Armenia Highlights: Garni, Geghard, Tsaghkadzor & Sevan

Overview

Experience the best of Armenia’s culture, history, and natural beauty in one unforgettable day. Explore the ancient pagan Garni Temple, the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, enjoy the mountain charm of Tsaghkadzor, and soak in the sparkling waters of Lake Sevan. Our friendly local drivers aren’t professional guides, but they provide all the essential information, assist you throughout the day, and ensure your journey is comfortable, flexible, and stress-free. Unlike crowded tours, this is a private, personalized experience, letting you explore at your own pace, take photos, and fully enjoy Armenia’s iconic sights. Highlights: • Visit Garni Temple & Geghard Monastery • Scenic mountains and Tsaghkadzor landscapes • Relax at Lake Sevan and enjoy photo-perfect views • Private, comfortable transportation • Flexible itinerary with plenty of photo opportunities

Itinerary

1. Garni

   Garni Temple is situated in the village of Garni, in the heart of Armenia, and was constructed in the Ionic style. It is the most well-known building and representation of pre-Christian Armenia. The building was most likely constructed by king Tiridates I as a temple for the sun god Mihr in the first century AD. It was transformed into a royal summer residence of Khosrovidukht, the sister of Tiridates III, following Armenia's conversion to Christianity at the beginning of the fourth century. Some academics contend that it was a mausoleum rather than a temple, which is why it managed to withstand the destruction of pagan buildings.

   · 1 h

2. The Monastery of Geghard

   Geghard, which translates to "spear," is a medieval monastery in Armenian. It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The spear that wounded Jesus at the Crucifixion was allegedly brought to Armenia by Apostle Jude, known here as Thaddeus, and kept among many other relics. It is now on exhibit in the Treasury of Echmiadzin.

   · 1 h

3. Tsaghkadzor

   Tsaghkadzor is a very hospitable city, where the beauty of nature is displayed in all its glory. Everything here is designed for high-quality rest, and a very big role in it has the cable car, which was built with high European standards. A 6175m long ski-lift takes skiers from an altitude of 1966m to 2819m above sea level

   · 1 h

4. Lake Sevan

   Lake Sevan is the largest body of water in both Armenia and the Caucasus region. It is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude (alpine) lakes in Eurasia. The lake is situated in Gegharkunik Province, at an altitude of 1,900.44 m above sea level. It is fed by 28 rivers and streams. The lake provides some 90% of the fish and 80% of the crayfish catch of Armenia. Sevan has significant economic, cultural, and recreational value. Its sole major island (now a peninsula) is home to a medieval monastery.

   · 30 min

5. Monastère de Sevanavank

   Sevanavank is a monastic complex located on a peninsula at the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia, not far from the town of Sevan. Initially, the monastery was built at the southern shore of a small island. After the artificial draining of Lake Sevan, which started in the era of Joseph Stalin, the water level fell about 20 metres, and the island transformed into a peninsula. At the southern shore of this newly created peninsula, a guesthouse of the Armenian Writers' Union was built. The eastern shore is occupied by the Armenian president's summer residence, while the monastery's still active seminary moved to newly constructed buildings at the northern shore of the peninsula.

   · 45 min

Pickup

Pickup included.

What to know before you go

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• You will receive confirmation immediately when you book.

Travelers

Pricing per group (up to 7 people).

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

Reviews

Product code: 76232P3

Activity offered by Memory Maker Travel Armenia via Viator.