Group Tour: Khor Virap, Garni temple, Geghard, Lavash baking
Overview
This combined tour includes visits of some of the most popular attractions of Armenia. During morning time Biblical Mount Ararat is especially beautiful, so the first stop is foreseen at the closest point to the mountain from Armenia – Khor Virap monastery, from where Christianity in Armenia originates. Afterwards you will have a stop at a special view point and there will be a chance to take nice photos of Azat Reservoir, surrounded with nature. Next on the route is the only pagan temple in Armenia – Garni. See lavash (Armenian thin bread) baking process, which is one of the most beautiful and common Armenian national traditions and participate in an engaging and joyful Holiday sweet master class. And, finally, you will be amazed by the magnificence of the 13th century Geghard monastic complex, partially carved in the rock and included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
What you’ll do
starting and ending point
Khor Virap is the most famous pilgrimage site in Armenia, as it is directly connected with the adoption of Christianity. As a state religion, Christianity in Armenia was adopted in 301 due to endeavors of Saint Gregory The Illuminator, who, before converting King Trdat The 3rd to Christianity, was imprisoned in the dungeon, over which a church of Khor Virap monastery was built in the 17th century. From the monastery one can admire the stunning view of the Biblical Mount Ararat.
short stop for admiring view and photos
Lavash is one of the most popular gastronomic icons of Armenia, serving as an integral part of the Armenian cuisine. It is a traditional soft, thin flatbread, made in tonir (special ground oven). Although the baking process of lavash requires much of special skills, it is undertaken by women. In 2014 "The preparation, meaning and appearance of traditional bread lavash as an expression of Armenian culture" was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. During this master class you will observe and learn the millennia-old techniques of making lavash, and, of course, taste self-baked lavash together with some fresh greens and yummy local cheese. Feeling the smell of lavash once, you will save this impression for the whole life:)
Geghard monastery is the unsurpassable masterpiece of the 13th century Armenian architecture. Some of the churches of the complex are masterfully hewn in a huge rock. From the outset the complex was called Ayrivank (cave monastery), later it was renamed Geghard (lance) as the lance, used by the roman soldier to sting Jesus Christ's side, had been kept in this monastery for many centuries. Due to its construction, Geghardavank serves the best place for singing spiritual songs. The complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars (cross-stones). The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
From €32
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