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

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

Full-day

Historical & Heritage

Full-day

Duration: 13-14 hours

Mileage: 400 km

Lasting almost a whole day, this tour will at the same time turn into an indescribably positive experience. It is dedicated to the visit of Lori province. You will first admire 10th century monastery Haghpat, where at the end of the 18th century the famous ashug Sayat-Nova lived and created. Next on the route, see the magnificent Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex, where, according to historical records, renowned scholar and philosopher Hovhannes Imastaser used to live and work. Currently the area is turned into a historical museum, where one can find number of rare ancient agricultural tools and household items. Afterwards, have a drive to Akhtala fortress, constructed on a plateau resembling a peninsula, surrounded with deep gorges from three sides. Visit Aramyants Castle, one of the jewels of Swiss architecture in Armenia. Last in the schedule is Sanahin monastery, where you will join the 10th century skillfullness of the masters, who made such a peculiar architectural decision – thus, preventing the destruction of the complex from possible earthquakes. By the way, both Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries are included in the UNESCO World Cultural 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: 19.35 USD)

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Pay myself on spot

(17.96 USD per person)

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Total price

pers.
Start date:
Admissions included
Lunch included

0 USD

189 USD

(until 18th May)

pers.

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

28.40 USD

Added to cart –

Same tour with group

Itinerary

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

1. Haghpat Monastery

50-60 min Read more: 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 Castle Complex

15-20 min Read more: Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex

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 Read more: Akhtala Fortress

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 Read more: 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 Read more: 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

Meet our Guides

Syuzanna Poghosyan

RU HY

My name is Syuzanna, and since 2016 I have been introducing guests to the wonderful Armenia with great love. For me, every tour is not just a story about the country but an opportunity to show its soul, to help you feel its history, culture, and hospitality. I am sincerely happy when I see how Armenia captures hearts, and I will do everything to make your journey warm, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

Varduhi Gasparyan

RU HY

Barev dzez or hello! I'm Varduhi, a tour guide in Armenia since 2022. In tourism, this is quite some time – it has given me an understanding of how to make every tour not just informative but truly engaging. With me, you won't just see the sights of my beautiful Armenia and learn its history – you'll feel the soul of the country, its traditions, and its atmosphere.

Meline Sahakyan

HY EN ZH

Hi everyone! I'm Meline, and I'm a certified tour guide. If you want to visit and explore our beautiful country, Armenia, with a knowledgeable and sociable guide, it would be an honor for me to be your guide. Welcome to Armenia – Հայաստան.

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.

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

Itinerary