This is a day tour to visit two UNESCO World heritage sites – the pagan temple of Garni dated first century and 4th century monastery complex of Geghard in Kotayk province of Armenia. Enjoy breathtaking views and participate in lavash (Armenian flatbread) baking Master class.

Highlights:

• Charent’s Arch
• Garni Pagan Temple
• Garni Canyon
• Lavash baking at a local family
• Geghard Monastery
• Etchmiadzin Cathedral
• Zvartnots Cathedral

This is a day tour to visit two UNESCO World heritage sites – the Greek temple of Garni dated to the first century and 4th century monastery complex of Geghard in Kotayk province of Armenia.

On the way to village Garni tourists will stop at Charents Arch to enjoy a unique view of Mount Ararat. Architect Rafael Israelyan dedicated the monument to the famous Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents, who loved and admired the beauty of Mount Ararat. Continue to the village Garni to see the pagan temple. The Greek temple of Garni is supposed to have been built in 77 AD. It is located in the Kotayk region of Armenia at the left bank of the Azat River. The temple was dedicated to God Mihr, the Armenian pagan god of light and the Sun. The complex was strategically built upon a promontory above high cliffs and surrounded by walls, making it a powerful fortress.

On the way to Geghard Monastery, have a stop at a family-owned restaurant where you can watch the process of baking Armenian flatbread “lavash”.

Geghard Monastery was founded by Gregory the Illuminator. When St. Gregory was proselytising in Armenia, he came across a miraculous spring in a cave and founded Ayrivanq, the monastery of the Cave. Geghard Monastery was not only a spiritual, but also an educational and cultural centre. Many manuscripts are now kept in Matenadaran of Yerevan.

Afterwards, continue your way to Etchmiadzin. It is the first cathedral built in Armenia. The cathedral was built and consecrated by Gregory the Illuminator and King Trdat the Great in 303 AD, after adopting Christianity as a state religion. It was built on the basis of an old pagan temple and became the symbol of the transformation of the religion.

The last highlight of the day tour is Zvartnots Cathedral 3 km south of the city of Echmiadzin. This historical site once was a famous place of worship in the pre-Christian period. During the excavations, the foundation of an Urartian temple was revealed, as well as an altar for sacrifice and a cuneiform inscription of King Rusa II, which testifies the construction of the Hrazdan River canal were found.

Duration: 6-7 hours
Driving distance: 150 km
Season: All year around