Group Tour: Explore Haghpat and Sanahin - UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites in Lori Province

Discover UNESCO gems Haghpat and Sanahin. Explore ancient monasteries, cave castles, and Swiss architecture in Armenia’s Lori Province. Join our inspiring group tour.

Duration: 14 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Hyur Service - starting and returning point
  • Haghpat Monastery - Situated not far from Sanahin, Haghpat monastery has its significant place in the historical and cultural life of Armenia. It was built during the reign of king Ashot Bagratuni. Numerous valuable manuscripts and miniature paintings have been produced in the scriptorium of Haghpat for many centuries. In the 18th century the famous Armenian bard Sayat-Nova u sed to live and create in this monastery. The belfry with its unique architectural composition is of stunning interest. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
  • Zarni Parni - Zarni-Parni is a cave castle complex in Lori region. It is located in a forest canyon with a magnificent view of the Kayan fortress, which is close to the village of Haghpat, famous for its monastery. The complex consists of the “Zarni er” and “Parni er” castles, as well as the “Tsak er” cave. Some historical records note, that renowned scholar and philosopher Hovhannes Imastaser used to live and work in this cave. Currently the area is turned into a historical museum, where one can find number of rare ancient agricultural tools and household items.

Near the cave there is a tavern and winery to enjoy local drinks and dishes of Armenian cuisine.

  • Akhtala Monastery - The Akhtala fortress and monastery are situated in Lori district. It is constructed on a plateau resembling a peninsula, surrounded with deep gorges from three sides. In the 10th century the masons could exactly derive benefit from the nature in order to make the fortress more fortified. The fortress is strengthened with huge ramparts and there are two pyramid-shaped watchtowers, rising above from both sides of the main entrance. The monastery of Akhtala, comprised of three churches, is in the territory of the fortress.
  • Aramyants Castle / Mansion - The Aramyants castle, one of the jewels of Swiss architecture, is situated in the town of Akhtala in Lori region. It is distinguished for its magnificent appearance and interesting history of 120 years. The castle belonged to Mikael Aramyants, a prominent Armenian businessman, living in Tbilisi. It was built for his daughter with pneumonia, since Akhtala has the best climate in the entire Caucasus region. Many famous people used to spend their holidays in the town, among them opera singer Fiodor Shalyapin, Armenian poet Hovhannes Tumanyan, spiritual and cultural figure Khrimyan Hayrik and others.
    The castle of Mikael Aramyants has its own place in the pages of Armenian history, as the declaration of the First Republic of Armenia was adopted here.
  • Monastery of Sanahin - The monastery of Sanahin is on the right bank of Debed river. This architectural complex consists of several churches, seminary, book depository. The building of the seminary, which connects St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) and Allsaviour churches, was from the outset built to make the edifices more earthquake-resistant. The site is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
What's Included
  • Air-conditioned vehicles
  • Vehicle & passengers insurance
  • Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively
  • WiFi in the vehicles
  • Bottled water & pastries
  • Admission tickets
What's Not Included
  • Lunch price (3500 - 4500AMD = 9-11 USD)
  • Hotel pick-up & drop-off
Additional Information

During this long-lasting and engaging group tour first visit is foreseen at the majestic 10th century monastery Haghpat. On your next stop visit Zarni-Parni cave castle complex in a forest canyon with a magnificent view of the Kayan fortress and nice restaurant. After lunch visit magnificent Akhtala monastery, comprised of three churches, located in the territory of the eponymous fortress. Visit Aramyants Castle, one of the jewels of Swiss architecture in Armenia. And last you are going to see the Sanahin monastery. Both Haghpat and Sanahin are included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List and are considered as “gems” of Lori provice.

After this trip true inspiration is never going to leave you!

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • The duration is approximate
  • Seats will not be known in advance
Location
Hyur Service (Head Office)
Nalbandyan poxoc
on the left hand, little bit down from Nalbandyan and Tumanyan corner
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(187 Ratings)
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Valerynature
Aug 29, 2024
Recomended this tour - We made this whole day trip with Karen the guide and James the driver. They are both highly profesionals. Karen was even singing for us in churches. Excelent English and very good knowledge of Armenian history. Highly recomended this your.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bobig3
Aug 29, 2024
A Day to remember - During our tour, the tour guide and the driver were highly punctual and detail-oriented. The tour guide provided thorough explanations for everything we saw, while the driver, Arayik, displayed exceptional professionalism throughout the journey.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Grzegorzj978
Aug 27, 2024
Well organised, interesting tour - Great, well organised tour. Edward was a very helpful guide – he gave us all important information, answered all questions and spoke English very well – and Karen was a great driver. The car was clean and comfortable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Antoniopf7628dm
Aug 19, 2024
A perfect excursion - We had a great day. Guide Edward and driver Maverik are two professionals. The programme was followed in good time and Edward provided a wealth of information on the country's history and culture.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Iammanish2015
Aug 8, 2024
A wonderful trip to the north of Armenia - I was looking forward to visiting the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries and took this trip to the Lori province as a result. Our guide, Karen, was excellent. He took us through the history and fables of Armenia in great detail and gave us many interesting insights into Armenian culture. As a surprise, he also sang within both these monasteries! The trip was a long one, but very rewarding. We were not able to visit Akhtala and Aramyants owing to the road being damaged, but instead, visited Odzun Church, which was also quite nice. The roads were not too good, once we crossed Vanadzor, but our driver drove expertly and got us to all the venues and back on time. We had a nice lunch at Zarni-Parni and were also given water and sweets. I thoroughly enjoyed this tour with Hyur Travels.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anthony_l
Aug 6, 2024
Worth every penny amazing guide and driver - Amazing long day a worthy experience. Garik our driver was very safe and experience driver. He drives slower than most locals and very safe. Our guide was Karen and he is very knowledgeable with a great singing voice. Amazing commentary during the drive and on site. He’s very helpful and made sure most guests are enjoying the experience. Great English very neutral accent - easily understandable. The sites visited especially the monasteries were great. If you like architecture and history the monasteries were great filled with history. The lunch place was amazing with great views of the gorge and the food was great very tasty. Amazing friendly staff very attentive. There’s a few stops or break to and from the sites so you will have time to stretch and get a break from a long day of driving. The great thing is they provide cold water so if it’s hot outside or tired from the sightseeing there’s free cold water. We started on time at 9am and arrived back at 10pm a very long and fulfilling day trip.
Review provided by Viator
Pier56000
Aug 5, 2024
An excursion to the roots of Armenian Christianity - A very interesting visit to the sources of Armenian Christianity. Our Guide Karen accompanied us with great competence and kindness in discovering the sights of this region of northern Armenia. Our driver Garig drove us along the winding roads, and sometimes under construction, of these mountains, with dexterity, caution and professionalism. Hyur is an excellent company, which we highly recommend, listening to customers and whose welcome is warm.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Damianor411
Aug 3, 2024
Lori Region Tour - Our Tour Leader, Mr. Eduard and our driver Mr. Maverick led us through an intense and enriching journey throughout the Lori Region. Time management was was fine. Never felt that we were rushing even though we had a long list of places and experiences in our schedule. Totally Reccomended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karinehg2017
Jul 25, 2024
Enchanting Monasteries of Atmenia - Karen our guide was a knowledgeable and pleasant companion. Our original tour was to include Akhtala but because of the floods in May the programme was swapped for Odzun which was just as magnificent. The walk at the Zarnini Parni caves is quite steep but the lunch venue which is at the same location was heavenly. All in all a pleasant and atmospheric tour of the green Armenian mountains!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tour535864
Aug 1, 2024
Professional company - Very well organised, we tried 5 different trips. The company is very professional , all tour guides were good, but Edward was the best. He was kind and gentle with all our questions. God bless you all 🙏
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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