Discover Armenia in 1 day and learn about its history, people, culture, and modern life. See medieval UNESCO sites, and Soviet monuments, and enjoy a homemade lunch with a local family.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 11 hours: Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide: English
Pickup optional: Please share your hotel or Airbnb address
Private or small groups available

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

태

태호 – South Korea

He explained in detail the history of Georgia, the history of Armenia, and the location of the tour in Armenia. It was nice trip in armenia!

Thaddäus – Germany

Great guide with awesome English and knowledge about Armenia. Car was super comfi. Totally recomendable

Itinerary

Starting/pickup location
Depends on the selected option
Van
(80 minutes)
Bagratashen Customs Point
Visit (45 minutes)
Van
(30 minutes)
Akhtala
Photo stop, Guided tour, Sightseeing (30 minutes)
Van
(30 minutes)
Haghpat Monastery Complex
Photo stop, Guided tour, Sightseeing (45 minutes)
Haghpat
Lunch (1 hour)
Van
(20 minutes)
Sanahin Monastery Complex
Photo stop, Guided tour, Sightseeing (40 minutes)
Alaverdi
Photo stop (30 minutes)
Optional
Van
(2.5 hours)
2 drop-off locations:
Tbilisi, Big Bicycle monument

Main stop

Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

See the UNESCO-listed Haghpat monastery
Observe the unique mix of Soviet architecture and rocky mountains
Taste traditional Armenian dishes cooked by a local family
Admire the frescoes at the fortified monastery of Akhtala
Take in beautiful mountain scenery as you cruise between sites

Full description

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.

Includes

Guide
Air-conditioned transportation
Homemade Armenian lunch
Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
Private or shared tour (depending on option selected)

Any visa related fees
Souvenirs
Gratuities

Meeting point

Meet at the Big Bicycle Monument in Rose Revolution Square, Tbilisi.

Open in Google Maps

Important information

Not allowed

Pets
Baby strollers
Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

Visa requirements to Armenia depend on the country of citizenship, not on the country of residence. Please check the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia to see if a visa is required in your case.
Visa on arrival is not possible for group tours and is in general not recommended as the least safe option. If you need a visa, please apply for the e-visa.
A minimum of 3 people is required for this tour to operate. In the unlikely case that the minimum number is not met, you will be given an option to book an alternative date or cancel with a full refund

Top destinations

Nearby destinations

Nearby sights

From Tbilisi: Day Trip to Armenia with Homemade Lunch