• Haghpat - Located near Sanahin, the Haghpat Monastery holds a significant role in Armenia’s historical and cultural heritage. Constructed during the reign of King Ashot Bagratuni, the monastery’s scriptorium has produced numerous valuable manuscripts and miniature paintings over the centuries. In the 18th century, the renowned Armenian bard Sayat-Nova lived and created here. The belfry, with its unique architectural design, is of remarkable interest. This site is listed in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
• Lori Province - Zarni-Parni is a cave castle complex in the Lori region, nestled in a forest canyon with a breathtaking view of the Kayan fortress, near the village of Haghpat, known for its monastery. The complex includes the “Zarni er” and “Parni er” castles, along with the “Tsak er” cave. Historical records suggest that the esteemed scholar and philosopher Hovhannes Imastaser once lived and worked in this cave. Today, the area has been transformed into a historical museum, showcasing a variety of rare ancient agricultural tools and household items.

Nearby, there is a tavern and winery where visitors can enjoy local drinks and Armenian cuisine.

Evenings can be enhanced with a spectacular view from the observation deck over a bonfire (for an additional cost of 10,000 AMD).

• Akhtala Monastery - The Akhtala fortress is located in the Lori district, built on a plateau resembling a peninsula, surrounded by deep gorges on three sides. In the 10th century, masons skillfully utilized the natural landscape to fortify the fortress. It is reinforced with massive ramparts and features two pyramid-shaped watchtowers flanking the main entrance. The Akhtala Monastery, consisting of three churches, is situated within the fortress grounds.
• Aramyants Castle / Mansion - The Aramyants Castle, a gem of Swiss architecture, is located in the town of Akhtala in the Lori region. It is renowned for its stunning appearance and intriguing 120-year history. The castle belonged to Mikael Aramyants, a notable Armenian businessman from Tbilisi, and was built for his daughter, who suffered from pneumonia, as Akhtala boasts the best climate in the Caucasus region. Many famous individuals, including opera singer Fiodor Shalyapin, Armenian poet Hovhannes Tumanyan, and spiritual and cultural figure Khrimyan Hayrik, spent their holidays in the town. The castle of Mikael Aramyants holds a special place in Armenian history, as the declaration of the First Republic of Armenia was adopted here.
• Monastery of Sanahin - The Sanahin Monastery is situated on the right bank of the Debed River. This architectural complex includes several churches, a seminary, and a book depository. The seminary building, which connects the St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) and All-Saviour churches, was originally constructed to enhance the earthquake resistance of the structures. This site is also included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

• Guide service
• Maps
• Bottled water
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Professional driver

• Meals

It’s a pleasure to welcome to Silk Road Armenia Travel Agency.

Come to explore Armenia and you will be the guests of snow-covered mountains, green boundless valleys, dense forests and other miracles of virgin nature. In Armenia you can become the witness of immortal architectural monuments, unprecedented culture, the living tracks of Great Silk Road, eastern hospitality, unique national cuisine, fascinating folk music and dance and warm family atmosphere.

You can learn about local culture and religion during visits to two monasteries, Haghpat and Sanahin. The monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin are closely connected, and located within 20 minutes of drive from each other. Legend says that both monasteries were built by father and son Masons, with Sanahin having been built earlier by the father. 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.

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