#203: PRIVATE Guided tour to Garni, Geghard and Sevan
This tour is the principle tour that we suggest to all of our guests who visit Armenia the first time. There are different options for this tour depending on what expectations you have; however, one thing unites all of them: this is the best introduction to Armenia.
Traveling not far from Yerevan, in this tour you will visit one of the oldest historical landmarks located in Armenia. We will travel to the mountains of Kotayk region, located north-east from Yerevan to visit the oldest Armenian historical sites that are listed on UNESCO heritage sites.
On our way, we will stop next to Charents arch from where opens a breathtaking view of biblical Mount Ararat and Ararat valley.
The first destination of the tour is the famous Geghard monastery or Airivank. This is the monastery where the “Holy Lance” with what roman soldier Longinus pierced Jesus when he was on the cross was guarded. Even the name ‘Geghard” translated from old Armenian means “lance”. In addition to this, what makes Geghard even more unique and extraordinary is that it is built inside the rock.
Near to Geghard, we will witness how the traditional Armenian bread Lavash is baked in special ovens called "Tonir".
The next stop is the Garni village. Here is located the pagan temple of Garni built-in 77A.D. This ancient, Hellenistic style temple is one of the oldest landmarks in Armenia and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Garni temple is located on the edge of the Azat Gorge. With the age of more than 1900 years, this temple is a brilliant example of what Armenian pre-Cristian temples looked like.
After this, we will head to the direction of Lake Sevan. Here we will visit the Sevan peninsula where the Sevanavank monastic complex is located. From here a wonderful view of the lake opens. After this we will visit the souvenir market located nearby and return to Yerevan.