Garni, Geghard & Symphony of Stones Day Trip with Lavash Baking

Summary

Stone temples, mountain air and warm bread near Yerevan

You’ll stand where ancient poets gazed at Mount Ararat, taste fresh-baked lavash straight from a wood oven, trace your fingers along volcanic stone at Garni Gorge, and hear echoes of medieval chants inside Geghard Monastery. This day trip from Yerevan brings Armenia’s history close enough to touch — and leaves you wanting more time in those cool stone shadows.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the Arch of Charents to get me right away — but our driver pulled over, and suddenly there was Mount Ararat, just hanging in the morning haze. Our guide, Anna, recited a line from an Armenian poem (I wish I could remember it), and for a second everyone got quiet except for this one old man selling pomegranates by the road. He waved at us with stained hands and I felt like we’d already started something special.

The Garni Temple is way more dramatic in person than any photo. It stands on this cliff above the Azat river gorge — honestly, I kept blinking because the light bounced off those columns so sharply it almost hurt my eyes. Anna showed us these mosaics made from thousands of tiny stones; she said some were older than most countries. The air smelled faintly smoky from someone burning wood nearby. We tried our hand at baking lavash at a little place just down the hill (my dough looked like a deflated football, but the woman helping us just laughed and brushed flour off my nose). Eating that hot bread with herbs while looking back at Garni… yeah, that stuck with me.

We walked to the Symphony of Stones next — if it’s icy you might skip this part (Anna said safety first), but we got lucky with dry weather. The cliffs look like an organ built by giants, all hexagons stacked up forever. I ran my fingers along the cold rock and heard water trickling somewhere below; it echoed weirdly between the columns.

Geghard Monastery was last. It’s carved right into the mountain — cool and shadowy inside, candles flickering everywhere. Anna told us about the spear that once rested here (the one from Christian legend). There was a group singing in one of the stone chambers; their voices bounced around so much it felt like standing inside a bell. When we stepped outside again, everything seemed brighter somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Garni, Geghard, and natural sites

• View Ararat from Arch of Charents
• Visit Garni Temple and ruins
• Participate in lavash baking masterclass
• See Symphony of Stones rock formation
• Tour Geghard Monastery complex

Top questions

How long is the day trip to Garni & Geghard from Yerevan?

The tour typically lasts most of the day, including stops at Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Symphony of Stones (weather permitting), and a lavash baking class.

Is lunch included in this Garni & Geghard day trip?

The tour includes a lavash baking master class with tasting if selected; other meals are not specified as included.

Can you visit Symphony of Stones year-round?

No, visits to Symphony of Stones may be skipped if there is snowfall or icy roads for safety reasons.

Are entrance fees covered on this tour?

Yes, all entrance fees are included in your booking.

Is pickup provided for this day trip?

The tour includes transportation; public transport options are also nearby if needed.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide is professional and friendly; language options depend on availability—check when booking.

How far is Garni Temple from Yerevan?

Garni Temple is about 30 km east of Yerevan—roughly 40 minutes by car depending on traffic.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transport with WiFi onboard, all entry fees covered for both Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery, bottled water and local sweets along the way, plus a hands-on lavash baking master class (if you choose that option). A friendly local guide leads you through each stop before returning to Yerevan.