GARNI, GEGHARD, SEVAN

Garni Temple, Gegard Monastery, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Monastery

What's included
Guide Service: Russian or/and English
Comfortable vehicles
Free Wi-Fi
Bottled water

Stop 1: Garni temple

Garni temple is located at the edge of a triangular cliff and is surrounded by the Geghama Mountains and Azat River. The landscape just next to the Garni pagan temple is beautiful, especially during the wintertime. All the mountains are covered in snow, and just in front of the magnificent white view is located the famous destination of Armenia – Garni temple. It is the only surviving Greco-Roman building in Armenia and the former Soviet Union. Garni pagan temple was built in the first century AD as a temple of the sun god. This unique building is the symbol of pre-Christian Armenia and one of the top places to see in Armenia in the wintertime. By the way, the UNESCO-Greece 2011 Prize was awarded the Garni historical-cultural complex after Melina Mercury.

Stop 2: Geghard Monastery

The second stop of the winter tour in Armenia is Geghard monastery – the symbol of Christianity and one of the unique places in the world. The part of the monastery was carved out of a mountain, that’s why the monastery was first called Ayrivank or Monastery of the Caves. The monastery was founded in the 4th century by the First Catholicos of Armenia - Gregory the Illuminator. Then, the monastery was named Geghardavank - the Monastery of Spear with which the Roman soldier had pierced the heart of crucified Christ, the so-called Spear of Destiny (now the spear is kept in the Echmiadzin).
Geghard is the significant monastery, designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Site includes in this winter tour in Armenia.

Stop 3: Sevanavank Monastery & Lake Sevan

Your journey begins with a visit to Sevanavank Monastery, located near the mesmerizing Lake Sevan. Originally built on a small island, the monastery was founded by Princess Mariam in the 9th century in honor of her late husband. Lake Sevan, just an hour away from Yerevan, is one of Armenia’s most beautiful natural wonders, surrounded by majestic mountains. This sacred site was also home to Amenaprkich (All Saviors) and the famous Armenian Khachkars (cross-stones).