Private Tour: Khor Virap-Garni-Geghard

Set out on a captivating private tour through Armenia’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Explore the Greco-Roman architecture of Garni Temple, the breathtaking views from Khor Virap, and the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery. With round-trip transportation, lunch, and free admission, this full-day trip offers unparalleled value at just $100.11 for groups of up to three. Friendly, knowledgeable drivers provide insights throughout the journey, immersing you in the country’s fascinating culture. Whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that might just leave you craving more.

Key Points

• This private tour from Yerevan includes visits to the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, the Greco-Roman Garni Temple, and the historic Khor Virap Monastery.
• The tour is priced at $100.11 for groups up to 3 people and includes round-trip transportation, free admission to Geghard, and lunch.
• The tour offers stunning views of Mount Ararat and provides insights into Armenia’s ancient history, pagan and Christian heritage.
• The tour is operated by Memory Maker Travel Armenia and includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as air-conditioned vehicles.
• While the drivers provide valuable information, some travelers have reported inconsistent guided commentary during the tour.

Tour Overview

What does this private tour entail?

It’s a full-day trip from Yerevan, Armenia, that takes visitors to three iconic sites: Khor Virap Monastery, Garni Temple, and Geghard Monastery.

Priced from $100.11 for a group of up to 3 people, the tour includes round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable driver, and free admission to Geghard.

Highlights include the stunning views of Mount Ararat from Khor Virap, the Greco-Roman Garni Temple, and the partially cave-carved Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With a 4.5-star rating from 10 reviews, this private tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Armenia’s rich history and culture.

Garni Temple

The Garni Temple is the only standing Greco-Roman colonnaded building in Armenia and the former Soviet Union.

Located in the Garni village, it’s a symbol of pre-Christian Armenia, representing the pagan Ionic temple.

Visitors can explore the temple’s well-preserved architectural features and learn about Armenia’s ancient history.

The tour of the temple lasts around 1 hour, though admission tickets aren’t included in the tour package.

Guests have the opportunity to marvel at the temple’s impressive design and gain insights into Armenia’s rich cultural heritage during this stop on the private tour.

Geghard Monastery

The medieval Geghard Monastery, partially carved from the surrounding mountain, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Kotayk province.

Founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator, the monastery was originally named Ayrivank, or "Monastery of the Cave".

It’s now known as Geghard, meaning "Monastery of the Spear".

Visitors can explore the ancient structures and marvel at the exquisite architecture, including the main cathedral and the rock-cut churches.

The monastery’s history and spiritual significance make it a must-visit destination for those interested in Armenia’s rich cultural heritage.

Khor Virap Monastery

Offering great views of the iconic Mount Ararat, Khor Virap Monastery stands as a significant religious and historical site in Armenia.

Founded in the 4th century, this monastery is where Gregory the Illuminator, the patron saint of Armenia, was imprisoned for 13 years.

The monastery’s chapel and underground tunnels allow visitors to explore the site’s rich history.

While not detailed in the provided content, Khor Virap is an integral part of the tour’s itinerary, providing a glimpse into Armenia’s deep-rooted Christian heritage.

With its stunning location and connection to the country’s past, Khor Virap Monastery offers a powerful and meaningful addition to the private tour experience.

Tour Inclusions

Air-conditioned vehicles, hotel pick up and drop off, lunch, and entrance fees are all included in this private tour experience. This ensures a comfortable and hassle-free journey for visitors.

The tour provides access to the most significant historical sites in the region, including the Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery, without the need to worry about additional costs.

This all-inclusive package allows travelers to fully enjoy the cultural and architectural wonders of Armenia.

The tour’s inclusions cater to the needs of both convenience and exploration, making it an attractive option for those seeking a comprehensive and seamless sightseeing experience.

Driver Information

Friendly local English/Russian-speaking drivers accompany travelers throughout the tour, providing important information about the places visited. However, some travelers have reported that the drivers do not always offer guided commentary during the tour.

Positive	Negative
Provide valuable information	Lack of guided commentary
Friendly and knowledgeable	Inconsistent commentary
Enhance the overall experience	Room for improvement
Help visitors understand the sites	Disappointing for some travelers
Contribute to a memorable tour	Missed opportunity to enhance the tour

While the drivers generally receive positive feedback, their level of guided commentary can vary. Travelers should keep this in mind when booking the tour.

Additional Information

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate.

This private tour is operated by Memory Maker Travel Armenia, and confirmation is received at booking. Travelers have the option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes:

1. An air-conditioned vehicle for transportation.
2. Hotel pick-up and drop-off.
3. Lunch and entrance fees.

While the driver provides important information about the places visited, some travelers have reported that the driver didn’t provide guided commentary.

Reservation and Payment

You can reserve this private tour through Memory Maker Travel Armenia, with the option to pay later.

The tour costs $100.11 per group (up to 3 people). Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pick-up and drop-off, lunch, and all entrance fees. However, it’s not wheelchair accessible, though most travelers can participate.

The private tour ensures only your group will be part of the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Private Tour?

The maximum group size for this private tour is up to 3 people. According to the tour overview, the price is "From $100.11 per group (up to 3)", indicating the private tour is limited to a group of 3 or fewer participants.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Destinations?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional destinations. The tour operator allows flexibility to tailor the itinerary based on the traveler’s interests and preferences within the provided duration and pricing.

Are Children’s Tickets Available for This Tour?

According to the tour overview, there’s no specific mention of children’s tickets. However, as a private tour, the operator may be able to accommodate children if requested. It’s best to check with the tour provider for availability and pricing.

Do the Tour Guides Provide Recommendations for Local Cuisine?

The tour guides don’t typically provide specific dining recommendations. However, they’re happy to share general information about local cuisine and highlight popular restaurants or eateries near the tour sites that visitors can explore on their own.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration for an Additional Fee?

The tour operator doesn’t explicitly mention the option to extend the tour duration for an additional fee. However, travelers could inquire about this possibility when booking the tour, as some providers may offer flexible arrangements for customized experiences.

Recap

This captivating private tour explores Armenia’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Visitors will marvel at the Greco-Roman architecture of Garni Temple, the breathtaking views of Mount Ararat from Khor Virap, and the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery. With round-trip transportation, lunch, and free admission to Geghard, this $100.11 tour for up to three is an excellent value. Friendly, knowledgeable drivers provide insightful commentary throughout the day.