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

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

Full-day

Historical & Heritage

Full-day

Duration: 13-14 hours

Mileage: 400 km

Lasting almost a full day, this tour will turn into a truly memorable and positive experience. It is dedicated to Lori Province and begins with a visit to the 10th-century Haghpat Monastery, where the famous ashugh Sayat-Nova lived and worked at the end of the 18th century. Next on the route is the magnificent Zarni-Parni Cave Fortress, where, according to historical records, the renowned scholar and philosopher Hovhannes Imastaser once lived and worked. Today, the area has been turned into a historical museum, displaying a number of rare ancient agricultural tools and household items.

Afterwards, drive to Akhtala Fortress, built on a plateau resembling a peninsula and surrounded by deep gorges on three sides. You will also visit Aramyants Castle, one of the jewels of Swiss-inspired architecture in Armenia. The last stop on the schedule is Sanahin Monastery, where you will discover the skill of 10th-century masters, whose unusual architectural solutions helped protect the complex from possible earthquakes. By the way, both Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Deposit

To secure the booking, you can pay just 15% of the tour price.

Cancellation

In case of cancellation or no-show, 15% of the tour price is not refunded.

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Number of people

Please, include also children and infants

This tour can be realized for maximum 20 people in one group, if guide service is required.

Guide

Vehicle – Photos

Start date & time

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Admissions to attractions:

(Total: 20 USD)

Include

Pay myself on spot

(18 USD per person)

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Total price

pers.
Start date:
Admissions included
Lunch included

0 USD

193 USD

222 USD

(until 31st October)

pers.

To secure the booking you can pay just 15% deposit:

29 USD

Added to cart

Same tour with group

Itinerary

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

1. Haghpat Monastery

50-60 min Details: Haghpat Monastery

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 Fortress

15-20 min Details: Zarni-Parni Cave Fortress

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

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.

4. Aramyants Castle

15-20 min Details: 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

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

Spend a rich day in Lori, where monasteries, fortresses and dramatic gorges meet
Visit Haghpat and Sanahin, UNESCO-listed masterpieces of 10th-century architecture
Explore Zarni-Parni, a cave castle complex turned into an atmospheric historical museum
Admire Akhtala's fortified setting and the unusual charm of Aramyants Castle

*~150 steps to climb to the complex

Meet our Guides

Poghos Varzhapetyan

RU HY

My name is Poghos Varzhapetyan. I've been working in tourism since 2016. I love traveling. As a tour guide, my goal is always to make guests fall in love with Armenia so much that at the end of the tour they don't say goodbye, but instead say, "See you again, Armenia!".

Roza Hovhannisyan

RU EN

Hi! My name is Roza, and I've been working as a tour guide since 2019. Why did I choose this profession? It's very simple: I love Armenia, I love people, and I love introducing people to Armenia. But not just introducing them – I do my best to make them fall in love with my country, too.

Ani Mshecyan

Good afternoon, dear friends! I'm a Russian-speaking tour guide since 2023, offering tours around Armenia. My main priority is the interests and preferences of our guests. Each tour is customized individually and takes place in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. The excursions are as engaging, creative, and informative as possible. I'll be happy to meet you and share my knowledge about our beautiful country.

Alisa Grigoryan

HY EN

Welcome! I'm Alisa, an experienced guide with a deep passion for the cultures of Armenia and Georgia. I look forward to sharing the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality of our region with you.

Reviews

Laurent Decaen

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

29.04.2024

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Armine and Mais, thank you for opening up a whole new world to me during the tour. It wasn’t even a tour, but a whole mini-journey that was worth every dram spent. If you want to discover Armenia, infused with its mountain soul, you absolutely have to go to Lori (tour: Haghpat, Zarni-Parni Cave-Fortress Complex, Akhtala Fortress, Aramyants Castle, Sanahin Monastery) and get to know its mountains, churches, and nature. The drive is absolutely captivating, especially with Armine’s commentary: mythology, philosophy, the unique worldview of the collective Armenian consciousness, history, and art history. The drive doesn’t feel like a chore; the minibus is comfortable and zippy, and there’s cold water and Wi-Fi.
The mountains and architecture will resonate with even the most seasoned travelers. I recommend everyone take this trip and stroll along this route—it’s 10/10!

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

Itinerary