Private tour: Garni Temple, Lavash baking master class, Geghard Monastery, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank
Arch of Charents, Garni Temple, Lavash baking master class, Geghard Monastery, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery
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.
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.
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.
4. Lake Sevan
30-40 min
High in the embrace of Armenia's mountains lies Lake Sevan – the blue heart of the land, beating in harmony with the winds and the sun. Legend tells that once a green valley stretched here, until the heavens shed their tears, filling it with shimmering water as a priceless gift to humankind.
Today, this vast expanse, covering 1400 square kilometers, keeps the silence of centuries in its depths. Twenty-eight rivers bring their waters to Sevan, yet only one – the Hrazdan – carries them away, as if guarding the lake's precious wealth. Mountains rising to three thousand meters form its silent frame, while the crystal-clear water shifts from sky-blue to deep sapphire, mirroring the moods of the heavens. At dawn, the lake is brushed with gold; at sunset, it wears shades of crimson and violet, becoming a living mirror of the sky.
Since ancient times, Sevan has been revered as sacred – prayers were lifted on its shores, rituals were performed and blessings sought from its spirit. In its clear depths seems to dwell the very soul of Armenia – proud, pure and eternal. And if one listens closely to the gentle lapping of the waves, they may hear an ancient voice telling stories of a land where water and sky are bound forever by love.
Today, this vast expanse, covering 1400 square kilometers, keeps the silence of centuries in its depths. Twenty-eight rivers bring their waters to Sevan, yet only one – the Hrazdan – carries them away, as if guarding the lake's precious wealth. Mountains rising to three thousand meters form its silent frame, while the crystal-clear water shifts from sky-blue to deep sapphire, mirroring the moods of the heavens. At dawn, the lake is brushed with gold; at sunset, it wears shades of crimson and violet, becoming a living mirror of the sky.
Since ancient times, Sevan has been revered as sacred – prayers were lifted on its shores, rituals were performed and blessings sought from its spirit. In its clear depths seems to dwell the very soul of Armenia – proud, pure and eternal. And if one listens closely to the gentle lapping of the waves, they may hear an ancient voice telling stories of a land where water and sky are bound forever by love.
5. Sevanavank Monastery
50-60 min
From the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan, a breathtaking panorama unfolds: a peninsula rises from the shimmering surface, crowned with ancient temples. Here, in 874, at the command of Queen Mariam, daughter of King Ashot Bagratuni, the Sevanavank Monastery was built – the spiritual guardian of Armenia's blue jewel.
Against the boundless blue of the sky and the turquoise waters of Sevan, the churches of the Holy Apostles and the Holy Mother of God seem to float between earth and heaven. The stones of their walls have absorbed the whispers of monastic prayers, the murmur of winds and the chime of bells drifting over the water. For centuries, the monastery was not only a place of devotion but also a fortress shielding the peninsula from enemy raids. Legends tell of precious manuscripts and relics hidden within its walls, saved from times of peril.
Today, standing atop the peninsula, one can watch the light dance upon the waves while distant mountains embrace the majestic landscape. Sevanavank remains one of Armenia's most iconic symbols – a place where the beauty of nature and the grandeur of spiritual heritage merge into one.
Against the boundless blue of the sky and the turquoise waters of Sevan, the churches of the Holy Apostles and the Holy Mother of God seem to float between earth and heaven. The stones of their walls have absorbed the whispers of monastic prayers, the murmur of winds and the chime of bells drifting over the water. For centuries, the monastery was not only a place of devotion but also a fortress shielding the peninsula from enemy raids. Legends tell of precious manuscripts and relics hidden within its walls, saved from times of peril.
Today, standing atop the peninsula, one can watch the light dance upon the waves while distant mountains embrace the majestic landscape. Sevanavank remains one of Armenia's most iconic symbols – a place where the beauty of nature and the grandeur of spiritual heritage merge into one.
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
- Explore the 1st century pagan temple
- Discover the legends of St. Lance used by the roman soldier to sting Jesus Christ's side
- Visit one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in Eurasia
- Taste most delicious Armenian traditional bread
*200 steps to climb to Sevanavank
Booking conditions
Cancellation & modification
Meet our Guides
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.
Manya Gevorgyan
RU
HY
EN
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
RU
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
RU
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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