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Private tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex, Akhtala Fortress, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin

Haghpat Monastery, Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex, Akhtala Fortress, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin Monastery

1. Haghpat Monastery

50-60 min
Attraction page
Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery Haghpat Monastery 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.

2. Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex

15-20 min
Attraction page
Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex
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.

Evening time can be well "spiced" with a splendid view from the observation deck over a bonfire (at an additional cost of 26.58 USD).

3. Akhtala Fortress

40-50 min
Attraction page
Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress Akhtala Fortress
The Akhtala fortress is 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.

4. Aramyants Castle

15-20 min
Attraction page
Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle Aramyants Castle
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.

5. Sanahin Monastery

40-50 min
Attraction page
Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery Sanahin Monastery
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.

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

What to expect

  • See the beauties of Armenia on a long and exciting journey
  • Visit monastic complexes included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List
  • Observe one of a kind cave castle complex
  • Experience the art of 10th century architecture

*~150 steps to climb to the complex

Booking conditions

Cancellation & modification

Meet our Guides

Raffi Halajian

Raffi Halajian

I'm Raffi, and I'm happy to meet you and be your friend during your tour in Armenia. Being born Armenian and having lived in Syria, my work as a tour guide holds special meaning for my guests. I share the experiences of Armenians living abroad and how they have managed to preserve their heritage there.

Anush Gevorgyan

Anush Gevorgyan

With a deep love for my country and a true passion for storytelling, I bring every tour to life with enthusiasm and local insights. Whether it's uncovering hidden gems or sharing fascinating history, I make every experience unforgettable. Join me on a journey filled with culture, adventure, and authentic moments – you'll leave with amazing memories and a new appreciation for this beautiful destination!

Liana Karapetyan

Liana Karapetyan

I am Liana Karapetyan – for Italians, Liliana. I have many years of experience as a tour guide and even longer experience as an Italian language translator. Why choose me? If you want to create unforgettable memories from your trip to Armenia, I am ready to help you do so.

Anna Martirosyan

Anna Martirosyan

Hi everyone! I'm Anna, and I've been working as a tour guide since 2013. If you're ready to discover Armenia, I'll turn it into an exciting and unforgettable journey. My tours offer a full immersion into the culture, history, religion, and traditions of the Armenian people. My goal is that by the end of your trip, you'll fall in love with Armenia and want to come back again!

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