Garni & Geghard

The two-thousand-year-old Garni Temple is the only surviving Hellenistic pagan temple in Armenia, having miraculously withstood centuries of earthquakes and conquests. It stands on a high cliff above the Azat River gorge, where you'll see the breathtaking 'Symphony of Stones' — basalt columns of striking geometric form.

Then we head to Geghard Monastery, partly carved directly into the rock. Inside, the acoustics are extraordinary, and church chant is almost always in the air. Once, this monastery was said to hold the spear that pierced Christ on the cross.

On the way back — a master class on baking traditional lavash bread in a tonir clay oven (optional, paid separately), plus tasting of Armenian wine and dried fruits.

This tour is ideal for first-timers in Armenia — a compact route, two powerful sites, and the beautiful nature of Kotayk Province.

09:00 — Departure from Yerevan
10:00 — Arrival at Garni: temple and gorge
11:30 — Transfer to Geghard
12:00 — Tour of the monastery complex
13:30 — Lunch at a traditional restaurant (optional)
14:30 — Return to Yerevan
15:00 — End of program