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

Itinerary

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

1. Haghpat Monastery

50-60 min Details: Haghpat Monastery
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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. Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex

15-20 min Details: Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex
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Zarni-Parni is one of the most picturesque cave-castle complexes of the Lori region, hidden deep in a forested canyon with breathtaking views of the mighty Kayan Fortress. Located near the village of Haghpat, famous worldwide for its namesake monastery, the site seems to continue the ancient story of these lands.

3. Akhtala Fortress

40-50 min Details: Akhtala Fortress
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Akhthala 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.

4. Aramyants Castle

15-20 min Details: 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 Aramyants Castle
The Aramyants Castle, located in the picturesque town of Akhtala in Lori Province, is rightfully considered one of the gems of Swiss-inspired architecture in the Caucasus. Its history spans more than 120 years and is closely tied to the name of Mikael Aramyants, a prominent Tbilisi-Armenian entrepreneur and philanthropist. The castle was built at his initiative especially for his daughter, who suffered from tuberculosis, as Akhtala's climate was regarded as the mildest and most healing in the region. Over the years, the estate became a cultural hub, hosting figures such as the famous opera singer Feodor Chaliapin, Armenian poet Hovhannes Tumanyan and the spiritual leader Khrimyan Hayrik, among many others.

5. Sanahin Monastery

40-50 min Details: 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 Sanahin Monastery
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.

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

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.

Raffi Halajian

Raffi Halajian

HY EN AR

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

HY EN ES

With a deep love for my country and a true passion for storytelling, I bring every tour to life through 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!

Reviews

Laurent Decaen

Luxembourg Luxembourg

22.07.2024

The group tour to Haghpat monastery, Zarni-Parni cave complex, Akhtala fortress, and Sanahin monestary was a total blast. Worth every minute of the 13 hour journey. The tour guide was fantastically knowledgeable and so enthusiatic about sharing her love for Armenian history. If you are interested by beautiful artefacts of early Christian times, appreciate the devotion Armenians show for their heritage, just go for it. THIS TOUR IS SO HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Шахзадян Стелла

Russia Russia

29.04.2024

Армине и Маис, спасибо вам за новый мир, который отрылся во время экскурсии. Это даже не экскурсия, а целое мини-путешествие, оправдывающее каждый затраченный драм. Если Вы хотите узнать Армению, пронизанную ее горной душой - однозначно нужно ехать в Лори (экскурсия: Ахпат, Пещерно-крепостной комплекс Зарни-Парни, Крепость Ахтала, Замок Арамянц, Монастырь Санаин) и познакомиться с горами, церквями, природой. Дорога очень завораживает своими видами, особенно под рассказ Армине: мифология, философия, уникальное мировоззрение коллективного армянского сознания, история, искусствоведение. Дорога не в тягость, микроавтобус комфортный и шустрый, есть холодная вода и вайфай.
Горы и архитектура найдут отклик в душе даже самых искушенных путешественников, советую всем проехаться и прогуляться по этому маршруту, это 10/10!

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