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YerevanUNESCO sites

Our most recommended Yerevan UNESCO sites

From Yerevan: Garni Temple & Geghard Tour with Lavash Baking

1. From Yerevan: Garni Temple & Geghard Tour with Lavash Baking

The tour starts from the capital city of Armenia, Yerevan before traveling to the first stop of the day, Garni Temple. The temple, which was built in 77 AD, is the only remaining heathen temple of the post-Soviet era. The temple gracefully stands on a high plateau overlooking the Azat river gorge and has stunning views all around. At the temple, admire the on-site Greek-Roman bath house that holds a mosaic made from 30,000 pieces of natural stones, as well as the ruins of the royal palace, will dates back to the 3rd century AD. Next, visit the Geghard Monastery complex which symbolizes the lance with which the Roman centurion pierced Jesus after crucifixion. The lance was brought to Armenia and kept in the Geghard Monastery for many centuries, and the site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Your last stop before returning to Yerevan will be the gorge of "Symphony of stones." These rocks start from the beginning of the canyon and up to the highest point. The monument consists of huge paradoxically symmetric hexagon and pentagon basalt columns of nearly 100 meters high. Learn how the gorge got its name from its amazing resemblance to the church organ. Admire the many rocks in the gorge of the Azat River, which is included in the UNESCO heritage list.

From Yerevan: Khor Virap, Garni, and Geghard Day Trip

2. From Yerevan: Khor Virap, Garni, and Geghard Day Trip

Explore the history and culture of Armenia on this day trip from Yerevan. Visit some of the most important landmarks in Armenia, including Mount Ararat, Khor Virap, and the Geghard Monastery complex. Make your first stop at the Khor Virap monastery and see firsthand from where Christianity in Armenia originates. Next on the route is the only pagan temple in Armenia – Garni, dating back to the 1st century. Then visit the 13th-century Geghard monastic complex, partially carved in the rock and included in the Unesco World Cultural Heritage List. Finally, see the lavash (Armenian thin bread) baking process and try some fresh out of the oven.

Yerevan: Garni, Geghard & Lake Sevan Tour with Lavash Baking

3. Yerevan: Garni, Geghard & Lake Sevan Tour with Lavash Baking

Start the tour at 10 AM by arriving at the local operator's office in Yerevan. After checking in, set off towards the Eastern part of Armenia in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. First, make a short stop at Charent's Arch where you can soak up the wonderful views to the biblical Mount Ararat. Them, head over to the Garni pagan temple which towers over a triangular cape. Admire the temple's blend of Greco-Roman and Armenian styles and see the ruins of the former royal palace with its stunning mosaics. After this, continue on to a masterpiece of 13th-century Armenian architecture at Geghard Monastery. Learn about how this cave monastery was believed to have housed the relic of the lance that pierced the side of Jesus as he hung on the cross. Experience its incredible construction which boasts fascinating acoustics which has served as a good place to sing spiritual songs. Marvel at some of the churches in the complex which are masterfully hewed into a huge rock. Discover how the complex is rich in subtle sculptural embellishments and many striking khachkars (cross-stones). Next up, stop for lunch at a cozy family-style restaurant called Abelyan House. Here, also watch the process of baking the Armenian lavash bread. Observe how the dough is rolled out flat and slapped against the hot walls of a clay oven. Have a good opportunity to participate in a lavash baking procedure. Savor the opportunity to taste it afterward with local cheese and greens. Following this, pop over to the amazing Lake Sevan, which is one of the world's greatest high altitude fresh-water lakes. Learn about how the lake is of volcanic origin and is surrounded by mountains of 3000 m and higher. Immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape surrounded by crystal-clear water. Check out the medieval church complex of Sevanavank Monastery on the peninsular before you head off. Finally, hop back into the vehicle and take the return journey back to the meeting point in Yerevan where the tour concludes.

From Yerevan: Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral and Zvartnots Tour

4. From Yerevan: Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral and Zvartnots Tour

Your tour starts at 10:00 AM from the local partner's head office in Yerevan. Drive to western Armenia, where your first stop is St. Echmiadzin, the main Armenian Apostolic Church. The Cathedral of Echmiadzin was founded at the beginning of the fourth century and is one of the oldest churches in the world. According to the legend, the church was built in the place where the apparition of Jesus Christ was seen to Gregory the Illuminator in a dream. Your next stop is St. Hripsime's Church, one of the famous ecclesiastical buildings in the city of Echmiadzin. This is the perfect example of cross-cupola churches in Armenia. The Treasures of Echmiadzin Museum is situated in the southeast section of the Cathedral. Unique holy relics and religious art are now housed in the museum.  Your last stop is Zvartnots Temple, which is a result of skillfulness and brave creativity of Armenian architects of the 7th century. At the end of your tour, return to the Yerevan city center.

Yerevan: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni, Akhtala, Castle, Sanahin

5. Yerevan: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni, Akhtala, Castle, Sanahin

Explore the gems of Armenia on a day trip from Yerevan to Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex and Akhtala fortress. Visit Unesco World Cultural Heritage sites such as Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries with live commentary from an expert guide. Start from the local operator's head office at 09:00 AM and head off to visit Lori province. At your first stop of Haghpat, admire the 10th-century monastery, where the famous ashugh Sayat-Nova lived and created at the end of the 18th century. Next, see the magnificent Zarni-Parni Cave Complex, where, renowned scholar and philosopher Hovhannes Imastaser is said to have lived and worked. Today, it is a historical museum where you can see a number of rare ancient agricultural tools and household items. Then, drive to Akhtala fortress. Constructed on a plateau resembling a peninsula, it is surrounded by deep gorges from 3 sides. Visit Aramyants Castle, one of the jewels of Swiss architecture in Armenia. Last but not least, visit the Sanahin monastery. Witness the skillfulness of 10th-century masters, who made a peculiar architectural decision, preventing the destruction of the complex from earthquakes. At the end of the tour, be taken back to the local operator's head office in Yerevan.

From Tbilisi: The Best of Armenia in 2-Days

6. From Tbilisi: The Best of Armenia in 2-Days

Day 1: After the pick up from your hotel in the morning, you will soon reach the border to Armenia and at around 11:00AM. You will step into the historical region of Lori, which is famous for its rocky landscapes and mysterious monasteries. Here you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Haghpat. A few of hours from there, you will arrive at the scenic lake of Sevan, one of the signature sites of Armenia. Here you can see the a medieval monastery, and even enjoy a traditional lunch by the lake. In the late afternoon you will reach Yerevan, the modern capital city. Some of the key sights not to miss here include the Mother of Armenia, Victory Park, and Cascade. Day 2 Your second day will begin with a 1-hour ride to see the Garni Temple and the monastery of Geghard, which is a true jewel of religious architecture in Armenia. Following some classical sightseeing, you will be invited on a tour through the world famous brandy factory, where you will learn about the history of the drink and taste brandies of different parts of the aging process. After an interesting day of exploration, you will reach Tbilisi at around 9:00PM.

From Yerevan: 4.5-Hour Garni-Geghard Tour

7. From Yerevan: 4.5-Hour Garni-Geghard Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel where the tour will start at 10:00 am and last approximately 4 to 5-hours. The first stop is Garni, a Pagan Temple referred to as the well-known symbol of pre-Christian Armenia that was converted into a royal summer house. After exploring the grand structure, you will then stop at Ararat ARC where you'll have a fantastic view to mount Ararat, a snow capped dormant volcano situated in Turkey. From here, you will visit the UNESCO listed Geghard Monastery Complex. Some of the churches are situated in caves, whilst others are dug out of the surrounding rock surface. You will then be transferred back to Yerevan.

From Yerevan: Khor Virap, Etchmiadzin, and Zvartnots Tour

8. From Yerevan: Khor Virap, Etchmiadzin, and Zvartnots Tour

Visit Armenia’s oldest and most well-known historical landmark, Mount Ararat. This private half-day tour takes you to the closest spot possible at Khor Virap Monastery for spectacular views of the snow-capped volcano. Located about an hour’s drive away from Yerevan, the monastery offers an amazing view of the majestic Mount Ararat. Explore Khor Virap and learn about the region’s history as a royal prison. This was the very prison where Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian Catholic, was held for 13 years. It’s no surprise that the monastery serves as one of the most sacred spots in Armenia.   Discover more of Armenia’s sacred spots with a stop at Saint Hripsime Church, built on the sepulcher of the nun Hripsime and one of the oldest churches in the world. A short 5 minute drive away is the 7th-century church of Saint Gayane. From here visit the world’s first Christian Cathedral, the Holy Etchmiadzin. Built in 301-304, legend says that Jesus Christ descended here, where Gregory the Illuminator ordered to build the church. On the way back to Yerevan, the tour will conclude with a final stop at another beautiful 7th-century temple.

Private Tour to Garni, Geghard, Echmiadzin, & Zvartnots

9. Private Tour to Garni, Geghard, Echmiadzin, & Zvartnots

This tour will introduce you to the exotic Pagan history of Armenia, and explain the later development and spread of Christianity in the country. Garni Temple (77 A.D.) is the only standing heathen temple in the whole post-Soviet area. The temple stands on a high plateau overlooking the Azat River gorge. It is also home to the roman bath house with its mysterious mosaic, made out of 30,000 pieces of natural stones, as well as the ruins of the royal palace, dating back to 3rd Century A.D. The monastic complex of Geghard is another historical site included on this private tour. The complex is a representation of 13th Century Armenia, which is considered to be the Golden Age of the country’s architecture. The most astonishing part is that this church is cut out solid rock. Whilst travelling to Armenia, you may also be interested in seeing the world’s first Christian Cathedral church. Echmiadzin is considered to be the spiritual center of all Armenians all over the world. You will also visit the St. Hripsime Church. This amazing building has stood since its construction in 618 A.D, making it one of the oldest standing churches in the world. Five minutes drive away will be your next stop at the 7th Century Church of St. Gayane. On the way back to Yerevan, you will make a final stop at another beautiful 7th Century temple, also included in the UNESCO heritage list.

Yerevan: Private Garni, Geghard, Lake Sevan, & Dilijan Tour

10. Yerevan: Private Garni, Geghard, Lake Sevan, & Dilijan Tour

This fantastic tour will introduce you to the exotic Pagan history of Armenia, before then showing the later development and spread of Christianity throughout the country. Your first stop will be Garni Temple (77 A.D.), which is the only standing heathen temple in the whole post-Soviet area. The monastic complex of Geghard is another historical site included in this daily tour. Approximately translated into English as “Monastery of the Holy Lance”, it refers to the lance with which Longinus pierced Jesus whilst he was still hanging on the cross. The complex is a representation of 13th century Armenia, which is considered to be the Golden Age of the country’s architecture. On the way to the temple, there will also be short stop at the Charents Arch where you will be given the chance to enjoy one of the best moments of your trip to Armenia: a picturesque view of the Biblical Mount Ararat. From here, your tour will progress to the beautiful Lake Sevan. Merely an hour’s drive from the capital city of Yerevan, Sevan is situated at the height of 1,900 meters above sea level and surrounded by a vast chain of mountains. Your lake tour begins by climbing a flight of stairs to the Sevan Peninsula, a pleasant morning workout that will compensate itself with unforgettable panoramic views of the lake from the top. You will also visit the monastery of Sevanavank, which was built by the princess Mariam to honor the life of her deceased husband in the 9th century. The tour will then take you to the north of Armenia, where you will be surrounded by beautiful nature. Passing through the city of Dilijan, you will make a stop at the monastery of Gosh-Goshavank. The final destination during this trip will be the monastery of Haghartsin, which dates back to the 10th-14th centuries.

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What people are saying about Yerevan

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 24 reviews

My husband and I really enjoyed this tour. It was our first time in Armenia and wanted to see what sights to see in Armenia. We really enjoyed the views and stories of the Garni temple. We also love the snow in Geghard Monastery and when Hasmik started to sing to demonstrate the acoustic of the monestary - absolutely heavenly. We get to see how Lavash bread is made and Hasmik taught us how to eat them with herbs and cheese, and lastly, the traditional Armenian Lunch was very tasty.

The trip was fantastic and extremely very well planned by the agency. We had the opportunity to see all the sights listed on the tour as well as culturally immerse ourselves in dolma making. The guide was very knowledgable about the places we went to, and could answer nay and every question we asked. Would highly recommend this tour to others.

Fantastic tour! Our guide was great, although she could have spoken a bit louder. Good lunch. I would have rather had a few more minutes viewing Mt Ararat and less at Garni but overall very good tour, excellent value. I only gave the transport 3 stars because the windows weren’t great for sightseeing, as it is a fairly small bus.

we enjoyed this, our guide jasmine was very professional and understanding everything, we choose a much to stay in each stops and we saw great places that help us know Armenia better. highly recommended

Thank you for the awesome and memorable experience. Guide was excellent and very informative. Will cherish the memories for a lifetime.