Armenia’s cultural treasures await on this day trip to Garni, Geghard, and Lake Sevan. Travelers will discover the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, marvel at its stunning architecture, and enjoy panoramic views of Mount Ararat. After exploring the historic sites, a visit to the serene Lake Sevan promises breathtaking vistas and a delightful lunch. With comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this adventure offers an immersive experience into Armenia’s rich heritage. What secrets might these ancient landmarks reveal?
Key Points
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, known for its intricate stone carvings and underground chapels, showcasing Armenia’s cultural and religious heritage.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Ararat and serene Lake Sevan from various viewpoints during the tour.
- Visit the Sevanavank Monastery and climb 250 steps to take in the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.
- Benefit from round-trip air-conditioned transport and a knowledgeable guide to enhance the experience of Armenia’s natural and historical sites.
- Savor a meal overlooking the stunning Lake Sevan as part of the tour package.
Overview of the Tour
This day trip from Yerevan allows visitors to explore three of Armenia’s top cultural and natural attractions – the ancient pagan temple of Garni, the UNESCO-listed Geghard monastery, and the scenic shores of Lake Sevan.
The tour, with a 100% recommendation rate from 14 reviewers, includes round-trip transport by air-conditioned minivan and a restaurant stop overlooking Lake Sevan.
While the 250 steps to Sevanavank monastery should be considered, the itinerary offers magnificent views of Ararat Mountain and Lake Sevan, along with the opportunity to discover Armenia’s rich history and natural beauty.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Yerevan
Highlights of the Itinerary
The day trip’s itinerary offers a captivating blend of cultural and natural wonders.
Travelers will explore the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, a magnificent medieval complex carved into the surrounding cliffs. Stunning views of the iconic Mount Ararat and the serene Lake Sevan will leave a lasting impression.
Reaching the historic Sevanavank Monastery requires a climb of 250 steps, so guests should ensure this is manageable.
Throughout the journey, the comfortable air-conditioned transport and knowledgeable guide will enhance the overall experience, allowing visitors to fully enjoy Armenia’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
Visiting Geghard Monastery
Nestled within a dramatic gorge, Geghard Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site that captivates visitors with its striking architectural beauty and rich historical significance.
Visitors can explore the intricate stone carvings, underground chapels, and the iconic main cathedral.
The highlights of visiting Geghard Monastery include:
- Admiring the towering cliffs and surrounding natural landscape
- Discovering the site’s Armenian cultural and religious heritage
- Seeing the ancient khatchkars (cross-stones) carved into the rock walls
- Learning about the monastery’s role as a center of scholarship and pilgrimage
The tour provides an opportunity to take in Armenia’s medieval history and appreciate the enduring spiritual significance of this remarkable site.
Panoramic Views of Ararat Mountain and Lake Sevan
Towering over the tour’s destinations, the majestic Mount Ararat commands the horizon, its snow-capped peaks visible from numerous vantage points throughout the day. Equally striking is the serene Lake Sevan, nestled among rolling hills and surrounded by the Sevan Peninsula. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of these natural wonders while dining at a local restaurant overlooking the lake.
Viewpoint | What You’ll See |
---|---|
Geghard Monastery | Ararat Mountain in the distance |
Sevanavank | Expansive Lake Sevan |
Sevan Peninsula | Both Ararat and Lake Sevan |
Sevan Restaurant | Breathtaking lake panorama |
Garni Temple | Ararat on the horizon |
The tour’s carefully curated itinerary ensures visitors experience the full majesty of Armenia’s stunning natural landscapes.
Comfortable Round-trip Transportation
Comfortable round-trip transportation is provided for this day trip from Yerevan. Travelers are ferried by air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey.
The tour includes:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience
- Transport by modern, well-maintained minivan with air conditioning
- A maximum group size of 6 travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience
- Confirmation of the tour booking within 48 hours, subject to availability
The transportation arrangements are designed to make the day trip as seamless and enjoyable as possible, allowing travelers to focus on exploring the stunning sights without the hassle of logistics.
- Group Tour: Lake Sevan (Sevanavank), Dilijan (Goshavank, Haghartsin)
- Group Tour: Garni Temple, Geghard, and Lavash Baking From Yerevan
- Yerevan Airport Transfer
- Private Tour to Hin Areni Winery, Shaki Waterfall, Tatev Monastery, Karahunj
- Private Tour: Khor Virap, Noravank Monasteries,Winery, Birds Cave
- Day Trip: Garni, Geghard, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank
Accessibility and Accommodations
Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible, allowing families with young children to participate.
Children must be accompanied by an adult on the tour. Infants can sit on laps, and infant seats are available. Service animals are allowed.
Confirmation of the booking is received within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour has a maximum group size of 6 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
Daily departures are at 9:30 AM, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included, providing convenient transportation options for participants.
Practical Information and Booking Details
The tour departs daily at 9:30 AM from Yerevan.
Travelers are transported by air-conditioned minivan, with a maximum group size of 6 people. Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infant seats are available.
- Service animals are allowed, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are permitted.
- Lunch is at the traveler’s own expense, but all other fees and taxes are included.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided as part of the tour package.
Traveler Experiences and Recommendations
What do travelers say about this day trip to Garni, Geghard, and Lake Sevan? According to reviews, the tour receives stellar ratings, with a 100% recommendation rate.
Travelers describe the guides as caring, friendly, and informative, enhancing the overall experience. The pace of the tour, the stunning locations, and the delicious local cuisine are consistently praised.
Some even highlight a family-like atmosphere due to the small group size. The tour seems to provide a well-organized, enriching, and enjoyable way to explore these iconic Armenian sites, leaving travelers highly satisfied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photography Allowed at the Tour Sites?
Yes, photography is generally allowed at the tour sites. Visitors are encouraged to capture the stunning landscapes, historical architecture, and cultural elements throughout the day trip to Garni, Geghard, and Lake Sevan.
What Should I Bring for the Trip?
Travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection like hats and sunscreen, a light jacket for cooler temperatures, and a small backpack or bag to carry personal items. Water and snacks are also recommended to have on hand throughout the day.
Are There Any Additional Costs During the Tour?
The tour includes all fees and taxes, with the only additional cost being lunch, which travelers can enjoy at their own expense. The guide and transportation are provided as part of the package.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Yes, you can customize the tour itinerary. The tour operator is flexible and willing to accommodate special requests, such as adding or removing stops, to personalize the experience for each traveler’s interests and needs.
How Accessible Are the Walking Paths at the Sites?
The walking paths at the sites vary in accessibility. While some areas are well-paved, others involve steep steps. Travelers should ensure they’re comfortable with moderate walking and stairs to fully enjoy the tour’s highlights.
The Sum Up
This day trip to Garni, Geghard, and Lake Sevan offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore Armenia’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Visitors can marvel at the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, enjoy panoramic views of Mount Ararat and Lake Sevan, and savor local cuisine – all with comfortable transportation and an expert guide. It’s an ideal way to experience the best of Armenia in a single day.
More 2-Day Experiences in Yerevan
- 2 days and 1 night private tour to Khor Virap, Areni, Noravank, Goris, Tatev.
- South of Armenia 2 Days
- 2 Day Private Tour: Khor Virap, Areni, Shaki Waterfall, Khndzoresk, Tatev
- 1 Night 2 Days to Tatev Monastery
- Garni, Geghard, Sevanavank, Noravank, Tatev, Karahunj/ 2 Day Tours From Yerevan
- Group Tour: Must See of Georgia in 2 Days From Yerevan
More Tours in Yerevan
- Join in group tour-transfer from Yerevan to Tbilisi or vice versa
- Small-Group Half-Day Tour in the Soviet Yerevan
- Private sightseeing and walking tour in Yerevan
- Private Tour: Sevan-Dilijan Park-Lake Parz-Haghartsin
- Private tour to Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery (UNESCO) & Symphony of Stones
- Private tour to Echmiadzin (st Cathedral), Zvartnots, Khor Virap, Garni, Geghard
More Tour Reviews in Yerevan
- Private transfer from Yerevan to Tbilisi or Vice Versa
- Join in group tour-transfer from Yerevan to Tbilisi or vice versa
- Small-Group Half-Day Tour in the Soviet Yerevan
- Private sightseeing and walking tour in Yerevan
- Private Tour: Sevan-Dilijan Park-Lake Parz-Haghartsin
- Private tour to Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery (UNESCO) & Symphony of Stones
Still browsing? Here are more Yerevan experiences we've covered recently
- Private transfer from Yerevan to Tbilisi or Vice Versa
- Join in group tour-transfer from Yerevan to Tbilisi or vice versa
- Small-Group Half-Day Tour in the Soviet Yerevan
- Private sightseeing and walking tour in Yerevan
- Private Tour: Sevan-Dilijan Park-Lake Parz-Haghartsin
- Private tour to Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery (UNESCO) & Symphony of Stones
- Private tour to Echmiadzin (st Cathedral), Zvartnots, Khor Virap, Garni, Geghard
- Private Tour to Sevan, Haghartsin, Lake Parz & Deer Farm
- Private Tour: Khor Virap, Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery
- Private tour: Garni, Geghard, Symphony of Stones
- Private 6-7 hour Tsaghkadzor, Kecharis, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Tour from Yerevan
- Private Half-Day Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery Tour from Yerevan