Day Trip To Garni, Geghard, And Lake Sevan

Exploring Armenia’s most iconic sights is a must for any visitor. This day trip takes you on a journey to three of the country’s treasured attractions – the ancient Garni Temple, the medieval Geghard Monastery, and the serene Lake Sevan. Along the way, you’ll uncover the rich religious heritage that has shaped Armenia over the centuries. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you’ll gain insights into the country’s fascinating history and culture. So, where will this adventure take you next?

Key Points

This full-day tour from Yerevan explores three popular attractions in Armenia, providing insights into the country’s rich religious history.
The tour includes visits to the ancient pagan Garni Temple, the UNESCO-listed medieval Geghard Monastery, and the stunning Lake Sevan with opportunities for a fish lunch.
The tour is led by a knowledgeable local guide and offers the convenience of air-conditioned minivan transportation and hotel pickup/drop-off.
The tour accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a personalized and hassle-free experience.
The tour includes admission to Garni, Geghard, and Sevanavank, and offers panoramic views of the Armenian countryside and mountains.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour from Yerevan allows visitors to explore three of Armenia’s most popular attractions, offering insights into the country’s rich religious history. Throughout the tour, a knowledgeable guide will provide commentary, bringing the sites to life.

Travelers will visit the ancient pagan temple of Garni, the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, and the stunning Lake Sevan, where they can enjoy a fish lunch (at their own expense).

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as air-conditioned transportation in a minivan. With a maximum of 6 travelers per tour, this experience provides an intimate and personalized exploration of these significant Armenian landmarks.

Attractions Visited

The tour begins at the ancient pagan temple of Garni, showcasing Armenia’s pre-Christian religious heritage.

Next, visitors explore the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, renowned for its stunning medieval architecture and carved stone.

Finally, the tour takes travelers to the breathtaking Lake Sevan, where they can enjoy a fish lunch (at their own expense) while taking in the serene lakeside views.

The attractions visited on this tour include:

Garni: an ancient pagan temple dating back to the 1st century AD
Geghard: a medieval monastery carved into the surrounding rock
Lake Sevan: a stunning alpine lake with opportunities for a lakeside fish lunch
Sevanavank Monastery: a 9th-century monastery located on the shores of Lake Sevan
Panoramic views of the Armenian countryside and mountains

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned minivan for transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and all entrance fees to the attractions. This ensures a seamless and hassle-free experience throughout the day.

The tour inclusions are summarized in the table below:

Inclusion	Details
Transportation	Air-conditioned minivan
Guide	Knowledgeable local guide
Entrance Fees	Admission to Garni, Geghard, and Sevanavank
Pickup/Drop-off	From your hotel in Yerevan

With these conveniences taken care of, you can sit back, relax, and fully learn about the rich cultural and historical experiences that await you on this unforgettable day trip.

Additional Details

Along with the convenient tour inclusions, there are a few additional details travellers should know about this day trip. Firstly, the tour can accommodate a maximum of 6 people, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Plus, visitors should be aware that reaching the Sevanavank monastery atop Lake Sevan involves climbing around 250 steps. This may pose a challenge for those with mobility issues, so it’s worth considering beforehand.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Infant seats are available for families with young children.

Confirmation of the booking is provided within 48 hours.

A delicious fish lunch at Lake Sevan is an optional extra (own expense).

This full-day tour departs from and returns to Yerevan.

Booking Information

Customers can expect confirmation of their booking within 48 hours after reserving this day trip.

The tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users, but infant seats are available for families with young children. Travelers should keep in mind that reaching the Sevanavank monastery atop Lake Sevan involves climbing around 250 steps, which may pose a challenge for those with mobility issues.

Once booked, customers can look forward to a full-day adventure exploring Armenia’s rich cultural and natural heritage, including a visit to the ancient pagan temple of Garni, the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, and the stunning Lake Sevan, where they can enjoy a fish lunch at their own expense.

Garni: Ancient Pagan Temple

After exploring the booking details, let’s take a closer look at the first stop on the tour – the ancient pagan temple of Garni.

This Greco-Roman style structure stands as a testament to Armenia’s rich pre-Christian heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s fascinating history.

The Garni Temple was built in the 1st century AD and served as a place of worship for the sun god Mihr.

Some key features of this impressive site include:

Imposing basalt columns that frame the entrance
Intricate carvings and reliefs adorning the facade
Remnants of a royal summer palace once located on the grounds
Stunning views overlooking the Azat River gorge
Opportunities to explore the archaeological excavations on-site

Geghard: UNESCO-listed Monastery

The UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery stands as a remarkable testament to Armenia’s rich Christian heritage, its towering medieval structure carved directly into the surrounding cliffs.

Visitors can explore the monastic complex, which includes a 13th-century chapel and a series of interconnected caves. One of the monastery’s most fascinating features is the Spelaeum, a partially underground church carved into the rock. Here, guests can witness the intricate khatchkars, or Armenian cross-stones, adorning the walls.

The tranquil setting and the monastery’s history offer a glimpse into Armenia’s deep-rooted spirituality. Whether admiring the stunning architecture or delving into the site’s religious significance, Geghard provides an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to understand Armenia’s spiritual legacy.

Lake Sevan: Stunning Lake

Lake Sevan, Armenia’s shimmering mountain lake, offers visitors a chance to bask in its serene beauty. Its vast, azure expanse is framed by towering peaks, creating a breathtaking natural landscape.

Travelers can enjoy a relaxing fish lunch along the lakeshore, taking in the tranquil atmosphere and stunning vistas.

The lake is a popular destination for a variety of activities:

Hiking along the scenic shoreline
Boating and swimming in the cool, refreshing waters
Visiting the historic Sevanavank monastery
Sampling the region’s freshwater fish, such as trout
Exploring the nearby villages and sampling local cuisine

This picturesque lake is a highlight of any tour of Armenia, offering a peaceful respite from the bustle of daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Bring for the Lake Lunch?

For the lake lunch, you’ll want to bring your appetite. Pack some cash to purchase fresh fish and other local dishes. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and water to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Sevan.

Are There Any Stops for Shopping or Souvenirs?

The tour doesn’t have any dedicated stops for shopping or buying souvenirs. However, there may be opportunities to purchase local handicrafts or snacks at the various sites, like near the Geghard monastery or around Lake Sevan.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour operator generally offers a set itinerary, but they may be able to customize the tour to some extent if you have specific requests. It’s best to ask them about any flexibility in the tour schedule.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography?

There aren’t any specific restrictions on photography during the tour, but visitors should be mindful of cultural sensitivities and follow the guide’s instructions. Taking photos inside monasteries may be limited to certain areas.

How Can I Communicate With the Guide During the Tour?

You can easily communicate with the guide during the tour. They’ll be happy to answer your questions and provide insights throughout the day. Just speak up as needed – the guide’s there to ensure you have a great experience.