Group Tour: Explore Haghpat and Sanahin - UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites in Lori Province
4.9
172 Ratings
Yerevan
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
(172 Ratings)
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537surena
Jun 21, 2024
Lori Tour - I greatly enjoyed my tour to the Lori province and this was my second tour with Hyur. The guide, Eduard, was very friendly and incredibly detailed in his explanations of sites and happily answered all questions the group asked. Also, the driver, Hayk, was very friendly and professional and drove us to and from our destinations safely and swiftly. I would highly recommend Hyur tours and will definitely join again next time I visit Armenia!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
359sareena
Jun 20, 2024
A must do tour! - The overall experience was amazing. We got to learn a lot about history and culture. Both driver Hayk and tour guide Eduard were very professional, friendly and accommodating. Enjoyed spending my day with them. Thank you for making a special stop for us to enjoy the poppy fields. Thank you Mr Hayk and Eduard! I hope to take another tour with you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
855varyap
Jun 20, 2024
Amazing tour - Our tour was amazing! Even pouring rain did not ruin the wonderful experience we had. Tour guide, Eduard was very knowledgeable, perfectly conversing in English and Russian, provided detailed history of the sites and explained architectural details. Our driver, Hayk, was extremely nice, made two extra stops for us to take photos in beautiful poppy fields. We will take another tour with Hyur, will come back next year and will highly recommend to others. Thank you, Eduard and Hayk for providing such a wonderful experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nevartr
Jun 11, 2024
Very nice with freindly tour guide and driver - I would like to thank our tour guide Edward who gave us this tour.  His knowledge of history was outstanding and his approach to sharing made our tour real interesting.  I learnt a lot on Armenian history.  I could tell he is passionate in what he does. Thank you Edward for all the great effort you put!  Our driver Marvik too was great making us feel safe on these unpredictable roads and weather! Both full of smiles, rain or sunshine, made this day very enjoyable
Review provided by Tripadvisor
309chewh
Jun 10, 2024
Enjoyable Haghpat Tour - Would like to thank Edward(guide) and Marverick(driver) for the very enjoyable trip. Edward gave us a lot of useful information of the places we visited. He was very enthusiastic about his job and looked after our needs. Maverick was very safe and good driver.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
_l2165oq
Jun 10, 2024
Amazing trip:) - Great excursion, very beautiful places, amazing caves and delicious lunch :). The guide Suzanna had a wonderful tour, told us many interesting facts about Armenia, which we want to return to again, thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mario_c
Jun 7, 2024
Great day !!!... - Great day !!! Hope I am getting their names right (Guide) Eduard (driver) Aro Did an excellent job with the group. Love the area this tour covers, if you like to learn culture and history this tour is essential
Review provided by Viator
883armenuhia
Jun 6, 2024
Excellent - thanks to Edward and Aro we had a great time on our trip . Edward is a great tour guide .provided detailed information about the sites we visited. Aro’s driving was excellent . We had a great trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q9648ixanniet
Jun 3, 2024
Monasteries at the north of the Armenia - Garik (Driver) and Karen (Guide) were a great driver and tour guides we enjoyed our trip very much. Karen is very knowledgeable about the monasteries and the Armenian history. We loved our trip. Harold is. Great driver and very patient. Loved our tour!!😊🇦🇲📞
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A9025vyfelixb
May 30, 2024
Very nice - The tour was very nice and we enjoyed everything. It is planned out well with a good structure and interesting. Garik and Karen did a good job
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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1 Adult
June 2024
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