Your Travel Experience with Finest Journeys
Geghard Monastery - Garni Temple - Symphony of Stones - Lavash Cookery & Lunch
Today begins with a visit to Geghard Monastery, named after the legendary lance that pierced Christ’s body. While its origins are unclear, the current complex dates back to the mid-13th century. Next, we explore Garni Temple, Armenia’s only surviving Pagan-era structure, built in the 1st century AD and dedicated to Mihr, the god of cleanliness. Though destroyed by an earthquake in 1679, it was restored in 1975. From there, we drive to the Symphony of Stones, a breathtaking basalt rock formation near Garni, where nature has sculpted columnar shapes resembling an orchestra of standing stones. Afterward, we visit a local home for lunch and take part in making lavash, Armenia’s traditional flatbread, baked in a ground oven called a tonir. Recognized by UNESCO in 2015, lavash is a staple of Armenian cuisine. Returning to Yerevan, we stop at the Gum Market, a lively spot near Tashir trading center, open daily. Here, vendors offer fresh produce, meats, spices, dried fruits, cheeses, pickles, and, of course, lavash.