Khor Virap Monastery, Azat Reservoir view point, Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Lavash baking master class
Khor Virap Monastery, Azat reservoir view point, Arch of Charents, Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Lavash baking master class
1. Khor Virap Monastery
Attraction page
Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. As a state religion, Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavors of Saint Gregory The Illuminator, who, before converting King Trdat The 3rd to Christianity, was imprisoned in the dungeon, over which a church of Khor Virap monastery was built in the 17th century. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat.
2. Azat Reservoir
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Azat Reservoir (1050 m above sea level) is located in Ararat province. It was put into operation in the year of 1976 with the aim of being used for irrigation of the Ararat Valley. The area makes 2.85 sq. km, while the total volume is 70 million cubic m. The reservoir is surrounded by mountains and within many years it has kept admiring visitors. The reflection of the Sun/Moon combined with clouds in water "spreads" a unique impression.
3. Arch of Charents
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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:
You can make here stunning pictures against the backdrop of the Arch and Mountain Ararat, only the weather should be clear.
"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.
Lunch stop
Optional lunch in the local traditional restaurant on own expense. One may choose between 3 different options:
Option 1 (vegeterian) – 3500 AMD per person
Option 2 – 3900 AMD per person
Option 3 – 4500 AMD per person
Option 1 (vegeterian) – 3500 AMD per person
Option 2 – 3900 AMD per person
Option 3 – 4500 AMD per person
4. Garni Temple
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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.
5. Geghard Monastery
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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
Attraction page
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:)
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:)
Inclusions
- Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively
- Air-conditioned vehicles
- Bottled water & pastries
- Admission tickets
- WiFi in the vehicles
- Vehicle & passengers insurance
- Master class & tasting
Exclusions
- Lunch cost (3 500 AMD – 4 500 AMD)
- Hotel drop-off after return to Yerevan
What to expect
- Embrace the stunning views of Biblical Mount Ararat
- Marvel at the one of a kind nature of Armenia from a special view point
- 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
*Take with you cash Drams: it is not always possible to pay for lunch in the restaurant by Credit Card
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
