Private Tour to Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery (Unesco) & Symphony of Stones

Exploring Armenia’s rich cultural heritage can be a captivating experience. This private tour offers visitors a chance to explore the ancient wonders of Garni Temple and the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, travelers will uncover the Greco-Roman architecture of Garni and the unique rock-carved structures of Geghard. But the highlight of the tour is the enchanting Symphony of Stones, where traditional Armenian music harmonizes with the natural acoustics of the surrounding landscape. With personalized transportation and insightful commentary, this tour promises a memorable journey through Armenia’s past. What secrets might these ancient sites hold?

Good To Know

• This private tour offers an immersive cultural experience, visiting the Garni Temple and UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery with a professional English-speaking guide.
• The tour includes private transportation with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, as well as entrance fees to the sites, but meals are not provided.
• Guests can choose their pickup location and start time, and have the flexibility to explore the sites at their own pace.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but suitable for most visitors, with the guide providing assistance as needed.
• A highlight of the tour is the Symphony of Stones performance, showcasing the natural acoustics of the Geghard Monastery with traditional Armenian music.

Tour Overview

This private tour takes you to the renowned Garni Temple and the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, offering a glimpse into Armenia’s rich cultural heritage.

You’ll also visit the Symphony of Stones, a captivating natural wonder. With a 5.0 rating based on 9 reviews, this tour is a must-do for those seeking an immersive cultural experience.

Private transportation with air conditioning and Wi-Fi ensures a comfortable journey, while a professional English-speaking guide provides insightful commentary.

The tour includes entrance fees and bottled water, though meals aren’t provided. Pickup can be arranged from your hotel, with a flexible start time to suit your schedule.

Inclusions

The private tour includes, among other things, private transportation with strong air conditioning and Wi-Fi.

Plus, the tour provides a professional English-speaking guide to accompany the group.

The inclusions also cover local taxes, parking fees, and bottled water. The entrance fee to the Garni Temple, approximately $3 per person, is also included.

However, meals aren’t part of the package, and you will need to cover their own dining expenses.

The tour includes the following:

1. Private transportation with strong AC and Wi-Fi.
2. Professional English-speaking tour guide.
3. Local taxes, parking fees, and bottled water.

Pickup Information

Guests can select a pickup point and provide their hotel name and preferred start time for the private tour.

The tour offers a flexible start time if 9:00 am isn’t suitable. This allows customers to customize the tour to their needs.

Once the pickup details are provided, the tour operator will confirm the booking, unless it’s within 1 day of travel, in which case it’s subject to availability.

Customers can reserve now and pay later, making the booking process more convenient.

The tour is a private experience, so guests can enjoy a personalized journey at their own pace.

Booking and Cancellation

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, unless the tour is requested within 1 day of the travel date, in which case it’s subject to availability.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts, in the traveler’s local time.

There are three key points to consider:

1. The "Reserve now and pay later" option is available.
2. The tour is a private experience, solely for the traveler’s group.
3. Most travelers can participate, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Accessibility and Participation

This private tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are welcome, and infants can be seated on laps or in available infant seats.

Most travelers can participate in this experience, as it’s a private tour tailored to your group. The temples and monasteries visited have uneven surfaces and stairs, so guests with mobility concerns should consider this when booking.

However, the tour guide can provide assistance as needed. This tour is suitable for most visitors, though those with accessibility requirements should discuss their needs prior to booking to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

About Garni Temple

The Garni Temple is a Greco-Roman colonnaded temple located in the village of Garni, Armenia.

It’s one of the few remaining examples of a temple from the Hellenistic period in the region. The temple was built in the 1st century AD and features a classical architecture with Ionic columns and a pediment.

Some key facts about the Garni Temple:

1. It was originally a pagan temple, later converted into a royal summer palace.
2. The temple was destroyed in a 1679 earthquake and reconstructed in the 1970s.
3. Visitors can explore the temple’s impressive columns, the foundations, and the nearby Symphony of Stones.

About Geghard Monastery

After exploring the impressive Garni Temple, the tour continues to the nearby Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Geghard is an ancient Armenian Christian monastery, partially carved into the adjacent mountain. Visitors can marvel at the intricate khatchkars (Armenian cross-stones) and explore the monastery’s centuries-old chapels and chambers. The monastery is renowned for its exceptional acoustics, showcased through the "Symphony of Stones" musical performances.

Feature	Description
History	Geghard was founded in the 4th century and expanded over the centuries.
Architecture	A blend of medieval Armenian and Greco-Roman styles.
Significance	An important center of spiritual and cultural life in Armenia.
Activities	Guided tours, concerts, and religious ceremonies.
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible, but stroller-friendly for infants.

About Symphony of Stones

One of the highlights of visiting Geghard Monastery is the renowned "Symphony of Stones" musical performance. This unique event showcases the natural acoustics of the rock formations within the monastery.

Visitors are treated to a mesmerizing concert, where musicians play traditional Armenian instruments in harmony with the resonant tones of the stones.

The Symphony of Stones performance offers:

1. A chance to experience the remarkable acoustics of the monastery’s ancient rock formations.
2. Traditional Armenian music played on instruments like the duduk and dhol.
3. A truly unique and memorable cultural experience during your visit to Geghard Monastery.

Witnessing the Symphony of Stones is an unforgettable part of the private tour to Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour overview, meals are not included. However, the tour allows participants to bring their own food and drinks, as long as they do not disrupt the tour or leave litter behind.

Is There a Discount for Children or Senior Citizens?

There’s no specific child or senior discount mentioned in the tour overview. However, the tour is private, so you may be able to negotiate a reduced price for children or seniors when booking the tour.

Can the Tour Guide Provide Recommendations for Local Cuisine?

The tour guide can likely provide recommendations for local cuisine as part of the private tour experience. They may be able to suggest traditional Armenian dishes or popular restaurants in the area to enhance the culture.

How Much Time Will We Spend at Each Attraction?

The tour guide will typically allow 1-2 hours at each attraction, allowing ample time to explore and learn about the historical and cultural significance of Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, and the Symphony of Stones.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour’s duration can be extended with prior arrangement. Customers can request a longer tour to spend more time at each attraction or include additional stops. The tour guide will accommodate such requests, subject to availability.

The Sum Up

This private tour provides a captivating exploration of Armenia’s rich history and culture. Visitors can enjoy the stunning Greco-Roman architecture of Garni Temple and the unique, rock-carved structures of Geghard Monastery. The highlight is the enchanting Symphony of Stones, where traditional Armenian music harmonizes with the natural acoustics of the landscape. With personalized transportation and insightful commentary, this tour offers a memorable journey through Armenia’s remarkable heritage.