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Day Trip to Garni, Geghard, Charent's Arch, and Azat Canyon
4.7
24 Ratings
Yerevan
Explore Garni, Geghard, and Azat Canyon on a guided tour. Marvel at Mount Ararat, delve into history, and enjoy nature with fellow travelers.
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Garni Temple - During this excursion, we’ll explore Garni, Geghard, and the Azat River Valley, home to numerous historical and natural landmarks. Our journey begins with a visit to Geghardavank, a renowned 13th-century monastery, followed by Garni village, which boasts a variety of well-known and lesser-known sites. A brief hiking excursion will lead us to the iconic Garni pagan temple and the Symphony of Stones. We’ll also pause near the Arch of Charents, offering a breathtaking vista of Mount Ararat.
- The Monastery of Geghard - The Geghard Monastery, situated in the Kotayk province, is a medieval marvel partially carved into the adjacent mountain and encircled by cliffs. Its commonly used name, Geghard or Geghardavank, meaning “the Monastery of the Spear,” stems from the spear that wounded Jesus during the Crucifixion. According to belief, Apostle Jude, also known as Thaddeus in Armenia, brought the spear to the region, where it was safeguarded among various relics, now exhibited in the Echmiadzin treasury. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monastery complex enjoys enhanced protection status.
- Charent’s Arch - While driving along the Yerevan-Garni highway, you’ll spot the Charents Arch perched on a hill to the right side of the road. This monument pays homage to the esteemed Armenian poet and patriot, Yeghishe Charents. Legend has it that Charents frequented this spot, captivated by its breathtaking vistas. Although appearing simple at first glance, the stone arch holds significant historical and cultural value. Notably, it offers uninterrupted views of the majestic biblical Mount Ararat throughout the day, earning it the alternate name, the Arch of Ararat. This site is a beloved and widely visited attraction, drawing tourists to revel in its awe-inspiring panoramas and capture memorable photographs.
- Symphony of Stones - The Symphony of Stones, also known as the “Basalt Organ,” stands as a natural marvel situated within the Azat River basin, near Garni village. Recognized as one of Armenia’s natural monuments, this site boasts massive hexagon and pentagon basalt columns, reaching impressive heights of nearly 50 meters. The remarkable symmetry of these stones gives the appearance of meticulous craftsmanship. Hanging against gravity, they form a resemblance to an organ, earning the alternate name “Basalt Organ Pipes.” As the Azat River flows through the gorge, the stones are accompanied by the soothing sound of water, enhancing the splendor of this geological wonder.
- Yerevan - The journey from Yerevan to the Points of Interest and back, along with a stop for a meal and leisure time, will occupy the remainder of the day.
What's Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Guides
What's Not Included
- Entrance fee for Garni is 750 AMD for residents of RA and 1,500 AMD for foreigners.
- Entrance fee of the Symphony of Stones: 200 AMD
Additional Information
Embark on a group tour to effortlessly delve into Armenia’s rich history. Enjoy comfortable transportation with a dedicated driver beyond Yerevan. Discover the Temple of Garni, Geghard Monastery, and Azat Canyon, gaining insights into their historical significance from your knowledgeable guide.
Pause at a scenic viewpoint to marvel at Mount Ararat in the distance. Immerse yourself in Armenia’s history, explore Garni and Geghard with your fellow travelers, and savor moments in nature at Azat Canyon.
Location
1a Sayat-Nova Ave
Sayat-Nova Avenue
Komitas Yerevan State Conservatory.
Our tour guide will meet you exactly outside the Conservatory.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(24 Ratings)
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Richard_n
Sep 15, 2024
Great day trip - Great trip. Got so much into the day. The temple, monastery, stones, viewpoint were all beautiful and lunch was good.
Special thanks to our excellent guide Anahit, one of the best I've ever had!
Review provided by Viator
Atanera13
Sep 11, 2024
Lovely tour to enjoy history and nature - Grear tour as starting point to admire nature beauty and history of Armenia. The speed is fine and you have enough time to enjoy each spot inclusive time for eat. The guide was super friendly and knowledgeable. We definitely recommend this one.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susan_q
Aug 17, 2024
Great local tour. - Great local tour to cover major attractions. Guide is punctual and knowledgeable. Adequate time is allowed at each location.
Review provided by Viator
Jesusalfredo_a
Aug 13, 2024
All was right - The guide Arthur was wonderful, helpful and worried for the group. His english is very good and he's always ready for the people.
Review provided by Viator
Wonseok_n
Jul 13, 2024
Must Do Day Tour while in Yerevan - Highly recommended day tour while in Yerevan. One of the most historical areas around Yerevan. Quite close to Yerevan, yet very scenic. Learned a lot about the history of Armenia, especially pre WWI era. The guide, Hasmik, was so professional. Perhaps, the most professional guide that I have ever met so far. So knowledgable and was able to explain patiently to everyone in the group almost like a teacher! Even sang a short song for the group at a cave church to demonstrate the sound quality in the place. Amazing.
Review provided by Viator
Shellamae_a
Sep 6, 2024
Amazing Garni/Geghard - The tour under One Way with tour guide Yegor is incredible! He explained not just the places under what was stated in the tour but also about the history of Armenia as a whole. Visiting Garni temple and seeing it's remarkable surrounding is majestic!
Review provided by Viator
Laipong_w
Jul 19, 2024
Relax Day Trip - The guide really did her job. Explained Armenia history, Church sites features in details since she boarded the van. Overall that was an interesting day trip.
Review provided by Viator
858ilanl
Jul 9, 2024
6 Armenian touristy sites - The trip itself to 6 tourist sites was fine, but there was neither a tour guide (which I knew) nor were we given an audio guide (as promised in the booking voucher), which means that no information about the sites visited was provided.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carolina_p
Jul 9, 2024
My experience: Day Trip to Garni, Geghard, Charent's Arch, and Azat Canyon - I enjoyed the day trip. The sights were beautiful, and the tour guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. However, as a vegan, I struggled with food options. Despite mentioning my dietary preferences when booking, there were no proper vegan alternatives available, and I could only have small snacks for lunch. The guide did try to assist, but there wasn't really anything suitable for me. I hope they improve and become more inclusive in the future. Other than that, it's a good tour.
Review provided by Viator
Arjunkrishan_b
Sep 4, 2024
Terrible vehicle and tour - The driver Arcen and guide Marie did not switch on the Air Conditioning in the vehicle even though it was working on a rather hot day. It seemed like the fan was on. He had the vents off the entire time in the front and when I requested the guide to close the window and allow the AC to cool , she dismissed it saying the window needed to be open. What a waste. When he opened the vents for 10 seconds in the front and the AC there was cool air blowing through it. They just lied to keep the window open in the excessive heat. The other vehicles run by the company seemed to have perfectly run ACs. It was just an overall uncomfortable experience. The explanations during the tour were fine but the timings were poorly planned and the guide seemed disinterested. I will not recommend them. Also we needed more time at the Symphony of Stones.
Review provided by Viator
