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Half-Day Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery Tour: Discover Armenia's Unique Heritage
5.0
238 Ratings
Garni
Discover Armenia’s most incredible sights! Start your journey at Garni, the solitary pre-Christian temple still standing in Armenia, then proceed to the Geghard monastery, an architectural marvel hewn from a cave.
Discover Armenia’s most incredible sights! Start your journey at Garni, the solitary pre-Christian temple still standing in Armenia, then proceed to the Geghard monastery, an architectural marvel hewn from a cave.
Duration:
5 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Charent’s Arch - The “Arch of Charents” was designed by architect Raphael Israelyan. During a journey to Garni, he paused at this location and, captivated by the stunning view of Mount Ararat, decided to construct an arch as a “temple” to Ararat. The Arch was completed in 1957, commemorating the 60th birthday of the esteemed Armenian poet Yeghishe…
- Charent’s Arch - The “Arch of Charents” was designed by architect Raphael Israelyan. During a journey to Garni, he paused at this location and, captivated by the stunning view of Mount Ararat, decided to construct an arch as a “temple” to Ararat. The Arch was completed in 1957, commemorating the 60th birthday of the esteemed Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents. It is believed that the poet enjoyed strolling in this area. The arch acts like a picture frame, offering a breathtaking view of the Ararat valley with Masis appearing in the distance. Inscribed on the front of the arch are the concluding lines of Charents’ renowned poem: “There is no summit as snow-white as that of lofty Ararat; Like an inaccessible path to glory, I love my Mount Masis!”
Visitors can capture stunning photographs with the Arch and Mount Ararat in the background, provided the weather is clear.
- Garni Temple - Perched on a triangular cape, Garni Temple is the sole surviving example of pagan culture in Armenia. It showcases a fusion of Greco-Roman and Armenian architectural styles. Commissioned by King Trdat The First in the first century AD, the temple was dedicated to the Sun God. Following the adoption of Christianity in 301, the temple’s pagan significance diminished, and the Garni fortress became the summer residence of the kings. Today, the remnants of the royal palace and a bathhouse featuring exquisite mosaic work can be found near the temple.
- The Monastery of Geghard - Geghard Monastery is an unparalleled masterpiece of 13th-century Armenian architecture. Several churches within the complex are expertly carved into a massive rock. Initially known as Ayrivank (cave monastery), it was later renamed Geghard (lance) because the lance used by a Roman soldier to pierce Jesus Christ’s side was preserved here for many centuries. Geghardavank is renowned for its acoustics, making it an ideal venue for singing spiritual songs. The complex is adorned with intricate sculptural details and numerous impressive khachkars (cross-stones). This site is recognized on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

What's Included
- Flexible itinerary with extra stops upon request
- Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles
- Professional, insured drivers
- Complimentary bottled water
- Interactive master class with tasting
- Convenient free pick-up and drop-off in Yerevan
- Expert guidance in English or Russian (optional)
- Flexible itinerary with extra stops upon request
- Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles
- Professional, insured drivers
- Complimentary bottled water
- Interactive master class with tasting
- Convenient free pick-up and drop-off in Yerevan
- Expert guidance in English or Russian (optional)
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
- Entrance fees
Location
Charent's Arch
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(238 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Ninoo305
Nov 8, 2025
Best of Garni - If you’re planning future trips in Armenia, Hayk and Aro are absolutely the best choice! Their energy, knowledge, and care make every journey unforgettable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
930firase
Nov 8, 2025
Armenia : what a surprise! - Hayk was an outstanding guide—knowledgeable, engaging, and deeply passionate about his country.
Araik drove with calm precision, making every journey smooth and safe.
Together, they created a seamless and enriching travel experience.
Their warmth and professionalism made us feel truly welcome.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking an authentic and memorable adventure.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
583petrah
Nov 2, 2025
Flexible and professional service - We had a lovely experience on this half-day trip that turned into a full day one upon our plea to add a visit to the Symphony of Garni stones. Our guide Marina was happy to accommodate and driver Araik was friendly and patient despite hectic traffic. Happy to recommend to anyone who values professionalism and flexibility
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nellie
Oct 18, 2025
great! - This was my first day joining a private tour with Hyur, and it was absolutely wonderful!
My itinerary included Garni Temple, the Symphony of Stones, and Geghard Monastery.
Our guide, Mike, was incredibly professional and friendly, and I’m so glad I got to experience this private tour. The driver was excellent too — highly recommended!
這是我第一天參加Hyur的私人導覽,非常棒,我的行程是Garni Temple, Symphony Stones和Geghard修道院,這次的導覽是Mike,非常專業人也很好,很開心能參加這趟私人導覽之旅,司機也非常棒!大推!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daniele
Oct 10, 2025
Trip to the monasteries - Trip departing from Yerevan with Gaia and Laval. We visited two sites by bus and for lunch on a farm. Excellent cultural explanations and lunch in a characteristic location
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julio4
Oct 3, 2025
Great tour - Our driver Arrhur and guide Samvel were great, full of information, very helpful and friendly guys.
When you decide to visit Arnenia I warmly recommend these guys and Hyur Service.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Solveiga_o
Oct 3, 2025
Wonderful tour with my... - Wonderful tour with my lovely guide Michael and our driver Levon. This is my first time in Armenia and Michael introduced me to Armenian history, gave suggestions about other places to visit and even suggested local foods to try. Both places we visited - Garni temple and Geghard monastery are like out of this world, beautiful, and very important historical places for Armenia. Unfortunately we couldn't see mount Ararat from it's viewing point, but in Geghard monastery we were surprised by a local chorus performing a religious singing in one of the carved halls, such a magical experience.
Big thanks to driver Levon for driving safely on mountain roads and to my guide Michael for telling the story of Armenia with so much pride and passion. This experience made me want to return to Armenia in some time in the future.
Review provided by Viator
Alleen
Sep 25, 2025
A great trip! - Garni and Geghart were both amazing but the trip was that much better because of our guide Melineh and driver Hovig. They were so kind and knowledgeable and we laughed the whole trip. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johnnyboymcgee
Sep 15, 2025
Top Marks Again for Hyur Tours - My wife and I did the half day trip with Hyur Tours to the magnificent Garni Gorge during on our recent trip to Armenia. Our driver, Hovo, was very nice and picked us up at our hotel in a comfortable air-conditioned car. The pagan temple was magnificent and the Symphony of Stones was particularly breathtaking. The drive up to Geghard monastery was also magnificent. The whole trip was a lovely, relaxing way to enjoy some of Armenia’s most breathtaking sights. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
687anahits
Sep 13, 2025
An amazing day trip to Garni and Geghard - We had an amazing trip to Armenia’s historic places Garni and Geghard. Hayk was friendly and informative guide. And the lavash baking experience was interesting.
Review provided by Tripadvisor