Lori Province

Food & culinary tours

Start your tour at the Akhtala Monastery, a church from the 12th century which contains beautiful frescoes and is surrounded by copper smelting caves as well as a copper smelting factory. The second destination of the tour is the Haghpat Monastery, located in Haghpat Village and is a UNESCO-listed site. It is one of the most beautiful medieval masterpieces in Armenia. Then you can have lunch and try some traditional Armenian food. Following lunch, you'll make 3 stops on your way to visit the second UNESCO Heritage Site, Sanahin.  The first will be a 13th-century bridge, the second for a Debed canyon with astonishing views, and the third for the Mikoyan Brothers' museum, where an original aircraft (MiG 21) will surprise you. Finally, travel back through the border to Tbilisi.

Visit two of Armenia’s ancient monasteries and the town of Alaverdi on this small group tour from Tbilisi. Cross over the border with your experienced guide who will take you through the highlights of Northern Armenia in just 1 day.   Depart at 9:00 AM sharp for a 1.5-hour trip across the Georgian-Armenian boarder. Almost immediately you’ll start to notice changes in the landscape—the fields will become rocky mountains and the scenery takes on a certain apocalyptic touch, due to the many abandoned Soviet mines and factories. Your first stop is the fortified monastery of Akhtala, where you can marvel at the beautifully preserved frescoes and learn about the thrilling history of this Georgian-Armenian creation.   Then, you’ll reach the UNESCO-listed monastery complex of Haghpat, where you’ll learn about the Armenian stone crosses and the mystical poet Sayat-Nova. A local family welcomes you for a traditional Armenian lunch in their house near the Haghpat monastery. After that continue to the monastery of Odzun - a beautiful complex from V century. Arrive back in Tbilisi by around 6:00 PM after a full and fascinating day.

Armenia, with its distinctive culture, its beautiful rocky mountains and ancient history is a must-see when traveling in the Caucasus region. Discover the beauty of Northern Armenia on this day trip from Tbilisi, with your tour starting at 9:00AM, after which you will head for the border. From here the landscape will begin to change, as you drive through the narrow gorges of the Debed River in between the high rocky mountains. The time seems to stand still in this part of the country, with its typical Soviet cars and huge copper factories built in the middle of the mountains, the scenery is full of bizarre beauty. The tour includes several main sightseeing objects of Northern Armenia, such as the historic Lori region, the fortified monastery of Akhtala, a unique example of wonderfully preserved frescoes from the 11th century, the UNESCO protected monastery of Haghpat and Odzun. Another highlight is a traditional lunch prepared with love by a local family and served in their house. Enjoy a day trip to Armenia in a fun and sustainable way.

Explore the gems of Armenia on a day trip from Yerevan to Zarni-Parni Cave Castle Complex and Akhtala fortress. Visit Unesco World Cultural Heritage sites such as Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries with live commentary from an expert guide. Start from the local operator's head office at 09:00 AM and head off to visit Lori province. At your first stop of Haghpat, admire the 10th-century monastery, where the famous ashugh Sayat-Nova lived and created at the end of the 18th century. Next, see the magnificent Zarni-Parni Cave Complex, where, renowned scholar and philosopher Hovhannes Imastaser is said to have lived and worked. Today, it is a historical museum where you can see a number of rare ancient agricultural tools and household items. Then, drive to Akhtala fortress. Constructed on a plateau resembling a peninsula, it is surrounded by deep gorges from 3 sides. Visit Aramyants Castle, one of the jewels of Swiss architecture in Armenia. Last but not least, visit the Sanahin monastery. Witness the skillfulness of 10th-century masters, who made a peculiar architectural decision, preventing the destruction of the complex from earthquakes. At the end of the tour, be taken back to the local operator's head office in Yerevan.

Aghpati Monastery It was founded by Queen Khosrovanush (wife of the Armenian king Ashot III) in 976. This active monastery consists of one vestibule, two sepulchral corridors, a refectory, a scriptorium, an Amazaspi chapel, a bell tower and several chapels. You will admire the architectural ensemble, as well as visit the ancient tombs and Khachkar crosses. Sanahini Monastery, Alaverdi (1 hour) Sanahin was one of the main medieval centers of Northern Armenia. Here was the ancestral tomb of Kurik Bagratids (10th-11th centuries) and the episcopal residence of the diocese (until the 11th century). You will see the church ensemble, the roofs of the green buildings, and the interior spaces with vaults and columns. On Lake Sevan there is a huge restaurant stretching out from where there are beautiful views of Lake Sevan, here we will have the opportunity to taste the delicious products of Lake Sevan. Mother Armenia monument (the main monument of the country, an observation deck of the city); Cathedral to them. Gregory the Illuminator (the largest temple in Armenia (Kaskad) We will visit the Cascade in the heart of Yerevan city, the beauty of which overlooks the city, when you turn to the top of the Cascade you will see Mount Ararat, In the heart of Yerevan, we will visit the beautiful fountain and shopping street on Republic Square. Return to Tbilisi around 23:00. Vakhtang Gorgasali 3

Welcome to the Northern Armenia Highlights Tour, the ultimate way to explore the rich culture and history of Armenia. This one-day tour from Tbilisi, Georgia, takes you on a thrilling journey across the border, where you'll discover the natural beauty of Armenia and its architectural gems. Embark on a comfortable ride from Tbilisi to the Georgian-Armenian border and experience crossing the border between the two countries. After crossing the border we will make a short stop at a local shop to exchange money and buy some local products, so you can fully immerse yourself in the local culture. Our first stop is the breathtaking Akhtala Monastery, a 10th-century architectural masterpiece that boasts intricate frescoes and medieval sculptures. Next, we'll visit the UNESCO-listed Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries, two of the most stunning examples of Armenian medieval architecture. Take in the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and marvel at the intricate carvings and unique architectural details of these masterpieces. Between exploring the monasteries, we'll stop for lunch at a local Armenian restaurant, where you'll have the chance to taste delicious Armenian cuisine and learn more about the local customs and traditions. The tour also includes a stop at the Mikoyan Brothers Museum, where you'll have the chance to see and take photos with a real MIG-21. Throughout the tour, our expert guide will provide you with insights and interesting facts about the history, culture, and architecture of Armenia, making your journey even more enjoyable and enlightening. At the end of the tour, we'll drop you off at your hotel or a central location in Tbilisi. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the wonders of Armenia and book your tour today!

We will depart from Tbilisi at 07:00 in the morning to the border of Armenia, after crossing the border we will visit the Akhpat Monastery. The old monastery is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. And we will leave for the capital Yerevan, on the way we will stop at a fast food place where you can taste traditional and vegetarian dishes, after that you will visit the capital of Armenia Yerevan, in Yerevan you will see the monument of the Mother of Armenia and discover Mount Ararat. Walk down the stairs from top to bottom on the cascade and take a lot of unforgettable pictures, as well as visit the Genocide Museum at the Republic Square. and take a walk in the center of the capital city of Yerevan. And on the way back visit Sevan Lake, then we will continue to Sevan Lake, where we will visit the best restaurant spread over a huge area, here we will have the opportunity to taste the delicious products of Sevan Lake. Views Sevanavanki is a monastery on the Sevan Peninsula, the existing temples were built at the end of the 9th century. The patron saint of the monastery, the complex consists of the churches of St. Karapet and St. Apostles built in the 9th century. Once the monastery served as an outpost of the castle. And go back to Tbilisi...

If someone is planning to discover the gorgeous North of Armenia, then the ancient architectural masterpiece of Haghpat and Sanahin must be on one's list. The location and the atmosphere are great. The view is breathtaking. This bouth monasteries are situated in the picturesque Lori region dating back to X- XIII centuries. The "Mendz er" cave was probably a habitat of the first man, later turned into a hiding place, and not long ago it became a herd of goats. There are many famous and still to be discovered caves in Debed gorge, all with their own stories. It is said that the tunnel reaches Sanahin Monastery.

Day 1: After the pick up from your hotel in the morning, you will soon reach the border to Armenia and at around 11:00AM. You will step into the historical region of Lori, which is famous for its rocky landscapes and mysterious monasteries. Here you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Haghpat. A few of hours from there, you will arrive at the scenic lake of Sevan, one of the signature sites of Armenia. Here you can see the a medieval monastery, and even enjoy a traditional lunch by the lake. In the late afternoon you will reach Yerevan, the modern capital city. Some of the key sights not to miss here include the Mother of Armenia, Victory Park, and Cascade. Day 2 Your second day will begin with a 1-hour ride to see the Garni Temple and the monastery of Geghard, which is a true jewel of religious architecture in Armenia. Following some classical sightseeing, you will be invited on a tour through the world famous brandy factory, where you will learn about the history of the drink and taste brandies of different parts of the aging process. After an interesting day of exploration, you will reach Tbilisi at around 9:00PM.

After departing from Yerevan, you will make your way to one of the country’s most renowned landmarks: the beautiful Lake Sevan. Merely an hour’s drive from the capital city of Yerevan, Sevan is situated at the height of 1,900 meters above sea level and surrounded by a vast chain of mountains. The tour begins by climbing a flight of stairs to the Sevan Peninsula, a pleasant morning workout that will compensate itself with an unforgettable panoramic view of the lake from above. You will also visit the monastery of Sevanavank, which was built by the princess Mariam to honor the life of her deceased husband in the 9th century. Sevanavank is also home to one of the most beautiful Amenaprkich (all savior) Khachkars of Armenia. Next, you will travel to the North of Armenia, where you will be surrounded by beautiful nature. Passing through the city of Dilijan, you will make a stop at the monastery of Gosh-Goshavank. The last destination during this trip will be the monastery of Haghartsin, which dates back to the 10th-14th centuries. The name is translated as “the play of the eagle”. The scenery is somewhat similar to a stunning work of art, with both the monastery and the nature surrounding it providing a breathtaking view.