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Hovhannavank, Saghmosavank, Karmravor, Gourmet Dourme Chocolate House, Aghtsk Mausoleum

Group tour: Hovhannavank, Saghmosavank, Karmravor, Gourmet Dourme Chocolate House, Aghtsk Mausoleum

Brand-new itinerary

Half-day

Duration: 5-6 hours

Start time: 10:00

Tour language: English, Russian

Start & end point: 96, Nalbandyan str.

74 reviews

98% recommended

Discover the spiritual and cultural treasures of Aragatsotn province on this delightful journey. We begin with Hovhannavank Monastery (13th century), perched on the edge of the breathtaking Kasakh River gorge, followed by Saghmosavank Monastery, offering panoramic views over the same dramatic canyon. Next, we visit the charming Karmravor Church (7th century), famous for its small size, harmonious proportions and original roof preserved through the centuries. A sweet interlude awaits at Gourmet Dourme Chocolate House, where you can taste exquisite handmade Armenian chocolates. Finally, we explore the Aghtsk Mausoleum, a unique early medieval burial site of Armenian royalty. This tour beautifully blends history, architecture, nature and local flavors into one unforgettable day.

Deposit

To secure the booking, full payment is required.

Cancellation

In case of cancellation at least 24 hours before the start time, the paid amount is refunded. In case of later cancellation or no-show, no amount is refunded.

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Number of people

Adult (age 8+)
Child (age 3-8) 50% discount
Infant (age 0-3) free of charge

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Price per person

0 USD

23.88 USD

Total price

23.88 USD

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Hovhannavank Monastery, Saghmosavank Monastery, Karmravor Church, Gourmet Dourme Chocolate House, Aghtsk Mausoleum

1. Hovhannavank Monastery

35-40 min

Attraction page

Hovhannavank monastery bears the name of John the Baptist. The oldest church here is the one-naved basilica, built in the 5th century. In the 13th century, under the patronage of Vachutian dukes, new buildings were added. The portal of the main church, which is embellished with evangelical motifs, is of great interest.

2. Saghmosavank Monastery

35-40 min

Attraction page

5 km far from Hovhanavank monastery, on the edge of Kasakh river canyon, in the 13th century Vachutian dukes built Saghmosavank monastery. The main church is adjacent to the scriptorium, where many manuscripts have been produced during centuries. Saghmosavank underwent the devastating influence of the earthquake in 1988. The reconstruction, completed in 2000, returned the church its beauty and glory.

3. Karmravor Church

15-20 min

Attraction page

This exquisite church is considered to be the jewel of Ashtarak, resembling a monolith pillar due to its small sizes and architectural solutions. It was built in the 7th century and has come to our days almost intact. The church of Karmravor has a cross-shaped ground plan both from inside and outside.

4. Gourmet Dourme Chocolate House

35-40 min

Attraction page

"Gourmet Dourme" is a brand of chocolate founded in Armenia in 2007 by Pierre and Diran Bagdadians, two brothers from France and Austria. The name of the brand is of Armenian and French origin: "gourmet" meaning epicure and "dourme" – chocolate. Тhe chocolate production is located in Ashtarak town of Aragatsotn province and there are number of shops in Yerevan, where chocolate lovers can find wide assortment of chocolates: regular, gift and even personalized ones.

The tour in the chocolate house lasts around 30-40 minutes, during which visitors observe the process of production from behind a transparent window, afterwards there follows yummy chocolate tasting. Here one can also listen to the audio version of chocolate history and its making stages.

The price of the ticket for adults makes 1.61 USD, while for children under 12 y.o. – 1.07 USD p/p.

The reservations should be made in advance.

5. Aghtsk Mausoleum

35-40 min

Attraction page

The Arshakid kings' mausoleum is located in Aragatsotn region in the village of Aghtsk, where the remains of both pagan and Christian kings were placed. This small, rectangular hall is truly remarkable for its decorative and thematic elements. The northern wall depicts a relief of Daniel in a lion den. There are also many ornaments and symbolic carvings, belonging to both pre-Christian ideas and Christian art. Just next to the mausoleum there are the ruins of a 4th century church.

Inclusions

Professional guide: ENG + RUS consecutively
Bottled water & pastries
Wi-Fi in the vehicles
Air-conditioned vehicles
Admission tickets
Vehicle & passengers insurance

Exclusions

Lunch stop
Hotel drop-off (final stop: our office)

Highlights

Marvel at two iconic monasteries – Hovhannavank and Saghmosavank, with stunning views over the Kasakh River gorge
Step inside a 7th-century gem – the petite yet perfectly preserved Karmravor Church
Indulge in sweet delights – sample fine handmade chocolates at Gourmet Dourme
Discover royal history – visit the rare Aghtsk Mausoleum, final resting place of Armenian kings

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be any spots for photography, offering panoramic or especially scenic views?

Yes, there will be plenty of scenic spots for photography, especially the breathtaking panoramic views from Saghmosavank monastery, overlooking the impressive Kasagh Gorge.

How would you describe the experience at "Gourmet Dourme" Chocolate House?

The guests will have a visit to "Gourmet Dourme" Chocolate House for 30-40 minutes for delightful and sweet expereince. They will watch master chocolatiers at work, taste irresistible treats, and discover the story of chocolate from bean to bar.

What makes the visit of Aghtsk Mausoleum special?

The Aghtsk Mausoleum invites you to step into the 4th-5th centuries, where Armenian kings of the Arshakuni dynasty found their final resting place. Its well-preserved underground chamber and deep ties to Armenia's early Christian history make it a truly extraordinary site to explore.

What is the group size for this tour?

The group size varies, but typically ranges up to 34 participants.

Are there any clothing requirements or recommendations for this tour?

For a comfortable experience, we advise wearing sport shoes and dressing for changing weather – a jacket or coat is recommended, as temperatures outside Yerevan are typically cooler. When visiting churches and monasteries, women are asked to dress modestly and avoid revealing clothing.

Meet our Guides

Tigran Balyan

RU HY EN

Hello, I am Tigran a guide in my wonderful and lovely Armenia ❤️ I am guiding in my country and with this passion I can share kindness, joy and smiles to my tourists. My experience is already 7 plus years and I enjoy architecture, wine and mountains in amazing Armenia.

Samvel Mkrtumyan

RU HY EN

Hi, I'm Samvel. With degrees in international relations and history, and years of connecting people from all walks of life, I've turned my passion for stories into guiding. I love revealing Armenia's hidden gems, sharing its quirky legends, and showcasing its breathtaking sights. It's fun, pal. Let's enjoy it together!

Manya Gevorgyan

RU HY EN

I have been a tour guide since 2015. To this day, every excursion is a great source of positive energy for me. During the tours, you will not only get acquainted with the sights, the country's history, and its architectural features, but also feel the full charm of the Armenian emotional mindset and lifestyle.

Anahit Aslanyan

Education – musical-pedagogical and cultural studies. I have worked in the fields of tourism, education, and culture in Russia and Armenia. Currently, I work as a guide at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and in the company "Hyur Service". As a person with a humanities education and a cultural studies mindset, I strive to present my homeland as comprehensively as possible so that visitors gain a general impression of the history and art of the Armenian people. I pay special attention to mental and cultural characteristics to make every visitor's stay in Armenia comfortable and positive. I continue to study and share new knowledge.

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Group tour: Hovhannavank, Saghmosavank, Karmravor, Gourmet Dourme Chocolate House, Aghtsk Mausoleum