Group Tour: Khor Virap, Garni Temple, Geghard, Lavash Baking

Explore Armenia’s iconic sites on a captivating group tour. Visit the historic Khor Virap Monastery, the stunning Greco-Roman Garni Temple, and the breathtaking Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience culture with a traditional lavash baking class. With a knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and light refreshments, this tour is an ideal choice for first-time visitors eager to discover Armenia’s rich history and heritage. What you’ll uncover might just surprise you.

Key Points

• This full-day tour explores Armenia’s iconic landmarks, including Khor Virap Monastery, Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, and a lavash bread-making class.
• The tour is priced at $36.00 per person and includes a professional guide, air-conditioned transportation, and various inclusions like bottled water and admission tickets.
• The tour departs from the Hyur Service office in Yerevan at 10:00 am and returns to the same meeting point at the end of the day.
• Khor Virap Monastery offers a significant spiritual site, featuring the pit where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned and panoramic views of Mount Ararat.
• Garni Temple is a Greco-Roman monument dedicated to the sun god Mithra, while Geghard Monastery showcases impressive architecture carved into the mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tour Overview

The full-day tour offers travelers an opportunity to explore some of Armenia’s most iconic landmarks and cultural experiences.

Highlights include visiting the Khor Virap Monastery, Garni Temple, and Geghard Monastery. Guests will learn about Armenian Christianity and enjoy panoramic views of Mount Ararat.

Explore Armenia’s iconic landmarks – Khor Virap Monastery, Garni Temple, and Geghard Monastery. Discover Armenia’s Christian heritage and panoramic views of Mount Ararat.

The experience also includes a lavash bread-making class, where participants can learn the traditional method of preparing this staple Armenian flatbread.

Throughout the day, light refreshments are provided on the air-conditioned bus, ensuring a comfortable and convenient sightseeing journey for first-time visitors to Yerevan.

Pricing and Inclusions

From $36.00 per person, the tour includes a professional guide (English and Russian), air-conditioned vehicles, bottled water and pastries, admission tickets, WiFi in vehicles, and vehicle and passengers insurance.

Lunch is an additional cost of 3500 – 4500 AMD (9-11 USD) and is served in a family-style setting at a local restaurant.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are also provided.

The tour has a maximum group size of 49 travelers and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the experience.

Meeting Point and Logistics

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour meets at the Hyur Service office at 96 Nalbandyan poxoc in Yerevan. It then returns back to the same meeting point at the end of the day.

The tour meets at the Hyur Service office at 96 Nalbandyan poxoc in Yerevan and returns to the same meeting point at the end of the day.

The tour departs at 10:00 am and has a maximum group size of 49 travelers. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to the experience.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so participants should dress appropriately.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible.

The duration is approximate, and seat assignments aren’t known in advance.

Khor Virap Monastery

Nestled in the shadows of the majestic Mount Ararat, Khor Virap Monastery stands as a revered spiritual site in Armenia. This 17th-century monastery is renowned for its historical significance, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s Christian heritage:

• Pilgrims can descend into the deep pit where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before converting King Tiridates III to Christianity in the 4th century.
• The monastery’s main chapel, Surb Astvatsatsin, features intricate frescoes and medieval architectural elements.
• Panoramic views of Mount Ararat, the biblical resting place of Noah’s Ark, can be admired from the monastery’s grounds.
• Visitors can explore the on-site museum, which showcases religious artifacts and chronicles the site’s rich history.

Garni Temple

Situated northeast of Yerevan, the Garni Temple stands as a remarkable Greco-Roman monument that has endured for over 1,700 years.

This pagan temple, dedicated to the sun god Mithra, features an impressive semicircular colonnade and is the only standing Greco-Roman structure in Armenia.

Visitors can explore the temple’s intricately carved stone columns, admire the stunning views of the Azat River gorge, and learn about its history from the knowledgeable guides.

The Garni Temple offers a fascinating glimpse into Armenia’s pre-Christian past and complements the Christian heritage experienced at Khor Virap.

Geghard Monastery

After exploring the captivating Garni Temple, the tour moves on to the Geghard Monastery.

This medieval Armenian monastery is carved into the adjacent mountains, showcasing the ingenuity of its builders. Visitors can admire the impressive architecture, including the main church and its surrounding chapels.

The monastery is renowned for its khatchkars – intricate cross-stone carvings. Geghard offers a glimpse into Armenia’s rich Christian heritage and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The tour provides ample time to wander the grounds and appreciate the monastery’s stunning natural setting.

• UNESCO World Heritage site
• Carved into adjacent mountains
• Features intricate khatchkar carvings
• Offers insight into Armenia’s Christian history

Lavash Baking Class

The tour concludes with a hands-on lavash baking class, where participants can learn the traditional technique of making this staple Armenian flatbread.

Under the guidance of a local expert, guests will knead the dough, roll it into thin sheets, and slap the dough against the sides of a clay oven to bake.

The class provides a glimpse into the daily life and cuisine of Armenians. Participants can enjoy the freshly baked lavash, which is often served with cheeses, meats, and herbs.

The class is an engaging way to cap off the day’s exploration of Armenia’s rich cultural heritage.

Traveler Feedback

Travelers consistently praise the tour’s seamless organization and knowledgeable guides, who provide insightful commentary on Armenia’s rich cultural heritage.

Reviewers highlight the following:

Guides’ bilingual expertise and friendly demeanor, ensuring a truly immersive experience. Safe and comfortable transportation, allowing travelers to sit back and enjoy the scenic views.

• Guides’ bilingual expertise and friendly demeanor, ensuring a truly immersive experience.
• Safe and comfortable transportation, allowing travelers to sit back and enjoy the scenic views.
• Thoughtful inclusion of a traditional lavash baking demonstration, offering a hands-on cultural experience.
• The opportunity to explore iconic landmarks like Khor Virap Monastery and Garni Temple, leaving a lasting impression of Armenia’s history and spirituality.

With a 5.0 rating and 100% recommendation, this tour delivers an exceptional introduction to the wonders of Armenia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Safe to Visit These Sites?

Yes, it’s generally safe to visit these sites. The tour operator provides air-conditioned vehicles, insurance, and professional guides to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience. However, it’s always wise to exercise caution when traveling abroad.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should dress modestly. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves visits to religious sites. The guide will provide any necessary guidance on appropriate attire.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

Yes, you can purchase souvenirs during the tour. The itinerary includes visits to sites where travelers can browse and buy local handicrafts, artwork, and traditional Armenian products as desired.

Are Vegetarian Options Available for Lunch?

Yes, the tour provides vegetarian options for lunch. The local restaurant serves a family-style meal, and the guide can accommodate dietary preferences with advance notice. Travelers should let the guide know if they require a vegetarian option.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

This tour has a pre-set itinerary, but the operator may accommodate customization requests if they’re reasonable and don’t conflict with the tour’s logistics. Guests should inquire about potential modifications when booking the tour.

The Sum Up

This captivating group tour offers visitors an immersive experience exploring Armenia’s iconic landmarks and cultural traditions. From the historic Khor Virap Monastery to the breathtaking Geghard Monastery, travelers will discover the country’s rich heritage. The highlight is the hands-on lavash baking class, where participants learn the art of creating this beloved Armenian bread. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, this tour is an ideal choice for first-time visitors to Armenia.