Khor Virap Monastery, Azat Reservoir view point, Garni, Lavash baking master class, Geghard Monastery

€27/ per person

  • Duration: 9 hours
  • Start: 10:00

This combined tour includes visits of some of the most popular attractions of Armenia. During morning time Biblical Mount Ararat is especially beautiful, so the first stop is foreseen at the closest point to the mountain from Armenia – Khor Virap monastery, from where Christianity in Armenia originates. Afterwards you will have a stop at a special view point and there will be a chance to take nice photos of Azat Reservoir, surrounded with nature. Next on the route is the only pagan temple in Armenia – Garni. See lavash (Armenian thin bread) baking process, which is one of the most beautiful and common Armenian national traditions. And, finally, you will be amazed by the magnificence of the 13th century Geghard monastic complex, partially carved in the rock and included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

What's Included

  • Professional guide
  • Entrance tickets
  • Master classes & tastings
  • WiFi in vehicles
  • Hotel pick-up (city center)
  • Air Conditioning in vehicles
  • Vehicle & passengers insurance
  • Bottled water
  • Cookies

Highlights

  • Visit the cradle of civilization and Christianity
  • Get acquainted with the history of Christian Armenia
  • Admire the beauty of Armenian architecture
  • Explore the oldest winery in Areni village
  • Feel the taste of Armenian pure wine

Available only on

friday

Khor Virap is arguably the most amazing sight in Armenia. It is an ancient monastery, shrouded in mystery and stories. After all, it is here that, according to legend, St. George the Illuminator was tortured and kept in the dungeons for 14 years.  The complex of the monastery is located above the cave that tourists today have access to, and offers stunning views of the wide fields at the foot of Mount Ararat. Full of legends, Khor Virap is a cult place for the Christian history of Armenia. After the events unfolding here, Armenia became the first country (301) to adopt Christianity as the state religion.

Azat Reservoir

Azat Reservoir (1050 m above sea level) is located in Ararat province. It was put into operation in the year of 1976 with the aim of being used for irrigation of the Ararat Valley. The area makes 2.85 sq. km, while the total volume is 70 million cubic m. The reservoir is surrounded by mountains and within many years it has kept admiring visitors. The reflection of the Sun/Moon combined with clouds in water "spreads" a unique impression.

Garni Temple

Garni temple, which towers over a triangular cape, is the unique survived example of heathen culture in Armenia. It is a blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles. King Trdat The First ordered building the temple in the first century AD and dedicated it to the God of Sun. After adopting Christianity in 301, the pagan temple lost its significance and the fortress of Garni became the summer residence of the kings. Nowadays the ruins of the royal palace and the bathroom with a stunning mosaic work can be found near the temple.

Lavash baking master class

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:)

Geghard Monastery

Geghard monastery is the unsurpassable masterpiece of the 13th century Armenian architecture. Some of the churches of the complex are masterfully hewn in a huge rock. From the outset the complex was called Ayrivank (cave monastery), later it was renamed Geghard (lance) as the lance, used by the roman soldier to sting Jesus Christ's side, had been kept in this monastery for many centuries. Due to its construction, Geghardavank serves the best place for singing spiritual songs. The complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars (cross-stones). The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

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