Private Tour to Charent's Arch, Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery and Symphony of Stones
A friendly environment and an unforgettable experience are guaranteed during the entire trip! Discover the most essential sights.
Highlights:
Charent's Arch (Arch of Ararat)
Garni Temple
A unique creation of the human hand: Geghard Monastery
Symphony of Stones
Includes:
A driver (guide)
Pick-up and drop-off
Transportation by a/c vehicle
Refreshments
Wi-Fi
When driving along the highway Yerevan-Garni, on the right side of the road on a hill you can see the Charents Arch. The monument is named after the great Armenian poet and great patriot Yeghishe Charents. It is believed that he often visited this place and liked to enjoy the fantastic scenery of the place. Unpretentious at first sight, the stone arch is actually a very interesting monument. The thing is that a stunning view of the great biblical Mount Ararat opens from here all day long. Therefore, the second name of the monument is the Arch of Ararat. This place is a favorite and popular attraction. Tourists visiting Armenia come here to admire the breathtaking views and take pictures.
The Garni temple is widely considered the most important monument of ancient and pre-Christian Armenia. This is a win-win choice, because it is rightfully considered the most popular route among travelers.
The temple was erected in honor of the sun god Mithras. It was built in the second half of the second century by King Trdat and served as the summer residence of the Armenian kings. The ruins of an ancient fortress, royal chambers and a bathhouse built in the third century have been preserved near the temple.
A tour to Geghard will leave even the most scrupulous tourist satisfied, as Geghardavank is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most visited places in Armenia.Arrival at the Geghard Temple complex (Monastery of the Spear). Right at the entrance, the Garni grandmothers sell dried apricot sweets and their "branded" gata: it's definitely worth a try.
According to legend, the monastery was founded in the early years of the adoption of Christianity as the official religion (at the beginning of the 4th century). The Geghard or Geghardavank complex is a two–storey temple and an adjacent church carved in monolithic stone. Geghard got its name from the spear of Longinus, which pierced the body of Christ, stored in Etchmiadzin and presented to visitors.
Geghard Monastery is a unique creation of the human hand. The halls dug into the basalt rock are not limited to their spaciousness, but store unique bas–reliefs on their walls, each of which is a separate work of art.
A short hike to the Garni gorge, where we will be able to contemplate a real natural miracle – the "Symphony of Stones" or "Basalt Organ". The "Symphony of Stones" is the hexagonal pillars of extinct lava hanging from the cliff. Natural symmetry fascinates and attracts the eye. If desired, you can also order an off-road vehicle to go down into the gorge.
