How to Plan Your Garni-Geghard Tour from Yerevan

If you’re planning a trip to Armenia, a visit to the Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery Complex is a must-do. Both sites are UNESCO World Heritage sites and showcase the unique architecture and history of the region. In this post, we’ll guide you through how to organize your Garni-Geghard tour from Yerevan.

Overview of the Tour

The Garni-Geghard tour is a half-day tour (4-5 hours), which begins in Yerevan. The tour will pick you up from your hotel at 10:00 am, and then drive to the first stop, the Garni Temple. Next, the tour heads to the Ararat ARC, followed by a visit to the Geghard Monastery Complex, and then returns back to Yerevan.

Highlights of the Tour

– Visit the Temple of Garni with a guide and marvel at its impressive Hellenistic architecture
– Admire fine views over Mt. Ararat
– Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Geghard

Garni Temple

The tour starts with a visit to the Garni Temple, which is located in the village of Garni. The temple is a Hellenistic-style structure that dates back to the 1st century AD. It was built by Armenian King Tiridates I and served as a royal summer residence. The temple is dedicated to the pagan god Mihr, the god of the sun. During your visit to the temple, a guide will take you through its history and give you insights into Armenia’s pre-Christian era.

Ararat ARC

The next stop on the tour is Ararat ARC, which is situated between Garni and Geghard Monastery. It’s a viewpoint that offers a fantastic view of Mount Ararat. Mount Ararat is a dormant volcano that stands at an elevation of 5,137 meters and is the national symbol of Armenia. The view from Ararat ARC is breathtaking and provides an opportunity to take amazing photos.

Geghard Monastery

The last stop on the tour is the Geghard Monastery Complex, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Geghard Monastery is a unique monastery complex because some of its churches are situated in caves and others are dug out of the surrounding rock surface. It was founded in the 4th century AD by Gregory the Illuminator, who is credited with converting Armenia into the first Christian nation. During your visit to the monastery, a guide will take you through the history of the complex and its significance in Armenia’s Christian history.

Booking the Tour

To book the Garni-Geghard tour, you can visit the GetYourGuide website and book the tour ahead of time. The tour includes entrance fees, guide, transportation, food, and drinks. Book the tour here: Book the tour here.

Conclusion

Visiting Armenia and the Garni-Geghard tour is an excellent way to explore the country’s rich history and architecture. By following these steps to plan your tour, you’ll have a rewarding and informative experience. Remember to book your tour ahead of time to guarantee your spot, and don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the unforgettable views!

An Insider’s Guide to Yerevan, The Capital City of Armenia

Yerevan is the capital city of Armenia, located in the heart of the country. With its rich history, impressive architecture, and cultural experiences, Yerevan has a lot to offer to any kind of tourist. In this insider’s guide, we will take you through some of the must-see places to visit, where to find the best food, and some off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Attractions

When you visit Yerevan, you will be amazed by the city’s rich history and culture. One of the top destinations to visit is the Republic Square, surrounded by buildings of pink and yellow tuff stones. This is the perfect place for a stroll in the evening to watch the singing fountains and the light show.

For history enthusiasts, the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial is a must-visit. This museum tells the story of the massacres that left 1.5 million Armenians dead at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. Another great place to visit is the Matenadaran Museum, which is home to over 17,000 Armenian manuscripts, including the first printed book in Armenian.

For an escape from the city, take a cable car ride to the top of the Cascade, an outdoor staircase and cultural center. There, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and Mount Ararat.

Dining

Yerevan is known for its delicious cuisine, and there are plenty of great restaurants to try. For traditional Armenian food, consider visiting Dolmama, where you can find tasty dishes like dolma (stuffed grape leaves) and khorovats (grilled meat).

If you’re searching for something more casual, visit Artashi Mot, a popular joint that serves locally brewed beer, great meat and cheese platters, and other delicious snacks. Another place to visit is the Wine Republic, where you can taste exceptional wines from Armenian vineyards and enjoy delicious meals.

Cultural Experiences

Yerevan is home to numerous cultural experiences that you should take the time to explore. You can try learning about Armenian history and culture through traditional dance performances. One of the better places to do this is the Aram Khachaturyan Concert Hall, which hosts concerts and performances year-round. Art lovers should visit the Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art, which features contemporary works of art displayed in a beautiful building.

If you are interested in learning about local traditions and customs, visit the Armenian carpet-weaving workshop, which hosts master classes on traditional rug weaving. There is also the Vernissage open-air market, which is the perfect place to buy souvenirs, handicrafts, pottery, and unique Armenian jewelry.

Local History

Yerevan has a long and fascinating history that spans over 2790 years. To learn more about the city’s past, pay a visit to The History Museum of Armenia, which showcases the city’s rich heritage through artifacts, documents, and photography.

You may also visit the Erebuni Fortress as it marks the origins of Yerevan. The Erebuni Fortress was built in 782 BC and is now one of the largest archaeological sites in the country.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

While Yerevan has many popular tourist attractions, it also has hidden gems that many tourists don’t know about. For example, consider taking a stroll around the ruined temple of Garni, which was built in 77 AD and destroyed by an earthquake in the 17th century. You can also visit the Geghard Monastery, a remarkable ancient structure built into a mountain, and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000.

If you have more time, take a day trip to the Khor Virap Monastery, located near the border of Turkey and Mount Ararat, the symbol of the Armenian nation. The monastery is built on the spot where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was once imprisoned for 13 years, and it offers breathtaking views of the mountain and the surrounding hills.

Conclusion

Yerevan is an excellent travel destination for anyone looking for a mix of history, culture, food, and adventure. Whether you’re looking to explore hidden gems or take in popular tourist spots, you will find something to enjoy in this beautiful city. From its rich history to its delicious cuisine and thriving cultural scene, Yerevan is a city that you won’t soon forget.