Private tour: Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Lavash baking master class
Arch of Charents, Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Lavash baking master class
1. Arch of Charents
15-20 min
The Arch of Charents is not just an architectural monument but a poetic tribute to Armenia and its sacred symbol – Mount Ararat. It was designed by architect Rafael Israelyan, who, while on his way to Garni, stopped at this very spot and was struck by the breathtaking view of the snow-capped Masis. That moment inspired him to create a kind of "temple" dedicated to Ararat – an arch framing the majestic mountain as if in a painting. It is said that the poet himself loved visiting these places, making this monument a living reminder of his legacy.
Built in 1957 to mark the 60th anniversary of the great Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents, it was named in his honor. The arch bears carved lines from one of Charents's most famous poems, dedicated to Armenia and its eternal symbol – Mount Ararat:
These words intertwine the eternity of nature with the immortality of poetry.
Today the "Charents Arch" is an unmissable stop on the way to Garni: tourists pause here for stunning photographs and to admire the vast Ararat Valley. On clear days, when Masis rises above the clouds, the view becomes a natural masterpiece. The arch remains a place where nature, history and poetry merge, awakening pride and inspiration.
Built in 1957 to mark the 60th anniversary of the great Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents, it was named in his honor. The arch bears carved lines from one of Charents's most famous poems, dedicated to Armenia and its eternal symbol – Mount Ararat:
"There is no summit as snow-white as that of lofty Ararat;
Like an inaccessible path to glory, I love my Mount Masis!"
These words intertwine the eternity of nature with the immortality of poetry.
Today the "Charents Arch" is an unmissable stop on the way to Garni: tourists pause here for stunning photographs and to admire the vast Ararat Valley. On clear days, when Masis rises above the clouds, the view becomes a natural masterpiece. The arch remains a place where nature, history and poetry merge, awakening pride and inspiration.
2. Garni Temple
60-70 min
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Lavash baking master class
15-20 min
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.
For centuries, the act of making lavash was almost a ritual, mastered above all by women. Everyone ate it, from humble peasants to noble princes, cherishing not only its taste but also its remarkable ability to stay fresh for days. In 2014, UNESCO inscribed "The preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional Armenian bread lavash" on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, affirming its role as a symbol of national identity.
During the master class, you'll have the rare chance to touch this millennia-old tradition: rolling out the dough, feeling the heat of the tonir and baking your very own lavash. And finally, savor it the Armenian way – with fresh greens and homemade cheese. The aroma of hot lavash, just taken from the oven, will stay with you forever, becoming part of your own memories of Armenia.
For centuries, the act of making lavash was almost a ritual, mastered above all by women. Everyone ate it, from humble peasants to noble princes, cherishing not only its taste but also its remarkable ability to stay fresh for days. In 2014, UNESCO inscribed "The preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional Armenian bread lavash" on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, affirming its role as a symbol of national identity.
During the master class, you'll have the rare chance to touch this millennia-old tradition: rolling out the dough, feeling the heat of the tonir and baking your very own lavash. And finally, savor it the Armenian way – with fresh greens and homemade cheese. The aroma of hot lavash, just taken from the oven, will stay with you forever, becoming part of your own memories of Armenia.
Inclusions
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Professional drivers
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Air-conditioned vehicles
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Extra stops on the route upon request
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Bottled water
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Master class & tasting
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Free pick-up & drop-off within Yerevan
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Vehicle & passengers insurance
Exclusions
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Significant deviations from the route
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Wi-Fi in the vehicles
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Alcoholic beverages if lunch option selected
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Audio guides
What to expect
- Admire the views of Biblical Mount Ararat from Charents arch and get fantastic photos
- 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
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
Meet our Guides
Khachatur Mirzoyan
HY
EN
My name is Khachatur, which is the Armenian variation of Chris (Christopher), and I'm comfortable with that as well. I have been working as a tour guide since 2012. I'm a sociable person, love interacting with people, and always do my best to make sure the tour lives up to our guests' expectations.
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
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
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.
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