I was on a small group tour of Armenia and Georgia with Explore. It was excellent with the best tour guide I have had and who became a very good friend
So today we left Yerevan behind and drove up into the mountains to Garni. 75% of Armenia is covered by mountains and there are 20 mountain ranges. We were going to be hiking in the canyon.it was so good to stretch my legs and get lots of fresh air and exercise. The scenary was spectacular and dramatic with magnificent basalt rock formations, created by previous volcanic activity.
digThere were birds everywhere and so many butterflies. digAfter the hike back up it was time to visit the, pagan temple perched on top of the canyon. It is, the only pagan temple remaining in Armenia and is in a very beautiful and very secure setting. davThere were some extremely scenic views from the temple walls. It was very hot today 36° perfect hiking weather. davdavOn the way back there were local ladies selling tasty trea a pomegranate and walnut stick on a string. Next stop another monastery but this one, with a difference, part of it was in a cave. Even better one of the local choirs was performing in the cave. The acoustics were incredible and the music haunting and incredibly beautiful. There were also more tasty morsels – a sweet local bread made with walnuts. davdavdigmdemdedigsdrdavsdrdavLunch was at the home of a local family. They make their own bread. Even the bread here is made with the sign of the cross, added with water. We headed back to Yerevan. Their were a couple of stops en-route. This is what you call a statue! It’s Mother Armenia. The plinth used to hold a statue of Stalin. Now it holds the statue of a woman holding a sword. The sculpture saw a young girl in a bakery whose face showed strength, spirit and independence and asked her to model for the statue. The park has relics from Soviet times. davdavLast stop was the dried fruit market. There are so many fruit trees here and you can just pick the fruit off and eat in. digWe fitted so much into one day. A few of us went to a fabulous local restaurant for dinner. Good food, good wine and good prices! Every evening just off independent square they have a fountain show. It is for locals not tourists. The fountains are all lit up. There is a section for kids, the children run in and out of the fountains and have a ball. There is also a tunnel that you can run through. Of course I had to have a go. sdrdavdigmdeAnd got very wet! Now having a glass of extremely good Armenian wine and smiling, it’s been a good day! Book your tour with Explore.
