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 monument "Arch of Charents" was created by architect Raphael Israelyan. One day on his way to Garni he stopped at this place and, noticing that a picturesque view opens from there to the Mount Ararat, he decided to build an arch as a "temple" to Ararat. The Arch was constructed in 1957, on occasion of the 60th anniversary of the great Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents. It is said, that the poet was also fond of walking around this place. It is like a picture frame, from where a mesmerizing view opens to the Ararat valley with Masis floating in distance. The following words completing Charents' famous poem are carved on the front aperture along the arch:
You can make here stunning pictures against the backdrop of the Arch and Mountain Ararat, only the weather should be clear.
"There is no summit as snow-white as that of lofty Ararat;
Like an inaccessible path to glory, I love my Mount Masis!"
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
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 the saying goes: "Bread is the staff of life".
Lavash is one of the most popular gastronomic icons of Armenia, serving as an integral part of the Armenian cuisine. It is a traditional soft, thin flatbread, made in tonir (special ground oven). Although the baking process of lavash requires much of special skills, it is undertaken by women. For centuries lavash has been consumed by all classes of Armenian society, it is valued for the unique taste and the ability to be stored for quite a long period of time without losing its positive qualities.
In 2014 "The preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread lavash as an expression of Armenian culture" was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
During this master class you will observe and learn the millennia-old techniques of making lavash, and, of course, taste self-baked lavash together with some fresh greens and yummy local cheese. Feeling the smell of lavash once, you will save this impression for the whole life:)
Lavash is one of the most popular gastronomic icons of Armenia, serving as an integral part of the Armenian cuisine. It is a traditional soft, thin flatbread, made in tonir (special ground oven). Although the baking process of lavash requires much of special skills, it is undertaken by women. For centuries lavash has been consumed by all classes of Armenian society, it is valued for the unique taste and the ability to be stored for quite a long period of time without losing its positive qualities.
In 2014 "The preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread lavash as an expression of Armenian culture" was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
During this master class you will observe and learn the millennia-old techniques of making lavash, and, of course, taste self-baked lavash together with some fresh greens and yummy local cheese. Feeling the smell of lavash once, you will save this impression for the whole life:)
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
The fascination and the "pearl" of mountainous Armenia is Lake Sevan, which is one of the world's greatest high altitude fresh-water lakes. It is about 1900 m above sea level. The lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded with mountains of 3000 m and higher. The beautiful landscape and the crystal water serve nice preconditions for excellent rest.The lake is also famous for its peninsula and medieval church complex, built in 874.
5. Sevanavank Monastery
50-60 min
A marvelous scene opens in the north-western part of Lake Sevan, where the peninsula towers over the transparent surface of the lake. Sevanavank monastery was built on the peninsula in 874 by the order of king Ashot Bagratuni's daughter – princess Mariam. The silhouette of the churches against the background of the turquoise lake and blue sky casts unexplainable impression on the visitors.
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
Davit Hasratyan
RU
HY
I'm Davit, a history teacher, amateur actor, and since 2010, a guide at "Hyur Service"! I love my country and strive to make every tour I conduct leave an unforgettable impression on our guests, making them want to come back again and again!
Karen Khachatryan
RU
HY
EN
Dear friends, my name is Karen, and I am your guide through the amazing Armenia. My many years of experience allow me to conduct fascinating tours to the most popular and interesting places in the country. I bring history to life, sing psalms in ancient churches, and tell captivating legends, making your journey unforgettable. With me, you can expect a safe, informative, and vibrant trip!
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!
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