Day trip: Garni, Geghard, Symphony of Stones and Lavash baking

Charent's Arch

15 min

The first stop is near the Arch of Charents, which is named in honor of Armenian poet Eghishe Charents, who wrote the best poem, dedicated to Armenia, full of true love and pride. From this place opens a breathtaking view to Ararat, probably the most stunning view of the Biblical mountain.

Garni Temple

45 min

The next stop is Garni Temple (77 A.D.) –it is the only standing heathen temple in the whole post-Soviet area. The temple gracefully stands on a high plateau overlooking the Azat river gorge. The surrounding area itself is incredibly beautiful. The greek-roman bath house with the mosaic, made out of 30,000 pieces of natural stones, as well as the ruins of the royal palace, will take you to 3rd century A.D.
Not far from the temple of Garni (about 10 minutes’ walk), there is a cozy local restaurant with an amazing view of the temple, where you can relax and take part in master-class of tasting of freshly baked lavash – traditional Armenian flatbread.

The Monastery of Geghard

45 min

The Monastery complex of Geghard is another historical site included to this tour. St. Geghard symbolizes the lance with which the Roman centurion pierced Jesus after crusifixion. Later the lance had been brought to Armenia and kept in Geghard Monastery for 5 centuries. The complex presents Armenia of 13th century, which is considered to be the Golden Age of the country’s architecture. However, the most astonishing part of this complex is its architectural solution churches drilled into the solid rock that were constructed in accordance to the rules of Armenian architecture. Geghard Monastery is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

30 min

From the 1st of March, you will be able to visit “Symphony of Stones”, which is a natural monument!
This majestic natural monument isn’t only a “must see” place in Armenia, but also “must have photos in” place.

Garni

20 min

Lavash baking master class.
Lavash is one of the most popular gastronomic icons of Armenia and is an integral part of Armenian cuisine. This is a traditional soft, thin flatbread cooked in a tonir (special oven). Although the process of baking lavash requires special skills, it is performed by women. Lavash has been consumed by all classes of Armenian society for centuries; it is valued for its unique taste and 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 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. During this master class, you will get to know and learn the thousand-year-old technique of making lavash and, of course, try home-baked lavash with fresh herbs and delicious local cheese. Once you smell lavash, you will retain this impression for the rest of your life.