0
  1. Home
  2. Tours
  3. Group Tours
  4. Khor Virap, Azat Reservoir, Lavash & Sujukh Masterclasses, Garni, Geghard

Group tour: Khor Virap, Azat Reservoir, Lavash & Sujukh Masterclasses, Garni, Geghard

Christmas Special

Itinerary

Khor Virap Monastery, Azat Reservoir, Lunch stop & Armenian Sweet Sujukh Masterclass, 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
Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap Monastery
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
Azat Reservoir Azat Reservoir Azat Reservoir Azat Reservoir Azat Reservoir Azat Reservoir
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 & Armenian Sweet Sujukh Masterclass

80-90 min
Lunch stop & Armenian Sweet Sujukh Masterclass
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
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

  • Bottled water & pastries

  • Admission tickets

  • Wi-Fi in the vehicles

  • Vehicle & passengers insurance

  • Masterclass & tasting

Exclusions

  • Lunch cost (10.90 USD – 13.69 USD)

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

Highlights

  • Take in the timeless view of Mount Ararat from Khor Virap
  • Admire the striking scenery of Azat Reservoir from a special viewpoint
  • Bake Lavash, enjoy lunch and make Armenian sweet Sujukh in two hands-on masterclasses
  • Explore Garni Temple, Armenia's only standing Greco-Roman colonnaded temple
  • Discover UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery and its remarkable rock-cut churches and tombs

Practical Info

Could you explain what the lavash baking and Armenian sweet sujukh masterclasses include?

Guests will take part in two hands-on culinary experiences. During the lavash baking masterclass, they'll learn how Armenia's iconic flatbread is prepared and baked in a traditional tonir. After lunch, they'll join the Armenian sweet sujukh masterclass and learn how this festive treat is made by threading walnuts and coating them in a thick grape mixture.

Is there any distance to be covered on foot?

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.

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

Arev Makhsudyan

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

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

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!

Nina Manukyan

Nina Manukyan

RU HY EN

Hello! My name is Nina, I am a guide at "Hyur Service" company. I am happy to introduce guests to Armenia – its history, culture and ancient traditions. For me as a guide, it is very important that every tour is clear, engaging and comfortable. Together we will explore famous landmarks, create beautiful memories and of course, take lively photos :) I will be happy to become your guide in Armenia. Travel with "Hyur Service" and discover Armenia not only with your eyes, but also with your heart.

Reviews

You might also like...

Contact us

We use "Cookies" to enhance your browsing experience and improve website performance. Find out more about "Cookies" in "Privacy Policy" section. By using this website, you accept our use of "Cookies".