Sanahin Monastery Complex

Start your tour at the Akhtala Monastery, a church from the 12th century which contains beautiful frescoes and is surrounded by copper smelting caves as well as a copper smelting factory. The second destination of the tour is the Haghpat Monastery, located in Haghpat Village and is a UNESCO-listed site. It is one of the most beautiful medieval masterpieces in Armenia. Then you can have lunch and try some traditional Armenian food. Following lunch, you'll make 3 stops on your way to visit the second UNESCO Heritage Site, Sanahin.  The first will be a 13th-century bridge, the second for a Debed canyon with astonishing views, and the third for the Mikoyan Brothers' museum, where an original aircraft (MiG 21) will surprise you. Finally, travel back through the border to Tbilisi.

Visit two of Armenia’s ancient monasteries and the town of Alaverdi on this small group tour from Tbilisi. Cross over the border with your experienced guide who will take you through the highlights of Northern Armenia in just 1 day.   Depart at 8:30 AM sharp for a 1.5-hour trip across the Georgian-Armenian boarder. Almost immediately you’ll start to notice changes in the landscape—the fields will become rocky mountains and the scenery takes on a certain apocalyptic touch, due to the many abandoned Soviet mines and factories. Your first stop is the fortified monastery of Akhtala, where you can marvel at the beautifully preserved frescoes and learn about the thrilling history of this Georgian-Armenian creation.   Then, you’ll reach the UNESCO-listed monastery complex of Haghpat, where you’ll learn about the Armenian stone crosses and the mystical poet Sayat-Nova. A local family welcomes you for a traditional Armenian lunch in their house near the Haghpat monastery. After that continue to the monastery of Sanahin, also known as the brother monastery. Arrive back in Tbilisi by around 7:00 PM after a full and fascinating day.

Explore the gems of Armenia on a day trip from Yerevan to Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex and Akhtala fortress. Visit Unesco World Cultural Heritage sites such as Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries with live commentary from an expert guide. Start from the local operator's head office at 09:00 AM and head off to visit Lori province. At your first stop of Haghpat, admire the 10th-century monastery, where the famous ashugh Sayat-Nova lived and created at the end of the 18th century. Next, see the magnificent Zarni-Parni Cave Complex, where, renowned scholar and philosopher Hovhannes Imastaser is said to have lived and worked. Today, it is a historical museum where you can see a number of rare ancient agricultural tools and household items. Then, drive to Akhtala fortress. Constructed on a plateau resembling a peninsula, it is surrounded by deep gorges from 3 sides. Visit Aramyants Castle, one of the jewels of Swiss architecture in Armenia. Last but not least, visit the Sanahin monastery. Witness the skillfulness of 10th-century masters, who made a peculiar architectural decision, preventing the destruction of the complex from earthquakes. At the end of the tour, be taken back to the local operator's head office in Yerevan.

We will depart from Tbilisi at 07:00 in the morning to the border of Armenia, after crossing the border we will visit the Akhpat Monastery. The old monastery is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. And we will leave for the capital Yerevan, on the way we will stop at a fast food place where you can taste traditional and vegetarian dishes, after that you will visit the capital of Armenia Yerevan, in Yerevan you will see the monument of the Mother of Armenia and discover Mount Ararat. Walk down the stairs from top to bottom on the cascade and take a lot of unforgettable pictures, as well as visit the Genocide Museum at the Republic Square. and take a walk in the center of the capital city of Yerevan. And on the way back visit Sevan Lake, then we will continue to Sevan Lake, where we will visit the best restaurant spread over a huge area, here we will have the opportunity to taste the delicious products of Sevan Lake. Views Sevanavanki is a monastery on the Sevan Peninsula, the existing temples were built at the end of the 9th century. The patron saint of the monastery, the complex consists of the churches of St. Karapet and St. Apostles built in the 9th century. Once the monastery served as an outpost of the castle. And go back to Tbilisi...

Welcome to the Northern Armenia Highlights Tour, the ultimate way to explore the rich culture and history of Armenia. This one-day tour from Tbilisi, Georgia, takes you on a thrilling journey across the border, where you'll discover the natural beauty of Armenia and its architectural gems. Embark on a comfortable ride from Tbilisi to the Georgian-Armenian border and experience crossing the border between the two countries. After crossing the border we will make a short stop at a local shop to exchange money and buy some local products, so you can fully immerse yourself in the local culture. Our first stop is the breathtaking Akhtala Monastery, a 10th-century architectural masterpiece that boasts intricate frescoes and medieval sculptures. Next, we'll visit the UNESCO-listed Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries, two of the most stunning examples of Armenian medieval architecture. Take in the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and marvel at the intricate carvings and unique architectural details of these masterpieces. Between exploring the monasteries, we'll stop for lunch at a local Armenian restaurant, where you'll have the chance to taste delicious Armenian cuisine and learn more about the local customs and traditions. The tour also includes a stop at the Mikoyan Brothers Museum, where you'll have the chance to see and take photos with a real MIG-21. Throughout the tour, our expert guide will provide you with insights and interesting facts about the history, culture, and architecture of Armenia, making your journey even more enjoyable and enlightening. At the end of the tour, we'll drop you off at your hotel or a central location in Tbilisi. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the wonders of Armenia and book your tour today!

Take a detour to Armenia and spend a day exploring the gems of northern Armenia! This tour is specially designed for those who are short on time but would love to experience Armenia. Start the tour in Tbilisi and cross the border into Armenia. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the Debed Canyon. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the serene surroundings of Sanahin Monastery before marveling at Haghpat Monastery, nestled amidst lush green fields. Enjoy a memorable family-hosted traditional Armenian BBQ lunch. Be captivated by the ancient frescoes of the church at the Akhtala Fortress-Monastery before returning to Tbilisi.

Enjoy freshly baked pastry in the morning from a bakery in Aparan. Visit two Unesco Heritage listed sights, starting at Sanahin with its serene and tranquil surrounds. Then to Haghbat, nestled in the peaks of the Debed Canyon among lush green fields. Enjoy a family-hosted traditional Armenian bbq lunch. Delight in the ancient frescoes of the church at the Akhtala fortress-monastery. Entering Georgia, arrive in Tbilisi.

Our employee/s will pick you up from your address/ hotel in Yerevan or Tbilisi and accompany you to Yerevan or Tbilisi. On the way you will have opportunity to explore two monastic complexes of Haghpat and Sanahin which situated in the Lori Marz (region) of Armenia, dating back to the 10th to 13th centuries. The monastery of Haghpat, founded by Queen Khosrovanush (wife of the Armenian King Ashot III) in AD 976, consists of one narthex, two corridor-sepulchers, a refectory, a scriptorium, the Chapel of Hamazasp, a belfry, several chapel-tombs and cross-stones (khachkars)․ Sanahin used to be the administrative centre and family burial place of the Kyurikyan Bagratids (10th and 11th centuries), as well as the Episcopal residence for the diocese (until the 11th century). The Sanahin monastery contains St Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), St Amenaprkich (Redeemer) and St Grigor Churches, narthex, scriptorium, belfry and academy.

Enjoy your best vacation in Lori region. During this one-day private tour, we will be travelling in the direction of north-east from Yerevan, to one of the greenest regions of Armenia – Lori. You will discover Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries are included in UNESCO list and Odzun Monastery as well. The monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin are located within 20 minutes of drive from each other. On your way to powerful monasteries you will have a stop next to the Sanahin Old Bridge from the 12th century. After we will visit Mendz Er or Zarni Parni cave which are located just near to monasteries. Haghpat Monastery is considered one of the largest and most important monasteries in Armenia. This high monastery is surrounded on one side by the Surb Luys and Terunakan mountain peaks, on the other side by the Lorva fortress and the Saghidzor gorge, through which the Saghik and Kayan rivers flow. Founded in 976, the monastery is a complex of architectural structures consisting of religious and secular structures surrounded by towers and fences. Sanahin monastic complex is located on the left bank of the Debed River, in the village of Sanahin. It was founded by Ashot III Bagratuni in 966. From the end of the 10th century, it became the administrative center and cemetery of the Kyurikyan dynasty. In the 10th-11th centuries, the monastery was also a cultural center. a university and a rich library were built. At the end of the 12th century, the complex was under the control of the Zakaryans dynasty. The beautiful cave called "Mendz Er" is located in Sanahin village, from where a unique view of the Lori valley opens. The cave visit is available from 01.04 to 01.12. One of the mysterious corners of Lori Province is the "Zarni-Parni" cave-fortress complex, located in the western part of Haghpat Monastery. The cave visit is available from 01.04 to 01.12. Odzun Monastery is a majestic 6th century monument located in the centre of Odzun village, in northern Armenia. It is one of the most beautiful attractions in the Lori region. Despite its age, the monastery is well preserved. The monastery is in the form of a domed basilica. It is made from blocks of pink felsite, with the interior decoration made from basalt slabs. In addition, in the 19th century, two bells were built in the distant part of the basilica. These complement the style of the ancient church.

During this tour, you will be travelling towards the north-east, to one of the greenest regions in Armenia – the region of Lori. Here there are two of the three monasteries that are in included the UNESCO list. The monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin are closely connected, and located within a 20-minute drive of each other. Legend says that both monasteries were built by father and son masons, with Sanahin having been built earlier by the father. The name says it all: Sanahin literally means “this is older than the other”, whereas Haghpat means “great wall”. The main churches in both complexes were built by Queen Khosrovanuysh, for the prosperity of her two sons, Princes Smbat and Kurike, whom you can observe on the east walls of the main churches. The major church in Haghpat Complex – St. Nshan or the Holy Cross – was built in 976, and the main church in the Sanahin Complex was built some 30 years earlier. Admire both on this tour.