Private tour: Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Garni Canyon Symphony of stones
Arch of Charents, Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Garni Canyon Symphony of stones
1. Arch of Charents
15-20 min
You can make here stunning pictures against the backdrop of the Arch and Mountain Ararat, only the weather should be clear.
2. Garni Temple
60-70 min
In the 1st century AD, King Tiridates I ordered a sanctuary to be built here, from which endless views of mountains and gorges unfolded, as if the Sun itself blessed these lands. When Christianity reached Armenia, the ancient rites fell silent and Garni became a royal summer residence, where the echoes of prayers gave way to music, leisure and inspiration.
In 1679, the earth shook and the temple collapsed into a pile of stones, as though history itself had closed a chapter. For nearly three centuries it slept in ruins, until the 20th‑century restoration returned Garni to its classical splendor.
Today, visitors can see traces of the fortress and the royal palace, as well as the mosaics in the king's bathhouse one of which bears the enigmatic inscription: "We worked and got nothing." This suggests that the building and the masterpiece of art were a gift to the Armenian king. Today, once every four years, a fire is lit in the temple as a symbol of the Pan-Armenian Games that bring together in homeland Armenian youth from around the world.
Standing on the edge of the cliff, you may feel the wind carrying the echo of priestly hymns, the footsteps of kings and the breath of ancient Armenia, where legend and history become one.
3. Geghard Monastery
60-70 min
In the 12th-13th centuries, monks shaped a world unlike any other. They dug churches and cells straight into the mountainside, creating a hidden realm first known as Ayrivank, the "Cave Monastery". Later, the site took the name Geghard the "Spear" in honor of the sacred relic said to have pierced Christ's body.
The ensemble is a dialogue between earth and heaven: the main Katoghike Church, its shadowed narthex, the secretive cave chapels, a small oratory and the Church of the Holy Mother of God, the eldest of the stones. The cool halls cut into the heart of the mountain feel alive, keeping the breath of pilgrims who once arrived barefoot, whispering prayers into the darkness. Among the rock-cut monasteries and cells, medieval Armenian heraldry stands out, demonstrating the power of Armenian princely families, the charm of palace architecture and dazzling weavings and ornaments long before the Renaissance.
Today, Geghard is not just a monument on the UNESCO World Heritage List it is a living miracle. Step through the rock‑hewn archways and time bends. Shafts of light slip through narrow openings, turning the cavern walls to gold and for a heartbeat, the earthly and the divine are one.
4. Garni Canyon Symphony of Stones
30-35 min
Each column appears to have been carved by a master's hand, yet in truth it is the work of the earth itself, a living memory of its power. Their flawless symmetry mesmerizes, while the silence of the gorge seems filled with imaginary music, as if the wind were playing upon an invisible instrument.
The slopes of the "Basalt Organ" have become a favorite destination for travelers, photographers and all those in search of nature's marvels. Here one easily feels part of a grand design, where stone, sky and human presence merge into harmony.
The "Basalt Organ" of Garni Gorge is not merely a geological phenomenon, but a living monument to the elemental forces that time has turned into beauty. It remains one of those rare places where nature reveals itself as a true artist, shaping works that defy the ages.
Inclusions
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Professional drivers
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Air-conditioned vehicles
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Bottled water
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Free pick-up & drop-off within Yerevan
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Vehicle & passengers insurance
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Extra stops on the route upon request
Exclusions
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Significant deviations from the route
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Alcoholic beverages if lunch option selected
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Audio guides
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Wi-Fi in the vehicles
What to expect
- Wonder at the views of Biblical Mount Ararat from Charents arch
- Explore the 1st century pagan temple
- Discover the legends of St. Lance used by the roman soldier to sting Jesus Christ's side
- Explore stunning geological monuments, named "Basaltic Organ"
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
Meet our Guides
Gayane Harutyunyan
Armenia should be visited with an open heart. As your guide, I don’t just offer tours – I create meaningful experiences that connect you deeply with Armenia’s history, culture, and people. With genuine love for my country, passion for its stories, and local insight, I make every journey personal, engaging and unforgettable – turning every place into a living memory you’ll carry with you.
Manya Gevorgyan
I have been a tour guide since 2015. To this day, every excursion is a great source of positive energy for me. During the tours, you will not only get acquainted with the sights, the country's history, and its architectural features, but also feel the full charm of the Armenian emotional mindset and lifestyle.
Anahit Aslanyan
Education – musical-pedagogical and cultural studies. I have worked in the fields of tourism, education, and culture in Russia and Armenia. Currently, I work as a guide at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and in the company "Hyur Service". As a person with a humanities education and a cultural studies mindset, I strive to present my homeland as comprehensively as possible so that visitors gain a general impression of the history and art of the Armenian people. I pay special attention to mental and cultural characteristics to make every visitor's stay in Armenia comfortable and positive. I continue to study and share new knowledge.
Anahit Ghazaryan
My name is Anahit Ghazaryan, and since 2015 I have been in a state of love! I am in love with Armenia, and I always want to talk about it! Come visit! I guarantee it will be beautiful, easy, delicious, and fun! Let's discover Armenia together, enjoy it, and fall in love! I don't like legends and tell them only when absolutely necessary, and only those that feature real historical figures! Since I was born in the middle of the last century, I talk about some events not as a historian, but as a witness!
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