Cultural and Gastronomic Group Tour to Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank, Traditional Lunch And Dinner

This tour is divided into different stops. Here is a list, to give you a clear idea of what you will be enjoying. Stop 1: 09:40am
Charent’s Arch
You will start your trip from Garni Temple, but before that you will stop at the Charents Arch. At first glance, the Arch seems to be the most ordinary and unremarkable, but coming closer, going to the platform inside the arch and looking at the panorama, everything becomes clear: this is the best place to admire the great and sacred mountain Ararat, to be with it in unity and enjoy the beautiful scenery.Stop 2: 10:20am
Garni Temple
Then you will go to the region of Kotayk to get acquainted with the origins of Armenians. Tere you will see the Garni Temple, built in the 1st century AD by King Trdat III. This is the only pagan temple preserved in Armenia after the adoption of Christianity. It is assumed that the temple was dedicated to Mithra, the God of the Sun. And nearby you will find the ruins of the palace and the baths, which previously decorated the entire historical and cultural complex.Stop 3: 11:30am
Noah’s Garden
Then you will visit Noah’s Garden, which is very close to Garni Temple. “Noah’s Garden” Gallery presents Armenia with its entire palette. For thousands of years, Armenia has been famous for its cultural achievements, cuisine and winemaking. Here you will take part in a masterclass on baking national bread “Lavash” in tandyr, as well as taste “Brduch” which is a traditional snack: pita with cheese. You will also learn the secret of making a most beloved delicacy of Armenia, known in the world as churchkhela, and in most regions of Armenia as sudzhuh or sharots. You will taste the favorite Armenian pastry: gata.
You will also take part in a master class on fruit vodka distillation and then taste it. The gallery “Noah’s Garden” will introduce you Armenian cuisine.
Masterclasses and Degustations at Noah’s Garden:
“Lavash” national bread,
Sweet “Sudjukh” (or “Churchkhela”),
“Gata” – Armenian pastry baking,
Armenian fruit vodka distillation,
Pottery,
Carpet making.Stop 4: 1:30pm
Geghard Monastery
You will then head to one of the most amazing places in Armenia: Geghard Monastery. Geghard Monastery is one of the greatest medieval architectural structures in Armenia. It is completely hollowed out in a cave and called a “cave monastery”. This monastery was founded in the 4th century AD. in the place of a sacred spring originating in the cave. The name of the monastery complex Gegard (spear) is derived from Langin’s spear, which pierced the body of Jesus Christ on the cross. At the moment, this spear is kept in the Echmiadzin Museum. The monastery complex Gegard is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.Stop 5: 3:00pm
Hearty Dinner at rural house “My Garden”
In the rural house “Im aygi”, which means “My garden” you will have your dinner. Here you can taste the most popular traditional dishes as well as Armenian Barbeque in tandoor, traditional soups and taste fresh drinks.Hearty lunch:
Armenian Barbeque (Pork/Chicken),
Traditional Soup (Aveluk soup/Alagyaz soup),
Potatoes in tandoor,
Cheese, Greenery, Matsun, Summer salad,
Non alchoholic drink (Tan/Water),
Alcoholic drink (Apricot vodka/Armenian wine),
Fruits, Tea/Coffee.Stop 6: 5:00pm
Lake Sevan and Boat trip
And here, you reached the blue pearl of Armenia, Lake Sevan. Lake Sevan is located at an altitude of 1,900 meters above sea level at the center of the Armenian highlands and it is the largest of the lakes in the Caucasus. From all sides Sevan is surrounded by mountain ranges, from where the stunning panorama of this alpine lake opens up. The lake is famous for its pure fresh water and the clean mountain air has a beneficial effect on health.
Here you will go for a boat trip on Lake Sevan and enjoy a wonderful evening.Stop 7: 6:00pm
Sevanavank Monastery
At the end of the tour, you will visit the Sevanavank Monastery, which is located on the Sevan peninsula on the top of a hill, from where a beautiful view of Lake Sevan opens. The Sevanavank Monastery was built in the 9th century on the shores of Lake Sevan.Stop 8: 7:00pm
Supper at Kambuz restaurant.
And now it is time to taste delicious Sevan fish. The fish is baked, boiled with herbs, fried, smoked and stewed in various sauces. You have a chance to feel this juicy unforgettable taste that melts in your mouth. And as Armenia is one of the oldest wine producing regions of the world you will be able to taste the best Armenian wine. Just drink a glass of wine, and you will feel the history in only one glass.Dinner at Kambuz:
Fish Barbecue in tandoor (200 – 250 grams)
Rice/Fried potatoes in a rural style
Strained Matsun, Greenery, Buried cheese
Lemonade/Water
Armenian Wine
Tea/CoffeeBe sure, that the unique impressions and the variety of flavors will remain in your memory for a long time.