Private tour: Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries, Akhtala Fortress

Itinerary

Haghpat Monastery, Sanahin Monastery, Akhtala Fortress

1. Haghpat Monastery

Haghpat Monastery – photo 1 Haghpat Monastery – photo 2 Haghpat Monastery – photo 3 Haghpat Monastery – photo 4 Haghpat Monastery – photo 5 Haghpat Monastery – photo 6 Haghpat Monastery – photo 7 Haghpat Monastery – photo 8 Haghpat Monastery – photo 9 Haghpat Monastery – photo 10 Haghpat Monastery – photo 11 Haghpat Monastery – photo 12 Haghpat Monastery – photo 13 Haghpat Monastery – photo 14 Haghpat Monastery – photo 15 Haghpat Monastery – photo 16 Haghpat Monastery – photo 17 Haghpat Monastery – photo 18 Haghpat Monastery – photo 19 Haghpat Monastery – photo 20 Haghpat Monastery – photo 21 Haghpat Monastery – photo 22 Haghpat Monastery – photo 23 Haghpat Monastery – photo 24 Haghpat Monastery – photo 25 Haghpat Monastery – photo 26 Haghpat Monastery – photo 27 Haghpat Monastery – photo 28 Haghpat Monastery – photo 29 Haghpat Monastery – photo 30
To the northeast of Sanahin, cradled by the lofty peaks of Lori, stretches the monastery of Haghpat – a masterpiece of Armenian medieval art, where stone speaks the language of centuries. Founded in the 10th century under King Ashot III of the Bagratuni dynasty, it rose at a time when Armenia blossomed in culture and spirit. The weathered walls of Haghpat still carry the resonance of that golden age, bearing silent witness to the passage of time.

2. Sanahin Monastery

Sanahin Monastery – photo 1 Sanahin Monastery – photo 2 Sanahin Monastery – photo 3 Sanahin Monastery – photo 4 Sanahin Monastery – photo 5 Sanahin Monastery – photo 6 Sanahin Monastery – photo 7 Sanahin Monastery – photo 8 Sanahin Monastery – photo 9 Sanahin Monastery – photo 10 Sanahin Monastery – photo 11 Sanahin Monastery – photo 12 Sanahin Monastery – photo 13 Sanahin Monastery – photo 14 Sanahin Monastery – photo 15 Sanahin Monastery – photo 16 Sanahin Monastery – photo 17 Sanahin Monastery – photo 18 Sanahin Monastery – photo 19 Sanahin Monastery – photo 20
Not far from Haghpat, in the heart of the Lori region, rises Sanahin Monastery – a true marvel of Armenia's medieval architecture. Its construction began in the second half of the 10th century, during the reign of King Ashot III and from the very beginning the complex was conceived as both a spiritual and educational center.

3. Akhtala Fortress

Akhtala Fortress – photo 1 Akhtala Fortress – photo 2 Akhtala Fortress – photo 3 Akhtala Fortress – photo 4 Akhtala Fortress – photo 5 Akhtala Fortress – photo 6 Akhtala Fortress – photo 7 Akhtala Fortress – photo 8 Akhtala Fortress – photo 9 Akhtala Fortress – photo 10 Akhtala Fortress – photo 11 Akhtala Fortress – photo 12 Akhtala Fortress – photo 13 Akhtala Fortress – photo 14 Akhtala Fortress – photo 15 Akhtala Fortress – photo 16 Akhtala Fortress – photo 17 Akhtala Fortress – photo 18 Akhtala Fortress – photo 19 Akhtala Fortress – photo 20 Akhtala Fortress – photo 21 Akhtala Fortress – photo 22 Akhtala Fortress – photo 23
Akhtala Fortress, like a timeless stone sentinel, rises proudly on a high plateau in the picturesque Lori region, resembling a peninsula embraced on three sides by deep gorges. As early as the 10th century, builders fused nature's raw power with human craft: sheer cliffs were reinforced with tall defensive walls and the entrances were guarded by imposing three-tiered towers. For centuries, these walls withstood invasions and preserved within their silence the breath of history.

Inclusions

  • Professional drivers

  • Air-conditioned vehicles

  • Bottled water

  • Free pick-up & drop-off within Yerevan

  • Vehicle & passengers insurance

  • Extra stops on the route upon request

Exclusions

  • Significant deviations from the route

  • Alcoholic beverages if lunch option selected

  • Audio guides

  • Wi-Fi in the vehicles

Booking conditions

Cancellation & modification

Meet our Guides

Anna Harutyunyan

Anna Harutyunyan

RU HY EN

I'm Anna. Since 2010, I have been helping tourists not only discover Armenia's amazing uniqueness, the depth of its history, and the phenomenon of its existence, but also enjoy inner peace and harmony together with them.

Gayane Mkrtchyan

Gayane Mkrtchyan

RU HY EN

I'm Gayane – a small part of Armenia. Do you want to breathe in the scent of this land, feel the taste of our dishes passed down through centuries, hear the roar of endless rivers and the whisper of towering mountains, and why not, listen to the stories of our stone-carved monuments? Let's discover this ancient land together.

Anush Malyans

Anush Malyans

FR FA

I am Anush Malyants, and since 2008 I have been working at "Hyur Service" company as a tour guide in French and Persian. I will be happy to welcome you to Armenia and help you discover this wonderful country. I will also tell you why I have been living here with my family since 2001.

Hilda Mansourian

Hilda Mansourian

HY AR

My name is Hilda Mansourian. I was born in Aleppo. Since 2000, I have been volunteering at AGBU (Armenian Relief Society). I work in Armenian embroidery and as a tour guide. Why choose me? I want my group to return impressed by the beauty of my homeland's history and, above all, by the hospitality reflected in my smile.

Reviews

Ася Шахинян

Bulgaria

25.09.2025

Лори - место, которое заставит вас "затаить дыхание".
Это очень познавательная поездка. Прекрасный гид Эдуард ,который сделал все, чтобы это путешествие стало незабываемым. Он рассказал нам всё об истории и культуре северного региона Армении. И долгий, но очень насыщенный день пролетел незаметно. Огромное спасибо водителю Айку, который безопасно провёл нас по всем горным дорогам. Настоятельно рекомендую этот тур и этот экип.

Сергей Возный

Russia

11.08.2022

Спасибо за прекрасно организованную экскурсию в монастыри Ахпат, Санаин и крепость Ахтала. Отдельное спасибо экскурсоводу Сюзанне.