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
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
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
Optional lunch in the local traditional restaurant on own expense. One may choose between 3 different options:
Option 1 (vegeterian) – 11 USD per person
Option 2 – 13 USD per person
Option 3 – 14 USD per person
Option 1 (vegeterian) – 11 USD per person
Option 2 – 13 USD per person
Option 3 – 14 USD per person
Lavash Baking Masterclass
15-20 min
Details: 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
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
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
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Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively
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Bottled water & pastries
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Admission tickets
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Wi-Fi in the vehicles
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Vehicle & passengers insurance
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Masterclass & tasting
Exclusions
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Lunch cost (11 USD – 14 USD)
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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
Video Gallery
Practical Info
Could you explain what the lavash baking and Armenian sweet sujukh masterclasses include?
The lavash baking experience mainly involves a demonstration of how this traditional bread is prepared in a tonir, and you'll be able to enjoy a sample served with cheese and herbs. If you'd like to join in on the process, please let the tour guide know early on.
After lunch, you'll join the Armenian sweet sujukh masterclass and learn how this festive treat is made by threading walnuts onto a string and coating them in a thick grape mixture.
After lunch, you'll join the Armenian sweet sujukh masterclass and learn how this festive treat is made by threading walnuts onto a string and coating them in a thick grape mixture.
How much walking is involved in this tour?
Reaching Khor Virap Monastery involves a walk of approximately 180 m, including stairs. There is also an uphill walk of approximately 160 m to Geghard Monastery.
Does Azat Reservoir look the same as in the photos?
Azat Reservoir generally looks as shown in the photos on our website. However, its water level drops in winter, so the reservoir appears smaller.
What is the group size for this tour?
The group size varies, but this tour usually has 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
Garnik Mirzoyan
RU
I'm Garnik, and I've been working as a tour guide in Armenia since 2016. If you're tired of far-fetched stories and have a good sense of humor, we'll get along perfectly. Discover Armenia from the inside – in very hospitable hands.
Gayane Movsisyan
HY
EN
Hi! I am Gayane Movsisyan, a tour guide since 2017. I work with great enthusiasm, eager to present my country in the best possible way and to create unforgettable moments for our guests.
Poghos Varzhapetyan
RU
HY
My name is Poghos Varzhapetyan. I've been working in tourism since 2016. I love traveling. As a tour guide, my goal is always to make guests fall in love with Armenia so much that at the end of the tour they don't say goodbye, but instead say, "See you again, Armenia!".
Alisa Grigoryan
HY
EN
Welcome! I'm Alisa, an experienced guide with a deep passion for the cultures of Armenia and Georgia. I look forward to sharing the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality of our region with you.
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