76 USD13.52 USD)

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

Practical Info

Yes, ~180 m walking (including climbing stairs) is required to reach Khor Virap Monastery, and also ~160 m to go up to Geghard Monastery.
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.
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.
Not all restaurants accept cards, so it's best to have cash AMD on hand for lunch.
The group size varies, but typically ranges up to 48 participants.
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

Marina Mirumyan

Marina Mirumyan

RU HY EN

Hi, my name is Marina Mirumyan, and I am a tour guide at "Hyur Service" company. Haven't traveled to Armenia yet? Then plan a visit and be our guest! Join my tours with "Hyur Service" to discover the endless hospitality of our people, the breathtaking views of our mountainous country, the ancient culture, traditions, delicious cuisine, and much more! Travel with "Hyur Service" to create lasting memories!

Tamara Arakelyan

Tamara Arakelyan

HY EN

I am Tamara. I live in Armenia and through Armenia. If you want to feel the taste, scent, and colors of Armenia and fall in love with our country, then let's go on a tour together. Just like all my guests, I'm sure you too will want to come back again.

Syuzanna Poghosyan

Syuzanna Poghosyan

RU HY

My name is Syuzanna, and since 2016 I have been introducing guests to the wonderful Armenia with great love. For me, every tour is not just a story about the country but an opportunity to show its soul, to help you feel its history, culture, and hospitality. I am sincerely happy when I see how Armenia captures hearts, and I will do everything to make your journey warm, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

Varduhi Gasparyan

Varduhi Gasparyan

RU HY

Barev dzez or hello! I'm Varduhi, a tour guide in Armenia since 2022. In tourism, this is quite some time – it has given me an understanding of how to make every tour not just informative but truly engaging. With me, you won't just see the sights of my beautiful Armenia and learn its history – you'll feel the soul of the country, its traditions, and its atmosphere.

Reviews

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.