Garni, Geghard, lavash baking, Tsaghkadzor (Kecharis, Ropeway)
Cities |
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Group discount starts from | 10 people | ||||||
Days | 1 | ||||||
Price per person | from $25 |
Description
The tour starts at 10:00 am from a central meeting point. You will first of all visit the Eastern part of Armenia and have a short stop at Charent's Arch, from where the wonderful view to Biblical mount Ararat is seen. The next stop is Garni pagan temple which towers over a triangular cape, is the unique survived example of heathen culture in Armenia. It is a blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles. King Trdat the First ordered building the temple in the first century A.D. and dedicated it to the God of Sun. After adopting Christianity in 301 the pagan temple lost its significance and the fortress of Garni became the summer residence of the kings. Nowadays the ruins of the royal palace and the bathroom with a stunning mosaic work can be found near the temple.
You will then visit Geghard monastery, the unsurpassed masterpiece of the 13th century Armenian architecture. Some of the churches of the complex are masterfully hewed 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, was kept in this monastery for many centuries. Due to its construction Geghar-davank serves the best place for singing spiritual songs. The complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars (cross-stones).
The last stop is at "3 Jugs" family-style restaurant where Armenian bread "Lavash" baking procedure is presented. It is made with flour, water, and salt. The thickness of the bread varies depending on how thin it was rolled out. Toasted sesame seeds and/or poppy seeds are sometimes sprinkled on before baking. Traditionally the dough is rolled out flat and slapped against the hot walls of a clay oven. You will have a good opportunity to participate in ""Lavash"" baking procedure and after to taste it together with local cheese and greens. At the same place you can have a lunch. One can choose the meal between 4 offered options in the vehicle before arrival to the restaurant and pay on the spot.
After that you will be driven to the North-Western part of Armenia. The first stop is Tsaghkadzor city (Valley of flowers) considered to be one of the most popular winter resorts of Armenia. It is one of the places of the mountainous country, where the beauty of the nature appears with its whole variety. Tsaghkadzor is situated in Kotayk region, 50 kilometers North from Yerevan, on the eastern slope of Teghenis Mountain and is surrounded with virginal woods and alpine meadows.
Kecharis monastery is also situated in the north-western part of Tsakhkadzor. It was built in 11-13th centuries. The monastery consists of four churches and a half-destroyed mausoleum of Grigorius Pahlavuni, who financed building the monastery.
You will then be returned to the meeting point.
Duration: 6-7 hours
In case of unfavorable weather conditions or unexpected circumstances, for security purposes the company reserves the right to change, reduce or cancel the tour.
The price includes
Transportation by comfortable vehicles with AC Guide service (Armenian, English, Russian consecutively) Water and cookies Entrance fees Insurance of vehicle and passengers Lavash tasting
The price does not include
Lunch Ropeway ticket at 2.000 AMD