Garni, Geghard & Symphony of Stones Tour from Yerevan

This private tour introduces you to some of Armenia’s most iconic sights. Your journey begins at the Temple of Garni, dedicated to the Sun God and famed as the only surviving pagan temple in Armenia. On the way, we’ll pause at the Charents Arch, a panoramic viewpoint that frames a breathtaking vista of Mount Ararat. You’ll then descend into the Azat River Gorge to admire the natural basalt formations known as the “Symphony of Stones.” The next stop is the splendid 13th-century Geghard Monastery, partly carved into the mountain rock and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To conclude the day, you’ll enjoy lunch in an authentic, atmospheric Armenian setting, where you’ll also have the chance to bake traditional Armenian lavash with your own hands and taste it fresh from the oven.

Travel Plan

Start Point: Yerevan

Geghard Monastery

A monastic complex and a masterpiece of medieval architecture, it is nestled in the dramatic gorge of the mountain river Goght. Much of the ensemble is literally hewn from solid granite rock, giving the site a powerful and mystical atmosphere. This remarkable monument is proudly listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

Garni Temple

The Garni Historical and Cultural Reserve brings together a remarkable ensemble of monuments from the Hellenistic period and the dawn of Christianity. Its most notable sites include the Temple of Garni, dedicated to the sun god Mithra, as well as the fortress of the same name, and the remains of a royal palace and bath complex constructed according to the principles of Roman thermae.

Symphony of Stones

This natural landmark is a deep gorge whose cliffs are formed by massive basalt columns towering roughly 50 meters above the valley floor. Their striking hexagonal pattern and perfectly vertical lines make them look astonishingly similar to the pipes of a giant organ.

End Point: Yerevan

What's Included

• Professional guide
• Transportation
• Bottled water
• Traditional lavash baking demonstration

What's Not Included

• Lunch and dinner
• Personal expenses
• Entrance fees

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the tour and where does it start? It is a full-day private tour from Yerevan visiting the Temple of Garni, the "Symphony of Stones" basalt columns, and Geghard Monastery, with a stop at the Charents Arch viewpoint of Mount Ararat.
• What makes this tour special? Garni is the only surviving pagan (Hellenistic) temple in Armenia, the "Symphony of Stones" is a gorge of towering hexagonal basalt columns resembling organ pipes, and Geghard is a UNESCO-listed monastery partly carved into the rock.
• Is the lavash baking included? Yes. A traditional Armenian lavash baking demonstration is included, where you can bake and taste fresh lavash. Lunch itself is not included.
• What is included in the price? A professional guide, transportation, bottled water, and the lavash baking demonstration. Lunch, dinner, personal expenses, and entrance fees are not included.
• Is it a private tour? Yes, run exclusively for your group.
• How much walking is involved? Light walking at each site; the descent to the Symphony of Stones in the Azat Gorge involves some uneven ground, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Is it suitable for families? Yes. The mix of temple, nature, monastery, and lavash baking makes it engaging for all ages.
• Where does this tour fit in a short Armenia trip? It is the strongest single day of sightseeing near Yerevan, so it usually lands on day one or two. Our 3-day Armenia itinerary pairs it with Lake Sevan and the UNESCO churches at Etchmiadzin; the 5-day itinerary uses it as the warm-up before the long drive south to Tatev.